How do I incorporate a light blue rocking chair in a girl's nursery?
I was given a light blue rocking chair (that I cannot return) but I have a pink, green, and white nursery...The walls are light green and the crib set is white with light pink, magenta, light green, and white. Does anyone have an idea of how I can incorporate this blue chair? Is there a way to iron on decals maybe to make it more feminine? Any help would be appreciated!
Here is a picture of a similar chair except mine is light blue with white wood. Thanks again!
Light blue is a pastel color. All pastels are suitable for girls of any age, including babies. Why do you think a light blue piece of furniture is reserved strictly for boys' nurseries?
OK, you don't say if the chair is solid wood, upholstered, or half-and-half, or something else entirely (plastic? rattan and cane bentwood or basketweave? stained leather?...). I'm going on the working assumption that the chair is solid wood painted light blue.
You could re-paint the whole rocking chair in one of the nursery colors, depending on whether or not the giver is someone you don't want to offend. If you re-paint all or part of the chair, and painting is not something you know you do well, I would suggest sponge-painting the chair, rather than using a brush to paint it. Sponge-painting is most commonly done in one to three colors, but if all you're aiming for is a nice, even surface that doesn't have paint-brush ridges in it forever, then you can do sponge-painting with 1 or 2 coats of the same color.
The sponge is loaded with a bit of paint just like a brush, and then "bounced" or "blotted" all over the surface of the chair, not "stroked" as you would with a brush. This eliminates the bumpy streaking left by brushes, which just scream out, "I was painted by an amateur!"
An easier way to make the chair fit the room better would be to buy small cans or bottles (1 or 2) of paint to match the nursery color-scheme, and use the paint to pick out details on the blue rocking chair in that/those colors: so, maybe leave the head-rest blue, but paint the top and side edges magenta or green; leave the arm-rests blue but paint the little balusters holding them up in magenta or green; etc.
In addition to any painting (or instead of it), buy fabric in the nursery color-scheme and make cushions for the chair -- one for the seat, one for the back-rest. Make two little tie-on ones for the arm-rests, too, if you want. If the crib sheets are in a pattern in those colors, buy more of the sheets to make the chair-cushions (ditto if there's a pattern in the window-curtains instead of the sheets).
Handy hint when making cushions for smooth-surfaced chairs: baste or glue some of that plastic non-slip matting you can get for use on tables, shelves, and under scatter-rugs on floors onto the underside of the seat cushion. It saves you a lot of discomfort if you spend hours nursing/feeding the baby in that chair.
There are nursery decals that aren't iron-on, they are stick-on like ordinary stickers, or they can be soaked in water and then applied (these ones come on a backing paper, you never actually touch the wet image). The water-applied ones are thinner, so they look less like peel-able stickers, and they last longer, too, generally.
You could also use stencils of nursery designs to paint little motifs on the chair in the chosen colors, too. There are lots of how-tos for stuff like this online.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do. And hey, congratulations on your new baby!
[edit] Nice rocking chair! Platform rockers are so beautiful to rock in!
Solution: slipcovers (PLURAL!) and throws, all in the nursery colors. Babies spit up all over everything -- repeatedly! -- so you'll be constantly covering all that upholstery anyway....
Patrick's Nursery Video Tour
Nursery Decorating Ideas: Creating The Perfect Room
Every element of the perfect nursery needs to be considered when looking at nursery decorating ideas. Whether you are going for a color coordinated space or one with a specific theme, you'll want to think about all the details, from the window treatments to the rugs that are placed on the floor.
For many parents, coming up with nursery decorating ideas isn't hard. The difficult part is choosing one that fits their baby perfectly. Since most people decorate the nursery long before their little one arrives, you'll need to decide on a nursery theme fairly early.
There are literally hundreds of nursery decorating ideas for parents to use. You might want to narrow it down by considering the gender of the baby, or keep it gender neutral for future children. Many parents have a specific interest themselves which can be incorporated into the nursery.
For example, if you are a big fan of fantasy novels and movies, you might want to consider a dragon baby nursery, or perhaps a medieval nursery décor. Parents who are big fans of music could set up a rock and roll nursery. The possibilities are endless and you can personalize a baby's room as much or as little as you want.
There are a few things to keep in mind, of course.
First, think about whether you want to redecorate the nursery in a few years or if you plan to let it grow with your child. Some parents plan ahead to have the nursery for multiple children, moving the child to a bedroom that is appropriately decorated later on, while others know that the nursery will eventually be a teenager's room. Think about this when you're planning the décor.
Temporary decorations are very popular in nurseries of all designs. Wall decals can be placed around the room and give it a very special feel, yet can be removed when your baby turns into a toddler or young child who detests the baby theme. Wall decals and throw rugs are great ways to change a room up fast, as is bedding. They are all relatively inexpensive, as well, so you can change them multiple times as your child grows up.
Nursery decorating ideas abound but you need to make sure you choose the right one. This should be a theme that you enjoy and feel is appropriate for your child. Incorporate your own interests and you'll never be bored of the room!
