How to choose nursery wallpaper: safety, style & baby development tips
Wallpaper isn’t a “must-have,” but it is one of those small design choices that can completely change the vibe of a space. It brings warmth, sets the mood, and in some cases, even supports your baby’s early development. In this guide, I’ll share what to consider when picking nursery wallpaper. From safety and durability to stimulation and style. Some tips are backed by science, others by I wish “I thought of that sooner” mom life.
1. Safety first (always)
The nursery needs to be as safe as it is cute. Here’s what to watch for:
Non-toxic materials → Look for wallpapers made from natural fibers and printed with water-based inks. Avoid VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can linger in the air.
Fire safety → If possible, choose a wallpaper with a “Class A fire-rated” label for maximum fire resistance.
Mold prevention → Breathable, non-woven wallpapers help reduce moisture buildup (a big plus in older homes or humid climates).
Key terms to look for in product listings: non-woven base, breathable, mold-resistant, paste-the-wall, peelable, strippable.
2. Support your baby’s development
Wallpaper isn’t just for fun it can actually align with your baby’s growth stages.
0–3 months: First focus
Newborns respond best to bold contrasts and simple shapes. Think black-and-white patterns, dots, stripes, or high-contrast abstract forms to encourage visual tracking.
3–6 months: Pattern recognition
Babies start noticing shapes and repeated forms. Geometric wallpaper (circles, squares, triangles) can gently boost cognitive growth.
6–18 months: Naming the world
This is the “point-and-name” phase. Wallpaper with animals, fruit, or vehicles can help build vocabulary. You point, you name, baby repeats (sort of).
18 months+: Mood and interests
Now it’s about personality. Try wallpaper with favourite themes such as space, woodland creatures, sea life. Peel and stick wallpaper is perfect here since kids’ tastes evolve fast.
3. Make it practical (and mess-proof)
Babies (and small kids) = mess. Let your wallpaper work with you:
Wipeable surfaces → Because sticky fingers happen.
Peel-and-stick options → Great for renters, indecisive decorators, or parents who know a dinosaur phase might not last forever. (does it hurt taken down your own design? maybe..)
4. Don’t forget the room itself
Wallpaper has to fit the space, not fight it.
Room size → Lighter colours and smaller patterns can make a tiny room feel bigger.
Lighting → Always test samples in the actual room; colours can shift wildly between daylight and lamplight.
Gender-neutral palettes → Sage green, beige, or soft blues are versatile and timeless.
Less is more → One accent wall or a half-wall design is often plenty (and easier to update later).
Final thought: this room is yours too
Yes, the nursery is for your baby, but it’s also where you’ll spend late nights, early mornings, and snack-covered afternoons (and night begging them to just go the F to sleep). Choose wallpaper that makes you feel calm and happy to be there.
Every child is different. Some kids thrive with gentle, repetitive patterns, while others light up with bold, stimulating designs. Trust your instincts (and enjoy the easy removable peel and stick versions).
And if you fall in love with one of my designs but need tweaks (a new colour, scale, or layout) just ask. I offer free customizations to make sure the wallpaper truly fits your space.
Got questions? Looking for something specific? Reach out anytime.
The designs shown in this article are all made by me and for sale in my Etsy shop.