There are three basic types of baby nursery furniture set shoppers. Which one are you?

THE NO BUDGET BABY FURNITURE SHOPPERS

This shopper is tearing up the town looking for a baby’s dream nursery furniture set. They feel this is going to be a once in a lifetime experience and want to put all they have into it both emotionally, financially and sadly many times without a well thought out plan for baby’s room. They have no wish to adhere to a budget in putting together their trophy baby luxury nursery furniture theme. I would say to them that the whole picture would not be only style and price, cast an eye towards the composition and construction of the baby nursery furniture set you would consider buying. A high ticket price, hip contemporary design and a glitzy designer name do not always indicate quality. Vote with your feet and pocketbook for well-made long-lasting baby furniture collection. Keep in mind that a fine nursery rocking chair or glider rocker can be used for generations!

For this price range you should expect to receive high quality furnishings. The collections have every piece you could ever want from wood baby cradles to armoires. This is top of the line baby furniture in cherry wood to heavy oak and all finishes in between. Just so your nursery doesn’t look like a furniture showroom, throw in some items not of the same line. An antique cradle or baby crib even if you don’t actually use them for baby will add interest. For this type baby nursery furniture set shopper several of the familiar names, namely Ethan Allen and Pottery Barn have rolled out lines for the nursery set.

Ethan Allen’s line is called Ethan Allen Kids and of course, PB’s is called PB Kids!

If you prefer baby nursery furniture crafted in a more classic style you may wish to look at what they have to offer. Both brands have produced quality adult furniture for years. I have seen no indication that they are producing less quality for their line of baby nursery furniture. As with their adult line they offer items of a timeless classic design. Comfortable and assuring comes to mind.

Ethan Allen offers three styles of cribs. None of which are cutting edge in design or make you scream in delight, but they WILL work with any nursery theme or décor you choose.

They offer any additional furnishings that you would want to buy to match your baby bed. Many of these matching items are not for exclusive use as baby nursery furniture. The fact that these items can be used for years as older childrens bedroom furniture should be considered when looking at the initial cost.Ethan Allen Kids furniture line does well in its focus on baby nursery furniture that will mature into toddler furniture and and also be used as teen or young adult furnishings. One unique item I saw was called a Bonnetiere that I’m dying to have and I’m not even sure what a Bonnetiere is or how it would fit into the world of childrens furniture! But, I’m completely convinced that every little girl should have one!

If your dream of nursery décor leans toward the luxury collections with European styling and if price is of no concern the baby furniture retailer and manufacturer is totally in tune with you. Bold contrasts and colors that you would never have imagined are being used in cribs both convertible and traditional, changing tables…you name it.

My favorite line in this genre would be Bratt Décor. They offer several different baby nursery furniture sets and styles. There is the Opulent Nursery (it IS opulent!), the Simple Nursery, and the Bold Nursery. One bold choice in nursery decor is black nursery furniture. A panda bear,zebra or penguin nursery theme blends well with black nursery furniture. White nursery furniture with black accents gives crisp visual contrast that babies are able to see very early.

An infants sight is first drawn toward bright contrasting colors in the nursery. It’s possible to decorate and design your nursery theme with a visually stimulating design. If you are decorating in a visually stimulating nursery theme the Bratt Décor Bold Nursery is for you!

I found myself first wishing for one of the Zanzibar Cradles! This may be just the line I would max out my credit line to buy. Or maybe just blow the budget on one focal point like a luxury armoire or perhaps the Venetian 3 in 1 crib.

Don’t neglect to consider all the different wood finishes in baby furniture! While the motto generally is get what YOU like, mixing wood finishes requires some technique and planning. I love honey oak and have natural white oak flooring and some may say they don’t really work, but I like it. It’s warm and cozy and looks good with my nursery rug.

However, I can see that having too much dark oaks, or any other wood finish in a nursery can become overwhelming.

For a while oak will be popular, then it’s maple that’s the stellar choice.

It all runs in cycles. Today’s cherry is tomorrow’s oak. Of course, it’s always a matter of personal preference, but whether or not the piece is real wood is what matters most. You can always change stains and finishes, but try not to paint the piece. It’s a shame to paint over a beautifully grained piece of wood and it’s awful to try to repaint down the line. I won’t say that I don’t like painted furniture, but paint the lesser quality pieces. That’s just my opinion.

There are many luxury baby furniture lines to consider. Don’t wear yourself out shopping for furniture as you will want to shop for baby bedding, crib sets and a crib mattress! There are loads of nursery theme ideas to try as well! You may wish to narrow down your favorite brand so that you can compare an orange to an orange. Then find the store with the best price or one that is currently running a sale!

THE BUDGET MINDED BABY NURSERY FURNITURE SHOPPER

If you are a budget minded shopper don’t head out to the discount outlet store or wholesale furniture warehouse simply looking for cheap nursery furniture. Purchase a set of nursery items that will grow with your child.

Cheap prices are good - cheap baby furniture rarely is. Check out the prices online, Baby Universe may be a good place to begin. Look for cheap nursery furnishings at yard sales, on Craig’s list or at the second hand store. Think how long a life each piece of furniture will have in your home. Dressers, bookcases and armoires are useful items to have in a nursery, but are in no way restricted to use in a baby’s room! Also, consider ways to extend their use with decorative drawer pulls that reflect the current theme of the rooms.

Check out some of the convertible cribs. These will serve as a baby bed, a toddler bed, then on into a full bed! Three beds in one! Be willing to pay the price to get a hardwood quality piece that will wear well.

Choose classic designs in hardwoods for dressers, tables and other large nursery pieces. These items can be used for years, incorporated into various nursery themes, easily accessorized according to each stage of your baby’s life.

How about looking for some lightly used baby furniture? Do it yourself! You can customize some lightly used pieces and make them truly the furniture of your dreams! A vintage hardwood dresser would be easily personalized for your baby and be used for years. Hand painted vintage items are really hot accents for baby furniture collections!

I would give a million dollars if my mother still had the family’s antique baby beds, wooden cradles and bedroom furniture. That would be such a unique legacy to be able to pass to the next generation. After some reflection, I realized that an antique baby cradle or collection of other antique baby items is not really that practical for me with the size of the bedroom I’m decorating. Besides, I prefer the simplicity of a modern decor. Plus there are safety issues involved when dealing with antique, used or even vintage baby products. There are crucial items to check when buying a used baby crib, playpen or baby high chair as safety features have improved so much in recent years.

If you have an artistic friend, perhaps she could do some baby furniture painting that will enhance your nursery theme and decor. Or if your husband is into woodworking you could plan your nursery around unique one of a kind items that you make yourself! Build it yourself and be proud of your one of a kind baby nursery furniture! Handmade nursery suites constructed of exotic woods would make an extraordinary gift for any child.

All right, you have put together the nursery basics and with smart shopping you have managed to come in under budget! Good for you! Take the money you have left and go wild with a really hip nursery theme and baby accessories!

Whatever you choose to put together your baby’s nursery, have fun and enjoy the process.