One common element of most nursery designs is paint, but if you rent an apartment or a home that does not allow you to paint the walls any shade but white or beige, suddenly your options are limited. You could go with a white nursery theme, but only the bravest of mothers (with extreme stain-fighting skills) usually go this route. Fortunately there are tons of ways to add color to your walls without ever touching a paint brush or losing your security deposit.
1. Hang a quilt. Most crib bedding sets come with a matching quilt. Since your baby has no use for a quilt, they usually end up in the closet or draped over a chair. Why not use it as wall décor? Hanging a quilt can add tons of color to the wall without leaving a mark. The best part is it will automatically play into your theme.
2. Create a mural. If you are on the more artistic side, or you know someone who is, you might consider creating a colorful mural that features elements from your nursery theme. If you have access to a projector, you can scan an image that goes with your theme, such as a motif on a pillow, and project it onto the canvas. Trace it lightly with pencil and paint with acrylics once the lights are back on.
3. Create 3D color blocks. If your theme features simple shapes such as squares or polka dots, trace the shapes onto a thin sheet of MDF and cut them out with a jig saw. Prime and paint the shapes in the color(s) of your choice. You can use Command Strips or small nails to hang them on the wall in a creative layout. If you use nails, you will have the added step of attaching zig-zag hangers to the back of each shape.
4. Purchase removable wall stickers featuring your favorite words, quotes or themes. The only catch to these is you have to have smooth walls. They will not stick to textured walls very well.
5. Blow up your favorite photos of your family and create a large scale photo collage on one wall. You could also take photos of items that go with your nursery theme and feature those in the collage. For example, if you are designing a little girl’s nursery with a flower theme, you could take a trip to the local botanical gardens and snap closeups of your favorite flowers.