How Much Does a Nursery Cost? Real Budgets for a Functional Baby Room

Updated December 28, 2025 by Jan of Unique Baby Gear Ideas

How much does a nursery cost is one of the first questions parents ask when they start planning a baby’s room, and the answer depends on how simple or styled you want the space to be. Some nurseries come together for just a few hundred dollars using essentials only, while others reach several thousand with new furniture, decor, and upgrades. The good news is that a functional, beautiful nursery doesn’t require a luxury budget—understanding the real costs helps you decide where to spend, where to save, and what truly matters for day-to-day use.

How Much Does a Nursery Cost? Real-World Budget Ranges

How much does a nursery cost in real life depends on whether you’re building a essentials-only setup or a more styled space with new furniture and decor. Most families land somewhere in the middle, focusing on function first and aesthetics second.

• Minimal / essentials-only nursery: $400–$800
• Average functional nursery: $1,000–$2,500
• Fully styled or themed nursery: $3,000+

The biggest budget drivers are furniture choices, whether items are purchased new or secondhand, and how much decor you decide to add beyond the basics.

Essential Nursery Items and Their Average Costs

Crib and Mattress

A safe crib and properly fitting mattress are the foundation of any nursery. Most new cribs range from $200–$600, while crib mattresses typically cost $80–$300 depending on materials and firmness.

When comparing options, my guide on all crib mattresses fit all cribs explains why size and fit matter for safety and budgeting.

Changing Area and Storage

A dedicated changing table is optional. Many parents use a dresser with a changing pad, which can save money and extend usefulness beyond the baby stage. Expect to spend $150–$500 for a dresser or changing setup.

When prioritizing purchases, my guide on baby items you don’t need right away can help trim early nursery costs.

Seating for Feeding and Comfort

A comfortable chair for feeding and soothing is one of the most-used items in a nursery. Gliders and rockers range from $200–$800, but many families repurpose chairs they already own.

Decor, Lighting, and the “Nice-to-Have” Costs

Decor is where nursery budgets can grow quickly. Rugs, wall art, lighting, and shelving can add anywhere from $100 to well over $1,000 depending on how curated the space becomes.

Lighting upgrades, such as semi-flush fixtures or soft ambient lamps, often fall in the $60–$250 range and can dramatically change how finished the room feels.

Ways to Lower the Cost of a Nursery Without Sacrificing Function

You can build a functional nursery without overspending by focusing on daily-use items first and adding decor slowly over time.

• Buy fewer items before birth and add as needs become clear
• Use multi-purpose furniture like dressers instead of changing tables
• Accept hand-me-downs for decor and storage items
• Delay themed decor until after the newborn stage

For parents considering secondhand furniture, my article on is it safe to buy a used baby crib walks through what to check before purchasing.

Hidden Nursery Costs Many Parents Don’t Plan For

When estimating how much does a nursery cost, many parents focus on furniture and decor but overlook several smaller expenses that can add up quickly. These hidden costs don’t usually break a budget on their own, but together they can shift a nursery from “affordable” to unexpectedly expensive.

Window Treatments and Room Darkening

Blackout curtains, shades, or liners are often added after a baby arrives and sleep becomes a priority. Depending on window size and style, these can add $50–$200 to the overall nursery cost.

Outlet Covers, Anchors, and Safety Extras

Wall anchors for dressers, outlet covers, cord shorteners, and door stoppers are inexpensive individually, but together they often total $30–$80. These items are essential for creating a functional nursery that remains safe as your baby grows.

Organization Tools You Didn’t Know You’d Need

Drawer dividers, closet bins, under-crib storage, and diaper caddies are frequently purchased after parents start using the space daily. These small organizational upgrades often add another $40–$150 to the final nursery total.

How Nursery Costs Change After Baby Arrives

One reason nursery budgets vary so widely is that many parents continue refining the room after their baby is home. Items that didn’t seem necessary at first—extra lighting, better seating, or additional storage—often become obvious within the first few weeks.

This is why building a functional nursery matters more than building a fully styled one before birth. Leaving room in your budget allows you to adjust the space based on real routines rather than assumptions.

If you’re still in the planning phase, focusing on sleep, feeding, and storage first will help prevent overspending on items that look beautiful but don’t serve daily needs.

So, How Much Does a Nursery Cost for Most Families?

For most families, a functional nursery costs between $1,000 and $2,500 when focusing on essentials, comfort, and a calm environment rather than trends. By prioritizing what you’ll actually use every day, you can create a nursery that feels complete without unnecessary expenses.

To explore real-life inspiration, my pages filled with baby nursery ideas showcases practical spaces shared by other parents.

Hi, I’m Jan — the creator of Unique Baby Gear Ideas. I love helping expecting parents discover nursery décor inspiration and creative photo shoot ideas that make every stage of pregnancy feel beautiful.

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of parents choose safe, stylish nursery furniture through hands-on reviews and real-world testing.

The suggestions I share here come from years of hands-on experience styling nurseries, reviewing maternity gowns, and learning what makes each photo session shine.

All articles and images on Unique Baby Gear Ideas are personally reviewed and edited by Jan Bay. Modern creative tools may assist with design or drafting, but every final page reflects my own voice, experience, and editorial judgment.