Summer Interior Ideas for Your Baby's Nursery
Long, light evenings and warm nights can make summer a tricky time for little sleepers. With a few changes, the nursery can feel fresh and bright by day and calm and comfortable at bedtime. Here are our ideas for a summer-ready nursery, from colours and fabrics to layout and light.
Keep the palette light and airy
Pale colours reflect light and make a room feel cooler and more spacious. Think soft white, sage, sand and pale oak. Natural wood finishes add warmth without feeling heavy. The Tutti Bambini Japandi Cot Bed - Light Oak and the Obaby Orla 3 Piece Room Set - White with Natural both suit a light summer scheme. For a hint of green, try the Tutti Bambini Misha Cot Bed - Sage / Golden Oak.
Choose breathable bedding
In warm weather, lightweight cotton bedding is easier to adjust than heavy layers. A fitted cotton sheet plus a light sleeping bag or a thin blanket tucked in firmly is usually enough on warm nights. Avoid duvets, quilts and pillows for babies. Have spare sheets ready for quick changes. See our cot sheets and nursery bedding.
Watch the room temperature
The Lullaby Trust advises keeping a baby's room at 16–20°C. A simple room thermometer takes the guesswork out of it. On hot days:
- Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep the sun out.
- Open windows in the cooler evening, if it's safe to do so, to let air circulate.
- Dress baby in fewer layers rather than adding a fan blowing directly on them.
- Feel the back of baby's neck or tummy to check they're not too hot.
Make bedtime dark
Summer sunsets can be late, which makes it hard to settle a baby at their usual bedtime. Blackout blinds or lined curtains help keep the room dark. Keep any cords tied up and well out of reach, and place the cot away from the window.
Rethink the layout
Move the cot away from windows, radiators and anywhere that gets strong direct sun. Keep a clear route from the door to the cot. If the room gets very warm in the afternoon, a nursing chair in the coolest corner is a good spot for feeds. Browse our nursing chairs.
Add summer textures
A natural or cotton rug keeps the floor soft without feeling heavy, and washable materials make it easy to clean. Our nursery rugs and nursery room accessories help you finish the look. Keep decor off the cot itself and out of baby's reach.
Refresh storage for summer
Summer is a good time to sort outgrown clothes and pack away winter layers. Keep sun hats, light layers and spare sheets in the top drawer, where you can grab them quickly. If you need more space, see our nursery dressers and storage and nursery wardrobes.
Planning a full nursery refresh? Browse all nursery furniture or start with our cot beds.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a baby's room be in summer?
The Lullaby Trust advises keeping a baby's room at 16–20°C. A room thermometer helps you check.
What should my baby sleep in when it's hot?
Use fewer, lighter layers, such as a vest and a light sleeping bag or a thin blanket tucked in firmly. Check baby's neck or tummy to make sure they're not too warm.
Do blackout blinds help in summer?
Yes. They keep the room darker on light evenings and early mornings. Keep cords tied up and out of reach.
Where should the cot go in a sunny room?
Away from windows, radiators and direct sun, with a clear path from the door.