Congratulations on expecting a sweet new baby!
One of the most fun parts of planning for their arrival is deciding on a nursery theme.
If you are waiting to find out the baby’s gender until they arrive, you will need to decide on a gender-neutral theme.
Once you decide on a theme and gather some inspiration, it becomes easier to choose the rest.
Your baby’s room is a blank canvas, and you can turn it into an entirely different world with some paint, wall decals and wall papers, thoughtful furnishings, and the right accessories.
From the ceiling to the changing table, to the crib sheets and nursery furniture, these ideas will get you inspired and excited about creating your perfect nursery.
Here are 31 of our favorite gender-neutral nurseries for 2023.
See Also: “17 Best Unisex & Gender Neutral Baby Shower Themes“
These listings do not include affiliate links – we just genuinely love the ideas.
1. Forest Animals
This forest animal themed nursery may have neutral colors, but it’s anything but boring.
The wall art prints of woodland animals include hues of gray, orange, and brown, with plenty of interesting detail. The white cribs and picture frames are fresh and crisp, allowing the intricate chandelier to shine. The striped crib bumpers add a finishing touch to the space.
A child of any gender would love this sweet woodland-themed nursery from @thegoldenplume.
2. Travel
Inspire your child to travel the world with a nursery that includes interesting or whimsical maps and travel items.
This room featured on @kescollections achieves a neutral look through calm colors, printed old-fashioned maps, a wrought iron crib, and a modern area rug. A rich wood dresser can hold all the baby essentials.
3. Cactus
We are loving the trendy cactus nursery theme.
This neutral baby room from @butfirstmaisie features @wallpaperie ‘s exclusive watercolor cactus paper by artist Ana Guy. The bright colors and fun accent wall balance well with natural elements in the curtains and chandelier.
4. Birdhouse
Tweet, tweet! Your little bird will love their special room, complete with birdhouses, tiny birds, and a cozy neutral palette.
This adorable baby room from Instagram user @nana_dyell in Quebec has a nest-shaped textured light fixture as a focal point, wooden furniture, and soft accents.
A great way to bring in birdhouses in with a sweet print like the one you see below, or by sourcing actual birdhouses to place throughout the room on shelving.
5. Sunshine
For your child’s nursery, surround them with the same sunshine that they bring to you. We love this giant mustard yellow sunshine sticker from @stickaroo_. Paired with crisp white furniture, and natural wood accessories, the effect is a warm and welcoming room for a child of any age.
The baby clothes hanging on open hangers gives the room a casual, fun vibe.
The sunshine theme can be less obvious, like in this gender-neutral nursery design from @mom_onthemove_. The wall hanging is shaped like a sun, and the nursery features white tones and neutral colors of green, brown, gold, and blue.
6. Tree
Making a large tree the focal point of your child’s nursery gives it a centering point to build around. You can opt for a wall decal or whimsical wall art.
Incorporating real trees in a gender-neutral room is a great idea. In this nursery from Instagram user @christygcreative, real-looking trees are used to bring the outdoors in and give an earthy vibe to the nursery.
7. Seashells
You may not know the sex of your baby yet, but you know they are as unique as a seashell on the shore.
These beautiful prints from @bobbinandbumble create a delicate coastal nursery with gentle neutral tones, light wood, and soft statement pillows. The neutral colours create a very calming effect. The nautical round mirror is a subtle statement piece for the baby room.
Even in small rooms, thoughtful pieces can make it meaningful and impressive.
8. Ocean
Your love for your baby is as deep and wide as the ocean, so an ocean theme is perfect!
Just like the seashells theme above, this mostly white nursery takes its inspiration from the deep blue sea, but maintains a light coastal vibe. We love the mix of colors, greenery, and the cozy couch instead of a glider. The decorative items on the bookshelf give a personal touch.
In another interesting take on a gender neutral ocean theme, @petitbunnysa featured this impressive room which uses bold colors, natural wood, and modern photography to achieve a beachy vibe.
9. Farmhouse
To achieve the popular farmhouse look in a baby nursery, the important thing is to focus on special details, soft earth accents, exposed wood, and monochrome palettes.
In this room from a DIY interior designer @the_pleasant_farmhouse , the baby can also gaze at the great outdoors. The style lends itself well to a gender-neutral nursery design.
10. Tropical
This baby nursery from Emily Henderson incorporates an intricate jungle mural, simple white baby crib, comfortable blue sitting chair, a fun zebra friend, and plenty of sunlight for an impressive effect.
11. Cozy Earth
These earth-tone prints could be the inspiration for the whole room! They can help to create a cozy nursery that pays homage to our natural surroundings.
12. Modern
If you’re going for a modern look, you could opt for clean white walls, minimalist furniture, bold patterns, and an uncluttered floor space. This beautiful baby nursery was created by the design team at Rehabitat.
13. Story Book
To generate baby room ideas, turn to your favorite childhood books. Choose your favorite story book and create a theme around it. You can frame prints, curate special accessories, and draw from the colors in the book.
Popular books include Winnie the Pooh, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Charlotte’s Web, Dr. Seuss books, and The Giving Tree.
These prints are from Etsy.
14. Bunny
A bunny theme can take on many different styles, from soft and cozy to modern and bold. The focal point of this mostly white room is a giant graphic print featuring an adorable bunny. The small triangle print wall paper is the perfect simple backdrop for this dramatic statement piece. A soft gray crib bedding set blends right in, and a wicker basket adds to the casual vibe.
15. Whimsical
This child’s nursery is bright, clean, and so very fun. The playful space is designed to inspire a child’s imagination. Whimsical prints, lively patterns, and fun accessories give it a nordic charm. Found on Petit & Small.
16. Chalkboard
The possibilities with a chalkboard are endless! You can write a favorite quote, create some colorful doodles, or feature your baby’s name in big bold letters.
In this sweet space from @m_m_interior_design out of Chicago, the mom has written a loving quote, coupled with a bright yellow comfortable chair, window drapes with a fun pattern, and striped area rug with all the primary colors.
This is a great example of how a chalkboard can give a small room lots of character and personalization.
17. Elephant
Elephants are a symbol of good luck, wisdom, and protection, so they’re the perfect theme for a baby’s nursery. This entire room exudes light, warmth and good vibes, from the colorful mobile, textured rug, fun lamp, and friendly elephant.
18. Vintage
Give a nod to decades past with a vintage vibe in your baby nursery. You can opt for midcentury modern or turn-of-the-century as your inspiration.
In the nursery below from Amber Interiors, there is plenty of natural light, midcentury modern furniture, and a beautiful traditional rug.
19. Counting Sheep
Make it easy for them to drift off to sleep in their nursery room with fluffy sheep and soft hues surrounding them. This beautiful neutral room was designed by @homecult, and it demonstrates how smaller rooms have an advantage in the cozy and sweet department.
20. Bumble Bees
There’s something irresistible about the energetic buzz of bumble bees, and the honey they create is as sweet as your new little baby.
This gender-neutral nursery from looksugar.com uses a bee print wallpaper, natural woven wall baskets, a golden blanket, and other meaningful accessories to create a sweet-as-honey space.
21. Boho Garden
This sweet nursery from @tammirkirkness features a boho garden wall mural from @gingermonkey_ on the nursery walls. The neutral colors and textures in the mural create an interesting focal point for the room. The funky mobile will be the perfect thing for baby to daydream with.
22. Outer Space
They’ll be stargazing right in their very own outer space nursery.
This stunning space by @ericalynnbirr features an accent wall with a space mural, including a giant full moon and stars surrounding it. The gray furniture and lamp shade serve as a foundation for a neutral color scheme.
23. Safari Baby Nursery
This cozy safari room from @cozy_nursery brings out the wild in nursery decor. A jungle mural with safari animals is the backdrop for a small white bed, fun pillows, a eucalyptus plant, natural wood furniture, and cozy floor mats.
24. Clouds
Puffy clouds make everyone happy. This white nursery is fresh and bright, with a patterned rug, traditional lamp, wicker basket, and fun bear rocker.
25. Hot Air Balloons
Hot-air balloons lend a sense of freedom, lightness, and exploration to a baby nursery. This gender-neutral nursery featured on The Spruce is light and airy, with modern lines and small subtle hot air balloons floating over the crib.
26. Llama
Llamas are all the rage with kids these days. This beautiful nursery from @teenymo features different shades of green, a popular gender-neutral color. It incorporates dramatic wall art, a sweet and soft light fixture, floral drapery, and storage bins made from natural materials.
27. Dinosaur
Who says dinosaurs are only for baby boy nurseries? Or that small nurseries can’t be inspiring?
This gender neutral nursery from Instagram user @einllehanbury_ uses a fun colorful wallpaper, high shelving, and interesting textiles to create a welcoming, cozy space.
28. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
This gender neutral room from @shapeside shines bright among nurseries. The gray green walls are a soothing backdrop for the yellow stars that are aplenty and vary in size, adding interest to the room. A soft cream blanket, wicker basket, and plenty of sunlight create coziness.
29. Koala Bears
In this beautiful nursery by @wondermade_fabric_wall_decals, adorable koala bear prints, two-toned walls, and eucalyptus wallpaper come together to create a warm and cozy space. Add in your favorite books and accessories for a personal touch.
30. Vintage Bus
The orange and brown color palette of this gender-neutral nursery by @mrskristalkeegan is warm and inviting. The hand woven changing basket is by @kids_tribe. Adding anything hand woven to a nursery is easy way to add texture and interest, and is especially powerful in a neutral space.
31. Rainbows
Somewhere over the rainbow… is a funky, modern nursery that’s perfect for either gender. Fun neutral-colored accessories, a moon and stars wall decal, crisp white furniture, and twinkling lights complete this adorable space.
- Arctic Adventure – Incorporate polar bears, igloos, and soft blue and white hues to create a cool and serene nursery space.
- Woodland Fairytale – Think enchanted forest with mythical creatures and fairy-inspired accessories, using earthy tones and natural textures.
- Geometry Fun – Use geometric shapes on walls, bedding, and decor for a modern and playful room.
- Art Deco Glam – Introduce the bold lines and metallic accents of Art Deco for a touch of vintage sophistication.
- Rustic Retreat – Embrace a cabin-like feel with plaid patterns, antler decor, and warm wood finishes.
- Zen Garden – Create a calming space with elements inspired by Japanese gardens, like pebble mats and bamboo.
- Celestial Dreams – A starry theme with moons, stars, and galaxies to inspire cosmic wonder.
- Muted Rainforest – Go for a tropical vibe with toned-down greens and animal prints.
- Aviation Enthusiast – Airplanes, clouds, and sky blue touches for a high-flying adventure theme.
- Nordic Charm – Minimalist furniture, neutral colors, and touches of nature inspired by Scandinavian design.
- Sports Fanatic – Incorporate subtle sports elements, like vintage leather balls and pennant flags.
- Botanical Oasis – Use plant motifs and greenery to bring a touch of nature indoors.
- Abstract Artistry – Bold abstract art and primary colors for a visually stimulating environment.
- Under the Big Top – A circus-themed nursery with whimsical stripes and playful accents.
- Maritime Explorer – Nautical elements like ships, anchors, and navy stripes for a sea-worthy space.
- Jungle Safari – Mix and match animal prints with natural fibers for a wild and adventurous feel.
- Gemstone Glamour – Jewel tones and geometric shapes for a nursery that sparkles with personality.
- Sustainable Sanctuary – Eco-friendly materials and upcycled decor for an environmentally conscious theme.
- Musical Harmony – Musical notes, instruments, and soft lullaby references to inspire a love for music.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this curated list of our favorite gender-neutral nursery ideas. Once you find out the gender of your baby, you can fill in with extra personalized details.
As you await your baby’s arrival, our sincere wish for you is that you are able to create a sweet and meaningful space that will serve as the backdrop for beautiful memories with your new baby. Congratulations!
Related Posts:
100 Baby Girl Nursery Ideas You’ll Love
Baby Boy Nursery Themes You’ll Love
100 Best Ways To Tell Your Husband You’re Pregnant
100 Best Books for Your Baby’s Nursery
8 Best Nursery Recliners According to Reviews
Best Blackout Curtains for Your Nursery
Best Glider Rocker for Nursery
35 Best Activities for Three Month Olds
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
