Unisex Nursery Décor: 2025/2026 Trends
Designing a baby’s room is one of those rare moments where excitement meets practicality. It’s where Pinterest boards, online baskets and future daydreams all come together. But in 2025, nursery trends across the UK and Europe are shifting. We’re moving away from overly themed spaces and leaning into something much more timeless, calming and considered. Enter: unisex nursery decor.
For many parents-to-be, especially those aged between 27 and 38, nursery design is no longer just about preparing for baby. It’s about creating a space that complements the rest of the home, works hard on storage, and grows with the child. It’s also a reflection of modern values like inclusivity, sustainability and long-term thinking.
A Quick Look Back
Historically, nurseries were often separate from the family’s main living space, usually tucked away on the upper floors with their own rules and a distinctly formal feel. In Victorian homes, for example, the nursery wasn’t a cosy sanctuary. It was more of a functional, supervised area, often looked after by a nanny. Pink for girls and blue for boys didn’t even become popular until the 20th century. In fact, earlier on, babies were often dressed in white as it was practical for laundering and bleaching.
It wasn’t really until the 1950s that nurseries started to take on a more decorative role in the home, with colour psychology and gender-specific styling becoming more mainstream. Fast-forward to today, and we're embracing a more thoughtful, inclusive approach. Unisex nursery decor is leading the way.
What’s Trending in European Nurseries Right Now?
Across Europe, from Denmark to France, the Netherlands to the UK, we’re seeing a huge rise in natural textures, soft earthy tones and minimalist design. Parents are opting for calming palettes of sage green, warm beige, stone and pale clay. These tones are not only soothing for babies but give the room a soft, grown-up feel that blends beautifully with the rest of the home.
Storage is also becoming a priority. Let’s face it, babies come with stuff. Whether it’s blankets, books, nappies or those endless adorable outfits, the key to maintaining a calm space is clever, integrated storage. Wooden toy boxes that double as benches, open shelves for easy access and woven baskets that tuck away everyday essentials are all being used to create practical and stylish solutions.
The use of natural materials like rattan, wood, wool and linen is another growing trend. These materials are beautiful and tactile, and they’re also more eco-friendly. For those designing with the planet in mind, unisex nursery decor naturally fits the brief.
Wallpaper is making a quiet comeback too. Subtle, storybook-style murals or vintage florals on a single wall add character without overwhelming the space. These designs work beautifully in a gender-neutral setting and provide a backdrop that can adapt as your child grows.
Why Unisex Nursery Décor Works So Well
More and more parents are choosing not to find out their baby’s gender until birth. But even for those who do, the trend is moving away from traditional blue and pink themes. Instead, parents are creating rooms that feel stylish, nurturing and adaptable. That’s why unisex nursery decor has become such a dominant trend.
According to Pinterest's 2024 trend report, searches for “gender-neutral nursery” rose by 70% in the UK over the past year. And it's easy to understand why. A neutral nursery doesn’t mean dull or clinical. It’s about layering textures, choosing versatile furniture and adding personal touches without relying on colour stereotypes to set the tone.
The beauty of going unisex is that you don’t feel like you need to redecorate a year later. A well-designed neutral nursery can transition smoothly into a toddler’s room, saving both time and money. And for families planning more than one child, it’s a practical choice. The space can work for any baby, regardless of gender.
The Role of Colour and Storage
Colour and storage are two of the most important factors when designing a nursery that’s both functional and beautiful. Warm, natural tones help make the room feel spacious and calm, while soft contrasts like rust, mustard or olive green keep it visually interesting. Rather than going for themed murals or bold cartoon characters, the focus is now on mood and atmosphere. It's all about how the space feels.
Smart storage makes life easier. Integrated wardrobes, under-cot drawers and floating bookshelves all help reduce clutter. For families living in flats or smaller homes, this is especially important. Many new builds in the UK have limited space, so nursery furniture needs to be multifunctional.
Several brands have recognised this shift. Petite Amélie, for example, offers a beautiful range of modular nursery furniture designed to grow with your child. Scandinavian label Liewood blends soft neutrals with clever design, and UK favourites like The Little Green Sheep champion organic materials and timeless aesthetics. All are perfect choices for anyone embracing unisex nursery decor.
Looking Ahead
By 2026, unisex nursery decor is likely to become the standard rather than a trend. With sustainability, flexibility and simplicity driving decisions for new parents, nursery design is becoming less about novelty and more about harmony.
For expecting parents in the UK, this shift is a welcome one. You no longer need to plaster the walls in pale pink or baby blue to create a beautiful nursery. You just need to think practically, invest in quality materials and create a space that feels calm, considered and personal to your family.
Whether you love a leafy Scandi look with light wood and linen or prefer a more classic British feel with vintage pieces and soft textiles, unisex nursery decor gives you the freedom to create a nursery that’s both on trend and entirely your own.
Sources & Inspiration:
- Pinterest Predicts 2024
- Petite Amélie – Nursery Trends
- Betty’s Home – Nursery Decor Trends
- Ideal Home – Nursery Decorating Ideas
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