How to Create a Nursery with a Bird Theme

From adorable to whimsical to classic, the versatility of a bird theme makes it perfect for any nursery. Common, natural materials make it an easy choice for your next DIY project.

First, think about your decorating style and your goals for the outcome of the nursery. Do you want the nursery to be realistic or fun? The answer to this will help determine everything from color pallet to décor.

Classic: It's true that your walls are a canvas--begin here when transforming your baby's nursery into a bird paradise. For a classic look, begin with neutral colors combined with soft blues or pinks (think Classic Pooh colors). Create a mural, using a tree as a focal point. Add realistic birds in the trees and a nest above the window. Hang natural wood shelves for added storage.

If you haven't already bought furniture for the nursery, choose a natural or stained wood style with clean, classic lines. Graco's Charleston Classic Convertible crib in Classic Cherry has a beautiful vintage look, gender-neutral with a touch of romance. It converts to grow with your child, and meets all new safety standards (cribs with a drop-down side are unsafe and are no longer manufactured).

Add décor to compliment the classic look. Dress shelves and top of furniture with artificial nests and ceramic birds. Hang a round-top style bird cage from the ceiling, or perch it on the dresser to hold books or other baby supplies. Use drift-wood to add dimension and a natural look to the room.

Whimsical: For a whimsical look, use fun colors in bright hues. No need to make the décor realistic, so think outside the norm when it comes to colors. Paint a mural with a funky pink or blue tree as a focal point. Fill the tree with fun birds in shades of pink, blue, orange and yellow. Owls are a great bird to use...paint their wings and head bright shades of pink, and their bellies orange or yellow. Hang a shelf, painted to compliment the colors on the wall.

Painted furniture looks great with a whimsical bird theme. Carter's Just One You 4-in-one crib in white has fun curves that will work with either gender. It, too, is safely stationary and converts to a toddler and full-size bed.

Dress the room with fun bird décor. Nests, lightly spray painted in glittery white or pink, are perfect for shelves and the top of the dresser. Hang brightly colored birds from the ceiling (even origami birds in fun, bright colors work well). A bird cage, painted in fun colors, still works well to hold supplies.

These are just a few of the many ideas for a bird-themed nursery. Use your imagination, color and texture to make it a room that will grow with your baby.