Low cost tips for decorating a nursery

Many home buyers are searching for a property to move into before bringing a new life into the world.

While some of this group doesn't expect to have children for some time, others are anticipating the arrival of a new baby boy or girl not long after they finish unpacking. Given the many fees associated with buying a home, including appraisal, home inspection and other closing costs, soon-to-be parents are likely looking to decorate their baby's nursery without further straining their finances.

Luckily, there are many low-cost ways to give a baby everything he or she needs without breaking the bank.

Establish a budget and list of necessities

Before you start shopping, decide how much you can afford to spend. Adhering to this budget can help you ensure you have enough to handle your other new costs of homeownership, such as purchasing homeowners insurance or yard equipment.

Once you have set your financial limits, create a list of items you need. It is crucial that you stick with necessities when crafting this list, as adding extras can cause you to quickly overextend your budget without purchasing the essentials. These basics include the crib, changing table, home safety devices such as outlet covers and other items that your baby's room cannot survive without.

After creating that list, you can then consider some things you want, such as a specific, higher cost crib or animal-shaped night light. The bottom of your list can be reserved for items such as decorative rugs and pictures that are only for visual appeal.

Once you've established what you need for the baby, also save some space in the budget yourself. You'll be spending some time in the nursery, so it can be beneficial to create a comfortable sitting area.

Consider second-hand items

Many consignment shops have furniture and other items that you can use for your baby's room. Although some stigma is associated with purchasing second-hand items, you figure to save a lot of money by buying from these shops, especially for the items that are in the "want" section of your shopping list.

Often, you can even find inexpensive furniture. If you're handy with tools, you can revive an old changing table with some sanding and a fresh coat of paint, wood finish or stain. The same can be true of used cribs, although you'll likely want to purchase a new mattress.

Use your talents

If you like to sew handmade items, paint or build, you can put your skills to use for your nursery. Much of the decorations you'll pay for at the store can be created at home for a lower price.

When it comes to decorating the walls, you don't need to spend a lot on nursery wallpaper. Not only can doing so be costly, but it can be time consuming and even the smallest mistakes can further delay the process. Instead, paint the walls and use stencils to add images. Many age-appropriate options are available to print for free from the Internet. You can also consider covering all or part of a wall with chalk paint, which allows your child to add his or her own decorations to the walls and provides a source of entertainment.

If you have woodworking skills, consider firing up a bandsaw and purchasing some inexpensive lumber. For a relatively low cost, you can craft some letters or other shapes such as train engines and cars to place on the walls.

Many parents like to give their babies hand-stitched blankets. Those same sewing skills can be used to embellish plain throw pillows with ducklings, teddy bears and rocking horses.

While you may want to give your baby everything, keep in mind that saving money is necessary, as many more expenses come down the road.