You're out shopping and you find a funky, feathery lamp. An intricately carved Moroccan mirror. A luxuriously plush bath mat. Whatever it is, you love it. But in a child's room? Absolutely! Accessories are the easiest (and most economical) way to experiment with different looks without making a huge commitment. They also keep your child's room from becoming too "cookie-cutter." Don't worry if your one-of-a-kind find doesn't exactly fit the theme. Color, texture and style can help a unique piece blend right in. And be sure to look outside the bedroom for fresh ideas. Kitchen and bath accessories can be fun and functional, too.
So keep your eyes and your mind open to all the possibilities...
- That plush bath mat is a perfectly sized area rug for a small room and will feel wonderful underfoot or under baby as they learn to crawl.
- A small glass chandelier doesn't have to be fancy. White and clear glass looks delicate and feminine, while colorful pieces add a funky, eclectic charm.
- Shower curtains work just as well on a window, and you can find them in almost every fabric and color. (Just no plastic, please.)
- A colorful birdhouse hung from the ceiling will brighten up a blank corner. If you're feeling especially crafty, buy a plain wooden one and paint it to look like your house.
- Hit the craft store for wood cutouts, available in letters, flowers, animals, sports and more. Paint and hang them side-by-side to create a 3-dimensional border. Floral and ivy garland can also be a beautiful border in a girl's room.
- Vintage (or look-alike) apothecary jars, pitchers, watering cans and garden pails hold baby supplies, art supplies, hair accessories, etc. (As with any antiques you bring home, make sure they're clean and do not contain lead paint. Otherwise, many home décor stores have terrific reproductions.)
- Kitchen drawer organizers, the kind used to keep silverware neatly seperated, can also sort cluttered changing station and dresser drawers.
The only rule is to make sure the accessory is safe, especially if it might be within arm's reach of your little one. Decide against accessories with small pieces that, if broken off, can pose a choking hazard.
