Five Ways to Decorate Your Baby's Changing Table

baby on a baby changing table
  • 3 hours
  • Beginner
  • 0-100
What You'll Need
Paint
Paint brush
Stencil
Stamp
Tarp
Picture frame
Basket
Art
What You'll Need
Paint
Paint brush
Stencil
Stamp
Tarp
Picture frame
Basket
Art

Decorating the nursery is a fun way to prepare for a baby. Whether you're nesting or not, make sure that as you decorate the nursery changing table you're being safe and responsible. Talk with your doctor before you paint and make sure to use the proper safety precautions to protect you and your little love.

Paint the Changing Table

Choose a paint color for your changing table that goes well with the room. Visit your local paint or hardware store to research the available paint colors and finishes. You'll want a paint finish that cleans up well. Babies and toddlers are messy, which means you want paint you can clean regularly.

Before you paint, put an old sheet on the floor of the room under the changing table to protect the floor surface from any spatter or spills. Make sure the room is well-ventilated and that you have a face mask if your doctor advises it. Use sandpaper to roughen the table surface, unless you're using chalk paint.

Apply the paint to the paintbrush and carefully paint the table, moving the brush in the same direction as you work. A small, smooth sponge roller would also work well for applying the paint.

Allow the paint enough time to completely dry between coats, then if necessary, apply another coat of paint to the table.

person painting stencil shapes on table

Stencil or Stamp the Table

Visit your local paint or hardware store and purchase foam stamps that coordinate with the baby room. Or purchase a fun stencil on Etsy. Choose a non-toxic paint color to use when applying the stamps or painting the stencil.

When applying stamps, use an even coat of non-toxic paint. Press the stamps in a creative pattern on the table. Allow the stamp paint enough time to dry. You can protect the stamp work with a layer of a non-toxic polyurethane coating.

If you're using a stencil, the same basics apply. Use a small amount of paint and build coverage if you need to. Once your stencil pattern is completely dry, seal it with a non-toxic wax or lacquer.

Add Custom Art

Custom art is a fantastic way to add personality to a space. If your changing table needs a little something extra, make art your first stop. If you're looking to DIY art on a budget, make your own art and frame it using frames from the thrift store. This is an easy way to make a big impact on your space without breaking the bank.

If you have specific art in mind, head to Etsy. There you can find tons of custom art pieces that can easily be customized with your baby's name or nursery theme. If you want to print your Etsy art really large, we recommend buying a digital download and printing it as a poster. This will save you money.

Decorate with Your Changing Pad

baby on baby changing table

Changing pads are a necessity for a changing table but you can make them really cute and fun with a changing pad cover. You want the cover to be cozy, but easy to clean, and you don't want to purchase anything that is too slippery.

While you may be able to find changing pad covers at big box stores, Etsy is another great place to find something cute and custom that matches your nursery decor perfectly.

You can also DIY your own changing pad cover. Simply pick out your fabric, make a few measurements, and get sewing. If sewing by heart isn't really your thing, you can purchase a changing pad cover pattern on Etsy or at your local fabric store.

Make your Basics Decorative

You'll need a few basics on your changing table for easy access. Think diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and lotion. Instead of hiding these necessities away, put them in a cute, decorative basket on top of your changing table.

Whether you're using a traditional changing table or a dresser doubling as a changing table, a basket of essentials is an easy add.

You can find affordable baskets at discount stores or at a local thrift store to give your nursery a facelift on a budget.

Once you've tackled the changing table, try these simple nursery decor ideas.