Beautiful and Doable Design Ideas for an African-Inspired Nursery

Creating an African-inspired nursery for your new bundle of joy is an exciting and special opportunity to bring together beautiful design elements, practical function, and a unique cultural heritage into one space. If you’re feeling intimidated but inspired by the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and captivating textures that fill African culture – not to worry! Whether you just need a few accents or want completely transform your baby's bedroom into an oasis of east-African style – we have something here that will make both mother and child feel right at home.

Bassinets and Cribs

Where your baby sleeps is essential to any nursery, be it a crib or bassinet. And oftentimes, it’s the first thing your eye is drawn to when you walk into a nursery, making it an easy anchor for the style nursery of your choice. If you are hoping to create an African aesthetic in your litle one’s nursery, here are a few of our favorite bassinets and cribs to orient the room around:

Signature Bilia Bassinet - Kente by Design Dua (black + mother owned business)

BOTANIQUE Cradle by The Kind

Dream On Me Piper 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib, Natural - Dream on Me

KIMI Baby Bed Hazelnut with Mattress - Charlie Crane

Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit - Babyletto

Changing Tables

A changing table is another staple to any nursery. When deciding which changing table or dresser to go with, many families find it’s easier to narrow things down by simply matching the changing table to the aesthetic of the crib. Below we have a few picks for easy one-piece changing stations to tie in African design, but we’ve also included a few ways to style and decorate your changing area to bring in elements of Africa: 

 

Bedding and Swaddles

If you’re having a hard time narrowing down the right “vibe” for your nursery, choose a swaddle or bedding that you love, and use it as your guide! Once I find a print that sparks joy -- here are few ways you can use a print to create a theme that you’ll love:

1. Establish your color palette

This is an easy one, but choosing a print is a great way to establish the core colors that you’ll be using for your nursery. Everything from simple decorations, to blankets, to wall color can revolve around the colors found in your favorite print.

2. Spray paint hack

Once you find a few colors that feel like home for your new little, buy a few cans of non-toxic low VOC spray paint for a few of the colors in your palette. Frames, wall decor, or knick-knacks on a shelf can all be covered with a fresh coat of spray paint to bring them on theme with the rest of your nursery without having to spend up for items that match your palette.

3. Get artsy

This one may not be for everyone, but if getting a little artsy brings you joy -- consider creating a piece of art inspired by your print! (think painting) Whether i’ts an abstract collab of your colors or your take on an element of the print, having something that you made in your nursery can be a great addition as well as a great keepsake for your little one. 

And of course, to help you narrow down the hunt for that perfect swaddle or joy-sparking bedding, here are a few of our favorites:

Abebe Crib Sheet - Ade + Ayo (black + mother owned)

Mud Cloth Sheet - The Rooted Baby Co (black + mother owned)

Makola Swaddle - The Rooted Baby Co (black + mother owned)

Deluxe Muslin Swaddle Blanket - Safari Social - Little Unicorn

African print swaddle wrap blanket - Djeeg'n (black owned)

Wall Hangings

With a few thoughtfully chosen wall hangings, you can create an atmosphere of warmth and love that your little one will treasure forever. Whether it's artisan made hand-painted masks, original art prints, bold fabrics with geometric patterns or intricate beaded designs - these gorgeous pieces are more than just decorative elements; they will contribute to creating the perfect space where your baby can grow, learn and thrive! 

Natural Patterned Woven Mirror - Jungalow (black owned)

Spirals and Pearls Art Print by Justina Blakeney

Bolga fans - set of two - Expedition Subsahara (black owned)

Rhombus Black White Nursery Decor - 54kibo (black owned)

Creating an African-inspired nursery for your little one doesn't have to be costly or time-consuming. With a few careful choices, you can create a beautiful and stylish space that both you and your child will love. And of course, Ade + Ayo has everything you need to keep your little one styled in traditional African prints, in a way that is fit for everyday life! From birth well into kid-hood, our designs are made for play while celebrating authentic African design. Be sure to subscribe to follow on Instagram + Join Our Email List to save 15% off your first order!