So, you’re dreaming of creating a jungle themed nursery? What a wonderful adventure to embark on for your little one! Designing a magical, stimulating space for your baby is one of the most joyful projects you can take on as a parent, and it's a journey you can start with confidence.
Your Guide to Designing a Dream Jungle Nursery
The jungle theme has been a firm favourite with UK parents for years, and it’s not hard to see why. It has a wonderful, gender-neutral charm that’s perfect for any baby, and the style adapts so well as your child grows from a tiny newborn into a curious toddler, ready to explore their world.
Think of this guide as a friendly companion for your nesting journey. We’ll walk you through everything, step-by-step:
- Planning the room's layout so it’s practical for those busy days and nights.
- Choosing the perfect colour palette and materials to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Picking out furniture and storage that’s both safe for your baby and stylish.
- Bringing the walls to life with our very own Pompom Prints wall art.
The trend for creating these beautiful spaces is only getting bigger. In the UK, the wall art market—which includes all those enchanting jungle prints—brought in a massive USD 3,597.2 million in 2022 and is expected to climb to USD 5,500.4 million by 2030. It just shows how much parents are investing in those special decorative touches to make a nursery feel like a loving home. You can read more about these market trends over on Grand View Research if you're curious.
A jungle theme gives you a unique chance to create a room that’s both a peaceful sanctuary for your baby's sleep and a stimulating world for their play and discovery.
And if you’re gathering lots of ideas, why not have a look at our guide to creating a beautiful safari themed nursery? It’s packed with similar inspiration. We’re here to help you feel prepared and genuinely excited to create a personal little haven for your own tiny explorer.
Planning Your Nursery Layout for Function and Flow
Before you get completely lost in the world of adorable animal prints and leafy wallpaper, it’s worth taking a moment to lay a solid foundation. Trust me, a well-planned nursery layout is the secret to a space that feels calm, organised, and actually works for you and your baby during those busy days and sleepless nights.
A really helpful way to approach this is by thinking about the room in ‘zones’. Every nursery, no matter how big or small, really needs three core areas: one for sleeping, one for changing, and one for playing or feeding. Even if you're working with a cosy box room, mentally dividing the space helps you place everything logically.
Mapping Out Your Jungle Zones
Let's start with the absolute essentials. Where will the cot go? The ideal spot is against a wall, well away from direct sunlight, radiators, or any draughty windows. This helps create a safe and comfortable sleeping spot for your little one. The changing station should be close by for practical nappy changes, with everything you need within arm's reach.
Your feeding and cuddle zone – which is usually a comfy chair – works best tucked into a quiet corner where you can have some peaceful moments together. Creating this little ‘work triangle’ between the cot, changing table, and chair will make the room flow so much better and save you countless steps during those 3 am wake-up calls.
Don’t just think about where the furniture fits; think about how you’ll move between the pieces. Try to leave clear pathways—at least a couple of feet wide—to avoid stubbed toes during a middle-of-the-night feed. This small detail makes a huge difference.
Visualising Your Theme with a Mood Board
Now for the really fun part that brings your jungle themed nursery to life before you even pick up a paintbrush! Creating a mood board is such a simple but powerful way to gather all your inspiration in one place. You don't need any fancy software; a Pinterest board or even a physical corkboard works perfectly.
Start pinning or clipping images that you absolutely love:
- Colour Palettes: Think about shades of sage green, earthy beiges, or even some lovely pops of mustard yellow that will grow with your child.
- Textures: Natural materials like rattan furniture, jute rugs, and soft linen fabrics really add to the jungle feel.
- Decor: This is where you can gather ideas for animal prints, leafy wall decals, and plush toys that capture that perfect jungle vibe for your little one.
Going through this process helps you see how different elements work together, making sure your final design feels cohesive and personal. For a little more inspiration on bringing a child's room together, have a look at our helpful guide on ideas for decorating a child's room. It will help you fine-tune your vision and create a space you’ll both truly love.
Choosing Your Jungle Colour Palette
This is where the magic really starts to happen! Choosing the right colours is about so much more than just what you put on the walls; it’s about crafting a feeling, a whole atmosphere. The right palette can turn a simple room into a soothing little world that feels both cosy for your baby and wonderfully reminiscent of a lush, wild paradise.
When you think 'jungle', your mind might leap to bright, bold colours, but a jungle themed nursery doesn’t have to shout. In fact, many parents are moving towards calmer, more earthy tones to create a serene space for sleep and play. These palettes are not only gorgeous but also incredibly versatile and gender-neutral, which is a big plus for many families. If you're leaning this way, our guide on gender-neutral nursery themes has loads more ideas you might love.
Creating a Soothing Atmosphere
Picture the colours you'd see on a quiet walk through a botanical garden. That's the vibe we're going for. Muted, earthy tones are fantastic for establishing a tranquil mood.
- Sage and Olive Greens: These are the heart and soul of a classic jungle look. They’re instantly calming and connect the room directly to the peace of nature.
- Warm Beiges and Creams: Using soft neutrals as a backdrop is a great trick. They stop the greens from feeling too heavy and make the whole space feel airy and open.
- Earthy Terracottas and Mustards: A little touch of terracotta or a pop of warm mustard yellow can add a lovely, sun-kissed feel, just like a ray of light breaking through the jungle canopy.
Before you even think about picking up a paintbrush, getting the foundations right is key. This simple guide covers those initial planning stages, from measuring your space to pulling together a mood board.
Nailing these first steps gives your chosen colour palette the perfect canvas to really shine.
To help you visualise how different tones can work together, here are a few palette ideas.
Jungle Nursery Colour Palette Inspiration
| Palette Style | Primary Colours | Accent Colours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earthy & Serene | Sage green, olive, warm beige | Cream, muted terracotta, soft mustard | Creating a calm, gender-neutral, and timeless space. |
| Boho Jungle | Cream, tan, off-white | Rattan tones, deep green, charcoal | A light, airy, and texture-focused nursery with a modern feel. |
| Vibrant & Playful | Leaf green, teal | Sunny yellow, burnt orange, bright blue | A more energetic space for older toddlers that still feels connected to nature. |
Hopefully, seeing them side-by-side gives you a clearer idea of the direction you want to go in.
Adding Depth with Natural Textures
Remember, colour isn’t just about the paint. A brilliant way to make the room feel like a complete, immersive little haven is by bringing in different textures. Natural materials are your best friend here; they beautifully enhance the organic feel of your colour scheme.
Try incorporating elements like:
- A rattan cot or bookshelf for a light, bohemian feel.
- A soft jute rug to add warmth and texture underfoot for tummy time.
- Linen or cotton curtains in a neutral shade to gently filter the light.
- Woven baskets for stashing away toys and blankets.
By layering these textures with your chosen paint colours, you create a rich, multi-dimensional space. The interplay between a soft linen curtain and a smooth, sage green wall makes the whole room feel more considered and comforting for you and your little one. It moves beyond just a theme and becomes a truly sensory experience for your baby.
Bringing Your Walls to Life with Art and Decor
With your colour palette chosen and the layout sorted, it’s time for the really fun bit – telling a story on the walls. This is the step that truly brings your jungle themed nursery to life, turning it from a nicely painted room into a captivating little world for your explorer-to-be. Think of the walls as a blank canvas just waiting for a splash of personality and love.
You don't need a massive budget or a professional artist to create that immersive feeling. A thoughtfully arranged gallery wall can easily become the stunning centrepiece of the room, drawing the eye and sparking tiny imaginations. It’s a brilliant way to introduce character and warmth.
Designing Your Jungle Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is such a personal and beautiful way to display art. The real secret is to mix and match different pieces to create a collection that feels curated yet playful. For a jungle theme, you could combine various animal prints, maybe some botanical illustrations, and even pop in a personalised name print to make the space feel completely theirs.
Our own Pompom Prints Jungle Safari collection was designed with exactly this in mind. You could pick a friendly lion, a cheeky monkey, and a gentle giraffe to create a little group of friends to watch over your baby's cot. Don't be afraid to mix up the sizes and frame styles, either – it adds so much more visual interest.
Now, before you even think about picking up a hammer, plan your layout on the floor first. Seriously, this saves so much hassle.
- Cut Paper Templates: Just trace each frame onto some spare paper and cut them out.
- Arrange on the Floor: Move the paper shapes around until you find an arrangement you love.
- Tape to the Wall: Use painter's tape (it won't damage the paint!) to stick the templates onto the wall. This lets you see the scale and spacing in the actual room.
- Check and Adjust: Step back. Look at it from the doorway, from the chair, from everywhere. Live with it for a day or two before you commit to hanging the real frames.
This simple process will save you from making a load of unnecessary holes and ensures you'll be completely happy with the final look. For a bit more inspiration, have a look at our guide on nursery wall art ideas.
A great rule of thumb is to leave about 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) of space between each frame. It creates a cohesive look that doesn't feel cluttered and lets each individual print shine.
Beautiful nursery art is a trend that's just getting bigger here in the UK. In fact, the European wall decor market is expected to grow by a whopping USD 16.42 billion between 2024 and 2029, with wall art being a major part of that. It's largely down to how easy it is to shop online and find unique designs from independent sellers like us, helping parents create truly special spaces.
Beyond the Gallery Wall
While a gallery wall makes a fantastic focal point, other little touches can really enhance that jungle atmosphere. These extra layers of detail are what make the room feel complete and properly immersive.
Why not consider some of these ideas to complement your artwork?
- Subtle Wallpaper: A feature wall with a delicate leaf or animal-print wallpaper can add incredible depth. Look for patterns in soft, muted tones that tie in with your colour palette.
- Wall Decals: If you want a less permanent option, decals are perfect. You could add a trail of monkey silhouettes swinging across a wall or place a few large-scale leaf decals behind the cot for a bit of drama.
- Textural Hangings: Bring in different materials with a macrame wall hanging or a woven tapestry featuring a jungle scene. These add a lovely, soft, tactile element to the room.
And don't forget the windows! The right curtains or blinds contribute to the look and feel, but they're also crucial for nap time. For a deep dive on this, check out the ultimate guide to window treatments for nurseries. By pulling together all these different elements, you'll create a truly engaging and delightful jungle nursery that’s both stylish and ready for adventure.
Selecting Furniture for Your Little One's Jungle Haven
Right, your walls are now a backdrop for a wild adventure. The next step is bringing in the furniture that will turn this space into a proper little sanctuary for your baby. It’s not just about filling the room; it’s about choosing pieces that are safe, practical, and perfectly in keeping with that gorgeous jungle vibe you’re creating.
The big three for any nursery are the cot, a changing table, and a comfy chair for you. When you’re thinking jungle, go for materials that feel like they’ve been pulled straight from nature. Furniture made from light-coloured woods like oak or pine gives the room a warm, classic base that you can’t go wrong with.
I also have a real soft spot for rattan and wicker in a nursery. A rattan bookshelf or even a big wicker chest for toys adds a beautiful texture that just screams tropical escape. These natural materials work so well with the greens and earthy tones of a jungle theme, pulling everything together into a calm, cohesive look.
Choosing Safe and Stylish Furniture
When it comes to the cot, safety is absolutely non-negotiable. Always check that it meets current UK safety standards (BS EN 716 is the one to look for). It’s best to choose a simple design without any fancy cut-outs on the headboard or footboard, which can sometimes pose a risk to little limbs.
Think about the long game, too. A lot of changing tables these days are actually dressers with a changing tray on top that you can remove later. It’s a brilliant idea because once you’re past the nappy stage, you’re left with a proper chest of drawers that will last for years as your child grows.
A little tip from experience: think about how you’ll move around the room. I always suggest putting the changing table near the cot to make those middle-of-the-night changes a bit less of a mission. Tuck your feeding chair into a quiet corner, away from the door, so you can have peaceful cuddles without any distractions.
Weaving in the Finishing Touches
This is the really fun part! The finishing touches are what add the layers of magic and turn a nicely decorated room into a cosy, immersive jungle haven. Don't underestimate how much impact these smaller details can have.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Playful Bedding: You don't need to go over the top. A simple cot sheet or sleeping bag with a subtle leaf print or some friendly safari animals is a lovely way to bring the theme right into their sleeping space.
- Leaf-Print Curtains: Blackout curtains are a new parent’s best friend, trust me. Finding a pair with a gentle botanical print is the perfect way to combine something incredibly practical with a beautiful decorative touch.
- A Soft Rug: A plush rug makes the room feel so much warmer and cosier. It’s the ideal spot for tummy time now and for crawling adventures later on. A round jute rug gives a great natural texture, or a soft, washable cotton one is always a practical choice.
- Themed Storage: Make tidying up part of the fun! Woven baskets are perfect for toys, or you can find those fabric storage cubes with cute animal faces on them. It’s an easy way to keep clutter under control while adding to the room's charm.
Creating a Soothing Ambience with Lighting
Please don't forget the lighting! A harsh, main ceiling light is the last thing you want during a late-night feed or when you’re trying to settle a sleepy baby. The secret to a truly tranquil nursery is soft, layered lighting.
If you can, get a dimmer switch for your main light—it’s a game-changer. Then, add a small lamp with a warm-toned bulb on a dresser or a floor lamp next to your feeding chair. It gives you just enough gentle light to see what you're doing without startling your little one. A sweet, animal-shaped nightlight is also a lovely, comforting touch as they get a bit older.
Your Jungle Nursery Shopping Checklist
Getting organised is the secret to keeping any nursery project fun and stress-free. To make things a little easier, I’ve put together this simple checklist to guide your shopping. It breaks everything down into the key bits and pieces you’ll need, so you won’t miss a thing when creating your beautiful jungle-themed nursery.
Think of it as your roadmap—from the big-ticket items right down to the charming final touches that will make the space feel truly special for your family.
Wall Decor and Art
The walls are your canvas for bringing that immersive jungle feeling to life. A gorgeous gallery wall often becomes the heart of the room, and mixing different prints creates a really stunning focal point.
- Pompom Prints Art Bundles: Our curated Jungle Safari sets of wall art are designed to work beautifully together, featuring gentle animals like lions, elephants, and monkeys.
- Personalised Name Print: This is where you add a truly personal touch. A custom name print that coordinates with your chosen animal friends makes the space uniquely theirs.
- Frames: I always recommend a mix of light wood or simple white frames. Using various sizes (like A4 and A3) adds so much more visual interest than sticking to just one.
- Optional Decals or Wallpaper: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a subtle leaf-print wallpaper for a feature wall. Removable animal decals are also a great, playful touch that’s easy to change later on.
Furniture and Storage
Here, you want to find that perfect balance between style and pure practicality. Opting for pieces made from natural materials like light wood or rattan really enhances that organic, earthy vibe we’re going for.
- Cot: Safety first! Look for a sturdy cot that meets the UK safety standard BS EN 716.
- Changing Table/Dresser: You can never have enough storage. A good unit with plenty of space for nappies and supplies is a lifesaver.
- Comfortable Feeding Chair: An armchair or a rocker is an absolute must for those precious late-night cuddles. You’ll be so glad you have it!
- Bookshelf: A sweet rattan or wooden shelf is perfect for displaying treasured books and first toys.
- Storage Baskets: Woven seagrass or wicker baskets are fantastic for hiding away toys, blankets, and laundry while still looking chic.
Textiles and Accessories
Soft furnishings are what add warmth, texture, and personality to a room. Layering different materials will make the space feel cosy, inviting, and complete.
- Blackout Curtains or Blinds: Essential for nap time! Look for a pair with a subtle leaf or botanical print to tie the theme together.
- Soft Rug: A round jute rug brings in lovely natural texture, or a soft, washable cotton rug is brilliant for tummy time.
- Cot Bedding: Choose fitted sheets and sleeping bags in a complementary jungle or animal print.
- Plush Toys: A large, soft giraffe or monkey toy tucked into a corner adds a wonderful, whimsical touch for your little one to befriend.
- Live Plants: Don't forget to add some real greenery! There are many excellent reliable sources to buy plants online for your indoor jungle that are safe for nurseries.
- Lighting: Think in layers: a dimmable main light, a soft table lamp for feeds, and maybe a cute animal-themed nightlight for a gentle glow.
To help you keep track of everything, here’s a handy table you can use as your go-to shopping list.
Your Ultimate Shopping Checklist
| Category | Item | Notes / Pompom Prints Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Decor | Jungle Wall Art Set | Our Jungle Safari sets are ready-to-hang collections. |
| Wall Decor | Personalised Name Print | A beautiful way to make the room feel special. |
| Wall Decor | Frames (A4 & A3 sizes) | Mix light wood and white for a natural look. |
| Wall Decor | Wallpaper or Decals | Optional, for a feature wall or playful accents. |
| Furniture | Cot (BS EN 716 standard) | The most important piece! Safety is paramount. |
| Furniture | Changing Table / Dresser | Choose one with deep drawers for nappies. |
| Furniture | Feeding Chair | An armchair or rocker – comfort is key! |
| Furniture | Bookshelf | A small, wall-mounted one saves floor space. |
| Storage | Woven Baskets | Perfect for toys, laundry, and blankets. |
| Textiles | Blackout Curtains/Blinds | A must-have for uninterrupted naps. |
| Textiles | Rug | Jute for texture, or a soft washable one. |
| Textiles | Cot Bedding & Sleeping Bags | Look for breathable, natural fibres. |
| Accessories | Large Plush Toy | A friendly giraffe or monkey adds character. |
| Accessories | Nursery-Safe Live Plants | Spider plants or palms are great choices. |
| Lighting | Dimmable Ceiling Light | Creates a calm atmosphere. |
| Lighting | Table Lamp / Nightlight | For soft light during night-time check-ins. |
With this checklist in hand, you’re all set to start gathering the pieces for your little one’s wild and wonderful new room.
Common Questions About Jungle Nurseries
Getting started on your nursery is such an exciting time, but it's completely normal for a few questions to pop up along the way. We get asked a lot about the practical side of creating a jungle theme, so I've put together some quick answers to the most common queries from parents like you.
Is a Jungle Theme Suitable for a Small Room?
Absolutely! A jungle theme can look absolutely stunning in a smaller space. The trick is to keep your base colours light and airy to give the illusion of more room – think soft whites, creams, or even a very pale sage green.
You can then bring the theme to life with wall art, like a gorgeous gallery wall above the cot, which adds character without taking over the whole room. Floating shelves are another brilliant little space-saver for showing off cute jungle trinkets and first books without eating up precious floor space.
How Can I Keep the Theme from Looking Too Busy?
This is a great question, and something lots of parents worry about. To stop the room feeling cluttered, stick to a clear colour palette. I usually recommend picking two or three main colours and then just one or two subtle accents to tie it all together. Let natural textures like wood, rattan, and wicker do most of the heavy lifting.
Rather than cramming every corner with animal motifs, choose a few standout pieces to be your focal points. A beautiful gallery wall, a special rug, or some themed bedding can carry the jungle vibe perfectly without making the room feel chaotic. It's about creating a calm space for you and your baby.
How Do I Make the Nursery Feel Calming?
Creating a serene, peaceful space is probably the most important thing. The best way to do this is with soft, layered lighting. A single, harsh overhead light can be really jarring for a tiny baby, so if you can, get a dimmer switch installed. It makes a world of difference.
A small, warm-toned lamp on a side table next to your feeding chair is also a must-have, along with a gentle nightlight. Together, they create a lovely, soft glow that’s perfect for those quiet, middle-of-the-night feeds, helping to keep both you and your little one relaxed and sleepy. And as we all know, a calm space encourages better sleep – a win for everyone!
Feeling inspired to create your own little jungle haven? Have a browse through the beautiful, ready-to-hang collections at Pompom Prints and find the perfect artwork to bring your nursery to life. https://pompomprints.com