Decorating your nursery may seem confusing and stressful. After all, there are many decisions to make and lots of work to get done before your new little one arrives on the scene. However, the process of nursery decoration doesn't have to be a difficult one. Here are a few tips to help you end up with a charming, attractive nursery that's just right for your child. You don't even have to spend a lot - a little creative thinking could help you save a good deal on your child's new nursery decorations.

Most of the time, no matter what color scheme you choose, you'll want to keep the walls simple. This helps keep the room from feeling closed in, and you'll save money in the long run. Toddlers often want to have their rooms decorated according to their personal tastes. If the walls aren't the best shape, you can use wall decals or stickers, which are removable, to add interest and cover up damage. These can easily and inexpensively be replaced later with ones your child prefers.

Choose curtains that are lined with blackout material to create a dark room for napping, and make sure that you choose color and pattern carefully. If you don't know the sex of your baby yet, stick to a fairly neutral color scheme. Even parents who do know whether they're having a boy or a girl often choose less gendered decorations, so they can use their nursery materials again for the next child. Pink is cute - unless you have a boy unexpectedly, or your little girl has a brother. Avoid using very dark or bold colors - light shades are best for a child's room, particularly if it's small.

Soft furnishings are easier to change out than wallpaper or paint, and make it easy to add a theme that you won't be stuck with. A simple change of blanket or curtains can create a whole new nursery if you stick to neutral colors on the walls and floor. Common themes that are gender neutral include jungles, toys, ocean scenes and wild animals. For girls, princesses and fairies have always been popular, while boys seem to like sports and vehicles. However, each child is different, and once yours has his or her own preferences, it's hard to tell what will be best. That's why a nursery that's easy to change is usually the best idea.

It's relatively simple to set up your nursery and end up with one that looks great. All you need to do is plan with care and pay close attention to your budget. A little creativity in decorating your nursery will allow you to have reusable items, in case you're planning to have another child, and it'll help you save money, too. Take a look at your home, and exactly what you need from a nursery, before you get started. Then comparison shop and plan ahead. You'll end up with a well put together, attractively decorated nursery that'll be a safe haven for your new baby.