Credit: u/JayAndPlants
Designing a nursery is such a special experience. I wanted my little one’s room to be a happy, colorful place, a space that felt cozy and full of love.
The rainbow theme caught my eye right away because it seemed like the perfect way to bring all those feelings into the room.
If you’re considering a rainbow nursery, I’ve gathered 31 ideas to help you create a space that’s joyful, vibrant, and perfect for you and your baby.
Choosing the Perfect Color Palette
Pastel
Pastel colors really caught my eye when I was thinking about creating a calm and peaceful nursery.
The soft, soothing tones of a pastel rainbow palette create such a gentle and welcoming atmosphere.
I loved how these colors made the room feel light and airy, perfect for those quiet moments when everything is new and delicate.
This rainbow nursery by u/cupcaeks is such a sweet labor of love. She built it for her best friend in Nova Scotia to match the rug to a painted wall rainbow, adding cloud shelves, and even sneaking in rose gold touches to tie back to the mom’s wedding ring.
What makes this space so charming isn’t just the soft palette or thoughtful layout; it’s how personal everything feels. Honestly, it’s calm, happy, and way more heartfelt than most “Pinterest-perfect” rooms.
Colorful
When I think of a traditional rainbow, I think of bright, bold colors that just make you smile.
A colorful rainbow palette brings so much energy and life into the room.
I loved how these vibrant hues made the nursery feel joyful, a space where both baby and parents could enjoy spending time.
I just love how vibrant this nursery is. It makes the place feel so magical. 
Pink
If you’re looking to add a sweet, feminine touch, a pink-themed rainbow nursery is such a charming option.
I found that different shades of pink within the rainbow palette created a playful yet soft atmosphere, perfect for a baby girl’s nursery.
The combination of pink with the joy of a rainbow made the room feel warm, delightful, and just a little bit magical.
Bright
A bright-colored nursery, filled with bold, primary colors, brings a sense of excitement and energy to the space.
I was drawn to this type of palette when I wanted a room that felt dynamic and inspired creativity.
It’s especially great for a playroom or a baby boy’s bedroom where you want to keep things lively and fun.
Adding Rainbow Accents
Accent Wall
u/JayAndPlants turned a simple nursery wall into a pastel rainbow masterpiece, and it’s honestly one of the sweetest DIYs I’ve seen. The whole thing was done on a budget using cut-down 2x6s for the slats, which they painted and nailed up one by one. I’m obsessed with the light-filled vibes and that rainbow decal glow.
Crib and Dresser
I found that painting the crib or dresser in rainbow colors turned these pieces into the focal points of the nursery.
Whether you lean towards bright, bold colors or soft, pastel tones, these pieces can tie the entire room together beautifully.
Adding a rainbow-colored dresser brought the theme to life in a way that was both functional and eye-catching.
Multicolored Storage
Storage is a must in any nursery, especially in an apartment where space might be limited.
I loved adding a rainbow touch to make it both practical and fun.
A book ledge painted in rainbow hues became a cheerful spot to display my little one’s favorite books.
Bins, baskets, and shelves in rainbow colors added that extra bit of magic, making the room feel even more vibrant and playful.
Wall Arts
Framed prints, canvases, or even DIY projects were my go-to for adding color and character to the nursery walls.
I enjoyed picking out a few colorful pieces of wall art that brightened up the room and added a personal touch.
It’s an easy and affordable way to make the space feel more like home..
Lightings
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a nursery.
I found that a rainbow lamp or nightlight added a soft, calming glow that enhanced the magical feel of the room, especially during those late-night feedings.
It’s one of those small details that really made a difference in how cozy and comforting the space felt.
Baby Name
One of my favorite touches was incorporating my baby’s name into the nursery.
A custom name sign in soft, pastel colors complemented the rainbow theme perfectly and added a unique, personal touch to the room.
Bedding
I discovered that bedding is where you can really cozy up the space.
Rainbow-themed crib sheets, blankets, and pillows added warmth and comfort to the nursery, making it feel even more inviting.
I loved how easy it was to refresh the room’s look simply by switching out the bedding as my child grew.
Curtains and Rugs
Curtains and rugs offered another opportunity to bring in those rainbow colors.
Rainbow ruffle curtains added a playful vibe, while a colorful rainbow rug made the room feel cozier and more inviting.
I found that these simple additions tied the room together and made it feel complete.
I’m totally with everyone who said the rug steals the show here. It’s bold, handmade in the ‘80s by u/Chalk-and-Trees’s MIL, and somehow still looks brand new. But what I really love is how the color from that one piece set the tone for the whole room. The golden yellow walls (shoutout to Behr’s “Cheese Puff”) add this sunny, grounded feel that works so well with all the layered greens and warm wood tones.
The vibe is playful, not pastel. There’s a calm to it, but not the usual gray-on-gray thing
Baby Toys
Baby toys were not just essential in my nursery, but they also contributed to the rainbow theme.
A rainbow stacker, for example, was both decorative and fun for my little one to play with as they grew.
Adding soft toys in vibrant colors or rainbow-themed plushies kept the room feeling playful and engaging, creating a space where my child would love to spend time.
DIY Projects
Rainbow Mobile
Creating a rainbow mobile from felt or paper was such a rewarding project.
It became a beautiful and whimsical addition above the crib, adding visual interest while keeping my baby entertained.
Hand-Painted Furniture
Hand-painting a piece of furniture, like a dresser or bookshelf, in rainbow colors gave me the chance to express my creativity.
This project resulted in a one-of-a-kind piece that added character and charm to the nursery.
Custom Fabric Projects
Working with fabric allowed me to add a soft, comforting element to the room.
I created a handmade rainbow quilt and a custom wall hanging, both of which became cherished keepsakes.
Rainbow Garland
For a final touch, I decided to make a rainbow garland to hang across the room.
Whether draped over a window or strung along a wall, this simple DIY project added a playful and colorful element to the nursery.
It was an easy way to make the space feel festive and fun.
Incorporating Themes
Rainbow and Clouds
Pairing rainbows with clouds, stars, or rain created a dreamy, celestial nursery that felt serene and calming.
I loved how this gender-neutral theme brought a peaceful, sky-like feel to the room.
Rainbow and Nature
I love mixing the rainbow theme with natural elements like wood or greenery.
This combination made the room feel warm and earthy while still being colorful and fun.
It was a style that brought the outdoors in, creating a harmonious and inviting space that felt like a little haven.
Unicorn and Rainbow
Adding a touch of fantasy with unicorns created the ultimate magical space. The combination of rainbows and unicorns made the nursery playful, fun, and full of imagination.
I found this theme to be enchanting, sparking creativity and wonder in the room’s design, making it feel like a fairy tale come to life.
Sun and Rainbow
I loved how the sun theme, combined with the rainbow, brought such warmth to the nursery.
The sun on the wall and the soft clouds created a bright, happy atmosphere, while the rainbow rug added a playful touch.
It’s a cozy, inviting space that feels just right for my little one.
Bonus Ideas
