The nesting phase of pregnancy is one that comes on insanely strong for every pregnant mother. The need to organize a space and make it beautiful for baby feels unbelievably essential — even if it is admittedly a little frivolous. Creating space for the newest addition to the family makes the surreal journey of becoming a parent all the more real. Once there is a space solely dedicated to this new little person, it can feel fathomable that they will actually get here. So it's no surprise that when expecting parents are making space for their little one, they are doing in a style that is totally reflective of their own. While most parents are left trying to choose between a forest theme or circus theme, there are some who want to forgo the childish design in favor of something more sleek.
Enter: The Modern Nursery. A "modern" style nursery doesn't totally ditch the whimsy of a typical child's bedroom, but it does make for a more transitional space from kid-free to kid-filled. The problem with loving this style? It can feel like decent options are limited. This is especially true when it comes to finding the center and arguably most important part of the nursery: the crib. Cribs have changed dramatically over the years, but they've kept the same basic design ideas. Modern cribs are kind of ditching traditional looks and really thinking outside the box.
Non-toxic acrylic is a favorite amongst modern crib designers, making cribs look more like an artsy piece of furniture. Crib bars vary is size, color and style — and in some cases are ditched entirely. There are cribs that transcend the rectangular style, featuring rounded edges for space-saving stylishness. And of course there are tons of reimagined retro designs that perfectly blend past and present.
If a modern nursery is in the future, check out these cool 20 cribs we found that could be the perfect way to bring it to life!
True Convertible Crib
True Convertible Crib ($800, Kids Bedroom Gallery)
Stuva IKEA Crib
IKEA is all about the modern chic look, and they aren't about to leave kids out of the mix. This convertible crib has two nifty storage drawers — and if you don't fancy red there are plenty of other color options.
Stuva ($300. IKEA)
Olivia 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
With it's sleek wooden base, this crib is ultra stylish and makes the room appear not-quite-so kiddish. And we love that it converts to a toddler/day bed!
Olivia 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ($200, All Modern)
Sleepi 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib with Mattress
Need to save space and want to do it stylishly? This convertible round crib is perfect for tiny spaces — and trust us, the little one will no miss the extra space of a large traditional crib at a young age.
Sleepi 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib with Mattress ($600, Wayfair)
Jenny Lind Grey Crib
The texture of this crib is totally eye-catching. Plus we've wager the kiddo will enjoy feeling out all those different shapes!
Jenny Lind Grey Crib ($600, Crate & Barrel)
Hula 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
The geometric trend can be seen in full force with this uniquely shaped crib. It's oval shape really gives off strong Scandinavian simplistic style, ad we love what it can do to a room.
Hula 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ($500, Wayfair)
Grigio Convertible Crib
The framed out solid sides totally modernize this otherwise traditional crib. This is perfect for any farmhouse style home.
Grigio Convertible Crib ($600, Maisonette)
ALTO 2-IN-1 Convertible Crib
With acrylic, transparent siding available in an array of colors and patter, this crib looks like something straight out of the future!
ALTO 2-IN-1 Convertible Crib ($1,290, Perigold)
Sloan Acrylic Crib, Simply White
Who knew that acrylic was going to be the new posh crib accessory? These see-through bars might actually be great for a little one who arises early and likes to gaze around the room.
Sloan Acrylic Crib, Simply White ($700, Pottery Barn Kid)
Nursery Works Novella Convertible Crib
This art-deco crib is is kind of like a retro dream come true. You know what they say about modern style — everything old is new again!
Nursery Works Novella Convertible Crib ($900, Modern Nursery)
Ubabub Nifty Clear 3-in-1 Crib
Ready for the most Instagrammable crib ever? This modern crib has perforated plexiglass shields so baby can't slip through bars and looks super chic.
Ubabub Nifty Clear 3-in-1 Crib ($1,000, Modern Nursery)
Tribeca 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
This gender-neutral crib has major NY loft hipster vibes, and we are here for it! Totally love the bold frame in contrast to the crisp white center. It makes the crib a statement piece.
Tribeca 4-in-1 Convertible Crib ($300, All Modern)
Palma 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
The 60's style frame gives this crib the clean lines it takes for a modern piece of furniture. We love the wooden headboard and know this will become a super bed set in the future.
Palma 4-in-1 Convertible Crib ($500, Babyletto)
Space Saver 2 Level Folding Portable Crib
This two tiered crib isn't for twins! You can roll out the lower crib into a living space for day-time naps, and wheel it back at night to keep that same space baby free. Though we're not sure how long the top crib will last once the little one start being able to climb out on their own, it's a great option if you're living in a tiny space.
Space Saver 2 Level Folding Portable Crib ($1,350, Wayfair)
Vetro Crib
If you hate the idea of buying a crib that will serve no purpose when the little one grows up, this crib might be a good investment. After baby days are long-gone it can be used as a trendy daybed.
Vetro Crib ($4,500, 2Modern)
Stokke Home Crib
With clean lines and sharp style, this will easily become a nursery centerpiece and is super playful for an imaginative kid. Plus, it converts into a day bed– perfect for storing stuff animals or makes for a cute reading nook.
Stokke Home Crib ($700, Fawn & Forest)
Lydian Crib
Ready to bring rustic realness to a baby's room? This bulky wooden piece looks gorgeous when converted later one, and can definitely serve as a statement piece in the house long after the little on grows up.
Lydian Crib ($6,900, 2Modern)
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
Target moms — rejoice! This modern crib is available at everyone's favorite store and does the job of making a nursery cool and chic.
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ($380, Target)
Stokke Sleepi Crib
The coolest thing about this modern crib? If baby falls asleep in the living room you can totally wheel them into their nursery without disturbing them!
Stokke Sleepi Crib ($894, Fawn & Forest)
Stokke Sleepi Crib
The coolest thing about this modern crib? If baby falls asleep in the living room you can totally wheel them into their nursery without disturbing them!
Stokke Sleepi Crib ($894, Fawn & Forest)
Stokke Home Crib
With clean lines and sharp style, this will easily become a nursery centerpiece and is super playful for an imaginative kid. Plus, it converts into a day bed– perfect for storing stuff animals or makes for a cute reading nook.
Stokke Home Crib ($700, Fawn & Forest)