How to Decorate a Travel-themed Nursery

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The moment you bring home your bundle of joy will be engraved forever in your memory. But before you start your lifelong journey into parenthood, chances are you’ll have to make room for your newborn in your house. And if you are the kind of person who gets excited just by the thought of jetting off to a faraway destination, then you can use your wanderlust as inspiration for your baby’s nursery. Plus, we’re pretty sure there’s nothing cooler and more educational than growing up surrounded by memorabilia and objects inspired by cultural diversity and history.

Interior designer Thom Filicia seems to agree with us.

“I like the idea of the global baby and infusing the nursery with elements from all over the world—whether it's through artwork, animals, or cultural and architectural landmarks,” he says. “This is an opportunity to be a little over the top and create a space that excites and inspires.”

First things first, though—think about the essentials. You can transform a regular crib by adding a world map bed sheet and hanging a hot air balloon mobile above it. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, opt for something more unusual and out-of-the-box, like a beautiful vintage French crib or wrought iron cradle. You can add a removable baby hammock to the crib for some island life vibes.

Convert a chest made of stacked vintage suitcases into a changing table by placing a topper on it. Or if an entire chest would look too busy in the room, then opt for a smaller suitcase to use as storage for wipes and diapers next to the topper.

“Don't forget the biggest canvas of all—the walls and ceiling,” adds Filica. “You can use decals on the walls and ceiling to create murals that can easily be changed or evolve as your child grows.”

He suggests using a variety of colors and materials in the room to really make it special and push the limits a bit: “I would stick to five or six colors and layer texture through drapery, wall treatment, or upholstery. “

Opt for a South American-made area rug in vibrant shades and fun patterns. A Peruvian manta, or cloak, would always come in handy for chilly nights and naptime.

Now, peruse our picks for home décor items that will bring some serious wanderlust into your baby’s room.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Hot Air Balloon Baby Mobile

NicoAndMaddie/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $115

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Hanging Airplane

NiKiTinSouvenirs/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $17

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Fitted Crib Sheet Hello World

SuiteBaby/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $65

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Jetaire Camper Playhouse

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $249

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Topside White Glaze 3-Drawer Dresser

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $699

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Giraffe Bookcase

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $499

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Taylor Wooden Changing Table Topper

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $129

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Petite Upholstered Chair

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $199

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Campsite Nightlight

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $59

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Globe Iron Cage Lampshade

Courtesy of aliexpress.com

To buy: amazon.com, $64

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Modern Zapotec Wool Rug

Courtesy of Novica

To buy: novica.com, $133

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Tiny Love™ Gymini® Under the Sea Bouncer

Courtesy of Buy Buy Baby

To buy: amazon.com, $44

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World Map Fabric Wall Decal

Courtesy of Petit Collage

To buy: amazon.com, $49

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Rare French Bentwood Cradle in the Thonet Style Late 19th Century

Courtesy of 1stDibs

To buy: 1stdibs.com, $2,615

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Oh The Places You'll Go Wall Art

DallowayPlace/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $17

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Welcome to the World Blanket

HagarSewingShop/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $32

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Personalized Airplane Wall Decal

graphicspaces/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $50

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Compass Rose Vinyl Wall or Ceiling Decal

KrittahStickers/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $11

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Antique Dutch Cradle

Thegatz/Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $695

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Fantasy Fields Pirates Island Coat Tree

Courtesy of Hayneedle

To buy: amazon.com, $72

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Vintage Globe

Courtesy of Replogle

To buy: amazon.com, $56

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Ricky Accent Chest

Courtesy of Pulaski Furniture

To buy: furniturepick.com, $370

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Handmade Wool Striped Blanket and Throw

Courtesy of Novica

To buy: novica.com, $106

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Hape High Seas Boat Rocker

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $100

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Waverly Baby by Trend Lab Tres Chic Window Panel

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $45

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Kaleen Sea Isle Nautical Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathbeyond.com, from $49

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Sweet Jojo Designs Paris Wallpaper Border

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $19

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Journey Road Canvas Wall Art

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $29

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Erupting Volcano Tissue Box Holder

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $30

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Personalized Pirate Adventure Book

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $35

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Balloons in Flight Wall Sculpture

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $165

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Scratch Map

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Have a gift exchange coming up? Luckies of London's Scratch Map is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And we'll happily get behind any gift that encourages its recipient to see more of the world.

To buy: 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY at potterybarn.com; uncommongoods.com, from $26

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Wherever We Go Picture

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

To buy: uncommongoods.com, from $30

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'Oh, Baby, the Places You'll Go' Book

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

To buy: amazon.com, $10

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'Walk This World' Book

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $14

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Brownstone Bookcase

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

To buy: landofnod.com, $599

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Antique Map Storage Chest

Courtesy of Target

To buy: target.com, $38

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Canvas Whale Toy Chest

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

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How to Decorate a Travel-themed Nursery

1 of 40

Hot Air Balloon Baby Mobile

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Hanging Airplane

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Fitted Crib Sheet Hello World

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Jetaire Camper Playhouse

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Topside White Glaze 3-Drawer Dresser

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Giraffe Bookcase

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Taylor Wooden Changing Table Topper

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Petite Upholstered Chair

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Campsite Nightlight

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Globe Iron Cage Lampshade

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Modern Zapotec Wool Rug

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Tiny Love™ Gymini® Under the Sea Bouncer

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World Map Fabric Wall Decal

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Rare French Bentwood Cradle in the Thonet Style Late 19th Century

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Oh The Places You'll Go Wall Art

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Welcome to the World Blanket

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Personalized Airplane Wall Decal

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Compass Rose Vinyl Wall or Ceiling Decal

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Antique Dutch Cradle

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Fantasy Fields Pirates Island Coat Tree

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Vintage Globe

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Ricky Accent Chest

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Handmade Wool Striped Blanket and Throw

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Hape High Seas Boat Rocker

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Waverly Baby by Trend Lab Tres Chic Window Panel

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Kaleen Sea Isle Nautical Indoor/Outdoor Rug

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