Expecting a new addition to your family? Use some design and lighting tips to make sure that your nursery is warm and welcoming for your little bundle of joy.

A big part of creating a nurturing environment for your little one is through lighting; use warm white LED bulbs to keep things soft and muted. Avoid harsh or multicolored lights that could be hard on your baby's eyes. You can also do some other things, such as:

• Avoid halogen and exposed, bare bulbs, which can make a baby feel anxious and uncomfortable.
• Strive to create three points of light; this will keep the room illuminated in layers. Consider a task lamp near the rocking chair, a light at the changing table, and an ambient ceiling light fixture, for example.
• Don't forget that your light fixtures will give off heat; be thoughtful where you place them.
• Use a night light to keep the baby feeling comfortable and to help guide your way to the nursery after dark.
  

When choosing your light fixtures and lamps, be careful buying floor lamps for the nursery. Floor lamps can be a potential fall risk, especially if you have toddlers in the home.

Among the latest nursery design trends is a new spin on gender-neutral color schemes. The color grey is fast becoming a popular choice over the traditional yellow or mint green. Also, configure your nursery to make the crib your focal point. Allow all other furnishings and accents to surround and support the baby's sleeping spot.

Make sure that you add a dimmer switch to your lighting features. This device is simple to install and will give you lots of options in terms of lighting and setting a specific mood in the room. Consider a remote switch that controls all the lighting and lamps in the space for added convenience and ease.

If you want to bring a touch of glamour to your baby's nursery, consider chandeliers and pendant lights. You can update or refurbish vintage fixtures found in thrift stores, or you can purchase new lamps that will promise energy efficiency and longevity.

Create a space that grows with your child and that also conveys your own sense of style. Whether you choose a specific theme or not, some basic tips apply to all nursery spaces. Use these simple design tips:

• Keep things easy to clean and function in by eliminating unnecessary clutter from the room.
• Leave as much of the floor clear as possible, so your baby will have lots of floor space to play and crawl.
• Choose resilient and easy-to-clean fabrics that can go in the washing machine.
• Buy furnishings that could be used in an older child's room or elsewhere in the home as the baby ages.
• Do something magical with the ceiling in your nursery. Use a ceiling medallion around your ambient light fixture or stencil interesting graphics to see.
  

Talk to lighting and furniture retailers to learn more about designing your baby's nursery so that it complements the rest of your home.

While your child is still an infant, create an adult space in the nursery where you can sit and relax while your baby rests or plays. A sofa, conversation table, and accents can compose a sitting area that you and others can sit and enjoy as your baby grows.

Expecting a bundle of joy soon? Use these tips and tactics to create a nursery that is not only warm and welcoming but that complements the rest of your home too. Invest in the right lighting for the space and talk to the professionals at Lamps & Lamp Shades Specialties to find all that you need for your new nursery that fits both your style and your budget.