The abacus is about as old school as you can get, yet its nod to numbers and counting makes perfect sense for kids' room decor. Abacuses (abaci?) are fun for playing with and building motor dexterity, but we've been noticing parents using them as artwork.
Above are five examples of this mini-trend in action. (click through to see more of the room if you like). Several above were purchased at CB2 who no longer makes them, but Jenny of Anything Pretty figured out a way to make her own - check out her tutorial. Ellia's mom bought one on Etsy and had it painted to match the room, so there are all kinds of decorative possibilities.
(Images: 1. Reader Dina 2. Allison Arnet 3. Jennifer/Anything Pretty 4. Kitsch Chicagoan 5. Palos Studio)
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This is a mini trend I love. Loving the bright yellow dresser in the first picture too!
I love that the abacus is a gender neutral accessory. I used an IKEA abacus for my son's gallery wall in his nursery! Here is a link to his space.
http://youngnesters.blogspot.com/2011/11/darwins-nursery.html
yeah put it up on the wall so the baby will never be able to be a genius scientist ;)
love abaci but i would want my kids to be able to use them, so if i ever hang them they will be low enough (maybe over the bed)
we also did one and i love it! http://ohthehubanity.blogspot.com/2012/03/boys-room-finis.html