Mid-Century Modern Nursery: New York vs Uptown (Two-Tone or Natural Oak?)

Two modern collections, two ways to do mid-century.

Short answer: if you want classic mid-century lines with the option of a two-tone finish, choose the New York 5-in-1 Crib ($1,865). If you want a contemporary look built around natural white oak grain, choose the Uptown Convertible Crib ($1,865). Both are made in Europe from 100% solid wood, are Greenguard Gold certified, have three mattress heights, and convert all the way to a full-size bed. Both also come as Quick-Ship nursery sets that ship in an estimated 2–4 weeks.

Below: how the two collections differ, what each set includes, and which one suits your room.

What makes a crib "mid-century modern"?

Mid-century modern design is about clean, straight lines, honest materials and a little contrast: natural wood next to a painted surface, slim metal handles, nothing carved or ornamental. In a nursery, that usually means a crib with simple rectangular panels and a dresser with flat drawer fronts and bar handles.

Romina's two modern collections take that idea in different directions:

• New York is described by Romina as "modern, unapologetically bold but discreet", a mid-century design built "about the busy big city lifestyle".
• Uptown is "an outstanding contemporary design" where "natural wood and accent finish elevate the aesthetics", with white oak as the star.

How do the New York and Uptown cribs compare?

The biggest practical difference is the mattress support. Romina's replacement-part listing shows the Uptown Convertible (#15503) uses a metal mesh support, while most Romina cribs use a solid wood slat platform. If an all-wood platform matters to you, that tips the decision to New York.

Shop the guide: the modern convertibles

• New York 5-in-1 Crib: $1,865. Mid-century lines, one finish or two-tone, grows from crib to full-size bed.
• Uptown Convertible Crib: $1,865. Natural wood with an accent finish, converts to a full-size bed.

Is two-tone or natural oak easier to live with?

Two-tone (New York). The New York crib can be ordered in a single finish or in two tones, which Romina says gives over 100 combinations. On the New York Double Dresser, the accent finish goes on the drawer fronts and is paired with a slim brushed gold bar handle. Two-tone is the more graphic, "designed" look, and it's easy to echo with wall colour or bedding.

Natural oak (Uptown). Uptown puts the grain first. Romina calls it "the robust organic presence of white oak", paired with Italian bar handles in metallic gold or solid black. The Uptown Double Dresser is built from 100% solid wood. Natural wood hides small marks well and reads as warm and calm, which suits a room you plan to keep through the teen years.

Both approaches age well because the material underneath is the same: solid hardwood with water-based, Greenguard Gold certified finishes. No veneer over particleboard, nothing to peel.

Which nursery set should I buy?

Each collection has a Quick-Ship set, and Romina estimates 2–4 weeks to ship for Quick-Ship items, compared with about 12–14 weeks for most made-to-order cribs.

• New York Essentials Nursery Set ($4,092): the 5-stage convertible crib plus the double dresser, with the daybed kit included. Offered in Albero Puro (natural) with a Solid White accent, or Albero Puro with a Rosemary accent, both with the brushed gold slim handle.
• Uptown Nursery Set ($4,173): the 5-stage convertible crib plus the double dresser, daybed kit included. Offered in Solid White with oak accent or Solid Black with oak accent, each with a black or gold bar handle.
• Uptown Crib to College Set ($4,677): the Uptown crib and dresser plus the full-bed conversion kit, so the last stage is already paid for.

Shop the guide: Quick-Ship sets

• New York Essentials Nursery Set: $4,092. Crib and double dresser, natural oak tone with a white or rosemary accent.
• Uptown Nursery Set: $4,173. Crib and double dresser, white or black with oak accent.
• Uptown Crib to College Set: $4,677. Crib, dresser and conversion kit.

Do I need the convertible, or is the classic crib enough?

Both collections also offer a non-convertible crib that stops at the toddler bed:

• New York Crib ($1,440): converts to a daybed and toddler bed, three mattress settings, single or two-tone finish. Romina designed it to be "fit for small spaces with big ideas".
• Uptown Classic Crib ($1,560): converts to a daybed and toddler bed, with oak as the default and a choice of accent finishes.

Pick the classic crib if you already plan to buy a separate big-kid bed later. Pick the convertible if you want the crib's headboard and footboard to become the full-size bed. Adding the full-bed conversion kit ($530) is usually cheaper than buying a new full bed, and the room stays matched.

How do Romina's modern cribs grow with my child?

Romina's convertible cribs move through five official stages:

1. Standard Crib (0–24 months)
2. Toddler Bed (24 months–4 years), with a crib-specific toddler rail ($275)
3. Daybed (24 months–4 years)
4. Full Size Bed w/ Footboard (4 years to forever), with the full-bed conversion kit ($530)
5. Full Size Bed (4 years to forever), for example with a Low-Profile Footboard ($530)

For New York and Uptown, the conversion kits include two sets of slats, so you can put a full mattress straight onto the platform without a separate box spring.

Browse: New York Collection · Uptown Collection · Convertible cribs

FAQ

Are the New York and Uptown cribs solid wood?

Yes. Both are 100% solid wood with organic, water-based finishes, and both are Greenguard Gold certified.

Which is better for a small room?

Romina designed the New York Crib for "small spaces with big ideas". For the full-bed stage, either collection can use a Low-Profile Footboard to open up the room.

Can I mix New York and Uptown pieces?

They share a modern, straight-lined language and bar handles, so they sit comfortably together. Matching the wood tone and handle colour makes the mix look intentional.

How long does delivery take?

Quick-Ship sets have an estimated 2–4 week fulfillment. Most made-to-order cribs ship in about 12–14 weeks.

Where are they made?

Made in Europe, in Romina's own factory.

Related guide: Crib That Converts to a Full-Size Bed: How It Works and What It Costs