How to Create a Meditation Space at Home

Mediation Room

Design: Meg Lavalette, Photo: Christian Torres

Your home should be a place of peace; it's your safe space and a personal oasis in the middle of a hectic world. But that doesn't mean chaos can't take over some of the more high-traffic areas: So for those moments when you need to find your zen, dedicate a soothing space. Finding the right meditation room design and décor for your home doesn't just make for an attractive escape, but also lets you clear your mind, focus on your breathing, and leave the stresses of the world behind. Whether you have a tiny corner or a room to spare, make a space that can have you saying "namaste" in no time.

Browse meditation room ideas from top designers to make your own personal escape at home.

01 of 20

Stay Minimal

MODERNLY YOU

Modernly You

How does one go about creating their sacred space? Meditation rooms, by nature, are clean and fresh areas that help us relax. "Meditation is the practice of [clearing your thoughts], which creates a state of stillness, and quiets and cleanses the mind," says Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the first female and non-Indian Siddha Master to reach the ultimate state of meditative consciousness. When you start designing your meditation space, keep décor to a minimum and avoid clutter for fewer distractions.

According to Aikawa, meditating can increase your productivity, energy, and concentration, while organizing thoughts and helping to kick bad habits.

02 of 20

Consider Your Mindframe

BESPOKE ONLY

Bespoke Only

The style of meditation rooms is largely guided by the mindset: Since this is a space for relaxing, let your mood inspire you. Are you more relaxed in bright, open areas, or does a cozy retreat suit your style? To get into the right headspace, Aikawa recommends starting in a quiet, clean place with no one else around. "When you have a room or space dedicated to meditation, it becomes a sacred place, and sitting there makes it easier to get into a sacred state," she says.

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Dedicate a Space

BESPOKE ONLY

Bespoke Only

Whether you're working with a whole room or carving out a corner in your home, your meditation space doesn't have to be large: It just has to be a place that lets you relax. Interior designer Gala Magriñá, founder and principal of New York-based design firm Gala Magriñá Design, shares three important elements for creating zen in any amount of square footage. "It doesn't have to be an entire room—it's really about carving out a small, simple, quiet, inspiring space for yourself. Even an armchair by a window works," Magriñá says.

04 of 20

Plan Your Colors

Photo: Amy Bartlam; Design: D2 Interiors

Photo: Amy Bartlam; Design: D2 Interiors

While it may not seem like the most important element at first glance, the choice of color in your room can make a big difference in your ability to meditate. "Color deeply affects us," says Magriñá. "For more relaxed, meditative states, soft tonal colors work best." She suggests steering clear of bright, energizing colors, and sticking to warm whites, grays, and light earthy colors. She also notes that designs with light wood, wide plank floors, and muted walls can "bring in the sense of lightness and serenity."

05 of 20

Soak in Sunlight

ERIN WILLIAMSON DESIGN

Erin Williamson Design

There's nothing like a little Vitamin D to warm up your body and relax your mind. If possible, choose a location for your meditation area that allows plenty of sunlight to enter the room. Soft flooring or seating makes for an inviting space to sit down and find your peace, while rays from the sun can naturally improve your mood for an extra-calming boost.

06 of 20

Get Textured

BESPOKE ONLY

Bespoke Only

Magriñá recommends loading up on soft textures, cushions, and blankets—not just because they're cozy, but because they're functional. "Plush objects are considered to be more Yin, which is associated with softer, calmer feminine energy," she says. An abundance of comfortable materials in varying textures bring a dynamic visual interest to your design, and they're also a relaxing place to rest and focus on your mindset.

07 of 20

Take It to the Floor

Design: Meg Lavalette, Photo: Christian Torres

Design: Meg Lavalette, Photo: Christian Torres

Aikawa and Magriñá both suggest finding a comfortable floor cushion to help you settle into your meditation. If you're working with limited space, opting for smaller coffee tables (or going without them altogether) can help make room on the floor. Open areas feel light, breezy, and clean, and by styling your space to include them all the time, you won't find yourself moving furniture each time you sit down to meditate.

Floor pillows can be stacked in the corner of the room when not in use, or styled as a statement piece of décor at the end of your coffee table or centered on the rug.

08 of 20

Carve Out Space

ANN LIVING

Ann Living

A meditation space doesn't have to be a dedicated room. Carve out space in your home for meditating by looking to extra bedrooms, open living rooms, and even those corners of hallways or miscellaneous spaces that are waiting to be styled. A corner chair, floor pillow, or even a comfortable blanket can all be used to create a relaxing space—it's all about your mindset.

09 of 20

Incorporate Plants

BLACK AND BLOOMS

Black and Blooms

An air purifier or plants can be an amazing element to clear the air in your space. "A lot of meditation practices require deep breathing, so this is great for breathwork," Magriñá says. Opt for indoor plant species that absorb toxins in the air, and don't be afraid to go maximal: Plants make a space feel more inviting in addition to helping you breathe.

10 of 20

Glow With Candles

AFRO BOHEMIAN LIVING

Afro Bohemian Living

Speaking of breathing, a diffuser or scented candle with calming scents like lavender and eucalyptus can work wonders for your mood. Style an arrangement in your meditation room for multiple candles, or choose one special scent that calms your spirit. Sticks of incense are another great option for using scents to relax—incorporate the one that you personally enjoy the most.

11 of 20

See the Light

BLANCO BUNGALOW

Blanco Bungaolow; Turquoise and Tobacco

As it is in photography, lighting is everything in design—and it makes a strong impact on our minds as well. Magriñá suggests installing lighting with dimmers: "It's a wonderful and super restorative way [to enhance your meditation]." Use dimmer lighting when you're searching for a deep meditative state, or opt for brighter hues when it's time for a quick, relaxing boost to your mood.

12 of 20

Start With the Rug

BESPOKE ONLY

Bespoke Only

If you're planning to indulge in meditation on the floor (like so many of us do), start your meditation room design with the rug. Since you'll be spending a lot of time here, choose a rug with a comfortable texture made of soft fabric. Style it with mixed materials for an earthy vibe, or keep things simple by practicing minimalism for a fresh-feeling space.

13 of 20

Get Personal

LEAF AND LOLO

Soukie Modern ; Photo: Leaf and Lolo

One of the most important elements of any meditation room is that it allows you to feel safe and calm—so make it personal. You'll be relaxed in a space that feels like home. Don't hesitate to include your favorite décor and incorporate your own personality into the design: Even the most maximalist-inspired rooms can still feel airy and clean with a simple color scheme or the use of similar patterns.

14 of 20

Embrace Unused Space

JULIAN PORCINO HOME CONSULTANT

Home Consultant

Ready to design your meditation space, but not sure where to put it? Look to unused areas in your home. If you have an unfinished loft or garage space that's not yet occupied, stray from the traditionalists by designing an unconventional room. This garage feels anything but empty with its inviting, warm design—and if we sat down to meditate in this space, we may never decide to leave.

15 of 20

Take It Outside

ANN LIVING

Ann Living

Like garages and other uncommon areas, your meditation room may be best if it's not in a room at all: So take it outside. Simply getting outside to take in the fresh air can be an incredible mood-booster, and setting up a place to relax afterward (like this woven hammock) can extend your zen. Find a comfortable floor pillow to meditate on your patio, and give the space plenty of attention to décor to create your personal oasis.

16 of 20

Use Natural Materials

LEAF AND LOLO

Leaf and Lolo

Like spending time in nature, using the natural materials of the earth in your meditation room can help stage a calming space. If you're not able to meditate outside, bring the outdoors in. Accents like rustic wood, soft textiles, and woven décor can make your room feel inviting and calming to ponder your thoughts.

17 of 20

Frame Your Favorites

ANN LIVING

Ann Living

A few framed photos can tie your meditation space together. "You can use the pictures of great spiritual teachers of history or pictures of nature," Aikawa says. On the other hand, Magriñá recommends framed affirmations to help you "visualize or work on manifesting something you want, so when you come out of meditating, those things are right in front of you as a gentle reminder." Choose photos based on your personal meditation goals, and focus on the implementations behind the artwork to find the right mindset.

18 of 20

Keep Décor Simple

JULIAN PORCINO HOME CONSULTANT

Home Consultant

Minimalism is the classic style for a fresh and calming space. When you're decorating your meditation room, keep the décor simple: A small woven chair, natural wood side table, and bright abstract artwork make this room feel as relaxing as it is unique. Textured floors and walls bring character to the design without using overwhelming colors or patterns.

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Style Low

ERIN WILLIAMSON DESIGN

Erin Williamson Design

Since many people practice meditation on the floor, styling your furniture low can keep the same vibe without the necessity to sit on the rug. Plush floor chairs make room for an extra-comfortable meditation session in this room, while soft fabrics and textures throughout the space keep it cozy. White paint on the angled ceiling extends the natural light from the window for a bright finish.

20 of 20

Make It Cozy

Photo: Amy Bartlam; Design: Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

Photo: Amy Bartlam; Design: Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

If you have a fireplace, you can style it as a place for meditation for a seriously-cozy design. Simple floor pillows and an oversized cushion make for the perfect calming space in this living room, while soft colors incorporated between painted brick and minimal patterns carry across the room. Opt for soft flooring like plush area rugs or carpeting to stay comfortable on the floor.