How to create a meditation room: 6 ideas to DIY your space

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA

Explore what a meditation room is, including 9 essentials every soothing space needs. Plus, how to create a DIY meditation room on a budget with 8 ideas.

Starting, or sticking to, a meditation practice can feel overwhelming — but setting up a specific space for it might make you more eager to get going. Having a special place where you can be alone with your thoughts can help you relax and maybe even (dare we say it?) look forward to your quiet time.

A dedicated meditation room in your home is a spot where you can escape from the stress and distractions of daily life and focus on yourself. Don’t worry — it doesn't have to be a large space or an expensive project. With a little creativity and some simple tweaks, you can transform any corner of your home into a calming retreat.

What is a meditation room?

A meditation room is an area of your home designed specifically for the practice of meditation and mindfulness. It's somewhere you can retreat to find peace and relaxation, where you can focus on yourself, free from distractions and interruptions.

Whether you use it for guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or simple quiet reflection, your meditation room can be adapted to create a more restful setting that supports your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Benefits of having a dedicated meditation space include

1. Enhanced focus: A designated meditation room may help you concentrate by providing a distraction-free environment. Plus, this consistency can improve the quality of your meditation practice over time.

2. Reduced stress: Regular meditation in a dedicated room can help your mind and body relax, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.

3. Improved mindfulness: A meditation room encourages regular practice, helping you develop a habit of mindfulness. This can lead to better awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.

4. Spiritual growth: For those who use meditation as part of their spiritual practice, having a dedicated space may deepen their connection to their beliefs and practices.

5. Personal retreat: A meditation room offers an escape, even if just for a few minutes a day, so that you can recharge and rejuvenate.

9 essentials for meditation rooms

Your space should be filled with items and decor that bring you peace and joy while supporting a deeper state of mindfulness and relaxation. The specifics will be different for everyone, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. A comfortable cushion or chair to support your body

Comfort is key. A comfortable cushion or chair supports your body and helps you maintain good posture during meditation sessions. Invest in a high-quality meditation cushion or a supportive chair. Ensure it provides proper back support and is comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. You can also lie down if that’s easier for your body.

2. Calming decor that sets you at ease

The decor of your meditation room should promote peace and tranquility. Choose wall art, tapestries, or serene images that evoke a sense of calm. Try to incorporate colors that put you most at ease, and you may consider avoiding busy or bright patterns that might be distracting.

3. Soft lighting that helps you relax

Use lamps, twinkle lights, or candles to create a warm, soft glow and set a relaxing mood. You might want to avoid harsh overhead lights when possible, but dimmer switches can be a useful addition to control the light intensity.

4. Plants that give you a pop of nature

Adding greenery to your meditation room can connect you to nature and help you soak up some of those benefits. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or peace lilies. Place them strategically to enhance the room's aesthetics without overcrowding the space.

5. Natural materials you find connective

Incorporate wood, bamboo, or stone elements in your furniture and decor to create a grounding and earthy atmosphere. This could be in the form of wooden frames, bamboo mats, or stone statues. Remember, it’s all about what feels meaningful or peaceful to you.

6. Your favorite incense or scented candles to enhance the space

Use incense sticks, essential oil diffusers, or lightly scented candles to introduce calming fragrances like lavender, sandalwood, or eucalyptus. Play around with what scents put you most at ease, and remember to ensure proper ventilation when using these items.

7. Sound machine or you favorite relaxing music to drown out distractions

Background sounds can help mask unwanted noise and enhance the meditation experience. Consider a sound machine with options like nature sounds, white noise, or soft music, create a playlist of relaxing tracks or use an app designed for meditation music.

💙 Play soothing music in the background, like the Infinite Ambient for Relaxation playlist, to help set the tone.

8. Blankets and cushions to get extra cozy

Having blankets and cushions ensures comfort during longer meditation sessions or for different meditation postures. Keep a few extra soft blankets and additional cushions in your meditation room so you’re not hunting around for them when you need one. These can also add to the room's cozy atmosphere.

9. Personal touches that make space unique to you

Personal items can make your meditation space feel uniquely yours and more inviting. Include items like family photos, spiritual statues, meaningful quotes, or personal mementos that inspire and comfort you.

6 tips for creating a DIY meditation room on a budget

Creating a meditation room doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. The key is to be creative and resourceful, using items you already have, maybe inspired by the essentials above, or what you can easily make yourself.

1. Repurpose a small corner

Look for an unused corner in your bedroom, living room, or even a closet. Use a folding screen or curtain to section off the area, creating a sense of separation from the rest of the room.

2. Create your own decor

Make your own wall art or frame inspirational quotes. Use inexpensive fabric to make curtains or cushion covers. Choose calming colors like light blue, soft green, beige, or white for your walls and decor, to promote relaxation and peace. If you’re not ready to commit to a color scheme, try using removable wallpaper or drape fabric.

3. Incorporate natural elements

Add elements to your decor like stones, shells, or branches that you can forage for free in nature. You can also use a bowl of sand with a miniature rake to create a zen garden.

💙 Bring nature to your meditation room with one of our soundscapes like Rainforest Rain.

4. Find multi-use furniture

Multi-functional items can save space and money in your meditation room. For example, a storage ottoman can provide seating and also store blankets or meditation tools.

5. Make use of natural light (if possible)

Set up your meditation space near a window to take advantage of natural light. Use light, airy curtains to diffuse the light and create a soft, calming effect.

6. Add inexpensive soundproofing if needed

Rugs or acoustic foam panels can help absorb sound if you need extra peace and quiet. You can also hang heavy tapestries or blankets on the walls to dampen noise.

💙 If you need to drown out external noises, try pressing play on our Green Noise (with River) soundscape to set the right vibe.

Meditation room ideas FAQs

Can I create an outdoor meditation space?

Yes, you can create an outdoor meditation space, which can be refreshing and grounding. Choose a quiet and private spot in your garden, patio, or balcony and consider different ways of enhancing the setting.

Comfortable seating: Use a weather-resistant cushion, mat, or chair for comfortable seating.
Shade and shelter: Ensure there's some shade, whether from a tree, an umbrella, or a pergola, to protect you from direct sunlight.
Natural elements: Incorporate elements like stones, plants, or a small artificial waterfall machine to enhance vibes of nature.
Privacy: Use screens, fencing, or tall plants to create a sense of privacy.
Minimalist decor: Keep the decor simple to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Avoid too many decorative items that could become distracting.
Weather considerations: Consider the local climate and plan for changes in weather, such as having a sheltered area or an indoor alternative for rainy days.

Can a meditation room be shared with other activities?

Yes, a meditation room can be shared with other activities, but it's important to maintain a sense of separation to preserve its tranquility. If you need to use the space for other purposes, try to keep the meditation area distinct.

For example, you could use a folding screen, curtain, or room divider to section off the meditation space when it's not in use. This helps create a mental and physical boundary, so that when you enter the meditation area, it still feels like a peaceful retreat.

Keep any items related to other activities neatly stored away and out of sight during meditation sessions to minimize distractions and maintain a calming atmosphere.

How do I soundproof my meditation room?

Soundproofing your meditation room helps with deep focus and relaxation. There are plenty of options for reducing unwanted noise in your meditation room, depending on your budget and personal preferences.

Thick curtains: Hang heavy, thick curtains over windows to block outside noise.
Rugs and carpets: Place thick rugs or carpets on the floor to absorb sound.
Acoustic panels: Install acoustic foam panels on the walls. These are specifically designed to dampen sound and are relatively easy to install.
Fabric wall hangings: Hang heavy tapestries or blankets on the walls to help reduce noise.
Draft stoppers: Use draft stoppers at the bottom of doors to prevent noise from entering through gaps.
White noise machines: A white noise machine or an app can mask external sounds, creating a consistent and soothing background.

What are the best colors to use in a meditation room?

The best colors for a meditation room are those that promote calmness and relaxation. Soft, muted tones are ideal. Light blue and green are associated with tranquility and nature, and neutral colors like beige, white, and light gray can make the space feel more open and airy.

If you prefer warmer tones, consider soft shades of pink, peach, or lavender, which can also be very soothing. Avoid bright, bold colors like red or orange, as they can be stimulating and may hinder relaxation.

Test different colors with small paint samples or swatches to see which hues make you feel the most at peace.

What types of lighting are best for a meditation room?

The best lighting for a meditation room is soft, ambient lighting that creates a calm and soothing atmosphere.

Lamps and lanterns: Use table lamps, floor lamps, or lanterns with soft, warm bulbs to create gentle lighting.
Fairy lights: String twinkle lights around the room for a soft effect that adds a touch of magic.
Candles: Candles provide a warm and flickering light that can be very calming. Avoid scents that may be overpowering.
Dimmer switches: Install dimmer switches on your main lights so that you can adjust the brightness.
Natural light: If possible, incorporate natural light by setting up your meditation space near a window. Use light, airy curtains create a soft glow.
Salt lamps: Himalayan salt lamps emit a warm, pinkish light and are believed to have air-purifying properties, adding to the tranquility of the space.

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