Advice
How to create a relaxing room
We could all do with a little calm in our life every now and then, couldn’t we? When we’ve had a full-on day, and there’s been so much to do and think about it, it’s nice to be able to come home, shut the door behind you and, breathe... Image: @_ditsyfloralhome
10th February 2023
That’s why it’s so important your entire home, or a room in your home, is nice and relaxing. Where you know the moment you step into it or sit down, you start to unwind and feel more zen.
Here, I share some really easy ways for creating a calming room you can call your sanctuary and relax and recharge in, whenever you feel the need to.
How can I make my home calm and peaceful?
Having a calm colour palette is one of the cornerstones of creating calming spaces.
Serene colours tend to be lighter and more muted and definitely less shouty and in-your-face.
However, that doesn’t mean your relaxing room has to be colourless, it’s still possible to embrace colour, just in a softer, more subtle way.
10 relaxing colours for you to consider:
- Light blue
- Blush
- Baby pink
- Soft green
- Lilac
- Off white
- Mauve
- Teal
- Soft grey
- White
How do I make a room a calming space?
Colours aside, there are plenty of other tricks you can use to make a room, maybe your living room or spare room, feel more relaxing. They include:
1. Decluttering
A cluttered space = a cluttered mind.
According to research published in the US in 2009, clutter can make us feel stressed, anxious and depressed.
There are plenty of articles and wider studies out there that echo similar conclusions due to the fact our brains naturally like order, with clutter acting as a visual distraction that can lead to cognitive overload.
2. Lighting
How you light your room is integral to influencing the overall ambience. A dark room with very little natural sunlight will do very little to make you feel at ease. But a room with plenty of natural sunlight or soft glow lighting will help you unwind.
Table lamps and wall lights are great for illuminating your room without making it too bright.
3. Texture
Introducing texture not only adds to that feeling of homeliness, but makes rooms instantly feel more snug.
Quick and easy ways to add more texture to a room include draping soft throws over your furniture, adding some cuddly cushions and having a soft and inviting rug or thick pile carpet with a supportive underlay underfoot.
For more about creating texture read our how to guide on adding texture to a room.
4. Aroma
Burning scented candles and using diffusers to waft relaxing smells into the air is an incredibly popular way of instantly transforming spaces.
Several scents, including lavender, bergamot, chamomile, jasmine and rose, are all widely recognised for having relaxing properties. The best thing is, there are plenty of options to choose from, so you’re more likely to find something you really love the smell of.
5. Plants
The power of Mother Nature and its ability to soothe and heal us is well known, so it’s not surprising that placing indoor plants around your home or in one room in particular can have a relaxing effect.
Research has found that with people spending 85% of their lives indoors, plants can make spaces feel more comfortable, soothed and natural. Meanwhile, certain plants, such as snake, spider and aloe vera plants, even have natural air purifying qualities.
6. Furniture
Furniture gives a room purpose and it enables you to use it to its full potential. The furniture you choose depends on the room you’re working with i.e. sofas for your living room or a bed for your bedroom.
Generally speaking, the comfier your furniture pieces, e.g. nice deep seats, high backs or velvet material, the more relaxed you are going to feel.
Never miss another sale! Sign up to our emails today