Define the space's purpose
Before planning the layout of your meditation room, think about its function. First, consider how many people will use the room at a time—is your goal to have a space for solitude, or do you envision group meditation with family or friends? Next, determine what you'll be doing in the room. Are you looking for a place to sit peacefully, or will you engage the mind and body through mindful exercise such as yoga?
Choose an area
After you've determined how much space you need, find an area in your home that suits its purpose. For instance, a guest room accommodates groups and provides enough space to do yoga. If you're looking for a simple place to sit, consider transforming a corner of a larger room into a meditation space. To give it some privacy and shut out the outside world, use a divider such as a curtain or a bookcase to define the space. Want more seclusion? Convert a walk-in closet into your own private retreat.
Make it comfortable
It's time to move the essentials into your meditation room. For experienced individuals, place an area rug, floor cushion or a yoga mat on the floor to allow you to sit in lotus position, the traditional cross-legged pose for concentration. If you're new to meditating, you might find this position to be uncomfortable. Rather than sitting on the floor, use a pouf or chair instead—just make sure that you maintain proper posture by sitting upright. In addition to seating, bring in a side table, console table or even a nightstand to use as a meditation altar. On its surface, display spiritually significant items that put your mind at ease such as artwork or photos of loved ones.
Illuminate the room
If your meditation space has a window, take advantage of natural light. An open window will brighten the space while providing views of the outdoors for a tranquil effect. If you want more privacy, hang sheer curtains to conceal the space while diffusing sunlight. Not all meditation spaces have access to natural light, so create an ambient glow with candles or string lights to achieve a similarly soothing aesthetic in dimly lit spaces.
Engage the senses
Greenery also has a soothing effect, so place a few botanicals in the room. Whether you prefer small succulents on the meditation altar or potted trees beside it, natural touches bring serenity to the space. To engage your sense of smell, consider aromatherapy—reed diffusers, scented candles and essential oils can influence your mood. For instance, lavender calms the mind, while mint energizes and promotes concentration. Last, consider placing a small speaker near the meditation altar to play music, a guided meditation podcast or natural sounds such as rain or waves.
Remember that meditating is a skill, so practice daily to improve your abilities and see the full benefits. What are your best meditation room ideas? Share them with us using the hashtag #CrateStyle.
