https://www.rent.com/blog/meditation-space-in-apartment/
Cam Hayes
2.24.2025 Lifestyle
As more people prioritize mental well-being, creating a designated space for meditation is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress, increase focus, and promote inner peace. A well-designed meditation space can serve as a personal sanctuary, helping you cultivate mindfulness and achieve a sense of calm. So whether you’re cozying up at home in Bend, OR, a rental in Burlington, VT, or an apartment in Edgewater, NJ, here are the best meditation room ideas to outfit your space at home.
The basics: Keep it simple
A meditation space should serve as a peaceful escape from the demands of daily life. While it’s tempting to add all kinds of decor or high-tech gadgets, Michelle Moraes founder of Otium Wellness shares that “The beauty of a meditation or mindfulness practice lies in its simplicity. While a dedicated space isn’t necessary, it can help quiet the mind and settle the body. The key is to find a spot that feels like a refuge from the busyness of life.
Simplicity is at the heart of mindfulness — a meditation cushion, a small mat, or a meaningful object can help ground you in your body. Soft, natural light can set the tone, while gentle background sounds or a subtle aroma from incense or essential oils can create a sense of ritual, signaling to your body and mind that this is a space for stillness.
Ultimately, mindfulness isn’t about external conditions but about cultivating awareness in the present moment, wherever you are. Your space is simply a support — an invitation to pause, breathe, and be.”
Choose a few key elements that resonate with your practice and avoid clutter. Utilize various zen room ideas to create an environment that signals to your brain it’s time to focus and relax.
Pick a location in your home
The first step in setting up your meditation space is choosing the right location. Ideally, the space should be quiet and free from distractions. “Creating a meditation space is about cultivating an environment that invites you to connect with stillness and presence,” says the team at Airmid Wellness And Counseling Center. They suggest that you “Start by tuning into the energy of the space — choose a location that resonates with your energy, where you feel physically and emotionally grounded, encouraging a deeper state of reflection.
Let the sensory elements — lighting, texture, sound — serve as subtle reminders to slow down. A comfortable seat or mat, paired with personal objects that inspire peace (like a meaningful stone or artwork), can anchor you in the present moment. It’s about creating a sacred space where your mind, body, and spirit can align.”
Look for a corner, spare room, or even a nook near a window where you can feel comfortable and undisturbed. If you don’t have an entire room available, a small section of a living area or bedroom can work as long as it feels separate from high-traffic zones.
Establish a meditation ‘cue’
If you’re having trouble getting into a peaceful mindset, a meditation cue can be an effective way to set the tone. The team at Corporate Yoga London notes that “Meditating at home can be a challenge; our to-do lists, unfinished projects, family responsibilities, and even pets can be a distraction.
Having a small ‘cue’ by way of a special cushion, quiet corner, or even a dedicated outdoor seat, can be a helpful trigger to tell our brains what we are about to do and start to form an association with this habit. Not to say that we won’t still get distracted, but through this association, we can prime our minds with our new behavior of being a meditator.” When you use a cue consistently, it will be that much easier to settle into your practice.
Incorporate biophilic elements
Biophilia, the love of nature, can play a crucial role in promoting well-being, and incorporating natural elements into your meditation space can enhance your sense of tranquility. The team at Domaine Luxe in Delray Beach, Florida are fans of incorporating biophilic elements into your practice, sharing that “A meditation space designed for wellness blends luxurious simplicity with the calming influence of nature. Incorporating biophilic elements like natural materials — stone, wood, and organic and tactile textiles of plush pillows and wool rugs underfoot — alongside lush greenery fosters tranquility and balance.
Calming, nature-inspired color palettes in soft, warm neutrals and muted greens enhance relaxation, while a thoughtful layout prioritizes open, clutter-free spaces to support mindfulness. The luxurious minimalist design should also emphasize a connection to the outdoors, with large windows framing beautiful green spaces, allowing natural light to flow in and offering a constant visual reminder of nature’s calming presence. This seamless integration of biophilia, utilizing nature and design, creates a meditative sanctuary that nurtures both body and mind.”
Choosing plants that thrive indoors, such as snake plants, succulents, or peace lilies can provide a calming natural presence, especially when paired with elements such as stones, water features, or wood materials.
Embrace elements of feng shui
Some of the most popular meditation space ideas incorporate elements of feng shui, an ancient practice that highlights the energy and balance of a space. Helene Lang, an expert feng shui consultant with Balance Your Body And Soul Nutrition & Health, shares that “The ideal area for a meditation space is the northeast corner of your home, facing east. In feng shui, the northeast represents wisdom, self-cultivation, spirituality, and meditation, making it the most supportive location for deepening your practice. However, if this isn’t possible, find a quiet corner, preferably near a window, where soft, natural light can enhance a peaceful atmosphere.”
Helene also suggests that meditators “Incorporate water elements, like a bowl of purified water, rainwater, or oceanwater which symbolizes purity, clarity, and flow.” She also notes that meditators can “Enhance the ambiance of their space by playing relaxing meditation music, the sound of a running stream, ocean waves, or birdsong. In addition, it is recommended that you keep your space sacred, by using it only for meditation, yoga, or quiet reflection.”
Comfort is key
Your meditation space should be both mentally and physically supportive, with seating that allows you to sit for an extended period. Kelvin Chin from Turning Within advises that when meditating, “Comfort is the key. Maintaining an uncluttered space with soothing colors, images or books (store your horror movies elsewhere…lol) will go a long way in aiding your mindfulness practice.
For meditating, have back support so you can physically “let go.” I don’t recommend soundproofing because noise should be no barrier to meditation. And most importantly, learn how to meditate easily and effortlessly, without focusing on your breath or clearing your mind of thoughts — by “turning within” in a natural way that turns on the opposite of fight-or-flight.”
Create a calming atmosphere
The atmosphere you create in your meditation space should help you feel calm and centered. Regular decluttering, lighting and sound, tools and accessories, and acoustic design can be essential for setting the right mood. Take a look below for stellar tips from our meditation experts:
Declutter
A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind- which is less than ideal when practicing meditation. Rodion Shalashenko from Roomtodo shares that “Creating a meditation space at home starts with choosing the right furniture — opt for multi-functional pieces like a foldable cushion or a small bench to keep the area uncluttered yet comfortable.” Rodion also suggests that you “Incorporate natural elements such as wooden textures, indoor plants, or soft textiles to enhance tranquility. A neutral or earthy color palette can help create a soothing visual environment.”
A clean space helps clear your mind and relax your body for meditation, as can the right scents. Dawn from New Dawn Organic Skin and Hair Care tell us that “Simply adding essential oils to a diffuser in your meditation space can help improve focus, relax the body and create a more immersive experience. But not all oils are created equal, choosing organic essential oils ensures purity, quality, and a toxin-free experience.
If you’re new to essential oils for meditation then lavender is a good place to start. It’s always been a ‘go-to’ by herbalists as one of the most calming, relaxing essential oils. If it’s focus you’re looking to improve, then opt for organic peppermint or lemongrass oil, and for anxiety relief, I would suggest ylang ylang or rose geranium.”
Lighting and sound
Warm lighting, calming colors, and ambient sound can aid in enhancing your meditation practice. Narek Mirzaei, founder of Meditation Music Library advises that you “Transform your meditation space into a sanctuary by using earthy tones like sage green or warm beige to promote tranquility. Position your seat near a window for natural light, or use a dimmable lamp to adjust brightness as needed.
Incorporate sound elements like wind chimes or a singing bowl to signal the start and end of your practice. Keep the space sacred by dedicating a small altar with crystals, incense, or a meaningful statue to inspire mindfulness.”
Tools and techniques
When setting up your space for mindfulness and meditation, certain tools and techniques can be game changers for taking your practice to the next level. Hillary Arrieta, LMT at The Heeling Hut, LLC has great suggestions for different ways to enhance your experience: “Traditional meditation is done seated. If you’re choosing this method, find a comfortable seat that allows you to sit for an extended period of time. Some light stretching before meditation can help you settle in. I love using a floor chair, a yoga bolster, folded yoga blankets, or a few yoga blocks to help me feel grounded but supported during my meditation time.”
Acoustic design
One often overlooked element when creating a calming atmosphere is the acoustic design of your chosen meditation space. Leah from the team at WallTerra notes that “Creating a space that feels peaceful and serene is essential for a successful meditation practice. A meditation room should feel balanced and harmonious, free from harsh echoes and sound reflections that can be distracting. That’s why we recommend starting with our European-crafted acoustic wall panels as your foundation.
These sustainably made panels transform spaces in two important ways: they help reduce echo and provide some sound isolation for a more balanced acoustic environment, while their natural earth tones or soft greys provide a visually calming backdrop that helps quiet the mind. This eco-friendly solution enhances the acoustic environment to create a more conducive space for meditation practice.”
Incorporate aromatherapy
A key element in creating a peaceful environment is scent. Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in enhancing your meditation experience. Sandra Manay, founder of Luna Sundara advises that calm-seekers “Start by incorporating natural aromatherapy elements that help ground the mind and body. Burning palo santo or palma dulce not only purifies the space but also invites a sense of clarity and calm.
If burning incense isn’t your thing, you can simply use a diffuser or spray muña essential oil, a Peruvian herb known for its refreshing, mint-like aroma and ability to promote deep breathing and relaxation. These natural scents help create an environment that encourages mindfulness and tranquility.”
When considering aromatherapy, opt for natural, clean-burning candles or essential oils free from artificial fragrances to avoid overwhelming your senses. A light, subtle scent is ideal for keeping your space tranquil without being distracting.
Outfit your space with inspirational visuals
Incorporating visuals that inspire you can deepen your meditation practice. “With everything moving so fast these days, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. Meditation is one of the best ways to hit pause and recenter yourself. But let’s face it — meditation isn’t always easy at first!” Says Maria Green, feng shui consultation master at Dynamic Spaces.
Maria goes on to suggest getting inspiration from your space by having “ something positive to look at when you open your eyes, maybe a picture of something that inspires you. In Feng Shui, what’s in front of you can shape your future, so it’s great to have a reminder of what you’re working toward.” Whether it’s a piece of art, a meaningful quote, or an image of nature, visual elements can help set an intention for your meditation sessions.
Make your space a sanctuary or meditation retreat
While a meditation space can be whatever you want it to be, going beyond the concept of a “meditation space” and creating a sanctuary provides the freedom to use your space as a refuge and retreat, not just for meditation, but for reading, journaling, or simply relaxing at home.
Rhonda Jones, author of the Christian Meditation Journal and My Morning Sanctuary Program shares a great perspective on this, saying that “Your meditation space should feel like a sanctuary—a place of renewal and restoration for your mind, body, and spirit. A cozy chair or floor cushion invites rest and stillness, while a small table can hold a Bible, journal, or essential oils for relaxation. Keep the space free from clutter and distractions, allowing it to be a sacred retreat for prayer, reflection, and worship.”
Serenity from Sugared Beauty Bar adds that you can “Transform any corner of your rental into a meditation retreat with soft lighting, cozy textures, and a tech-free sensory reset. Ground yourself with a plush rug, cushions, or a weighted blanket, and let calming scents like lavender or sandalwood set the mood. Tune in to nature sounds, soothing instrumentals, or embrace the power of silence. Elevate your space with plants, bringing in fresh energy and a reminder of growth. Your mind deserves a peaceful place, no matter how small.”
Creating a meditation sanctuary allows you to design a space that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you choose to meditate or engage in other relaxing activities, the goal is to transform your environment into a peaceful retreat where you can attract positive energy, reflect, and connect with your inner self.
Tailor your multi-functional space for personal relaxation
When designing a multi-functional space that caters to both daily life activities and meditation, it’s important to create an environment that seamlessly supports both activities. Nicole Arnold, founder of Nicole Arnold Interiors, shares some stellar examples of how to make the most of your space:
“Creating a private sanctuary tailored specifically for personal relaxation is key to an effective meditation space. In this home, we designed a serene loft that serves as an executive’s work-from-home office, a meditation area, and a peaceful escape for a busy mom. Remote-controlled shades allow for complete control over lighting—whether welcoming soft, natural daylight or dimming the room for a candlelit ambiance. The open floor space provides the freedom for yoga and other restorative activities without obstruction.”
Nicole goes on to share that “A plush sofa/chaise invites cozy moments of reading and relaxation, while a built-in coffee and tea bar, along with a beverage fridge, ensures refreshments are always within reach. Soft white walls and delicate blush tones create a calming, soothing palette—completing this perfect personal retreat.”
Focusing on adding elements that fit your personal needs and furniture that can serve dual purposes is a great way to adapt a multi-functional space for meditation and personal relaxation. If you have limited space in your home, the above suggestions
Creating a meditation space: Wrapping up
Incorporating these elements into your meditation space will help you create a serene and welcoming environment that supports your practice. Whether you’re new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, having a dedicated space in your home can help you nurture mindfulness and cultivate a deeper sense of peace.
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