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Sensory rooms are controlled environments designed to help children and adults reduce anxiety and regulate the nervous system. They’re so effective they’re now a common feature of public spaces like hospitals, airports and shopping centres, as well as workplaces and schools. And you don’t need a big budget – or even a dedicated room – to create something similar for yourself. Here are a few home sensory room ideas to help you create a relaxing, restorative space of your own.
Our busy brains process signals all day long. Sensory overwhelm is more common than you might think, and lowering the lighting is a simple way to reduce stimuli and restore feelings of calm and control. A darkened room also makes a better backdrop for atmospheric lighting like projector lights or lava lamps.
For those times when you want to shut out the outside world, a blackout blind will give you ultimate control over light levels, at any time of day. For children, you could also use a pop-up blackout tent to create a cosy retreat in the corner of a bedroom or playroom.
Light can be used to both stimulate and soothe the senses. Soft, shifting colour has a naturally calming effect, while a slow, mesmerising pattern helps you unwind by giving your mind something gentle to focus on.
There’s plenty of inspiration to be found in this grown-up home sensory room. The yoga area and fitness trampoline invite relaxation through low-impact movement, while the large-scale light projection creates a soothing focal point. A total blackout Blind Screen® allows darkness and privacy at any time of day, and comfy seating and throws offer an opportunity to snuggle up and switch off.
“Hillarys Calm Living collection delivered on all aspects of our sensory design brief. Their natural fabrics are soft to the touch, offering positive sensory connections. In addition, the palette reflects nature's calm colours, which complimented our earthy palette.”
Pippa Jameson, author, interior stylist and creative director
Sensory play isn't just calming – it's how children learn to process the world around them. A dedicated space filled with colour, texture and things to touch, stack and discover gives them room to explore at their own pace.
This Montessori-style playroom strikes a lovely balance. Squishy colour-coded floor tiles define different activity zones, while open shelving keeps toys visible and easy to reach, encouraging independent play. A calming blue Roman blind softens the light without blocking it out completely, and a string of fairy lights adds a gentle, playful glow.
Touch is a really powerful sense. Soft, tactile materials can be deeply calming – think weighted blankets, chunky knits and freshly laundered sheets.
Soft furnishings also help to absorb sound and muffle outside noise. Cushions and curtains, rugs and throws all make a room feel cosier and more cocooning. It's a simple, affordable way to introduce sensory design principles into your home.
A sensory space works best when it feels intuitive. Electric curtains and blinds let you control privacy and light levels with a simple touch of a button. Adding a Somfy Smart Hub lets you open or close curtains and blinds using voice commands or remotely using the mobile app. You can also programme blinds to close and open at set times of day.
As well as being convenient, electric and smart controls are also ideal if you have limited mobility or sensory processing differences. It’s a small swap that can help you access a calm environment when you need it most.
A home sensory room doesn't need to be elaborate to be effective. A dimmable corner, a few soft textures, or a well-placed light projection can all help you feel calmer and more in control, whatever space you have to work with.
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*Order now for fitting in time for Christmas is available on selected blinds and curtains only and is subject to advisor capacity. Regional variances may apply. Wooden shutters, conservatory blinds, Duette blinds, Blind Screen, pleated blinds, awnings, garage doors and pergolas are not included.
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