How to create a personal home yoga studio

A home studio can be a personal sanctuary for yoga, meditation or reflection. You can create your ideal yoga space without spending loads of money. Study what inspires you: observe what kinds of spaces feel most peaceful and what elements awaken your mind and body. Create a contemplative atmosphere with warm colors and careful lighting and then integrate the elements with a couple of carefully chosen decorative accents or symbolic images.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove clutter. Disorganization can be a big distraction when you are trying to clear your mind, as can small things like dust or cobwebs. If your room is spotless, you will be able to focus much more easily. No one wants to worry about the cleaning that needs to be done while they are practicing yoga. Begin by clearing the studio of anything that isn't essential, and then clean the space thoroughly. Use eco-friendly cleaning products, especially if you are sensitive to strong-smelling chemical products.

    • 2

      Integrate therapeutic colors. You might choose a warm, earthy color palette to bring energy to the practice. Orange tones stimulate joy and energy while red tones awaken the body. Yellow lifts depression and energizes while green and blue tones relax and cool a frazzled mind. Keep in mind that too much color can overpower: bold colors work best in moderation. For an environmentally-friendly space that feels clean and calm, choose neutral tones, organic, unbleached cotton, bamboo floors and natural wood furniture.

    • 3

      Choose meditative images to inspire your practice. Paintings, wall hangings or sculptures work as visual reminders that the space is intended for reflection and meditation. Draw on spiritual images that hold personal meaning. If you are including an altar in your yoga room, mindfully link the art and the alter items to create a spiritual atmosphere without overpowering the space with items that will distract you and make you lose your meditative focus.

    • 4

      Add soothing light. Windows, candle light and mirrors are pleasant additions to a yoga studio. If the light is insufficient or glaring, it won't be conducive to your practice. Avoid fluorescent light bulbs; use full spectrum bulbs instead. If windows look out onto a busy street, use lightweight curtains that will block the distractions but still let light into the room. Paper lanterns or strings of lights can add soft lighting and create a mellow ambiance, especially for evening yoga.

    • 5

      Organize supplies. Use a storage closet or cupboard to put away the props or other studio items when the aren't in use. If there aren't doors on the closets, use curtains or movable screens to hide things like stereo speakers, vents and cords from view.