Incorporating a Sensory Room into your home

Incorporating a sensory room into your home can offer significant benefits for family members with sensory processing needs, autism, ADHD, or other additional needs. Creating a sensory room at home provides not only a space for relaxation but also a therapeutic environment designed to stimulate and soothe the senses. Whether you’re setting up a DIY sensory room or designing a comprehensive home sensory environment, this guide will help you enhance comfort, promote relaxation, and support sensory integration.

Room installed into a school with blue mood lighting and a range of tactile panels installed onto the wall with an interactive floor

What is a Sensory Room?

A sensory room is a specially designed environment filled with various sensory stimuli intended to engage, calm or sooth the senses. It typically includes equipment and activities that stimulate sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. The purpose of a Sensory Room is to create a controlled, safe space where individuals can explore sensory experiences, manage stress, and achieve a sense of calm.

Sensory room installed into a school, featuring the top sensory room design ideas

Benefits of a Home Sensory Room

A sensory room helps individuals with sensory processing disorders to integrate sensory experiences effectively. It provides a space where they can engage with different stimuli to improve sensory regulation.

The Calming environment of a sensory room can reduce anxiety and stress, offering a retreat from overstimulating surroundings.

A Sensory Room provides an outlet for emotional expression, helping individuals manage and communicate their feelings in a constructive way.

For children with ADHD or learning difficulties, a Sensory Room can help improve focus and concentration by providing a structured environment for sensory breaks.

See our range of Tactile Panels
bubble panels and a tactile panel in a soft padded plinth

Essential elements for a Home Sensory Room

When setting up a Sensory Room in your home, consider incorporating the following elements

Calming Lighting: Lighting which is soft and adjustable, dimmable lights or LED colour changing lights create a soothing atmosphere. Avoid harsh fluorescent lighting, and consider adding pin wheel projectors to produce gentle light patterns.

Tactile Experiences: Install tactile panels or textured wall panels these provide a variety of textures for exploration. Include surfaces like soft, rough, smooth and bumpy.

 

Interactive panels installed onto the walls of a school

Essential elements for a Home Sensory Room

Integration: Incorporate sensory swings or hammocks for vestibular input, this helps with balance and spatial awareness. Ensure swings are installed to manufacture specifications and that there is ample space for safe operation.

Comfortable Seating: Include bean bags, soft padding to floor or soft padded benches, ensure the seating is safe and supportive.

Aromatherapy: Soothing essential oils enhance relaxation.  Incorporate scents known for their calming properties and check for allergies before introducing an aroma.

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Setting Up Your Home Sensory Room

Plan the Space 

Evaluate the specific sensory needs of your family members. Determine what types of sensory stimuli will be the most beneficial.

Budget

Establish a budget early on to guide your purchasing decisions. Focus on essential items first, DIY projects will keep costs down. Consider using household items creatively to enhance sensory experiences. While staying in budget invest in high quality items that offer durability and safety. Balance cost and functionality to ensure the room remains effective and enjoyable.

 

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Room within a school, wall panels and soothing colour tube installed

Design the layout

Arrange the sensory equipment to create distinct areas for different experiences. Ensure the layout allows for easy movement and interaction.

Once the sensory room is setup, test the equipment and layout to ensure all functions as intended.

 

See our range of Waterless Tubes
Textured Wonder Wall for sensory rooms. The tactile panel features a variety of materials and surfaces for sensory feedback. Ideal for those with ADHD, Autism and tactile activities for Dementia

Conclusion

Installing a Sensory Room into the home can be a transformative space that enhances comfort, relaxation and sensory integration. By incorporating sensory elements and creating a tailored environment, you can provide valuable support for family members with sensory needs. Whether you are designing a large sensory room or setting up a small sensory corner, focusing on key features and individual preferences will help you create a space that makes a meaningful difference.

Ready to transform your home with a sensory room?

Contact us for expert advice and a customised solution to create a perfect sensory environment for your family.

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