How to Create A Yoga Studio At Home (In 5 Easy Steps)

If you’re a yogi who practices in a dedicated studio, you’ll be familiar with the feeling of peace and surrender that comes with stepping through the doors and laying down onto your mat. Perhaps it’s the soft lighting, the gentle music, the uncluttered space… or maybe it’s the knowledge you have an entire hour free from distractions. Now imagine having a sacred space in your own home that could make you feel the same way. Well, with a few simple steps it’s completely possible. Creating a yoga studio at home is an easy and inexpensive way to commit to a regular practice—luxe athleisurewear optional. Keep reading for 5 easy steps to creating a yoga studio at home.

Step #1: Choose the Right Space

In order to select the best room in your home to set up your yoga studio, there are a few things to consider. Does the room get a good amount of natural light? Is there adequate airflow? Is it a high traffic area in your household? Not everyone has an extra room they can designate as a fulltime makeshift yoga studio, so think about whether you've got a corner or smaller space that might be suitable to use for an hour each day. If there is enough room to roll your mat out, stretch your arms and legs on either side and feel a sense of space and calm, you’re off to a great start.

Step #2: Channel Marie Kondo

Yoga studios are generally sparse and minimal, with only functional items remaining such as bolsters, mats, straps and blocks. Creating a clear and uncluttered space free from distractions means more mental energy to focus on your breath – consider physical order as something that is in turn reflected in the mind. Once you’ve chosen your space, start by emptying the room as much as possible so you can begin with a blank canvas, introducing only what you feel will enhance your practice. As well as props, this might include incense sticks, plants and inspirational artwork.

Step #3: Choose Colours Carefully

The colours you choose for your studio are entirely up to you, though it helps to understand how different hues affect your mood. Neutral shades like white, cream and beige are a popular choice for their earthy, minimal aesthetic. Cool colours such as blue, green and purple are known to be calming and soothing, while warmer shades like red, orange and yellow are said to evoke a more stimulating and energetic vibe. Everyone responds to colours differently and there’s no right or wrong, so just do what makes you feel good. If a fresh coat of paint is on the cards, be sure to choose a non-toxic variety that won’t emit harmful chemicals into your home. Painting not an option? An affordable way to introduce new hues is with soft textiles like cushions or wall hangings.

Step #4: Set the Mood With Music

Many people find that listening to music while practicing yoga helps to calm the mind, so don’t forget to consider the soundtrack when setting up your studio. This could be making use of an MP3 player, computer playlist or even just playing songs through a speaker via your Spotify on your iPhone. Pair some gentle chanting with a slow yin sequence, or try more upbeat tunes for a faster vinyasa flow – creating inspiring playlists can be a fun and creative part of the process and will make the experience all the more immersive, not to mention it will soften outside noises such as voices and traffic. You might, of course, prefer absolute silence during your practice ­– lucky you if this is an option in your household.

Step #5: Get the Lighting Right

Don’t underestimate the power of lighting in setting the overall mood. Regardless of the time of day, you’ll want the lighting to feel soft and natural. This might mean streams of sunlight in the morning for a vibrant, early practice, or warm candlelight in the evening for some soothing, restorative asanas before bed. Keeping obstacles like furniture away from windows will help to allow for maximum natural light – pull aside the curtains and (depending on outside air quality and noise pollution) fling open the windows to show your circadian rhythm some love in the a.m. In the evening, use a dimmer switch, candle or lamp for a warm, sleep-inducing glow.

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