6 ways to bring a yoga studio atmosphere into your home

1. Create a calm environment

Finding peace of mind at home can be tough if your eye catches sight of a pile of laundry or dirty dishes while you’re doing yoga. The most important thing is to find a spot with minimal distractions. If dedicating a whole room isn’t an option, even a corner of your bedroom can work.

A yoga mat generally measures about 180 × 60 centimeters, but a little extra free space width-wise is helpful so you can stretch your arms or legs outside the mat if you want. While it’s not absolutely necessary, a mat does help your mind settle and tune out the rest of your surroundings.

2. Adjust the lighting

Home lighting serves different functions for every occasion, as does each yoga style: an intense, energetic practice might benefit from bright, cool light, while meditation works better in a dimmer, softer glow. It’s usually not ideal to lie in total darkness—unless your aim is to fall asleep. Dimmable floor lamps and LED strips are versatile options.

3. Lavender soothes

Scents are strongly linked to our emotions and memories, and they can affect the mood of your home. If you need a pick-me-up, try citrus or rosemary. Lavender, chamomile, and vanilla, on the other hand, help calm your mind. Just add a couple of drops of essential oil to a scent stone or diffuser.

4. The right equipment

Yoga doesn’t need many complicated props. Even in a tiny home, you can tuck your yoga mat under the sofa or bed. If you do poses like Warrior or Downward-Facing Dog, it’s worth investing in a mat that won’t slip or stretch beneath your feet.

Fabric-covered hot yoga-style mats also work well for meditation and simple relaxation. Yoga blocks, bolsters, and straps are excellent aids, but you can easily swap them with pillows, belts, or thick books you already have at home.

5. Something extra

A yoga hammock might remind you of daring upside-down hanging yoga poses, but in reality, it’s a great tool for stretching and caring for your spine. You can even nap or read in it. Hammocks are fairly affordable but need the right ceiling attachment to be safe; a professional should confirm the installation. When you’re not using it, you can tie the hammock up or remove it altogether with quick-release hooks.

6. Draw inspiration from studio aesthetics

Sometimes it helps to step out of the house. Many yoga studios are designed to support your practice and are visually pleasant in terms of color, scent, and lighting. As a bonus, you’ll get to experience the benefits of professional guidance—and pick up décor ideas for your own yoga space at home at the same time.