Calming Sensory Room Ideas for Autism & SPD
Updated 9/23/2024
Imagine stepping into a space where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to soothe the senses and create a sense of calm.
The walls are painted in soft, calming hues, and the room is gently illuminated by a spectrum of lights that flow like a serene ocean wave.
Comfortable seating invites you to sink in, while the gentle hum of a bubble tube and the mesmerizing motion of a lava lamp create a tranquil atmosphere.
This is a sensory room—a sanctuary designed to support individuals with autism and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
On one side of the room, you’ll find a lively area filled with tools to engage the senses and promote movement: bouncing balls for exercise, interactive panels to stimulate touch, a Lego wall for creative exploration, and crash pads that offer a safe space for energetic play.
Music flows through the room, adaptable to each individual’s needs, whether it’s upbeat rhythms to invigorate or soft melodies to soothe.
Even the floor isn’t just a floor—it’s an interactive playground. Soft foam tiles arranged like a giant jigsaw puzzle provide a tactile experience, while cozy area rugs add comfort and a sense of security.
Each piece, from the floor tiles to the sensory toys, is chosen to help children feel understood, supported, and at ease.
Creating such a space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right sensory products, you can transform any room into a calming haven that meets the unique needs of your overstimulated child.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, our curated selection of sensory tools and recommendations is designed to make the process easy and enjoyable!
What is a Sensory Room?
A sensory room is a sensory space designed for kids with disabilities or disorders, specifically those with ASD and SPD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that creates social and behavioral challenges for people living with it.
Individuals with ASD learn and interact differently from most people. They can either be high-functioning and gifted, or seriously challenged.
Autistic children find it hard to socialize and communicate.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has problems with sensory inputs resulting in trouble responding to these.
Children with SPD may be oversensitive to touch, lights and sounds. They are uncoordinated and find difficulty playing.
A sensory room aims to control sensory input so that these children will have a comfortable space while learning or playing.
These rooms may either stimulate or relax the senses to provide support for individuals developing their sensory skills.
Sensory rooms are not a new concept- they were invented in the Netherlands by psychologists Ad Verheul and Jan Hulsegge in the late seventies.
Their work with people suffering from severe disabilities led to the idea of the sensory room.
Their primary purpose was to provide a venue to help these individuals adapt to their surroundings by combining play and sensory experiences.
Everything in a sensory room, from sensory swings to lighting, has a specific purpose.
Each provides sensory experiences that help children with ASD and SPD learn and cope with the world around them when they use their five senses.
Sensory rooms also provide quiet spaces, so children with ASD can enjoy learning without distractions in school classrooms.
The Importance of Sensory Spaces
Sensory rooms provide children with ASD or SPD quiet spaces which help them focus.
- These rooms are better equipped for children with special needs.
- It’s an excellent learning, relaxing and therapeutic environment.
- These rooms help children develop skills and also learn to manage emotions.
- It’s a perfect setting where kids can socialize with others without difficulties.
Perfect Sensory Room Colors That Calm
Creating a sensory room involves more than just filling a space with the right equipment; it’s about crafting an environment where every element works together to provide comfort and support.
One of the most important aspects of this is choosing the right colors.
Color can significantly impact mood and sensory perception, especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Tools like Sherwin-Williams’ ColorSnap Visualizer can be incredibly helpful in this process.
By uploading a photo of your sensory room, you can virtually experiment with over 1,700 colors to find the perfect shades that create a calming and harmonious atmosphere.
This way, you can see how different hues interact with the unique elements of your space, from walls to furniture.
Neutral Colors
When choosing a base color, consider painting the room in soft, neutral tones. White walls, for example, work beautifully if you plan to use light projectors that display a variety of colors.
The neutral background allows the projected lights to take center stage, offering a versatile way to change the room’s ambiance based on the needs of the moment.
Green Colors
Known for its calming properties, green is often associated with serenity, bringing a sense of peace and relaxation to any space. This makes it ideal for areas within the sensory room where children can unwind and find solace.
But green is more than just a calming color. It also symbolizes growth, vitality, and playfulness, reflecting the vibrant energy of nature.
It can inspire a sense of curiosity and encourage interaction, making it a perfect backdrop for areas designed for exploration and active play.
This dual nature allows green to create a harmonious environment that supports both relaxation and engagement.
Blue Colors
Blue is a color that effortlessly brings a sense of calm and tranquility, making it a popular choice for sensory rooms designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Often associated with the serene vastness of the sky and the gentle flow of water, blue can evoke a feeling of peace and stability, helping to create a soothing environment where children can relax and feel at ease.
However, not all blues are created equal. While this color is generally calming, its intensity can significantly impact how it is perceived.
Bright, vivid shades of blue—though beautiful—can be overstimulating, especially for individuals with heightened sensory sensitivities. These intense hues may evoke feelings of unease or agitation, which is counterproductive in a sensory room meant to provide comfort and security.
To harness the calming power of blue without overwhelming the senses, opt for softer, more muted tones. Light blues, like powder blue or baby blue, mimic the gentle hues of a clear sky and promote a sense of openness and calm.
Deeper shades, like navy or slate blue, can add depth and a cocooning effect, providing a secure and comforting space for focused activities or quiet time.
Black Colors
While black may not be the first color that comes to mind when designing a sensory room, it can play a powerful role in creating a controlled and dynamic environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Black has the unique ability to absorb light, making it an ideal backdrop for various lighting elements and sensory equipment.
In sensory rooms, black is often used to create a darkroom effect, a space where specific sensory experiences can be highlighted without external distractions.
By reducing ambient light, black walls or drapes can enhance the visual impact of tools like fiber optic lights, bubble tubes, and projectors.
This controlled setting allows children to focus on the soothing visual stimuli provided, making it easier for them to engage and explore without feeling overwhelmed.
However, because black can be a visually intense color, it should be used thoughtfully and strategically.
It’s most effective when balanced with lighter, softer elements that provide contrast and comfort.
For instance, incorporating black as an accent color—such as a feature wall or sensory equipment base—while keeping the rest of the room in more neutral or calming tones can help maintain a welcoming atmosphere.
For children who benefit from low-stimulation environments, a dedicated dark room can offer a safe space to retreat and regulate their senses.
Here, black can serve as a calming canvas that minimizes visual clutter and amplifies the effects of carefully chosen lighting and sensory tools.
Purple Colors
Purple is a unique and powerful color that holds a special place in sensory room design. Known for its soothing qualities, purple has the ability to connect with the subconscious mind, making it an excellent choice for creating a serene and introspective environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Often associated with mindfulness and inner peace, purple can help foster a sense of calm and tranquility.
Lighter shades like lavender or lilac offer a delicate, soothing touch that can help children feel safe and comforted, while deeper hues like plum or amethyst add a sense of depth and introspection.
Pairing it with neutral tones like gray, beige, or soft whites can enhance its calming effect, creating a harmonious and inviting space.
3 Sensory Room Ideas to Inspire You
The design of your sensory room is very important for how well it works. Setting up different areas for various sensory experiences can help reduce overwhelming feelings and make the space more organized.
Think about:
- A Quiet Corner: This area should have soft chairs, weighted blankets, and soothing visuals. It is meant to be a calming place for relaxation and recovery.
- An Active Zone: This space can include a sensory swings, ball pits, and tactile toys. It encourages movement and helps improve balance and coordination.
- A Visual Area: This zone should have dim lights, a projector, and comfy seating. It provides a place for gentle visual stimulation and quiet focus.
1. Tranquil Cove Layout
Color Scheme
Soft blues and greens dominate this room, creating a calming and serene atmosphere. Light blue walls are paired with seafoam green accents on pillows and rugs. A neutral, sand-colored carpet grounds the space, offering a sense of warmth and comfort.
Sensory Equipment
Bubble Tube: A tall bubble tube filled with light blue water and pink glowing bubbles stands in the corner. The soft light blue water soothes the eyes while the pink bubbles add a gentle pop of color, creating a calming yet visually engaging focal point.
Lava Lamps: Three lava lamps are strategically placed: one with green wax in clear liquid, one with light blue wax in clear liquid, and one with purple wax in clear liquid. These are positioned on shelves at varying heights around the room to create a harmonious and stimulating environment.
Light Projector: Mounted on the ceiling, the light projector casts soft ocean wave patterns in blue and green across the room, accompanied by soothing wave sounds. The gentle movement helps create a tranquil environment.
Bluetooth Speaker: A small, discreet Bluetooth speaker blends into the room's décor, playing a curated playlist of nature sounds and ambient music. The speaker is positioned near the seating area for optimal sound distribution.
Additional Features: Include a comfortable bean bag chair, weighted blankets, and a soft play mat. Use sheer curtains to diffuse natural light, enhancing the room's tranquility. An essential oil diffuser with scents like lavender or eucalyptus can further enrich the sensory experience.
2. Galaxy Retreat Layout
Color Scheme
Deep purples, blacks, and soft neutrals create a sense of mystery and wonder. The walls are painted a rich, dark purple, with starry decals or a galaxy mural on the ceiling. A soft, black carpet grounds the room and adds to the cosmic feel.
Sensory Equipment:
Bubble Tube: A black bubble tube with blue glowing bubbles stands in the center of the room, drawing attention with its celestial appeal. The soothing blue bubbles contrast beautifully with the dark, cosmic background.
Lava Lamps: A set of three lava lamps is used: one with purple wax in clear liquid, one with black wax in blue liquid, and one with orange wax in clear liquid. These are arranged on a central display shelf, providing a mesmerizing, interstellar experience.
Light Projector: A galaxy light projector casts swirling stars and nebulae on the walls and ceiling. The colors cycle through purple, blue, and white, enhancing the room's celestial theme. The projector also syncs with the Bluetooth speaker to play ambient space sounds or calming music.
Bluetooth Speaker: A sleek, black Bluetooth speaker is positioned near the seating area, playing soothing space-themed music or ambient white noise. It can also sync with the light projector for a fully immersive experience.
Additional Features: Include a hammock chair for gentle swinging motion, a sound machine playing soft, ambient music or nature sounds, and blackout curtains for optimal light control.
A plush rug with celestial patterns adds to the immersive experience. Glow-in-the-dark star stickers on the ceiling complete the galactic feel.
3. Zen Oasis Layout
Color Scheme
Soft neutrals with accents of sage green and light blue dominate this minimalist, peaceful space. Walls are painted a warm, off-white or beige, while the furniture and décor incorporate natural materials like bamboo and wood in neutral tones.
Sensory Equipment
Bubble Tube: A clear bubble tube with purple glowing bubbles stands in a corner, providing a subtle and calming visual stimulus. The gentle movement of the purple bubbles against the neutral background offers a balanced, peaceful atmosphere.
Lava Lamps: Two lava lamps with neutral tones are placed on either side of a low shelf: one with beige wax in clear liquid and the other with orange wax in clear liquid. Their slow, flowing movements add a tranquil, meditative element to the room.
Light Projector: A nature-themed light projector casts gentle leaves and tree shadows onto the walls, using soft green and blue hues. The movement is slow and calming, mimicking the experience of being outdoors in a forest. The projector can also play nature sounds such as bird songs or gentle water streams.
Bluetooth Speaker: A small Bluetooth speaker is placed on a shelf, blending seamlessly with the room’s aesthetic. It plays a playlist of gentle instrumental music and nature sounds, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
Additional Features: Include a low platform bed or meditation cushions, a large woven rug, and soft drapery. Incorporate a small indoor water feature to provide soothing sounds of flowing water. The room should have soft, diffused lighting to maintain a calming atmosphere. Add indoor plants to connect with nature and improve air quality.
Wrapping it Up
With careful attention to detail, these sensory room designs not only promote relaxation and focus but also inspire a sense of wonder and tranquility, making them ideal spaces for anyone seeking a sensory refuge.
Check out our Sensory Room Equipment collection for quality, therapy-focused sensory room products today!
