Creating a quiet, cozy aromatherapy corner where you can dedicate designated hours to your aromatherapy practice is a simple way to feel happier and more relaxed at home.
Whether you design an aromatherapy corner in your living room, home office or bedroom, it should be a place where you can escape the chaos and enjoy relaxing scents and décor that stimulates the senses, creating a more mindful home.
“Set aside some aromatherapy time each day for mindfulness and relaxation. Use the healing power of scent to help you relax, meditate, or find solace,” says Elizabeth Grace, interior designer, home expert, and founder of Dream Homemaking Blog.
Elizabeth Grace is an interior designer, furniture and home professional. She received her degree in Interior Design from the University of Notre Dame. Elizabeth landed her first job as an intern at a major firm in New York City, learning from some of the city’s top designers. She currently works as an interior designer for residential and commercial clients.
How to create an aromatherapy corner
“By finding the right balance between aesthetic and soothing elements, you’ll create a haven that’s not only beautiful to look at, but also fosters inner peace,” says Aleks Grigoriev, interior design expert and co-founder of Priority Home Buyers. “It’s a sanctuary within your home, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
1. Choose a dedicated space
(Image courtesy of Loaf)
The first thing to think about is where to place it: an alcove, a reading corner, a window seat or a cozy spot in your bedroom would be good options.
“Aromatherapy is certainly a form of therapy and healing, so you should have a space dedicated to it to create a sense of relaxation and calm,” says Suzanne Butler, feng shui and manifestation expert at Harmonizing Energies Fengshui.
“Choose a place where you can relax and soak in the soothing scents,” advises Elizabeth Grace.
“You want to create a sense of privacy and intimacy, so avoid spaces that are too exposed or crowded. You can also use curtains, screens and plants to create divisions and enclosures,” says Jackie Chow, principal and director at Architeut.
Jackie Chow is president and director of Archute, an editorial architecture, home and garden magazine that has been featured in The New York Times, Bustle, House & Home, Bloomberg, Angi, etc. Jackie also runs an online interior design company called Laurel & Wolf.
2. Incorporate aromatherapy into your routine
(Image courtesy of Wildflower Botanicals)
“The most important element of any aromatherapy corner is, of course, the scent,” says Jackie Chow. “Use candles, diffusers, fragrance sprays, incense, etc. to fill the corner with your favorite scents.”
“Immerse yourself in the world of essential oils, the essence of aromatherapy,” suggests Elizabeth Grace. “Create your own blend by combining essential oils that resonate with your emotions and needs. This personal touch enhances the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy.”
“Try classic oils like lavender and eucalyptus, as well as more unusual oils like helichrysum, petitgrain, and myrrh.” We love this essential oil set from Amazon.
You can also make candles using your favourite essential oils or add your own scents to the upholstered furniture in your aromatherapy corner to ensure you always have a relaxing, soothing scent.
“Displaying them on a decorative tray, stylish wooden box or on a dedicated shelf will add elegance,” suggests Aleks Grigoriev. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite options.
“Invest in a quality aromatherapy diffuser, an essential tool for diffusing your chosen scent,” says Elizabeth Grace.
Wicker Box with Glass Lid
$68.00 – $98.00
This wicker storage box with glass lid is perfect for storing essential oils and makes it easy to find what you need.
Essential Oil Organizer Storage Box
$37.90
This storage box can hold 96 bottles of 15ml essential oils. You can store your collection neatly. Bottle label stickers with the names of the oils printed on them are also included.
Wooden Wheel Shelf Unit
$298.00
It’s perfect for stylishly organizing candles, diffusers, essential oils, and even potted plants in your aromatherapy corner.
3. Choose a muted color scheme
(Image courtesy of Sofa.com)
The next thing to consider is color. Think about the most relaxing colors you can incorporate into your home décor and accessories.
“The colour scheme you choose for your aromatherapy corner can have a huge impact on your mood and energy,” explains Jackie Chow. “Go for calming, warm and earthy colours like beiges, browns, greens and lavender. You can add pops of colour with pillows, rugs and accessories, but avoid using too many bright or contrasting tones.”
“Choose muted colors, like soft blues and greens, that also work well with natural elements,” adds David Mason, founder of Knobs.
4. Consider lighting
(Image courtesy of Rowen Homes)
Lighting plays a key role in creating the right ambiance for your aromatherapy corner. Warm lighting that mimics natural light is perfect for creating a calming environment. If you want a softer glow, consider incorporating dimmer lamps, string lights, and candles.
“Balance is key, so include both natural and artificial lighting,” says Aleks Grigoriev. “Sheer curtains will diffuse the sunlight and give off a soft glow. Plus, incorporate soft, warm-toned lamps and candles to create a cozy atmosphere.”
Especially great for evening sessions.”
“However, your aromatherapy space should be kept out of direct sunlight for two reasons,” explains Suzanne Butler. “Firstly, it needs to be out of the sun to ensure the oils are effective. Secondly, if you’re also incorporating meditation into your aromatherapy practice, it should be a space with relatively yang energy – quiet and dark. You can make it brighter if you wish. Sitting in a space with direct sunlight can make your practice difficult and uncomfortable.”
Asymmetrical Ceramic Table Lamp
5. Choose a comfortable seat
(Image courtesy of Loaf)
Comfortable, relaxing seating is essential to immerse yourself in the aromatherapy experience. This should be the focal point of your aromatherapy corner and blend in with the aesthetic of your home.
“Comfort is paramount,” says Suzanne Butler. “It’s not enough to just use any old dining chair – ideally something that offers relaxing support, such as a plush armchair, chaise longue or cushioned window seat, or even a suitable meditation cushion.”
Upholstered gridback chaise lounge
Cori modular corner chair
Was $1,098.00, now $878.40
6. Incorporate natural elements
(Image courtesy of Snug sofa)
“Start by adding some plants to the area, which will not only create a natural feel but also improve the air quality, and using fragrant plants like lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile and rosemary will also enhance the aromatherapy benefits,” says Nate Masterson, aromatherapy expert at Maple Holistics.
You can also incorporate organic materials like rattan, wood, terracotta, and stone into your plant pots to create a serene, rustic feel. We love these handcrafted Moroccan terracotta pots from West Elm.
7. Add a personal touch
(Image courtesy of Furniture and Choice)
“The finishing touch to your aromatherapy corner is to add accessories.
“To make the space more unique and inviting, you can use books, magazines, music and art. You can also bring nature and positive energy into your space by using plants, flowers and crystals,” advises Jackie Chow.
To ensure your aromatherapy corner caters to your personal needs, ask yourself what it will be used for when deciding on the placement and styling: maybe a small side table for essential oils, a notepad for thoughts and a teapot of herbal tea.
Fragrance family: Fresh, floral
Fragrance notes: Bluebells, lily of the valley
size: 165ml
This diffuser gives off a green and earthy scent that makes you feel like you’re standing in a bluebell forest. The scent is strong enough to be noticeable, but subtle and never overpowering.
Fragrance Family: Floral, Woody
Fragrance notes: Blackcurrant, rose, tobacco
size: 75ml
Black and gold are the epitome of Art Deco style. The fragrance Baies is balanced, fruity, smoky and rich. It is a favorite among celebrities such as Lebron James and Kate Moss.
Fragrance Family: Sweet citrus, fruity
Fragrance notes: Tropical fruits, jasmine
size: 236ml
This scent is iconic. Tropical fruity notes combine with sweet citrus notes to create one of the most universally appealing combinations on the market. It’s powerful and beautiful.
FAQ
How can you infuse your furniture with fragrance?
You can layer scents to create your own unique scent. You can also use essential oils to create a furniture spray by adding oil and water to a spray bottle. To avoid the risk of staining your furniture, patch test the upholstery spray in an inconspicuous area of the furniture you want to infuse with your unique scent.
“Ensuring that all the equipment needed for your practice is in its designated place is essential,” explains Suzanne Butler. “Running around to gather everything you need before your session is a recipe for disaster. Imagine sitting down to start only to realise you’ve forgotten your oils, the speaker that plays relaxing music is charging in another room, or the towels and linens you need aren’t within reach – not exactly a good start to a stress-relief session.”
“Instead, get storage shelves to hold all the tools you need. That way, if the room is multi-purpose, you can keep your aromatherapy essentials out of sight when not in use.”
