A chill out room is a key part of the modern home. With rates of anxiety and depression rising around the world, we all need a space in which to relax and unwind to get away from the chaos of everyday life – and where could be more apt than in the safety and comfort of your own place?
To that end, the interior design experts at GreatBeanBags have put their heads together and created this guide on chill out room design in the home, chock-full of relaxation room decoration ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Along the way our creative director, Patrick Tonks, will walk you through the whole process, from furniture selection through to creating the right ambience.
Short on time? Use the links below to jump ahead to the sections that interest you most.
- Have a clear out
- Choose clever storage solutions
- Decorate with a consistent colour palette
- Choose comfy furniture
- Bring the outside in
- Opt for ambient lighting
- Pick calming scents
- Experiment with cosy textures
- Keep electronics tidy
- Find decor that makes you happy
1. Have a clear out
To create a space that evokes zen and tranquillity you’ll want to ensure the room is clear of clutter and distractions. Less really is more when it comes to creating a calming chill out room. Start by thinking about what you really need in the space - can you give anything away to a new home or donate it to charity? Once you’ve had a clear out, you'll be ready to make a start on decorating your space.
2. Choose clever storage solutions
It’s true what they say, out of sight, out of mind. If you’ve decluttered but there are still some items you can’t bear to part with, you can use nifty storage solutions to clear up your space. For example, in your living room, you could try a coffee table with hidden drawers or a storage unit with baskets to organise your things.
Utilising unused space like under the bed, smaller alcoves and hallways is another way you can maximise your storage space.
3. Decorate with a consistent colour palette
Colours evoke certain feelings and emotions so you’ll want to make sure you choose the perfect palette to complement your space. Neutral, earthy colours are great for creating a relaxing space. If you don’t want to stick to beiges and creams, you could try a sage green, dusty pink or even a pastel blue.
Whatever colour palette you choose, the key is to make it flow and avoid too many clashing colours – unless that’s your style of course.
4. Choose comfy furniture
For the perfect relaxation room, you’ll want to choose furniture that is both practical and comfy. Once you have your essential furniture like a sofa, bed, table and chairs, you might want to consider adding some alternative comfy seating. GreatBeanBags offers lots of options to suit every room in the house including bean bag chairs, bean bag sofas and even the monster bean bag for larger spaces.
Real Leather Bean Bag Chair from GreatBeanBags
5. Bring the outside in
We all know that spending time in nature is a great way to relax and unwind. Incorporating plants into your chill-out room design is a great way to do that without having to take a step outside. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and a great way to reduce stress, but they are also great for purifying the air. Not green-fingered? Don’t worry, there are lots of low-maintenance plants to choose from or there are some great artificial options too.
6. Opt for ambient lighting
Whilst being practical, ceiling lights can often be too bright for spaces where you want to create a calming atmosphere. Rather than relying on the main ceiling light, dot various lamps around the room. This will create smaller pools of light, adding a layered effect to lighting making it much softer and easier on the eye. We’d also suggest opting for warm white bulbs rather than cool white. This will help add warmth to your room.
You could also try alternative lighting such as salt lamps. Women’s Health suggests that salt lamps provide added benefits such as improving air quality and increasing happy hormones - however, this isn’t fully backed by scientific evidence.
7. Pick calming scents
It's a no-brainer that candles are a staple when it comes to chill out room ideas and they can really help add the finishing touches to a room. If you want to go the extra mile you could also try a ‘crackle’ candle to add that extra little bit of ambience to a room without the need for a real fireplace.
If you’re not a fan of candles, there are lots of other natural alternatives such as a humidifier with some essential oils. These often come with inbuilt lighting options so you’ll also be able to add some additional mood lighting to your room.
8. Experiment with cosy textures
Adding some texture to your room is a quick way to add a level of cosiness to any space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match here. There’s no end of options available and you can add a variety of different textures. This could include adding rugs, blankets, pillows and furniture upholstery.
Our bean bags are a great way to add a bit of texture whilst offering a practical, cosy seating solution. You’ll be spoilt for choice with a range of different fabrics including corduroy, faux fur, luxury chenille and designer velvet.
9. Keep electronics tidy
You want your space to be an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A quick way to ensure your space is cosy and inviting is by keeping electronic devices to a minimum so you can be free from distractions.
With many of us now working from home, it’s likely that your spare room or even bedroom may have become a makeshift office during the working week. With that in mind, it’s important that the room still remains a space in that you can find some peace in.
Keeping your workspace tidy won’t only keep you more focused at work, but it will also ensure you utilise the space when you’re not at work. There are lots of easy ways you can make sure that your workspace is free from clutter. For example, for a cheap and easy DIY job, you could purchase some cable trunking to hide any unsightly wires. Alternatively, for a quicker fix, you could opt for a cable tidy box or basket for your desk.
10. Find decor that makes you happy
Blank walls can make a room look unfinished and art is a great way to put your stamp on a space. Not only does it add texture to a space but it can also reflect your personality and have mood-boosting benefits.
Artwork doesn’t just have to be photos and prints. If you're musically inclined, you could hang your instruments on the wall. Not only will this declutter your space or ensure they’re not hidden away in cupboards, it’s also a great way to reflect your personality and interests. As they’ll be closer to hand, it might also encourage you to pick them up and play them more - another great way to chill out.
You’re ready to create the perfect chill out room!
Hopefully this article has got you feeling inspired and you’re ready to create the perfect chill out space. For more inspiration, check out our tips for creating a cosy living room.
We have lots of bean bag options for a variety of different chill out rooms. Explore below:
