How to Create Your Own Sensory-Friendly Space

As the public becomes more educated on the needs of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and others with sensory sensitivities, increasingly more public places (such as libraries and movie theaters) are creating sensory-friendly spaces. Other places are holding sensory-friendly events or hours.

What makes a space sensory-friendly? Is it easy to make a sensory-friendly room? 

Yes! Many of the features of sensory-friendly spaces are interior decorating tips that can easily be adopted. These elements make for a calming and welcoming environment, either in your home, at a business, or in a community building.

For individuals in the I/DD community, having sensory-friendly public spaces means they can enjoy the same amenities and experiences with a safe space to retreat if they want. Not only do they make our community more inclusive, the calm and comforting effects of sensory-friendly environments are good for everyone.

If you are looking to make your own sensory-friendly space, here are some insights and ideas you can use. 

TYPES OF SENSORY-FRIENDLY ROOMS 

When talking about sensory-friendly rooms, there are two types: 

 1.  A space used by everyone, which has been made to be sensory-friendly. 

 2.  A separate room which can be used when a person becomes overwhelmed or simply wants to remove themselves from the main environment. 

What option works best for you depends on the space available and the needs of the people using the room. 

Want to give people their own space, but do not have an entire room to use?

Consider dedicating a corner of a room to being sensory-friendly or dividing off a section with a curtain or room divider. While a divider will not offer the same benefits as a designated room, it can offer some relief from sensory overload.

Alternatively, if there is a room which is only used at certain times of the day, it may be easy to transform the room as needed.

HOW TO MAKE A SPACE SENSORY-FRIENDLY  

The methods for making a space sensory-friendly are of course remarkably similar whether you are making a dedicated “quiet room” for people to retire to or want to make your existing space more welcoming.  

Here are some features to consider. 

LIGHTING 

This is a big one for people with sensory sensitivities. In fact, using natural lighting (sunshine) as much as possible is beneficial to everyone. Natural light has been proven to better mental health and overall well-being.

For those cloudy days, nighttime, or for rooms without windows, choose light that is “warm” as opposed to brightly white. This golden-tinged light is easier on the eyes. Those on the spectrum find the glare of fluorescent lights to be especially irksome. 

Table and floor lamps are often “softer” and more diffused than overhead lights. However, when creating a designated sensory-friendly room, remember these spaces may be used by people experiencing severe behaviors. Are the lamps in a spot where they cannot be knocked over? Safety needs to be a top priority. Consider who will use the room. 

Another lighting option is mood lighting. With the advent of voice-command run homes, color-changing lights have seen an upsurge in the past decade or so. (“Alexa, make the light blue!”)  

Systems like these that can perform tasks such as turning on the lights, setting the thermostat, or seeing who is at the door. These functionalities can be game changers for people in the I/DD community. If you want to learn more, check out this article about the Boundless SmartHome in Columbus. You can arrange a tour to see these features.

But you don’t need to have a fancy system to take advantage of the calming effects of mood lighting. There are so many options out there, from battery-operated color-changing table lights to light projectors that simulate a starry sky, reflected water, or other soothing patterns.

COLORS 

Those who are familiar with color theory will know that “cool” colors (blue, green, purple) are more soothing than warm colors (red, orange, yellow). Using cool or nature-toned colors in your decor makes a space calming and inviting for everyone.

SOUND 

People on the spectrum or in the I/DD community are often sensitive to loud noises.

For public spaces, asking guests to keep their voices down can go a long way towards making a space more sensory-friendly. Posting polite signs reminding people they are in a quiet space is a helpful way to achieve this. 

Another great idea is to offer noise-canceling headphones. Some headphones are made exclusively to muffle noise, while music headphones with noise-canceling are also used in sensory-friendly environments.

And because everyone finds different music genres to be calming, it is a good idea to have options available. From nature sounds and orchestral music to pop, rock, and funk, there are no rules for the tunes that a person can find calming. Remember, having noise sensitivities doesn’t always equate to wanting silence. Just keep music to headphones only, so only the individual hears it.

TEXTURES & FURNITURE 

This topic is trickier because personal preferences play a significant role with touch-related sensory sensitivities. One person’s “bad texture” could be a desirable texture for another person.

Just like bright lights or loud noises, textures have the power to “trigger” individuals with sensory sensitivities. 

What furniture is in the room? A couch upholstered in an itchy material can cause discomfort and distress. An easy solution could be to get a slipcover in a soft, natural fabric.

Other furniture that works well in sensory-friendly rooms include beanbags and hammock chairs. Not only do these options give individuals a sense or personal space, but they can provide movement, which is a sensory experience many people in the I/DD community crave. 

SENSORY TOYS/ITEMS 

It can be confusing, when talking about sensory-sensitivities or sensory overload, to remember that individuals in the I/DD community also desire sensory stimulation.

Sensory “toys” are appropriate for all ages. They come in different textures, may have moving parts that spin or, in the case of “poppers” push in and out. You may also know them by the name “fidget toys”. 

Some places, such as our sensory-friendly room for our kids in Medina, have a wide assortment of these items for everyone to use. Other places may hand out sensory-friendly kits to visiting guests; check out websites before you go.

SCENTS 

Another trigger for sensory sensitivities is strong smells. Just like many of the items on this list, this is something to keep in mind for many people. (Think about the office taboo of bringing fish to work!) Strong smells are also disturbing to individuals who are prone to headaches and sinus allergies.

Keeping people from bringing strong-smelling foods into most spaces is an easy thing to do. Here are other simple practices you can adopt: 

• Avoid using scented “plug-ins “or room sprays. 
• Choose unscented hand soaps.
• Make sure the room is well ventilated.
• Keep rooms fresh by regularly cleaning carpets and upholsteries. 

Remember, products with names like “Fresh Breeze”, “Linen”, or “Ocean Mist” do NOT count as unscented. However natural their names sound, they are not typically made of natural ingredients.

What about aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy, using essential oils to diffuse calming scents into the air, is something some people enjoy. However, for public spaces (such as waiting rooms) it is best to avoid using diffusers. You never know when even the natural odor of essential oils will be irritating for a guest.

In personal spaces, using essential oils can be a terrific addition to a sensory-friendly room. Simply test out different oils to see if they are acceptable and pleasing to you or your loved one.  

A WORD ON CLUTTER 

A final feature of a sensory-friendly space is a minimalist approach to design. Too much going on in a room can be overwhelming visually.

Using storage methods where things are accessible but out of sight unless needed can reduce clutter and make a space more restive.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

Making a sensory-friendly space for customers, clients, or guests creates a welcoming, inclusive environment for all people!

Sensory-friendly spaces at home are not only beneficial but can be a fun project to undertake. Talk with your loved one about ways you can make their living spaces more adapted to their sensory needs and try out which ideas work best for them.