Tips for Creating a Calming Sensory Bedroom for Autism

In today’s fast-paced, technology-saturated world, creating a sensory bedroom can offer a sanctuary from the constant exposure to phones, screens, and flashing lights. Sensory overload is a growing challenge, contributing to stress and anxiety as our senses are overwhelmed by stimuli.

While some people can filter out the noise, many struggle with the constant multitasking that modern life demands. This endless loop of sensory overload affects everyone—children and adults alike.

Carolyn Feder, a licensed interior designer and founder of Sensory Interior Design, shares her expert autism bedroom ideas to help parents create a peaceful and functional space for their children. These insights address everything from color choices to lighting and furniture, offering practical and affordable tips for an ideal autistic bedroom.

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Sensory Bedroom Ideas

Common mistakes in autism bedroom design

One common misconception about creating a bedroom for an autistic child is that it has to be expensive. Feder emphasizes that designing a sensory-friendly bedroom can be cost-effective if approached with a clear plan.

Over-spending without guidance can lead to clutter or overstimulation, which defeats the purpose of creating a calm environment. Our design firm doesn’t believe in following trends, and we don’t design children’s rooms around fashion statements meant for adults.

The space a child awakens to and drifts off to sleep in at night should be calm, safe, and always welcoming. It should be a place of peace and sensory replenishment, never a place of discomfort or isolation.

Choosing calming colors that promote relaxation

Colors affect our mood, how we process information, how we function and perform tasks. It’s one of the most important elements in an autism-friendly bedroom.

According to Feder, colors like blue, green, purple, and brown are generally soothing, while reds, oranges, and whites can be overstimulating. This applies even to the clothes we choose to wear around autistic children.

We know of a case where a loving aunt visited her nephew on a regular basis. The family wondered why he’d be so happy to see her sometimes, and other times, he’d turn away from her and cover his eyes. Did we mention she enjoyed wearing white clothes and bright red lipstick?

Many children on the spectrum have a difficult time falling asleep and staying asleep due to their high sensitivity to stimulation that others are able to filter out.

When planning bedroom ideas for an autistic child, avoid bright colors that might increase sensory stress. Instead, consider soft, muted shades that encourage relaxation.

The role of lighting 

Lighting is high on Feder’s list when it comes to creating a perfect sensory bedroom. Filtering light by various means is recommended. There are so many different options and architectural factors to consider when choosing window coverings.

Dimmer switches are great soothing mechanisms for any age when it comes to light bulbs. Natural light is ideal, but when it’s unavailable, dimmer switches and warm-toned LED bulbs can simulate natural sunlight.

Feder advises against fluorescent lighting, which can cause discomfort and even trigger headaches or sensory overload in sensitive children. They distort natural colors, buzz, and strobe at very high frequencies.

Fluorescent bulbs should not be in circulation at all. For a sensory-friendly bedroom, soft lighting options can create a calming atmosphere.

Electronics in a sensory bedroom setup

Feder recommends limiting electronics in an autism bedroom. Devices like white noise machines and gentle image projectors can be beneficial for relaxation.

However, stimulating electronics like computers and gaming devices should be kept out of the autistic child’s bedroom. A room focused on sensory-friendly relaxation should minimize distractions that might interfere with sleep and calm.

Choosing the right bedding for an autistic child

Feder spoke to someone who was concerned that her very active boys were not sleeping through the night. She was stunned that the first question was about the color of their room and bedding. The answer didn’t come as a complete surprise.

The room was white with red sheets and plaid comforters. Even the finest cotton with the highest thread count couldn’t possibly override the problem they had created. Bedding in a sensory bedroom should be simple, with solid colors and minimal patterns.

Whether lights are on or off, colors and patterns emit vibrations that affect brain waves in a positive or negative fashion. Because of that, heavy patterns or bright-colored bedding can be overstimulating.

Feder recommends placing one picture per wall related to the theme instead of filling it with visual clutter. They prefer to have natural landscapes and abstracts with soft curves and spirals versus straight lines and angles.

Weight-like texture may be calming to some and very upsetting to others. Therefore, weighted blankets have to be prescribed by a professional supervising sensory integration. 

Feder suggests soft sheets in neutral tones paired with one or two themed pillows for comfort. Visual clutter can also impact a child’s sense of calm, so it’s beneficial to use minimal wall art and avoid overwhelming décor.

Organizing the space

Organization is essential in autism-friendly bedroom ideas. If the room isn’t large enough to divide into stations, all attention needs to be placed on the room’s primary function, which is relaxation and sleep.

If the room is large enough for stations, our categories are easy to remember – SPEL: 

• S – Sleep,
• P – Play,
• E – Enjoy,
• L – Lear.

Feder worked with someone in a home where the child wasn’t sleeping because the bed was against a large window that had plastic vertical blinds that didn’t work. They were always partially opened and made noise when brushed against.

The only full wall had a desk and a dresser that no one used; the bed got moved, and the extra furniture was donated.

Beds should be furthest from windows and placed against a full wall, never against windows or doors. We encourage the Play, Enjoy, and Learn stations to be by a window if possible. That way, your child will receive all the nutrients that come from natural sunlight.

Picking the right flooring

Choosing the right flooring is also important in a sensory-friendly bedroom. This is an important category to test by getting a child’s input for positive responses or negative reactions.

If they prefer slick, smooth surfaces, natural wood is an excellent option. Avoid laminate floors that look like wood, as they make a lot of noise.

There are vast selections of vinyl planks that look very much like real wood. They are softer and warmer to walk and play on, easy to maintain, and offer somewhat better sound absorption than laminate.

Should the child prefer soft, snuggly textures, carpet is better, barring allergies to certain fibers. Carpet tiles work well because they are easy to install and replace.

Avoid checkerboard or patterned flooring, as it can cause sensory confusion or anxiety in some children. Children perceive the color changes as holes they can fall into.

Porcelain tile offers zero sound absorption. Even though they’re practical to care for, it’s cold to the touch and very hard in case of falls.

Furniture for an autism-friendly bedroom

When selecting furniture, Feder recommends choosing wood pieces with rounded corners for safety. For a sensory bedroom that promotes relaxation, aim for pieces in neutral colors or dark tones like espresso or charcoal.

Uncluttered, functional furniture allows children to feel secure in their space without overstimulation.

Tips for parents on a tight budget

On a tight budget, focus on decluttering and organizing the bedroom for an autistic child to enhance calm. Discarding and donating is the hardest and the most rewarding experience.  

Creating a sensory-balanced bedroom does not require luxury. Removing excess items and organizing what remains can significantly reduce anxiety and make the room feel more peaceful.

Simple adjustments like using soft lighting, calming colors, and minimal décor can go a long way in creating an effective sensory sanctuary.

Creating a sensory sanctuary

Feder’s autism bedroom ideas focus on creating sensory-friendly spaces where autistic children can thrive. From the choice of colors to lighting, flooring, and organization, every detail is thoughtfully designed to reduce sensory overload and promote relaxation.

These autistic bedroom ideas offer practical ways for parents to transform their child’s room into a sanctuary of calm, comfort, and safety.

This article was featured in Issue 34 – Autism Sleep, Bedtime and Hygiene Routines

FAQs

Q: What is the ideal bedroom for an autistic child?

A: An ideal bedroom for an autistic child is calm, sensory-friendly, and free of overwhelming stimuli, with soft lighting, neutral colors, and minimal clutter. Including familiar textures, weighted blankets, and noise-canceling options can help create a comforting, safe space.

Q: How do I make my bedroom autism-friendly?

A: To make a bedroom autism-friendly, reduce visual and auditory distractions, use blackout curtains, and incorporate soothing, low-light options. Adding sensory-friendly elements like weighted blankets, calming scents, and comfortable textures can improve comfort and reduce stress.

Q: What’s the best color to use in an autism-friendly bedroom?

A: Soft, neutral colors like blues, greens, and grays are typically best in an autism-friendly bedroom as they promote relaxation and reduce overstimulation. Avoid bright, bold colors that can be overwhelming.

Q: What color light is best for autism?

A: Soft, warm lighting, such as soft white or amber lights, is ideal for autism, as it reduces sensory overload and creates a calming environment. Avoid harsh, fluorescent lighting, as it can be overwhelming and disruptive.

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References

Ranne, J. (2019). Designing for multi-sensory experiences in the built environment (Master’s thesis).

Sensory Interior Design; Website: www.thegoldtouch.net
(originally known as Sensory Interior Design, now ‘theGoldtouch’)
Email: [email protected]

Unwin, K. L., Powell, G., & Jones, C. R. (2022). The use of Multi-Sensory Environments with autistic children: Exploring the effect of having control of sensory changes. Autism, 26(6), 1379-1394.

Ghazali, R., Md Sakip, S. R., & Samsuddin, I. (2019). Creating positive environment for autism using sensory design. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 4(10), 19-26.