How to Decorate a Massage Treatment Room
Bodyworkers Can Choose From Clinical or Spa Designs
Feb 26, 2009
There are many different ways to decorate a massage or bodywork room but they all shoot off two primary settings: clinical and spa. For a clinical setting the room’s focus is cleanliness, accessibility and finally ambiance. In a spa setting the room should focus on comfort, amenities and inspire relaxation.
Both primary styles can be mixed and matched according to the practitioner’s needs in a room and the primary clientele. If the room is shared with an acupuncturist, chiropractor or other type of professional there may be limits on decorations.
The Clinical Massage Room
As described above the first things to consider are cleanliness and accessibility. Since many clinical practitioners work with clients that have one or more disabilities or decreased mobility the room should be free of tripping hazards. An ADA rated electric motor massage table may be necessary to accommodate handicapped clients.
While the room may be within a clinic it doesn’t mean the room should be cold and unwelcoming. Sparse decorations such as framed nature scenes on the walls, and the ability to dim the overhead lights can go a long way in warming up a room.
The Spa or Relaxation Massage Room
For the practitioner that works mostly with relaxation massage this room should be generously decorated for the senses: sights, smells and touch. Luxury items are welcomed for this room including foot-friendly area rugs, dimmed lights, high-comfort linens and such.
Color is also a big element for the spa room; ranging from rich browns to vibrant turquoise, the therapist’s imagination can go wild here.
Elements to be used in a spa massage room:
- Water feature – such as a gently bubbling table fountain
- Multiple sources of light – dimmable lamps, artistic nightlights and soft lighting styles
- Nature – natural items such as seashells, bamboo, dried grass or reeds
- Amenities – nice touches to a room might include a mirror for the client to straighten her hair after her massage, a small bowl of mints, an area for client to hang or stack clothes, bench or chair to remove footwear
Don’t Overdo the Decorations in a Bodywork Room
A massage room faux pas is to over decorate a room. Too much of a good thing can be a sensory overload for a client, or it can simply look tacky. When too many style themes are thrown together in the same room it can look overwhelming – Asian lamps with country chairs and Grecian statues may be a bit too much.
Seeking Decorating Help
Popular choices to seek assistance decorating a spa or clinic include:
- Feng Shui design consultant – organizes the space for optimal energetic balance and style
- Ecodesign professional – uses green and environmentally-friendly plans to create a healthy space
- Vastu design consultant – similar to Feng Shui this form of design is based on Vedic principles from India
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