What makes a space sensory‑friendly?

Reduce overwhelming inputs (harsh lights, echoes, clutter), add predictable supports (visual schedules, labels), and include regulation options (movement, deep pressure, quiet nooks).

Where should I start at home?

Pick one room and make two small changes (e.g., lamp + headphones storage), then add one routine. Revisit after a week to adjust.

How do I balance needs in shared spaces?

Use portable tools (folding screens, lap pads, soft‑touch fidgets), clear labels, and time‑based routines so supports don’t dominate the room.

Sensory‑Friendly Spaces

OT‑informed guides for creating sensory‑friendly environments at home and at school. Start with quick wins, then explore room‑by‑room hubs.

Master Hub Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Home spaces School & classroom

Related links: Beginners Hub • Sensory Inputs Hub • How to’s & Resources • Kids • Teens • Adults

Jump to:

Quick wins (5‑minute upgrades)
Home spaces
School & classroom
Resources & printables

Quick wins (5‑minute upgrades)

Lighting: swap harsh overheads for lamps or filters; add dimmers.
Noise: create a quiet nook; teach headphone routines.
Clutter: use bins/labels; reduce visual noise on walls & shelves.
Seating: offer rocker, wobble or therapy ball options.
Routines: add visual schedules and two planned movement breaks.

Home spaces

Calm‑Down Corners — cozy, choice‑driven calm area
Printable Toolkit • Lap Pads • Quiet Fidgets
Sensory Rooms — lighting, seating, movement
Lamps • Bubble Tubes • Bottles
Bedrooms (Sleep & Calm) — lighting, bedding & routines
Weighted Blankets • White Noise
Bathrooms & Hygiene — textures, sounds, step‑by‑steps
Teeth Brushing • Oral Tools
Living & Family Spaces — noise control, flexible seating
Headphones • Chairs
Dining & Kitchen — seating, utensils, smell control
Picky Eaters • Oral Tools
Outdoor / Backyard — safe movement & heavy‑work
Swings • Mini Trampolines

School & classroom

Classroom Setup — lighting, seating, acoustics, visual load
Visual Schedules • Headphones
Cafeteria & Lunchroom — noise & smell management; seating
Gym & Playground — movement breaks, safe equipment
Transitions & Hallways — predictable cues, visuals, calm‑down plans
Supports for Teens — lockers, exams, study spaces
Teen Hub

Resources & printables

How to’s & Resources — guides & tutorials
Sensory Toy Quiz (parents) — quick starter
Sensory Diet App (waitlist) — get updates
Daily Sensory Schedule — planner
Daily Visual Schedule — routines
30 Days of Sensory Play — activity ideas

Tip: Match supports to needs with the Sensory Inputs Hub.

Keep exploring

SensoryGift • Sensory‑Friendly Spaces Hub