A simple, elegant massage room sets the tone for a relaxing experience

8 Stylish and Zen Massage Room Ideas

While the most relaxing part of visiting a spa is usually the massage itself, there are many other factors that help create a relaxing and calming vibe for guests. The environment of the spa and the massage room is what allows guests to truly feel relaxed, which means it’s just as important to design a soothing massage room as it is to hire the right massage therapist.

Massage Room Essentials

Any massage room needs a massage table, space for your client to store their personal belongings, and functional storage for supplies and accessories (linens, bolsters, massage stones, topicals, etc). Massage rooms not only need state-of-the-art massage equipment, but they should also create a zen-like experience for your spa guests from the second they walk in the door to when they lie down on the massage table.

Below, you'll find our top eight ideas, including tips, techniques and styling advice to turn any massage room into a relaxing oasis your clients will crave.

1. Define & Lean Into Your Spa Aesthetic

Every spa has its own vibe, look and feel. What's yours? Does your spa go for a chic and modern atmosphere or is your salon waiting room a tropical oasis with plants and the sound of rushing water? Either way, determining your salon’s overall look and personality can help you narrow in on the vibe you want to create in your massage rooms. If you need massage room color ideas, look around your spa and identify the dominant color schemes being used so you can weave similar aesthetics into the massage room. Consistency is key and you want your waiting room and massage room to have a similar feel. 

In general, greens and blues are known to be calming colors, but neutral tones or any soft shades can work well for massage rooms. You'll want to steer clear of dark or bright colors, as well as intensely saturated hues (which are energizing, rather than relaxing).

2. Invest in Quality Equipment

Everything your guests come into contact with at your spa needs to be high-quality — especially the massage table itself. You want your guests to feel comfortable and cared for when they lie down to receive their massage. Whether you choose a stationary massage table or a premium electric massage table, find one that meshes well with the services you offer. For example, if you offer pregnancy massage you’ll want to make sure your massage table can support clients in a semi-reclined or side-lying position, or invest in a set of bolster cushions designed to support pregnant bodies. If you live in a colder climate where guests come into the spa from freezing temperatures, you may want to invest in massage table warming pads.

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3. Get the Light Just Right

The best lighting for massage is warm and diffuse. Opt for multiple lamps spaced evenly around the room and avoid bright overhead lighting, which can cast harsh shadows. Choose warm (or adjustable) light bulbs to create a cozy and inviting environment, and use nightlights to provide extra visibility where you need it. Just make sure there aren’t any lights shining directly on the massage table.  Whether you want to light the room with LED candles, dimmable LED string lights or salt lamps in your favorite hue, this type of soft lighting will set the mood just right.

Block out daylight and create a warm glow to help clients unwind

4. Offer Indulgent Treats

Since massages are a major “treat yourself moment,” why not outfit massage rooms with a table filled with decadent chocolates and bottled water for guests to partake in after their massage? You can also place accessories nearby, like a complimentary hair tie and an envelope for tipping the massage therapist. If your spa sells any retail products you could provide free samples for clients to enjoy at home.

5. Curate a Calming Playlist

As your guests are getting comfortable and relaxed, you can play healing frequency sounds or meditation music throughout your spa and massage rooms to help guests relax their minds. Having soothing music during the massage can help you create a positive experience for guests in your massage rooms. Consider having several different playlists ready and asking your massage clients their preference. Some genres that work well for massage are classical, new age, nature sounds, ambient, and many other types of chill, downtempo music. 

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6. Keep Supplies Portable

Massage therapists need to have access to their supplies and lotions at all times during the massage so they can ensure their guest’s service isn’t interrupted. Empower your therapists to provide the best service by stocking every massage room with a spa cart. These carts can move with the therapists as they work their way around the body, and are designed to roll smoothly and silently. 

Keep your massage supplies within reach to minimize distractions

7. Diffuse Essential Oils

As you create the perfect relaxing ambiance for your guests, consider equipping your massage rooms with essential oil diffusers. Not only can you offer essential oils as an aromatherapy upcharge, but they can also help further engage the guests’ five senses to help them get the most out of your services. Keep a few of the most popular essential oils on hand, such as lavender, peppermint, ylang-ylang, bergamot, and other scents known to relieve stress. Wipe down your diffuser with a 1:1 water and vinegar solution between uses to prevent different scents mixing. 

8. Provide Guests with Space for Personal Items

It’s a great idea to make sure your guests have a proper place to put their clothing, shoes and handbags as they get ready for their massage. If your massage rooms have enough space, you can add a coat rack or a styling station where your guests can place folded clothes and other belongings. You can also install hooks and hangers on the back of the door or on a wall, or provide a small end table if you don’t have space for a styling station. Your clients will also appreciate having a chair to make shoe removal easier.

Massage Room Setup Tips

Now that you've got some ideas for massage room décor, keep the following guidelines in mind as you set up:

Less is more. Don't go overboard and add too many ornamental touches. Minimalist design has been proven to reduce stress, and clean surfaces are easier to sanitize in between clients.

Make the massage table the focus. Leave at least three feet of empty space around it so your massage therapists can easily walk on all sides.

Thoughtful details can make all the difference. Provide a mirror so your clients can check their appearance after getting dressed, tissues (lying face-down can cause congestion), and a small wastebasket with a lid.

When in doubt, keep it simple. Now you’re on the right track to creating a massage room that melts away anxiety and stress as your guests prepare for an indulgent massage. 

Keep reading: Minerva Beauty’s best-selling massage tables