No matter whether you’re working from home or in a rented space, you will have a massage room. But what should you be looking for in a space, and how should you best set it up to help you provide the best service you can?

So, how to set up your space to help you both create the right atmosphere and resolve the practical challenges of massage?

Best Lighting for Massage Rooms

Lighting is a very important element of your massage space, but it can often be one of those things you don’t think about. The ideal is to have good access to abundant natural light. Windows to the outside are great, but if possible skylights are ideal given the need for privacy.

Windows should be dressed appropriately; if your space is relatively low, or if there is a decent chance that people could look in, then it's a good idea to invest in some form of covering that can ensure the privacy of yourself and your clients. Think about privacy film on the window rather than net curtains - more modern and cleaner - visually as well as literally.

If you don’t have access to good natural light, or if you work in the evenings, then artificial light is an important consideration. Try to either have both dim and bright lights or lights on a dimmer switch. While low light is vital to providing a relaxing environment, it’s not very practical for cleaning and filling in forms etc.!

Should I play music in my massage space?

Just as important as light in your space is sound. You want your room to be quiet and as free as possible from outside noises and distractions.

Quiet music to build ambience can be a great idea, but remember that you’re going to be listening to it day in, day out. While music is a matter of personal taste, you should make sure you’re not playing something that will drive your client or you crazy!

I have a few favourite playlists that I use frequently and that I know my clients really love. Do remember to use licence-free music though so you don't have to pay PRS fees! If you know a musician or group that can compose and record music specially for you - even better!

The ideal temperature for your massage room

As with many of these things, temperature is a balancing act. Ideally you want to create a warm environment to help your client feel as relaxed as possible, especially if they’re going to be taking some or all of their clothes off.

However you must also remember that you have a physical job, and so it can’t be so hot that it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Steps can be taken to keep your clients warm while not overheating yourself. Having a heated coach/futon, or making your own using an electric blanket, can help keep your client cosy while not overheating yourself.  You can always use extra blankets - particularly for the feet which can often be colder than the rest of their body. Just remember that these need to be washed and changed between clients like any other bit of equipment.

Remember also that temperature changes with the seasons; a well insulated room may be a blessing in the Winter, but may not work so well in the middle of Summer.

What decor should you have in your massage room?

One of the most enjoyable parts of setting up your massage room is creating the decor. While the most important thing is for it to reflect you, your brand and your personality, there are some useful tips to consider.

Keep soft furnishings to the walls only; it’s perfectly fine to have nice curtains or similar wall decorations, but they should be kept away from the floor where they can be trampled and have things spilt on them. If you must use rugs, consider buying smaller ones that you can throw into the washing machine periodically.

Try to keep to neutral colours; remember you are creating a relaxing space. If you like bold colours, you can use them as accent colours - maybe restricted to a blanket or pillow-case, or sarong to drape over the couch.

Be careful not to date your design; ideally you don’t want to redesign your space every 6 months, so try to have a design that will have longevity and won’t feel dated in a couple of years time.

Ideal size of your massage studio/clinic

On the practical side of things, the most obvious consideration for your massage space is size. Your space absolutely must be big enough to fit in your massage couch or table or futon, and to give you enough space to move around it.

In addition to this, you will probably want there to be enough space for at least one chair in your room. Think about where your client will put their clothes and valuables when they're having the massage. And if you work with a massage couch, then consider having some sort of stool for your own use.

However, while having lots of space is important, you don’t want it to be too big. Your massage space should still be small enough to offer a cosy, relaxing environment.

Best flooring for your massage space

Something that might go overlooked is the type of flooring you have in your massage room. You'll need to be able to clean it easily; carpets can be particularly challenging when trying to get spills and excess oil out. But it does need to be warm, so it's probably best not to go for ceramic tiles on a concrete floor!

Whilst laminate is very easy to clean, it can also be very cold, so maybe consider vinyl, as this provides the best compromise between warmth and cleanability. Plus you can get it in several designs, so the look can be customised to your specific decor!

Do consider underfloor heating if you want tiles or laminate. Whilst it's not cheap, it does provide the ultimate luxury - for both you and the client (when they're getting undressed/dressed).

Do you need extra space in your massage room?

You do need to consider where your clients can store their belongings. If you have space for it, this could be inside your massage room itself. Having their property within eyesight at all times helps clients feel safe, which is very important to providing a relaxing massage experience.

Make sure they have somewhere if possible for their clothes - and not on the floor! It really doesn't give a good impression of how you look after your own stuff if you don't expect your clients to want to look after theirs...

If you can't provide this space within your room, then you need to have somewhere safe for their belongings. Having a locker where clients can keep their things safely could provide a solution.

Lobby/Entrance

Finally, every massage space needs a lobby. This might be a physical lobby, where clients can wait until it’s time for their massage, but if you don't have space for this then you can have a “virtual lobby”. This means leaving enough time between clients; it's not great if your client has to hang around waiting while you finish up with your previous client.

Remember, first impressions are everything! Your lobby, and by extension your entrance, your approach and even how easy it is to find you, will all have a significant impact on your clients’ experience. Consider how your space affects your clients even before the massage begins.

That’s all for tips on how to set up your massage space! I hope you found something here helpful, and if you would like to learn more about making the most of your massage business, just contact me to arrange a call!