Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put in my home gym?
Lantz, the founder of Lantz Full Circle, points out that good dimmable lighting, enough power outlets for equipment, and speakers are vital to a successful home gym design. The rest depends on your space and your preferred workout. For yoga, curate a space geared toward total relaxation—along with a yoga mat, blocks, and a bolster, add house plants, candles or incense, and remember to keep your walls bare so the space doesn’t feel overstimulating. If you’re committed to a stationary bike or treadmill type, add some high-energy art, bold paint colors, or whimsical wallpaper. Adding floor cushioning is great for both a garage gym and a room that’s used for strength training, as it will prevent damage and keep the noise to a minimum. A station to towel off and hydrate will make the home workout more enjoyable.
What do I need for a small home gym?
Depending on how small your space is, it might be best to keep the design concept simple. “To make a small space feel more expansive, keep it simple,” Hildebrandt says. “Give sections to the [exercise] activities and limit visual clutter.”
Either focus on adding one piece of equipment that you see yourself using most, or keep things open so that you have enough space to stretch, use weights, and accommodate whatever guided workout videos you hope to tackle any given day. For the former, you need a treadmill or stationary bike—some of the best treadmills and bikes for home use have excellent space-saving features—and for the latter, you need a yoga mat, a selection of small weights (like Bala Bands), and a space to put a laptop or tablet if you hope to watch guided workout videos.
How to make a home gym look expensive?
You don’t need to take out a loan to make your home gym look luxe. Ultimately, approach the design as you would any room makeover. Focus on where you place the equipment and decorate around it. “Negative space creates a sense of openness and calm, which can enhance focus and reduce feelings of clutter or confinement,” Lerner says. “This breathing room elevates the overall design, making the gym feel inviting and luxurious rather than overcrowded.”
Once the room has flow, focus on the surrounding space by considering the paint hue. “There has been a shift in thought about the colors used in gyms,” says Joa Studholme, color curator at Farrow & Ball. “No longer do we need to default to a ubiquitous white—smarter home gyms are being decorated in dark naturals.” When you opt for rich paint colors, mix the finishes. You can use high gloss on the lower third of the wall to bounce some light around and a flat on the higher walls. “This gives an added decorative twist and feels very luxurious,” Studholme adds.
A whimsical accent wall ups the ante when it comes to inspiring you to workout. We like the Patchwork mural by Chasing Paper for its bespoke motif that echoes an art gallery. To add a pop of color that also helps soundproof the space, look to products like Felt Right, customized felt tiles that let you choose your aesthetic and keep the acoustics at bay.
Alternatively, hang thoughtfully chosen artwork. “It’s about creating a space that not only supports your physical well-being, but also sparks creativity and positivity, forming an environment you genuinely enjoy spending time in,” Lerner adds.
How can I make my home gym look good?
Making a home gym look good is similar to making just about any part of your house look good. “In a space without abundant natural light, lively design elements become even more essential to keep the mood uplifting and the motivation high,” Perera says, noting that interesting wallpaper can transform a home gym from a potential chore zone into an invigorating retreat.
Like to accessorize with houseplants in your living areas? Add foliage in pretty planters and place them next to your rowing machine. Those with a minimal aesthetic shouldn’t feel pressured to go beyond the basics in your home gym. By the same token—if you’re a master maximalist, go ahead and add knickknacks aplenty to your home gym; that’s the beauty of having a workout space that’s all your own.
