- Core groups
- Lighting, soft furnishings, touch, sound, movement, control
- Start with
- Three or four items matched to the user
- Budget
- See the cost guide for sourced UK prices
- Buying tip
- Check age ratings, cleaning instructions and installation needs before you order
What equipment do you need for a sensory room?
Use this checklist as a menu, not a shopping list. You will not need everything. Pick the groups that match the room's purpose (see how to create a sensory room).
Sensory lighting
Light is the most flexible tool in most rooms, because it can calm or stimulate.
- Dimmable room light or lamp
- Colour-changing LED lights or strips
- Bubble tubes (see bubble tubes)
- Fibre optic lights, sprays and carpets
- Projectors and wheels that cast moving images
- Lava lamps, mirror balls, light-up toys, and UV or glow items (use with care)
Avoid flashing or strobing effects, which can be distressing or unsafe for some people. More in sensory lighting and colours and lighting.
Soft furnishings and flooring
- Beanbags, floor cushions and cushion seating
- A cosy corner, canopy or tent
- Soft or padded flooring (see flooring and padding)
- Blankets, throws and weighted items where suitable and safe
- Soft play blocks and crash mats
Touch and tactile items
- Textured mats and tactile wall panels
- Sensory toys, fidget toys and chew items (see sensory toys and fidget toys)
- Sensory bins and boxes of fabric, brushes or other safe textures
- Sensory mirrors
Sound
- Soft music or nature sounds
- White noise machine
- Sound-activated panels or instruments for cause and effect
- Soft furnishings that reduce echo
Movement
- Swings, rockers or hammocks (see sensory swings)
- Crash mats and soft play blocks
- Trampolines, therapy balls or balance boards
Movement equipment, especially anything fixed to a wall or ceiling, needs careful installation and supervision. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a competent installer.
Control and interaction
- Switches, remotes, touch panels or buttons
- Simple on and off controls the user can reach
- Interactive floor or wall projections for cause and effect
- Visual schedules or timers
What are the best items for a small sensory room?
In a small room, choose items that do more than one job:
- A bubble tube or projector gives light without needing floor space
- A beanbag or floor cushion provides seating and a retreat
- Wall-mounted tactile panels use wall space rather than floor
- A portable box of items can be stored away
- A fibre optic spray gives a lot of visual interest in a small footprint
For ideas, see sensory room ideas and the sensory corner guide.
How do you choose for different needs?
| Need or goal | Things to consider | | -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Calming and settling | Low light, soft textures, quiet sound, a retreat | | Stimulating and exploring | Interactive lights, sound, switches, varied textures | | Movement and deep pressure | Swings, crash mats, weighted items, with supervision | | Autistic users | Offer choice, avoid flashing or unpredictable effects, keep the room uncluttered | | Adults and dementia | Age-appropriate design, reminiscence items, comfort | | Babies and toddlers | Safe, age-rated items, no small parts, close supervision | | Mixed ages and needs | Adjustable, flexible equipment and separate zones |
See sensory rooms for autism, adults, dementia and babies and toddlers.
What equipment do autistic children need?
It depends on the child. Some autistic children seek movement, pressure or particular textures; others find the same things hard. Many families start with low-stimulus lighting, a retreat and a few favourite tactile or movement items, then watch which ones the child chooses. Offer choice, keep the room predictable and avoid anything that flashes or makes sudden noises. Our sensory rooms for autism page has more.
What equipment suits schools?
Schools need equipment that is durable, easy to clean and safe for many users. Check whether the supplier offers a warranty, spare parts and a design service, and whether they accept purchase orders. A classroom corner may only need a canopy, cushions, lighting and a box of tactile items, while a dedicated room may include padded flooring, a bubble tube and interactive projection. See sensory rooms for schools.
What should you leave out?
- Too many items. A crowded room is overwhelming.
- Flashing or strobing lights, which may be unsafe for some people.
- Loud or unpredictable sound, unless the user chooses it.
- Anything with small parts for users who might mouth or swallow them.
- Equipment that is hard to clean or has no clear instructions.
- Items the user dislikes. Ask them or watch their response.
- Anything you cannot install or supervise safely.
Professional or budget equipment?
Budget items are fine for many uses, especially in a home or corner. UK education catalogues sell individual items from around £20 and complete kits from about £1,500. Professional equipment tends to be more durable, easier to clean and designed for repeated use by many people, which matters in schools and care settings. Check warranties, maintenance needs and safety information either way. For what complete packages cost, see the cost guide.
How do you buy sensory room equipment safely?
- Check the age rating and safety information
- Look for clear manufacturer instructions
- Ask about cleaning, spare parts and warranty
- Buy from reputable suppliers
- Ask for a demonstration or trial for larger items
- Check whether the supplier also installs, or whether you will need your own contractor
- Get fixed or wall-mounted equipment installed by a competent installer