We all know the classroom can be a bit chaotic at times, so it is vital to incorporate calming elements. Endless to-do lists, walk-throughs, paperwork, student behavior, IEPs, and standardized assessments can undeniably lead to stress for both educators and students. Luckily, however, we think you can regain some of that inner peace by transforming your room with a calming classroom theme. We rounded up plenty of affordable finds that will add some Zen to your classroom while looking good too. Let it help you (and your students) calm the chaos of day-to-day school life.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Less means more
Sometimes less is more, so consider a classroom without all of that extra decor. Furthermore, studies show that too much clutter or use of wall space can bring anxiety to students and negatively affect their learning. If you are allowed to paint your classroom walls, consider a calming color rather than a stark white. We think that wall color especially can change and soothe a whole environment.
Buy it: Glidden/Kaleidoscope, Eggshell at Walmart
Learn more: The Teacher Next Door/Instagram
2. Hide the clutter
It is a known fact that most teachers are hoarders. But you do not need to get rid of it—just hide it better! Walmart has great, affordable storage solutions such as this storage organizer and these storage cubes.
Buy it: 8 Cube Storage Organizer at Walmart; Fabric Cube Storage Bin at Walmart
Learn more: Little Sprouts/Learning Jungle/Yelp
3. Cover harsh lights
School fluorescent ceiling lights can give off a rough glare and an annoying flickering sound, and they are downright hideous to look at. These tranquil blue fluorescent light covers are a hot trend right now. Not only do they dim the harsh light, they also give off a soothing vibe and are made of a heat-resistant fabric.
Buy it: Educational Insights Original Fluorescent Light Filters at Amazon
Learn more: Autism Products
4. Breathe in the calm
Fill the classroom air with a natural fragrance using an oil diffuser. You can add aromatherapy essential oils to the diffuser to emit a more powerful scent into the air. Lavender oil is known for its calming effects on the mind and body.
Buy it: Better Homes and Gardens Diffuser Gift Set at Walmart; Better Homes and Gardens Lavender Essential Oil at Walmart
Learn more: The Talon Online
5. Use soft lighting
Bring the ambiance of the classroom to a calming state by softening the lighting in the room. Consider lamps or LED string lights to brighten the room. These alternatives are much easier on the eyes and will assist with your calming class vibe.
Buy it: 66-Foot 200-Watt LED String Lights at Amazon
Learn more: Learners Edge
6. Create a homey atmosphere
There’s no place like home. Most kids feel comfortable at home, so why not bring some home decor into your classroom? Plug in a few table lamps and floor lamps to give your classroom living-room vibes.
Buy it: Better Homes and Gardens Farmhouse 3-Pack Table and Floor Lamp Set at Walmart
Learn more: Tawna Bartley/Pinterest
7. Add a cozy rug
Vinyl and linoleum floors can make classrooms feel uninviting. Looking for quick fix? Add a cozy rug to help kids relax.
Buy it: Distressed Damask Gray Area Rug at Walmart
Learn more: Miss Jacob’s Little Learners
8. Neutralize bulletin boards
Toss out that old bulletin board decor! Upgrade to neutral-color bulletin board sets. Look for blacks and tans; those colors are not bold enough to overwhelm others and you can incorporate them into future classroom themes.
Buy it: White Shiplap Bulletin Board Paper at Michaels
Learn more: Oriental Trading/Pinterest
9. Add eucalyptus effects
Eucalyptus is said to have a soothing aroma that brings a sense of relaxation to the body. This can calm both teacher stress and student anxiety. Even if you cannot bring a real eucalyptus plant into the classroom, bring on the plastic plants! They can still provide relaxing vibes. Plus check out these fun ideas for a eucalyptus-themed classroom.
Buy it: Eucalyptus Garland at Amazon
Learn more: Pinterest/Teacher Resources
10. Try comfortable flexible seating
Being able to relax, lounge, nap, and feel comfortable is what tends to bring a sense of calm to people. Let’s channel this into our classroom! Consider flexible seating options that allow your students to feel more comfortable in their classroom. Student engagement is guaranteed to increase.
Buy it: Living Room 3-Seater Sofa at Walmart; Decorative Square Throw Pillow at Walmart; White Saucer Chair at Amazon
Learn more: EB Academics
11. Get cozy with weighted lap blankets
You cannot soothe the energy of the classroom without calming resources and sensory outlets for your students. Some kids may benefit from an opportunity to use a weighted lap blanket.
Buy it: Weighted Lap Blanket for Kids at Amazon
Learn more: The Rainmaker Family
12. Create a calm-down space
Consider creating a calm-down area—a relaxation space that’s always accessible for student use. Stock it with stuffed animals, SEL books, and other sensory resources.
Buy it: Sensory Fidget Tubes at Amazon
Learn more: PretotheK/Instagram
13. Offer students fidget toys
One way to help students stay calm and focused is to let them use fidget toys. Here are our picks for the best fidget toys for the classroom, or try these ideas for DIY fidget toys.
Buy it: Fidget Toys Pack at Amazon; Sensory Water Beads Toy at Amazon
Learn more: Inspire Me ASAP
14. Use plants for decor inspiration
Nature is calming so why not bring the outdoors into your classroom with cute plant-themed decor? Buy some plant-themed bulletin board cut-outs, or if you’re feeling crafty, make your own! We highly recommend using muted shades of green and brown throughout your classroom so it really feels like you’re out in nature.
Buy it: 58-Piece Succulent Plants Potted Cut-Outs at Amazon, Plant-Themed Bulletin Board at Etsy
Learn more: Ashley McKenzie PT
15. Install a Worry Wiper
We love this idea so much! No one is calm when they are full of worries, so why not shred those negative thoughts into oblivion? Buy a super-affordable mini paper shredder, then add a little sign that says “Worry Wiper” and you’re good to go!
Buy it: Mini Hand Shredder at Amazon
Learn more: auermania/Instagram
16. Create a tranquil reading corner
Transform your classroom library by loading it with books about peace, love, self-compassion, and anything else that promotes calm. Be sure to keep the area relatively clutter-free and maybe incorporate some comfy seating and neutral colors so your students will feel a sense of peace while reading. Plus, check out our list of classroom reading nooks we love for inspiration!
Buy it: I Am Peace at Amazon, I Am Love at Amazon
Learn more: Happy Camper Classroom/Instagram
17. Incorporate yoga practices and mindsets
One of the many benefits of yoga is stress relief, so we think any classroom could benefit from a steady yoga practice. Regardless of the age of your students, they can engage not only in the physical act of yoga but the tenets that promote peace and compassion. It is a great way to introduce the concepts of mindfulness and positive thinking while also getting in some exercise.
Buy it: Yoga Cards for Kids at Amazon
Learn more: Building Book Love
18. Hang some curtains
Although most classrooms have windows, very few utilize curtains in their decor. Curtains can make a classroom feel more homey and inviting for students (and teachers too). Whether you choose a fun print or something more calming like a solid blue, you can’t go wrong with some attractive curtains in your classroom. You can also grab some pretty ribbon to use for tie-backs too.
Buy it: Sheer Curtains at Amazon, ABC Valance and Curtain Set at Amazon
Learn more: EduCAITional Technology
19. Play some soothing music
Music just makes sense for a calming classroom since the benefits of playing music in the classroom are well documented. You can use a smart device to play music throughout the classroom or you can let students choose from a variety of music they can listen to with their headphones. You can also play soothing nature sounds. Plus, check out some of our favorite relaxing music videos for the classroom.
Learn more: Mycalcas
20. Designate a Zen Zone
Since self-regulation is such a valuable tool to have both inside and outside the classroom, it only makes sense to set up a small space in your classroom just for that purpose. We love the idea of giving this area a cute name like the Zen Zone so students know what to expect there. Fill it with hands-on activities students can do while checking in with themselves about how they are feeling.
Buy it: Calming Corner Posters at Amazon
Learn more: Miss Jacob’s Little Learners
21. Try a mountain theme
Since mountains call to mind fresh air and vast horizons, we think they are the perfect calming classroom theme. We love the subtle blues and greens used throughout the third grade classroom at Core Inspiration.
Buy it: Mountain Bulletin Board Roll at Amazon, Mountain Bookends at Amazon, Moving Mountains Bulletin Board Decor at Amazon
Learn more: Core Inspiration
22. Create a safe space
Teacher Jillian Starr calls the safe space in her classroom Australia since that’s where the main character in the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day wants to move. We especially love her use of a letter board to put a changeable, positive message up for her students. Buy a cozy chair, side table, and rug so students feel wrapped in warmth in their safe space.
Buy it: Changeable Letter Board at Amazon, Saucer Chair at Amazon, Two-Tier Gold Side Table at Amazon, Pink Shag Rug at Amazon
Learn more: Teaching With Jillian Starr
