Calm Classroom Decor Ideas - Creating a Serene Classroom Environment

Creating a calm classroom environment is more important than ever. Since classrooms can be such a busy place, many of our students (and their teachers) long for a serene environment that calms their senses. That's why I thought I'd put together a series of classroom design mood boards filled with ways to create a calming classroom environment. You'll find that the mood boards include muted colors, flexible seating, lighting alternatives, cozy textures, and motivational messages. The idea is to create a space that helps students feel calm and ready to learn. I have even more classroom decor ideas in this FREE Back to School Guide for teachers. Grab it here.

Each mood board is meant to create a relaxed and serene learning environment.  You'll even notice that the mood boards have some common elements.  For instance, most mood boards include...

A classroom rug - Even in a middle school classroom, a rug is one of the quickest ways to make your classroom more appealing. Once the rug is in your classroom, you can use it for class meetings, a work area, a comfy reading corner, a space for partners to work together...the options are endless!

Fun classroom chairs - I love the idea of including at least two chairs in the classroom.  In my own classroom, the special chairs were part of my homework incentive program.  Students worked all week long to complete their homework so that they could sit in the special chair.  But, chairs are also great for flexible seating options, spaces for partners or groups to work together, a "sharing" chair, and so much more!

Hanging decor - Whether it's a fun banner, paper lanterns, tissue paper poofs, or 3-D shapes, an inexpensive and fun way to decorate the classroom is with something that you can hang.  Imagine displaying your banner along a bulletin board or chalkboard.  Or, perhaps you can string the lights in front of your teacher desk.  The options are endless and the impact is huge.  Here's a tip: once you find the hanging decor you like, purchase several of them.  Having multiple sets will have more of an impact.

Quote Poster - There's nothing better than a little inspiration in the classroom.  So, each mood board includes a quote poster.  These are great to hang on your classroom door, at the front of the classroom, or even in the center of a bulletin board.  If you're up for it, I'd suggest getting the posters in the biggest size possible.  The bigger the poster, the more classroom real estate it will take up, and the quicker your classroom will be designed.

A lamp - If you're looking to change the feel of your classroom, a lamp will do it!  Whether it's a floor lamp that you can place on your rug with the chairs or a table lamp that you can set out on your desk, there's just something so cozy about lamps!  If you'd like, you can even purchase a couple of lamps to spread out around the classroom.  Then, you can make it a habit to turn off those florescent overhead lights...what a difference!

Storage baskets - What's a classroom without storage, right?  Well, if you're thinking of getting storage containers, I've included a few inspiration pieces on each design board.  

Fun design elements - You'll find unique elements on each design board, too.  Those have been added to provide even more fun ideas to tie in your classroom theme.

About the classroom decor items:

The items that I've placed on the mood boards are selected with a teacher's budget in mind.  That means that I really tried my best to ensure that the items were reasonably prices.  Oh, and since they're sourced from Amazon, there's a chance that you'll be able to put some of the elements on a school purchase order.  Of course, the mood boards are mainly intended for inspiration.  However, if you do want to learn more about each of the items, just click the links provided.

Alright, are you ready to set up a calm classroom? Then, check out the classroom design mood boards.  If you'd like to learn more about any of the items, just click on the links below the mood boards.

Garland /// Posters /// Sunshine Wall Decal /// Reading Nook Teepee Tent /// Artificial Plants /// Seagrass Rug /// Chair Pillow /// Gold Metal Lamp

Hanging Clouds /// Cloud Banner /// Rug /// White Chair /// Feather Lamp /// Cloud Basket /// Artificial Succulents /// Blue clock

Hanging Chair Swing /// Mountain Rug /// Round Ottoman /// Mountain Garland /// Motivational Posters /// Desk Lamp /// Storage Baskets /// Letter Tray

Rainbow Rug /// Modern Curved Chairs /// Inspirational Poster /// Garland /// Binder Clips and Supplies /// Colorful Pens /// Ladder /// Wire Baskets /// Wall Clock /// White Lamp

Plant Prints /// Forest Tapestry /// Leaf Pillow /// Round Cushions /// Geometric Rug /// Lamp /// Baskets /// Tree Magnetic Photo Display /// Large Desk Calendar

So...what do you think?  Are you feeling inspired to create a calm learning environment?  I sure hope so!  To get you started, I created this FREE set of Calming Classroom Posters. 

Just add your information below and then check your email inbox!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

Looking for more classroom mood boards?  Check out these…

--- Colorful Classrooms (color-themed classrooms)
--- Classroom Sweet Classroom (home décor inspired classrooms)
--- Design for the Little Ones (mood boards for elementary classrooms)
--- Classroom Décor with a Theme (theme-inspired classrooms)
--- Middle School Classroom Designs (ideas for decorating in the middle school)
--- Classroom Design Inspired by the Decades (decades of décor)
--- Bright and Bold Classroom Décor (mood boards filled with fun colors)

* This post contains affiliate links.