What Is a Morning Room?

In Victorian homes in the 18th and 19th centuries, there was, along with the dining room, kitchen and bedrooms, what was called a “morning room.” This was a room in the house where, typically, the lady of the house would prepare for the day ahead. While “morning room” is an out-of-date term, the idea of dedicating a space for morning preparation can still be applied to modern homes today.

How to Decorate a Morning Room

Dedicate a space in your home for morning meditation to gather your thoughts and make the day’s plans. First, choose a space with lots of windows – you’ll want the natural light to flood in and wake you up! Then, bring in some comfortable seating. (One of the best ways to use a morning room is for the things you want to do but don’t need to do; Use this space to carve out some downtime before business.) If you want to follow the Victorian way, make sure to include a desk – and use it every morning! You can also bring in some inspiring art to clear your head or infuse the air with an energizing citrus scent. At the end of the day (or, in this case, the beginning of the day), this space is all about early-morning peace, quiet and good vibes.

Morning Room Furniture and Decor Ideas

Greet the sun as it rises with decor that rises up to the occasion. Make your morning room the space that feels set apart from your daily routine; here, your furniture and decor should feel new and fresh (like the start of an early morning). As opposed to the living room, kitchen and bedroom, where pieces undergo constant use and wear, the morning room should be used only for an hour (or less) on a daily basis.

• Morning room tip: Try warm colors. Because this is the spot where you'll spend time before the start of your day, chances are the temps will be cooler than, say, midday or afternoon, when the sun is in full view. Keep the vibe cozy in those dawn moments, so that no matter how early you rise, your morning room will offer you the quiet warmth you need to mentally prepare for the routine ahead.
• Morning room tip: Clear the space. Less is more! What affects your line of sight affects your mind (a cluttered space = cluttered thoughts!), so keep the floor as tidy as you can.
• Morning room tip: Bring in plants. Skip spending dough on the latest and trendiest air purifier; instead, rely on the naturally cleansing power of plants! You can even pick some fresh flowers from your yard or plant some seeds of houseplants in a planter. Place your greens in a corner or on a tabletop for a healthy, pretty, and cost-effective morning greeting!