Is your home decor affecting your mental health? (Spoiler alert: the answer is yes.)

While most people think of self-care for mental well-being in terms of things like diet, exercise and personal relationships, research shows that our homes can profoundly impact our mental health. Everything from the way the furniture is arranged to the colors on the walls can play a big role in the way we feel.

With the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Day around the corner (October 10, 2025), now is the perfect time to take a look around and see what simple tweaks you can make to create a calming and mood-boosting environment at home. The good news is that it really doesn’t take much to set up your space for good vibes only.

Let the light shine

We all know that natural light improves moods and helps regulate sleep cycles, so make sure to fill your home with as much of it as possible.

On the windows, swap heavy drapes for sheers or lightweight shades, and use blackout shades only at night for sleeping.

For homes with insufficient natural light, layer lighting from different sources like lamps and sconces, as opposed to overhead lighting (where possible). And, avoid using high-intensity lightbulbs with ultra-bright white light, and opt for warmer bulbs instead.

Recognize the effects of color

Certain colors, like blues and greens, are proven to evoke a sense of calm, while other colors, like orange and yellow, are proven to energize. Because of the impact color has on mood, it’s important to think about the space in which a color is being used and decide if it’s the best choice. For example, it might be harder to relax in a bedroom painted orange, just as it might be more difficult to exercise in a workout space painted light blue.

I’m not advocating that everyone become a “sad beige mom” or paint everything white, but carefully choosing wall colors can help you establish the proper mood for each room in your home. Remember that color can always be introduced through accessories, too.

Bring the outdoors in

Studies have shown that having plants in the home positively affects well-being, cognition and academic achievement. So, get to the garden center STAT.

And even if you have a black thumb like me, artificial plants or nature-inspired art can help infuse your home with the natural elements humans benefit from.

Remember, “A houseplant is a silent friend that offers companionship without demand”. – Unknown

Declutter with intention

Clutter in the home not only looks bad, but it is a cause of stress, emotional imbalance and lower life satisfaction overall. And speaking from personal experience, having too much “stuff” can lead to decision fatigue.

Because piles of clutter can feel overwhelming to deal with, my advice is to start small. Pick one area (that one drawer in the kitchen, for example) to focus on. When you have that area cleaned up, move on to another small spot. With each area you tackle, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and understanding that taming clutter is feasible.

Personalize your space

A simple but effective way to encourage positive feelings in your home is to personalize the space with items that bring you joy and bring to mind memories of people and events that are special to you.

Now, I’m not telling you to fill your bookshelves with a bunch of objects and clutter (ahem – we just covered that in the point above). I am saying that thoughtfully curated collections, like a family photo wall or meaningfully placed vacation souvenirs, can increase good feelings within the home.

So make sure to incorporate items that are special and meaningful into your decor, and not just the latest trends at HomeGoods.

Design for comfort and connection

Finally, ensure that your furniture choices and layout support your well-being.

Selecting comfortable pieces and layering blankets and pillows, where appropriate, creates warmth and coziness that is needed in a home. And likewise, arranging furniture in a way that fosters connection, as opposed to isolation, increases opportunities for togetherness, which has a direct impact on mental health.

On World Mental Health Day, and every day, it’s important to remember that your home plays a vital role in your well-being. The design choices you make can either drain your energy or restore it, so choose wisely.

By letting the light shine in, bringing a bit of nature inside and being mindful of design choices, you’re not just decorating a house. You’re creating a sanctuary that supports your mental health and helps you live a happier life.