Creating a Prayer Closet: A Sacred Space for Reflection and Renewal
A top-down view of a serene meditation setup featuring three white crystal singing bowls on a dark wooden table. A brass sound bowl with a wooden striker adds a grounding element, while plush white cushions and a woven natural fiber rug create a cozy and inviting space for sound healing and mindfulness.
Growing up in a religious home, one of the most impactful lessons I carried into adulthood was the importance of creating space for divine connection. Whether you call it God, the Universe, or simply the stillness within, making room for sacred moments of reflection can transform your daily life.
My mother embodied this practice through something she called a prayer closet. She would choose a small closet in our home, tuck herself inside, and spend time in prayer almost every day. Long before my sister and I woke up for school, she would rise early, open her Bible, and pour her thoughts, gratitude, and worries into that space.
As a child, I found it strange. Why would anyone want to sit in a dark closet to pray? But as I grew older and experienced the weight of the world for myself, I began to understand. Her prayer closet wasn’t just about tradition—it was a place of refuge, a sanctuary where she could reset before stepping back into the demands of life. As a holistic interior designer, I deeply resonate with the importance of carving out a space in your home dedicated to spiritual practice, whatever that may look like for you.
Creating a prayer closet isn’t about aesthetics or perfection. It’s about setting an intention and allowing your intuition to guide you. Whether you have an entire room, a small corner, or even a blank wall, the key is to make it a space where you feel safe, grounded, and connected. Below are ten steps designed to help you bring that sacred space into your home. Don’t overcomplicate the process—let it be simple, natural, and reflective of your spiritual journey.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Space
The first step is identifying where this sacred space will exist within your home. It doesn’t have to be an actual closet. It can be a corner of your bedroom, a quiet section of your office, or a nook near a window. The most important thing is that it’s somewhere peaceful, away from distractions, and a place you can visit regularly. If you do have an unused closet, it can be the perfect retreat, offering an enclosed space that naturally creates a sense of solitude.
Step 2: Clearing and Setting the Intention
Once you’ve chosen the location, clear it of any clutter. A clean and open space helps create an environment where your mind can focus without unnecessary distractions. As you remove items, set an intention for the space. Ask yourself what you want to experience when you enter it. Do you want it to be a place of deep prayer, meditation, journaling, or simply a space to breathe? Understanding your intention will help you design it in a way that supports your spiritual needs.
Step 3: Choosing Colors That Support Your Energy
Color has a profound impact on how a space feels. A prayer closet should evoke peace, grounding, and clarity. Consider using soft, neutral tones for a calming atmosphere or deeper, rich colors that connect you to your heritage and faith. Earthy browns, warm golds, and muted blues can create a sense of warmth and stability. If you’re looking to add a unique backdrop, wallpaper from Mitchell Black is a beautiful way to bring depth and culture into the space.
Step 4: Incorporating Comfortable Seating
Comfort is essential in a space where you’ll spend time reflecting and grounding yourself. Depending on your preference, this could mean a floor cushion, a meditation pillow, or a cozy chair. The goal is to create a setting that allows you to sit in stillness without discomfort. A soft throw blanket from Ecovibe can add another layer of warmth, inviting you to stay longer and truly immerse yourself in the moment.
Step 5: Lighting for a Sacred Atmosphere
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a prayer closet. If possible, position your space near a window to take advantage of natural light. If natural light isn’t an option, use soft lighting such as a table lamp, LED candles, or a Himalayan salt lamp to create a warm glow. A luxury candle from Kobi Co can enhance the atmosphere, bringing both light and a soothing fragrance to your space.
Step 6: Bringing in Meaningful Elements
A prayer closet should feel personal and deeply connected to your spiritual practice. Fill it with items that bring you peace and inspiration. This could be a Bible, a journal, a vision board, or artwork that reflects your beliefs. If scent helps you relax and focus, a teakwood diffuser from Ecovibe can introduce grounding aromas like sandalwood or lavender.
Step 7: Creating a Sensory Experience with Aromatherapy
Scent has the power to shift energy and create a space of deep relaxation. Essential oils like frankincense, lavender, and eucalyptus can help set the tone for meditation and prayer. Incense or a diffuser can be used to gently fill the room with calming aromas. If you’re looking for a high-quality option, Kobi Co candles provide a luxurious scent experience that enhances the feeling of sanctuary.
Step 8: Keeping the Space Free from Distractions
A prayer closet should be a space where you can disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself. Keeping it free from electronics and unnecessary noise allows you to fully engage in your spiritual practice. Consider adding a simple woven basket for storage so that books, journals, or other meaningful items remain accessible without creating clutter.
Step 9: Bringing in Nature for Peace and Balance
Natural elements help ground a space and bring a sense of life into it. Adding a small plant, such as a peace lily or snake plant, can enhance the feeling of renewal. If you prefer a symbolic approach, placing a small bowl of stones or crystals can represent stability and balance. Even a simple wooden accent, like a teakwood diffuser from Ecovibe, can introduce an organic element to your prayer closet.
Step 10: Letting Your Space Evolve
Your prayer closet doesn’t have to be perfect from the start. It should grow and evolve with you. Allow yourself the freedom to adjust the space over time, adding or removing elements based on what you need. What matters most is that it remains a place where you feel safe, renewed, and spiritually aligned.
Remember a prayer closet is more than just a designated area in your home—it’s a commitment to yourself and your spiritual well-being. It’s a space where you can step away from the noise of the world and realign with what truly matters. Whether it’s a full room, a small nook, or a corner you dedicate to stillness, the most important thing is that it serves its purpose for you.
You deserve a sanctuary within your home. A place that welcomes you to slow down, reflect, and be present. If you’ve been thinking about creating one, let this be your sign to start. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive—just intentional.
How do you create space for reflection in your home? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Kadija Taylor, Owner/Principal Designer, Home and Sanctuary
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