When you picture a typical sensory room, you might picture soft play items displaying primary colors and changing color LED lights. Color plays an important role in sensory development, but what sensory colors play which part and what is a white sensory room?
Greens and Blues
Blues and greens are generally colors associated with calm and tranquillity.But what is the science behind this and why does it affect children with sensory difficulties?Blue and green shades have shorter wavelengths than bolder colors and as a result, cause less stimulation. Green is also a color connected to the refreshing benefits of nature and blue is linked to the flow and soothing properties of water. Children prone to sensory overload can find these colors gentle and reassuring, allowing them to better process other areas of their environment instead. This makes them more likely to learn or develop skills if they are able to concentrate better without the distraction of overwhelming colors. Additionally, dark blues and greens provide a more effective canvas for sensory rooms using fluorescent lighting and are less harsh than solid black.
Neutrals and Pastels
Similarly to blues and greens, neutral shades such as tan and gray are less likely to overstimulate a child with sensory sensitivities. In the same way, pastels illicit a feeling of calm which creates space for positive interactions and learning experiences.While these muted colors benefit children with sensory processing difficulties, they may not necessarily have the same effect for children who are generally understimulated. However, for children prone to sensory overload, a white sensory room may be recommended.
What are the benefits of a white sensory room?
White sensory rooms allow a fresh and plain canvas for sensory experiences through light and sound rather than color. A relaxing and calming environment is paramount for individuals who are prone to getting overwhelmed when working on their developmental skills such as vocalization, and fine and gross motor skills.If you’re considering designing your own white sensory room, we have a variety of tools and pieces of equipment to help.
Vibro Acoustic Platform
The white color of this platform helps it blend in perfectly with your white sensory room. Individuals can lay or sit on this white Vibro Acoustic Platform and feel the music vibrations for an extra calming experience. Users canchoose relaxing or stimulating music dependent on their needs to help themconcentrate or reduce stress.The music can be streamed to stereo speakers and/or to the platform which lets the user control the volume and vibration levels. This is a good opportunity to learn cause and effect! Additionally, the platform is covered in soft vinyl fabric that is easy to wipe clean.
Sensory Canopy
This canopy creates an extra tranquil environment by turning the ceiling of your white sensory room into the illusion of fluffy white clouds or soft waves. Each piece of the canopy is the size of a 48” x 24” ceiling tile or two 24” x 24” tiles and can be attached to one another using the integrated magnets.Because of the brilliant white color of the canopy, it reflects the colors of LED lights in the rooms such as bubble tubes, fiber optics and projectors.
Bubble Tubes
Now the color of your sensory room is established, it’s time to add some lights. There are many benefits of fiber optics for sensory integration andyou can find out more about it in our blog post. A calming LED bubble wall creates the perfect focal point on an otherwise light coloured wall and reflects onto other white elements of the room. A bubble wall or wall cascade are great alternatives to bubble tubes if you are short on space as both are wall-mounted.
However, for a more peripheral reflection, a freestanding bubble tube in the room is a fantastic addition if you have the space. We have a variety of bubble tubes that cater to different needs. This particular Touch Sensitive LED Bubble Tube is designed for individuals with limited motor skills or hand-eye coordination. The benefits of the tube include developing color recognition, understanding of cause and effect and motor skill development as well as strengthening hand-eye coordination skills. A glowing bubble tube in a white sensory room creates a mesmerizing experience for the user – find out more about the sensory benefits of bubble tubes here.
LED Projector
A white sensory room or one with pastel or neutral colors works excellently with an LED projector. Because of the number of lightly colored surfaces in the room, you have many options for where you cast the images. For example, if you chose the ceiling canopy, the individual could lay on the Vibro Acoustic Platform and watch the images projected onto the ceiling. One of the benefits of the projector is that it can set a particular mood on the room, tailored to the user. It can prompt discussion and encourage concentration amongst other benefits, and because it is almost silent it remains in keeping with a low stimuli environment.We hope you feel informed about the benefits of a white sensory room and equipped to design your own. If you need any further help in designing your sensory room, please contact us or feel free to read our other helpful blog posts.
