We Tried It: Zen Home Decor Items That'll Bring Tranquility and Stillness Into Your Life

We all have one or two at-home items we treasure and turn to when we need to unwind and mentally check out. It seems that now, more than ever, we’re seeking solace in comforting, familiar objects around the house – salt lamps, meditation pillows or even a good set of bedsheets. Here are our favourite soothing home decor items that are helping us zen out.

All products featured on HGTV Canada are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy through links in this article, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A white Himalayan salt lamp in front of a patterned backdrop

Amazon Canada

1 / 10

Salt Lamps

“I have a white Himalayan salt lamp on my bedside table. It’s the perfect lighting for the bedroom: it’s not harsh and has the perfect brightness (and vibe!) for reading a book, meditating, journalling or winding down at the end of a long day.” – Jen F., editor, Food Network Canada (Crystal White Salt Lamp, Amazon, $35)

A set of various empty terra cotta vases

Chapters Indigo

2 / 10

Vases

“For a long time, I’d convinced myself that I was cursed when it came to plant life – but that ended this year. A few months ago, I caved to Mother Nature and brought a little greenery into my home, and it’s been a surprisingly soothing balm on stressful days. I’ve managed to keep not one, not two, but three (low-maintenance) plants alive since early spring, and I’ve been filling every vase I can find with hydrangeas from my mother-in-law’s garden.” – Sharon M., writer and freelance editor, HGTV Canada (Terracotta Vases, Chapters Indigo, $30)

A diffuser next to essential oils on a bedside table

Saje Wellness

3 / 10

Diffusers and Essential Oils

“My girlfriend uses a Saje diffuser with essential oils, and at first the smell turned me off. I wasn’t a fan at all. However, after about a month or so I got use to the oils and now I find myself looking forward to it while I’m reading and trying to wind down before bed.” – Wylder R., social strategist, HGTV Canada and Food Network Canada (Diffuser, Saje, $92)

Chapters Indigo

4 / 10

Reading and Journalling

“Books always bring me a sense of peace, so I place the book I’m reading at the moment on my bedside table along with my journal and pen. They’re the reminder I need to pause my day and indulge in some good reading or to jot down my thoughts before they disappear.” – Tracey M., producer, Slice (Journal, Chapters Indigo, $14)

Chapters Indigo

5 / 10

Meditation Pillows

“I’ve been trying to make meditation a regular part of my routine – just 10 minutes every night. Hot tip: don’t meditate in bed (you’ll fall asleep) or on the couch (you might end up watching TV instead). So I bought myself a meditation cushion and carved out a little corner in our spare bedroom to develop a better habit, distraction-free.” – Brittany D., digital strategist, HGTV Canada and Food Network Canada (Meditation Pillows, Chapters Indigo, $60)

A shiny gold candelabra on a kitchen table

Amazon Canada

6 / 10

Candelabras

“I have a candelabra. Who doesn’t? I bought it at a yard sale and have never looked back. The light it throws is incredible and the multiple flames enhance the mesmerizing and relaxing properties of fire.” – Frank P., producer, HGTV Canada (Candelabra, Amazon, $29)

Amazon Canada

7 / 10

Lava Lamps

“I have an old lava lamp I picked up a few years ago from a thrift shop. I know it’s super tacky, but I love watching the yellow ‘lava’ blobs float and drop slowly in the purple water. It’s so soothing, and the purple light is calming and gives off a creative energy. I also love the nostalgic vibe it gives a room, throwing back to my childhood bedside lamp!” – Alexa K., manager, social – lifestyle (Lava Lamp, Amazon, $42)

Black satin pillowcases on a bold blue bed

Amazon Canada

8 / 10

Satin Pillowcases

“My bedroom has become a place of almost decadent respite, and my favourite splurge has been my satin pillowcase. It’s been key for keeping cool in the mid-summer heat, and feels absolutely luxurious against my skin and hair.” – Akeena L., writer, HGTV Canada (Satin Pillowcases, Amazon, $11)

A vertical garden wall in an open-concept condo hallway

Amazon Canada

9 / 10

Garden and Herb Walls

“We live in a condominium where our kitchen table doubles as a home office for my husband and I, and occasionally for our teenage son. While the traffic below adds to the sense of crowding and noise pollution, we did install a vertical herb wall that has definitely served as my zen space. In addition to serving up fresh herbs for our meals, it adds a bit of greenery to what would otherwise be a drab, gray landscape.” – Dragana K., assistant editor, Slice, History and Shaw Connect (Vertical Wall Planter, Amazon, $22)

Casper

10 / 10

Bedsheets

“I’m a toddler mom. Which means that bedtime is basically like going to the spa. I can finally relax with my book (I’m exciting that way). To me, there is nothing – and I do mean nothing – that comes close to a good night’s sleep. And for that I splurge on good bedding. I love my 100 per cent organic Casper sateen bedding. Mine are a purple-grey that reminds me of the tones in an amethyst: eye candy and a restful night. You can’t beat that!” – Iris B., writer, HGTV Canada (Bedsheets, Casper, $338)