Each massage therapy space is unique, along with the practitioner who works there.

That said, there is not simply one room set up that works for everyone.

There are, however, basic guidelines and best practices for setting up a comfortable and successful massage therapy treatment room. We've gathered helpful tips, videos, and tricks for making your space a place where you love to work and your clients love to visit.

Dressing Your Table

What is your client's first impression of the treatment room? Is the massage table attractive and comfortable?

Watch this video for a behind-the-scenes look at how a salon and spa dresses their luxurious, cozy therapy beds. This is an easy way to make a high-quality experience for your client.

Narrow Room Set Up

If you have a narrow room to work in, the most important thing is to keep the room free of clutter. Only the necessities should win a place in your room. Maximize space with these simple tricks:

• Use vertical space and corners.
• Make sure you have plenty of room to walk around your table and client.
• Don’t clutter the room with anything unnecessary.
• Simple wall decor, mirror, light color palette to help the room feel more open.
• Use modern furniture that tends to have a smaller footprint
• Try hanging baskets on the wall for extra storage. Lots of ideas on Pinterest here: http://www.pinterest.com/explore/hanging-basket-storage/

A Cozy Changing Spot

Create a cozy space for your client to undress and make sure to have a place for them to store their clothes and personal items. It’s nice to have a chair, end table, and a bowl or organizer to set personal items like jewelry, keys, and glasses.You can also have a small candle (electric or real), water glass or bottle, or table lamp in this area as well.Hang a nice mirror over the end table for clients to check hair and make up after the massage.

Supplies Area

You will want to create a discreet and easy to reach area for all of your supplies. They should be close enough to the massage table or chair that you can easily reach over and get your products without interrupting the session. Make sure there are enough electrical outlets for your equipment. You may find that a combination of a table and cabinet for all of your supplies works best. Supplies include:

• Oil and lotion
• Heating cabinet
• Hot stone
• Towel warmer
• Rice bag warmer
• Other massage tools
• Spa kits, waxes, paraffin, etc

Wall Decoration

Need ideas for your walls? Something simple and elegant can make your room feel more luxurious, but don't overdo it. Most likely, your room is small enough that you'll want to hang something on just one wall.

• Mirror
• Tasteful painting from a local artist
• Wooden, metal or mixed media wall art or collage
• Decorative plates or frames
• High quality poster print
• Tapestry

Extra Nice Touches

If you have plenty of space to work with, consider these extra areas for your clients:

• Vanity with sink & soap dispenser
• Products shelf or table for oils, lotions, therapeutic products, candles, local jewelry and artflameless-candle
• Waiting area with chairs, coat rack, magazines, water, snacks, end table and lamp
• Flowers and plants

Lighting

You can create many different lighting set ups in your room with low or hi-tech solutions. Fancy dimmers and track lighting are nice if you can afford custom solutions, but using a variety of lamps, candles and different wattage light bulbs can be an affordable way to create the relaxing space you're seeking.

Many home and bath stores carry flameless candles, which are simple little battery-powered candles, but without the smoke, smell or fire hazard.

Room scent? Go easy.  What you love may overpower some clients, and perhaps not in a good way.  Remember, you will become accustomed to the aroma in your own space to such a degree that you may barely notice it.  Your clients will notice it every time.

What are the little things you couldn't live without in your massage therapy treatment room? Share with us in the comments below!