Built to Recline: Why Every Neurodivergent Home Needs a Comfy Corner
Built to Recline: Why Every Neurodivergent Home Needs a Comfy Corner
BY MOTLEY BLOOM STAFF
Head spinning. Stomach churning. Heartbeat drumming like a performance of Stomp!
Those of us with sensory sensitivities know the symptoms of sensory overload all too well. We feel frantic and on the verge of tears. Thoughts race yet we can’t speak. Even the smallest task can send us over the edge – we break down or blow up seemingly without warning.
This is when we need to retreat, to isolate, to not be bothered, in order to restore our sense of calm.
This is when we need our comfy corner.
A designated place in your home to help you regenerate, a thoughtfully designed comfy corner is your go-to safe space. You can come here in moments of activation to practice your regulation strategies, like deep breaths, lion roars, or somatic EFT tapping – or just to chill out. After all, the more we practice regulation, the more centered we become in times of stress.
There’s no right way to do a comfy corner — the only rule of thumb is to accessorize your lounge with things that calm you. Maybe it’s the scent of your favorite candle. Maybe it’s the light breeze from a fan. Perhaps it’s the sound of water trinkling on your tabletop fountain or your favorite playlists, the sensation of your favorite lip balm or lotion gliding on, or the cocoon of your cuddliest blanket.
Whatever you choose, all of these restorative items need to be anchored around your most relaxing sofa, chaise, or chair.
What makes a comfortable lounger will also be unique to you. You might like an upholstery texture that feels soothing against the skin, a sofa design that you could sink right into, a chair that makes it easy to elevate your legs, or a chaise that lets you go fully horizontal.
Everyone reclines differently. So we pulled together a collection of our favorite anchor pieces so you can start designing your own comfy corner.
Supersize Your Chaise: If you embrace horizontal living, this chaise is for you. It has the cozy feel of an oversized easy chair with tons of space to stretch out your legs. The clean, classic lines fit with most decor. Just add your favorite pillows and comfy blanket to personalize it, then stash them in a basket when company comes over.
Customize Your Chaise: This is a fun, modern take on the chaise. The uber-tufted chaise is modular, so you can position the back and arm pieces however it feels most comfortable. Did we mention how cool it feels to run our hands over?
Jennifer Taylor Home Marcel Bubble Modular Chaise
Oh-So-Soft: We could absolutely see ourselves curling up like a cat on this soft, cozy chaise. It’s elegant without sacrificing comfort, and the chenille fabric means zero irritating textures. The rounded edges make it perfect for loungers who like to side-lean.
Crate & Barrel Sogno Chaise Lounge
Ergonomic and Leather: If you’re looking for something more structured, the ergonomic design of this leather chaise caught our eye. The hump nestles perfectly into the crook of your legs.
Good-Bye to Arm Rests: Sometimes you don’t want your elbow to bump into arm rests. If you find sofa arms pointless or downright annoying, this armless chaise gives your elbows free reign.
Sofa Built for One: This is for loungers who want the cozy feel of a sofa but don’t want to share it with anyone else. Sink cross-legged into this corduroy one-person sofa or snuggle your favorite blanket for a nap.
Hernest Corduroy One-Person Sofa
