If you’re a Yoga novice or only practice such techniques on rare occasions, chances are you can get by with owning just a single mat. However, among those who regularly engage in the various aspects of a yogic lifestyle, there are several unique products on hand to provide the support and comfort necessary for a vigorous session.

Individuals in the latter category might run into some concerns regarding properly storing those Mats, cushions, and other accessories when they are not in use. These products can take up a substantial amount of room in a home. However, they can also become damaged or soiled if not kept in an appropriate location.

Yoga Mats Storage: An Overview

No matter how often you plan to retrieve your yoga materials, there should be a couple of expectations with the storage process.

First, it’s essential to ensure that your mats are neatly stored so that they can be easily rolled out onto the floor without unsightly wrinkles or bulges that can result from being crammed into a compartment that isn’t designed for the job. In addition to extending the life of these items and allowing you to quickly access them when needed, neat and orderly storage of Yoga Mats can also maximize usable space and decrease clutter around the house.

Another consideration when deciding how to store your yoga materials safely is aesthetics. Even if you’ve opted to keep your mats in a storage closet, there’s no reason that they can’t mesh with the design scheme of the rest of your home. Some of the stylish options available might even tempt you to keep the storage containers out in the open to create an interesting conversation piece that enhances your overall decor. Anyone in the market for a yoga mat storage solution can find an option in the list below that will help keep things neat while offering plenty of protection.

Custom Shelving Units

It might seem evident that shelves can make an effective place to store almost anything. However, creating a customized space with shelves might be the simplest and most appropriate solution when it comes to yoga mats and related accessories. Of course, there are many different designs and materials to consider, so make sure that you opt for a unit that provides enough space and won’t encroach on any nearby areas.

Choosing Your Material

Wooden shelves are perhaps the most common and can be finished or painted to match the surroundings at any yoga studio or in a home. Plastic, glass, and other materials are possibilities for a sleeker or more modern look. However, wood offers affordability and reliability in most situations. After determining what the shelves should be made of, you’ll want to decide on the size and quantity of shelves dedicated to storing yoga mats. Suppose you’re thinking about buying additional products soon. In that case, it’s probably worth investing in more space than you currently need to contain whatever else you’re likely to add effectively.

Those who are handy with tools might consider buying raw materials and designing a series of unique shelves and reflects their style. In addition to making a statement, this do-it-yourself approach might also save some money. However, if convenience is a primary concern, many retailers offer a wide range of shelving units, including some solutions that can be expanded as needed to accommodate a growing collection of mats.

Free-Standing vs. Hanging Shelves

Whether you decide to design your shelves or purchase a readymade option, two primary versions of shelving units are available. As with bookcases and other storage options, many shelves offer a free-standing design that doesn’t need to be attached to the floor or a wall. This is a convenient choice for renters who might not want to drill any unnecessary holes in the property. Additionally, since free-standing shelves aren’t anchored, they can easily be removed or transported to another location.

Suppose you’re planning to stay in your current home or business for the foreseeable future. In that case, however, hanging shelves can be a stylish and practical option. These can be affixed to the wall at various heights, which means everything can be positioned for optimal visibility. Furthermore, these shelves typically take up less room than free-standing alternatives, thus making them an intriguing option when space is at a premium.

Baskets Galore

Whereas shelves can be an excellent choice for highly organized people who want everything to be in its proper place, other options might appeal to individuals with a more laid-back approach to storage. For example, suppose you’d be satisfied dropping your mats and other yoga supplies in a receptacle until you need to retrieve them again. In that case, you might be tempted to pick out a functional basket for the job.

These might seem like flimsy options for something as substantial as your yoga gear. However, several expertly crafted and stylish options are currently on the market.

As with the shelving option, there are plenty of materials available to construct a basket that can hold all of your yoga mats. Modern homes and studios might opt for a sleek, simplistic look that won’t call too much attention. On the other hand, rural residents could choose more natural materials to incorporate the aesthetic of the great outdoors. Wherever you fall on the broad scale of design preferences, there’s sure to be a basket available with the proper appearance and texture for any space.

Find the Perfect Look

One popular option is a rope, which can be used to create an attention-grabbing basket to hold your mats. Since these products are traditionally made of cotton fibers, they can be among the most affordable storage solutions. Furthermore, rope baskets come in an extensive range of sizes to accommodate almost any size collection of yoga-related paraphernalia.

In general, wicker is always a crowd-pleasing material when it comes to baskets. One reason to consider this material for holding your mats and accessories is woven wicker’s durability. If you’re looking for a sturdy basket that will look right at home amid almost any decor, shop around for some of the timeless design options crafted from this strong and versatile substance.

Another alternative is to repurpose a laundry hamper, which can be found in various shapes and sizes. However, choosing this route necessitates finding one that is sturdy enough for the task. For example, mesh construction or a basket with thin fabric on a feeble frame could easily crumple or fall apart after tossing yoga mats inside regularly. Instead, search for a product with thick walls and a robust skeleton to ensure that it will remain in top form for as long as possible.

Other Ways to Preserve Your Mat

Properly caring for your yoga mats will help them retain their shape and functionality. This is important for anyone who takes yoga seriously since a proper mat can provide the cushioning and support necessary to reach the various positions in any session. Whether you choose shelves, a basket, or some other appropriate apparatus, be sure that the mat is rolled or folded appropriately.

Storing mats in a clean, dry location is one way to properly care for these investments and ensure a more enjoyable yoga experience. However, to get the most out of your purchase, there are a few other ways to clean and maintain this specialized equipment. Since there are many styles available, check the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding how to clean your mat. Some materials are machine washable, though that option can cause other mats to experience unnecessary wear.

In addition to wiping the surface down after each session, keep an eye out for any signs that the mat has been soiled. Mixing a small amount of dish soap with water is a safe and effective way to remove most smudges and other marks. However, don’t submerge your mat in any liquid without first ensuring that the material is built to withstand such treatment. Before storing the mat in your chosen space, use a clean towel to remove all the moisture.

A Few Points to Remember

Like almost anything else that people choose to install in their homes, an effective place to store your yoga mats should consist of the proper balance between style, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. There’s no need to spend a fortune to find a great spot to keep these items when they are not in use.

Decide where you’d like to stash your mats first, and then look for a product that will fit the space. Yoga is meant to restore mindfulness through physical motion and meditation, so there’s no reason to bring unneeded stress into the situation by settling for a storage option that doesn’t serve its purpose at the highest level possible.

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