The Best Home Gym Ideas & Must-Have Equipment to Transform Any Space

Download Article

Brilliant solutions for storage, small spaces & adding your own style

Explore this Article

IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Choose a great space for your home gym.

2 Maximize small spaces for a comfortable vibe.

3 Choose workout equipment that fits your needs.

4 Use smart storage for a clutter-free gym.

5 Take advantage of natural light.

6 Consider using all-natural materials.

7 Opt for neutral, soothing colors for a zen feel.

8 Try dark, elegant colors for a sophisticated vibe.

9 Put up vibrant wallpaper to transform your space.

10 Incorporate bold, bright colors to energize your space.

11 Use vinyl flooring for a functional but aesthetic touch.

12 Decorate the ceiling to add character.

13 Hide your home gym behind a sliding door or curtain.

14 Incorporate a stylish rest and recovery area.

15 Delineate multiple “zones” within a large space.

16 Install a sound system to play your favorite workout tunes.

17 Add a kid-friendly corner to keep your young ones occupied.

18 Add whatever decor and equipment you like or need.

+ Show 15 more...

- Show less...

Other Sections

Related Articles

References

Co-authored by MajorFitness and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: September 24, 2025 Fact Checked

This article was created in collaboration with an advertising partner. Learn more here.

Download Article

If you’re a busy fitness lover, saving time and money by investing in your own home gym is a great way to live the active lifestyle you crave, hassle-free. But where to begin? Don’t worry—in this article, we’ll show you the most practical and creative ways to design and fill your own home gym, including which equipment to include, how to maximize space, and tips for personalizing the space so you love using it. Keep scrolling to find the perfect inspiration for your new home gym!

Home Gym Setup Ideas

• Beginner equipment: Dumbbells or kettlebells, resistance bands, exercise ball, ab wheel, yoga mats, a bench, gliding discs, jump rope, medicine balls.
• Advanced equipment: Treadmill or elliptical, stationary bike, rowing machine, climber, punching bag, all-in-one lifting machine like the B52 Smith Machine (a versatile option for both beginners and advanced lifters).
• Storage: Shelves or racks, hooks, covered baskets or bins, benches or ottomans that double as storage.
• Decor: Motivational pictures or quotes, a TV for workout videos, bright lighting, large mirrors, a speaker or sound system, wallpaper or paint, protective vinyl floors.

Steps

1

Choose a great space for your home gym.

Download Article

1. 
   Choose any space, from a whole basement to a living room corner, for a gym. Whether you live in a large house or a tiny apartment, there are plenty of functional places to add a home gym. Here are some of the most common and practical options people choose:

   • The basement. Try bright white walls, pale wood or vinyl flooring, ceiling lights, and mirrors to make the room seem light and airy.
   • A spare bedroom, office, or bonus room. Keep the same flooring and wall colors as the rest of your home to make the gym feel like a seamless part of your house, or opt for a totally different aesthetic to make it a separate space.
   • A sunroom or 3-seasons room. Create a low-tech gym with simple shelves and baskets for storage, mats and dumbbells, punching bags, and other compact equipment.
   • The attic. Make it feel open with pale, neutral colors and bright lighting. Just make sure it’s a tall enough space for you to complete all your workout moves!
   • A corner space. Float an exercise machine or a stationary bike in the corner, surrounded by decor that matches the vibe of the room to help it blend in. Covered storage, like baskets or decorative bins, can also help hide clutter.
   • A converted garage. Use thick mats to pad concrete floors, open metal shelves or hooks for storage
   • A standalone room. If you have the land and the budget, consider a gym studio that’s separate from the main house or garage to control how large or small your home gym is.
   • Outside. If you live in a sunny climate that doesn’t get a lot of rain, move your equipment onto the patio, deck, or even the backyard to pump iron in the great outdoors.
Advertisement

2

Maximize small spaces for a comfortable vibe.

Download Article

1. 
   Use mirrors, compact equipment, and lighting to make small home gyms feel big. Not everyone has a spare bedroom or basement to dedicate to fitness. If you’re using a tiny office or corner of a room, here are some tips to make your home gym feel like a professional studio space:

   • Opt for a floor-to-ceiling mirror wall or hang several large wall mirrors to make cramped rooms and spaces feel open, airy, and twice as large. Plus, having a large mirror lets you watch your form while you work out.
   • Take advantage of all-in-one exercise machines to save floor space, like the B52 Smith Machine from MajorFitness. It’s adjustable, sturdy, and perfect for any home gym rat who likes a quality lifting session!
   • Choose compact exercise equipment, like treadmills and exercise benches that can fold up, or an adjustable dumbbell set that eliminates the need for 10 pairs of weights.
   • Plan your gym so that large exercise machines or storage shelves are against walls or in corners to leave as much open floor space as possible. If it’s a multi-functional space (like an office/gym), create visual separation by keeping all your gym equipment in one area.
   • Integrate your workout equipment into open spaces in other rooms. Your home gym can be as simple as a small dumbbell rack against an open spot on your bedroom wall, or positioning your stationary bike near that big window in your office.
   • Skip window treatments like curtains, shades, or decals. Bare windows let in more light and make the room feel bigger and brighter.

3

Choose workout equipment that fits your needs.

Download Article

1. 
   Include gear you enjoy using and that’s tailored to your preferred workouts. There’s no universal “must-have” list since a home gym can be geared toward your favorite exercises and needs. However, there are a few common items that can make your gym feel well-rounded and inviting. Here are some machines and accessories you may want to invest in, depending on your home gym vision and fitness goals:

   • Basic exercise equipment: A few pairs of dumbbells or kettlebells in various weights, resistance bands, an exercise ball, an ab wheel, exercise/yoga mats, a bench, gliding discs, a jump rope, and medicine balls.
   • Larger exercise machines: A treadmill or elliptical, indoor cycling bike, rowing machine, a climber (vertical or stair), or a punching bag.
   • An adjustable or all-in-one weight machine like the B52 Smith Machine from Major Fitness. This all-in-one power rack comes with 12-gauge steel front uprights, aluminum pulleys for smooth lifting, more holes for extra positioning options, and a 170-pound (32-kg) weight stack on either side. Measuring 6.6 by 5.6 feet (2 by 1.7 meters) at the base, the B52 is the perfect fit for tiny spare rooms and large gym studios alike.
   • Things that make the space inviting: Motivational pictures or quotes, a TV to stream online classes, bright lighting, a speaker or sound system, and a large mirror.
Advertisement

4

Use smart storage for a clutter-free gym.

Download Article

1. 
   Opt for shelves, hooks, or baskets that fit your space and aesthetic. Home gym enthusiasts can collect a lot of equipment and accessories over the years, so storage and organization are important for a functional and enjoyable workout space (especially if you’re using a small room or corner). Here are some easy storage solutions to consider:

   • Utilize open shelves and hooks on a single wall for simple and accessible storage. Choose a wall and add sturdy metal shelf racks, floating shelves, and/or hooks to hold loose equipment like dumbbells, towels, resistance bands, and yoga mats.
   • Use closed baskets and bins to hide clutter in smaller spaces. Decorative bins and baskets with lids are a perfect solution for small items like towels, resistance bands, and even light dumbbells.
   • Consider benches or ottomans that double as storage and a spot to sit for a multi-functional touch.
   • Build recessed storage cabinets into the wall to store gym accessories without taking up any extra floor space. Add doors to hide your equipment, or leave the cabinet open for easy access.

5

Take advantage of natural light.

Download Article

1. 
   Set up your gym near large windows or skylights for a natural and airy vibe. Is there anything more invigorating than sunshine? When possible, set up near a natural light source to feel energized and motivated. White-pane windows or light-colored window treatments and walls help open up the space, too. (Just make sure you’ve got some lighting around for a nighttime workout!).
Advertisement

6

Consider using all-natural materials.

Download Article

1. 
   Add a homey feel to your gym with sturdy, natural equipment and decor. Materials like wood, leather, metal, exposed brick, and glass add a timeless and high-quality feel to both your gym equipment and studio decor (and make it feel more homey compared to the rubber, plastic, and metal aesthetic of a typical gym). If you can’t deck out your whole gym in natural materials, go for a single exposed brick wall, wood accents, or a pop of leather (like on a punching bag or exercise bench) to add a dash of character.

7

Opt for neutral, soothing colors for a zen feel.

Download Article

1. 
   Choose neutrals for a calming, focused workout. Try colors like gray, beige, taupe, or gentle colors like light blue or lavender to create a space that gives you peace of mind while you pump iron. If you’re worried about the walls being too neutral, try using textured wallpaper or wall art to add some visual interest.
Advertisement

8

Try dark, elegant colors for a sophisticated vibe.

Download Article

1. 
   Use bold, no-nonsense colors to inspire a serious workout. It’s your home, and your gym can be as classy as you want it to be! Try bold and dark colors on the floor and walls, like black, burgundy, dark gray, deep brown, or forest green. Pair with light, white, or neutral accents to help break up the dark colors and add a touch of elegance and balance.

9

Put up vibrant wallpaper to transform your space.

Download Article

1. 
   Use wallpaper for fast and dramatic redecorating. Concerned that your lonely stationary bike looks a little bit odd all by itself in the corner? Add some bright or patterned wallpaper behind it to draw the eye away from your gym equipment and add some fun flair to your gym. Do one accent wall, one corner, or wallpaper the entire room—whatever you prefer!
Advertisement

10

Incorporate bold, bright colors to energize your space.

Download Article

1. 
   Use brilliant colors for a spark of energy. If your gym room is fairly neutral, add colorful accents and gym equipment, like yoga mats or exercise balls, for a fun pop of color. Or, incorporate bold primary colors like vibrant blues, reds, yellows, and greens on accent walls, trims, and other decor.

11

Use vinyl flooring for a functional but aesthetic touch.

Download Article

1. 
   Protect your floors with long-wearing and affordable vinyl. A gym floor has to be tough, and installing vinyl is a great way to add protection without sacrificing your style. Go for a wood effect in any shade for a natural but durable look, a stone finish for an elegant, spa-like look, or any color or texture that matches your aesthetic. Vinyl is waterproof, affordable, comfortable, and scratch-resistant, making it a practical choice for any home gym.
Advertisement

12

Decorate the ceiling to add character.

Download Article

1. 
   Transform the entire space from floor to ceiling for a one-of-a-kind home gym. Light and airy paint colors like white and beige make a room feel open and peaceful, while dark colors like black create a bold, dramatic atmosphere (especially in a basement space). You can also play with lights and ceiling fixtures, too. Rattan lighting and flowy drapes of fabric can create a peaceful bohemian vibe, for example, while exposed pipes and unfinished ceilings can add a hard, industrial quality.

13

Hide your home gym behind a sliding door or curtain.

Download Article

1. 
   Create a simple separation between your gym and living spaces. If your gym room adjoins another space (like a bedroom or basement) with no door to separate them, consider installing sliding doors, a barn door, or a simple curtain rod and curtains to block off the gym and create some privacy. You can choose any style that matches your aesthetic, from rustic wooden barn doors to metal sliding doors with opaque or frosted glass panes.

   • Or, for the opposite effect, install glass doors at the entrance to your gym space for a sleek and modern look.
Advertisement

14

Incorporate a stylish rest and recovery area.

Download Article

1. 
   Don’t forget to give yourself space to stretch and cool down. Take a break between sets on a couch, cushy armchair, or bench that matches the style and decor of your home. To make your home gym look even more cohesive, consider covering your exercise benches in fabric that matches your other furniture. (Is that a bit extra? Sure. But does it look totally unique and awesome? Yes!)

15

Delineate multiple “zones” within a large space.

Download Article

1. 
   Divide large gym rooms into multiple areas for different purposes. If you’re lucky and have a big home gym room, arrange your equipment and storage to create space for different purposes throughout. For example, you could keep the floor space of one area open for stretching and warmups, and put your larger exercise equipment like benches and bikes on the other side of the room.

   • You can also add a designated storage space, like a specific wall or corner with cabinets or shelves.
Advertisement

16

Install a sound system to play your favorite workout tunes.

Download Article

1. 
   Never worry about your earbuds falling out on the treadmill again! With a home gym, you can install mounted speakers, surround sound, or even just set up a radio or lone speaker on a table or shelf. We recommend a Bluetooth system so you can control the music right from your phone.

17

Add a kid-friendly corner to keep your young ones occupied.

Download Article

1. 
   Make your home gym fun for the whole family. If you need to keep an eye on the kids during your workout, try adding fun activities for them, like a small rock-climbing wall, mini basketball hoops, or even just a few jumpropes and other toys. It’ll make it easy to keep watch over them and help them burn off some excess energy, too!
Advertisement

18

Add whatever decor and equipment you like or need.

Download Article

1. 
   At the end of the day, it’s your home gym! Decorate and equip it any way you want to. Whether you start small with a few dumbbells or go all-in with an advanced machine like the B52 Smith Machine, the key is to create a space you’ll love using—because the best gym is the one you never want to leave.

   • There’s no right or wrong way to design a home gym as long as it’s functional for the types of exercise you enjoy doing. Whether you want a cozy yoga studio, a large weight room that resembles a public gym, the choice is yours.
   • Consider what equipment you’re most likely to use. If you’re primarily a yogi, you may not need a huge selection of weights or lifting machines. If you’re a cardio person, a small corner with a treadmill and/or a bike might be enough.
   • Think about the overall vibe you want. Do you need a peaceful place to unwind, or a bold and stimulating environment to help you get motivated? It’s totally up to you!

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!