Mats, blocks, bolsters, balls, rings and bands are small items, but a studio uses dozens or hundreds of them. Stored well, they last longer, stay cleaner and are quick to set out and put away. Stored badly, they end up on the floor, where they become trip hazards, collect dirt and wear out early.
This article covers how to store studio accessories so they stay in good condition and the room stays safe.
Why storage matters
Safety. The UK Health and Safety Executive notes that most trips are caused by obstructions in walkways. Props left on the floor between classes, or piled by the door, are a common example. Every accessory should have a home that is quick to reach.
Handling. The HSE’s manual handling risk filters show that the weight a person can safely lift falls when the load is held away from the body, or lifted from low down or high up. Heavy items stored on the floor or on top shelves are harder and riskier to move. Weights, kettlebells and heavy bolsters belong at waist to shoulder height.
Hygiene. Accessories touch skin, sweat and floors. Storage that lets them dry and breathe keeps them fresher between cleans.
Condition. Foam, rubber and textiles all age. How and where they are stored has a large effect on how quickly.
How materials age
Many studio accessories are made from polymer foams, rubbers and coated fabrics. Technical literature on polyurethane foam notes that polyether-based foams are more sensitive to oxidation and to light, while polyester-based foams are more sensitive to hydrolysis, the slow breakdown caused by moisture. Light can cause discolouration and surface changes, and manufacturers add UV absorbers and antioxidants to slow this.
In practice, that means:
- Keep foam and rubber out of direct sunlight. Sun through windows fades colours and can make surfaces brittle or crumbly.
- Keep them away from heat. Radiators and heaters speed up ageing.
- Let them dry before storing. Damp foam and textiles stored in closed spaces stay damp, smell and degrade faster.
- Avoid long-term compression. Heavy items stacked on top of foam blocks or bolsters for months can leave them permanently squashed.
Storing specific items
Mats
Store mats flat on shelves, or rolled loosely and stood on end in open cubbies or racks. Hanging mats from a rail or hook keeps them off the floor and lets air reach both sides. Avoid tight rolling with the top surface facing inwards for long periods, which can make mats curl.
Blocks and bricks
Stack blocks on open shelves at a sensible height. Cork and foam blocks should be stored dry.
Bolsters and cushions
Store bolsters on open shelves or in deep cubbies, not crushed under other items. Covers should be washable or wipeable, and dry before storage.
Balls, rings and soft equipment
Use baskets, bins or open shelving with sides, so small items do not roll away. Keep inflated balls away from heat and sharp edges.
Resistance bands
Hang bands on hooks or store them loosely in a ventilated box. Keep them out of sunlight. Check them regularly and throw away any with nicks, thinning or sticky patches.
Weights
Store weights on purpose-built racks at waist to shoulder height, with the heaviest items lowest of those positions. Never store weights above head height.
Designing a storage wall
Good studio storage has a few features in common:
- Open, ventilated design. Open cubbies and slatted shelves let air move, so items dry between uses. NHS guidance on infection control in the built environment (HBN 00-09) also recommends keeping stored items off the floor, on slatted shelving.
- One home for each item. Labelled or clearly sized spaces make it obvious when something is missing or out of place.
- The right height. Heavy items in the middle, light items above and below.
- Close to where items are used. Storage along a studio wall saves walking and keeps routes clear.
- Easy to clean. Smooth, sealed surfaces can be wiped down. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises cleaning surfaces first, then disinfecting where needed, following the product label.
- Securely fixed. Tall storage units should be fixed to the wall so they cannot tip. BS 8539 gives guidance on choosing anchors suitable for the wall they go into.
Cleaning and rotation
- Wipe mats and props after each class, or provide spray and cloths for clients to do so.
- Let items dry before returning them to storage.
- Clean the storage itself weekly, removing dust and anything that has fallen behind.
- Rotate accessories, so the same items are not used in every class while others sit untouched.
- Check stock monthly, replacing items that are worn, torn or have lost grip.
Storage that matches the studio
Round Fit makes storage cubbies, racks and shelving as part of its studio interiors, in solid hardwood and plywood only, never chipboard or MDF, with a matt lacquer finish that wipes clean. Pieces are built to your accessory list and room size, and every piece is tested before it leaves the workshop. Wall-mounted pieces are installed through our local distribution partners, who assess the wall before fixing.
Explore studio interiors, or discuss your project with us.
