How to create your own podcast studio at home

Creating a place in your home specially for podcasting can help the creative juices flow and allow you to enjoy the process more. If you’ve been searching your home, pondering how to transform an area into a Pinterest-inspired space to host your episodes and eventually your guests, here are some top tips to make it both chic and technically practical.

As a new podcaster, the bubbling conversation topics seem endless, and it’s tempting to throw yourself into the content creation before your recording space is properly prepared. For listeners, there’s nothing worse than tinny, echoing audio. If you’re serious about taking your budding podcasting career to the next level, consider investing in some soundproof foam to add to your walls.

There are other, cheaper, DIY options for soundproofing your space using materials around your home. The general rule of thumb is that the harder the surface, the more sound will bounce off of it, and therefore create an echo. You can soften your surroundings by using things like pillows, fluffy coats, rugs, thick curtains, and even potted plants. Here’s a short video tutorial on how you can soundproof on a budget. This is a great opportunity to decorate your space while also improving your soundproofing (and you’ll finally have an excuse for the excessive amount of plants in your home office).

When you’re able to have in-person conversations on your podcast, the best thing you can do is make them feel comfortable. The chairs in your office are some of the most important furnishings in your studio. These statement pieces bring your space together, and will assist in setting the tone for your most riveting conversations. Consider huge crushed velvet armchairs for your guests to curl up in, or professional ergonomic office chairs with adjustable settings and lumbar support.

The best conversations often happen when you and your guest sit across a table from one another, or perhaps sitting on opposite ends of a couch help inspire a more intimate conversation for your podcast. Depending on the vibe you’re aiming for, you should consider what types of microphones best suit you and your guests. If you have groups of guests around, you may consider providing a microphone and stand in front of them, or maybe a couple of hanging crane mics attached to the desk. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more relaxed and intimate conversation, you can opt for the classic wired handheld microphone while you curl up under a blanket for a laid-back chat with guests.

This is where it gets fun. Your podcast studio gets to be a place that screams “you.” It can be a reflection of everything your podcast is about – from the painted walls to the hanging pictures and trinkets that highlight the space. Everything you add to top off this space should help you and others feel comfortable to have your most funny, honest, and vulnerable conversation.

Consider picking an energizing or calming color that matches the intent behind your show. From there, you can highlight the space with accent pieces including chairs, plants, artwork, and anything else that comes to mind.

Most importantly, make sure that your podcast studio is a space that sparks joy, creativity, and inspires your best work.

Ginni Saraswati is the owner and founder of the Ginni Media, a one-stop-shop podcasting production house providing multiple podcast services in one company. Ginni Media has worked with clients including Allure, Architectural Digest, and Siemens.

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