Thinking of creating the ultimate smoking oasis at home?
Here’s the deal…
With nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults smoking tobacco, many homeowners are interested in setting up a stylish smoking area that doesn’t sacrifice their home’s indoor air quality or style. But what most people don’t know is…
It’s not as simple as taking an empty room and lighting up. Designing a successful and stylish smoking area requires ventilation, design, and set up to protect your home against smoke damage.
Here’s the issue:
Typically, most people will open a window and think they’re good to go. This approach will result in smoke stains on walls, lingering odors, and an unappealing and uninviting space no one wants to sit in. Here’s how to make your smoking area actually look and feel good…
In this article you’ll learn:
- Important Ventilation Specs for Smoking Areas in the Home
- How to Design Your Home Smoking Area With Style
- Smart Storage Tips for Your Smoking Area
- Home Smoking Area Furniture and Decor Options
- Tips for Containing Smoke and Odors in Your Home
Important Ventilation Specs for Smoking Areas in the Home
Airflow is the most important component of a home smoking area.
Here’s why: First, without enough fresh air, the space becomes stuffy and unpleasant, killing the whole experience. But more importantly, smoke particles will seep out into the rest of the home without a well-designed ventilation system.
A quality ventilation system for a smoking area should have a fresh air delivery rate of 12-15 air changes per hour. For a single smoker, this is about 100 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) exhaust capacity. For two or more smokers, an exhaust fan should be rated for 900-1100 CFM.
But here’s the problem with most people’s approach…
They typically think a standard bathroom fan installed in a ceiling does the trick. It doesn’t. You need a dedicated exhaust system that draws smoke upward and out of the room and does so at a high rate of speed.
The best system has these features:
- Ceiling-mounted exhaust fan placed in the natural path of smoke rising
- Air intake source placed lower in the room
- HEPA filtration to trap smoke particles
- Activated carbon filters to eliminate odors
Place the exhaust port at the ceiling level and air intake lower on the wall to create natural airflow and prevent smoke from stagnating at eye level where people are sitting.
How to Design Your Home Smoking Area With Style
Material choice is the key to nailing the design of your home smoking area.
You want your space to look upscale and feel sophisticated but be able to withstand smoke damage without soiling light colors or absorbing odors. Whether you smoke premium cigars or a go-to pack of Canadian classic cigarettes, the right materials in your smoking area will help match your style while safeguarding your investment.
Here’s what to use:
Dark or deep colors hide smoke stains better than light colors do. A rich burgundy, deep navy, or charcoal gray are all stylish and practical choices.
Avoid these materials that hold on to smoke:
- Carpeting
- Heavy curtains or drapes
- Unsealed wood surfaces
- Light-colored upholstery
Instead, opt for these materials:
- Leather furniture that gets better with age and use
- Hard surfaces for flooring – tile, hardwood, or laminate
- Metal or sealed wood pieces for furniture
- Synthetic materials that don’t absorb odors
For window treatments, avoid heavy fabrics that yellow and fade with smoke exposure. Wood blinds or shutters are better options.
Smart Storage Tips for Your Smoking Area
Organization is more important than you might think.
Clutter in your smoking area spoils the entire relaxing vibe you’re trying to create. Plus, proper storage will also keep your smoking supplies safe from humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Essential storage elements include:
- A quality humidor if you smoke cigars
- Dedicated shelving or cabinetry for smoking accessories
- Accessible storage for lighters, cutters, and smoking tools
- Sealed storage containers for loose tobacco products
Position these storage areas within easy reach from your primary seating area. Nothing dampens the mood like getting up repeatedly to fetch supplies.
Pro tip: Display your accessories with style. Thoughtfully arranged smoking tools add personality and help keep everything organized and accessible.
Home Smoking Area Furniture and Decor Options
Choosing the right furniture will take your smoking area from functional to fantastic.
Opt for rich, dark leather chairs that age and develop character over time. Avoid soft, porous fabrics that soak up and hold onto smoke odors. Metal and sealed wood pieces work well and add to the refined atmosphere.
When it comes to seating, consider these options:
- Leather armchairs or recliners
- Metal-framed chairs with synthetic cushions
- Sealed wood furniture with easy-to-clean surfaces
Lighting is important, too:
You need at least 50 lumens of light to properly see and cut cigars. Install ambient lighting for mood and make sure light switches are easily accessible near both the entrance and seating areas.
Add character with these items:
- Framed artwork (stay away from items with glass that fog with smoke)
- Metal or ceramic decorative pieces
- Plants to help naturally purify the air
Tips for Containing Smoke and Odors in Your Home
Here’s where most people make their mistake…
They focus on the smoking area and set it up properly, but then forget about containing smoke and odors. Smoke is a persistent thing and will find a way into other parts of your home if you don’t properly contain it.
The solution is straightforward:
Designate a separate HVAC zone for your home smoking area. This will keep smoke from traveling through your home’s main air system and contaminating other rooms.
If a separate HVAC system is beyond your budget, consider these alternatives:
- Apply weatherstripping around the door frame
- Install a door sweep to block air leaks
- Place a high-quality air purifier in the room
- Use a simple box fan in a window for basic ventilation
Maintenance is key:
Clean filters regularly and replace as necessary. Even the best ventilation system won’t do you any good if filters are clogged with smoke residue.
Schedule periodic deep cleaning to prevent smoke residue buildup. This will help maintain optimal indoor air quality and keep your smoking area looking fresh.
Additional Tips for Creating a Smoking Area in Your Home
Location is everything.
Basements work well for many people because they’re naturally segregated from the primary living areas and often easier to ventilate. Spare bedrooms or converted garages are also great locations for a home smoking room.
Steer clear of these spots:
- Near bedrooms or kitchens
- Rooms without windows or ventilation options
- Areas that use the same HVAC system as the rest of the house
Consider these extras:
- A small bar area for drinks
- Entertainment options like TV or music system
- Separate temperature control from the main house
- Appropriate ashtrays for your preferred smoking style
Bringing It All Together
Designing a stylish smoking area in your home isn’t rocket science once you know what you’re doing.
The truth is, with tobacco use affecting millions of American adults still smoking tobacco, a well-designed smoking space can add value to your home. It all starts with proper ventilation. Once you have the exhaust and air flow figured out, you can start adding in stylish elements over time. The best ventilation system is worth more than the fanciest leather furniture if the furniture can’t withstand the environment.
Keep these principles in mind:
- Ventilation first
- Dark colors and hard surfaces always work best
- Organized storage makes all the difference
- Smoke containment prevents odor migration
- Maintenance preserves your investment
Done right, your home smoking area will be a luxurious retreat that not only enhances your smoking experience but also protects the rest of your home. It’s an investment that pays off with years of enjoyable smoking sessions at home.
