What Is a Still Room? This Old-Fashioned Space Is Making a Comeback

In recent years, many design trends and rooms that were once dismissed as old-fashioned have come back into style. Some of this can be chalked up to a proliferation of cottagecore and farmhouse aesthetics, both of which lean into this more rustic, down-to-earth look.

However, how we choose to live in our homes has more to do with function than anything else. A return to interior design elements of decades past signals that we're spending more intentional time at home with our hobbies, our friends, and our various collections of art and other curios.

A still room is a space that has certainly benefited from this renewed interest, having fallen out of style and relevance until very recently. But what exactly is a still room—and is one right for your home?

What Is a Still Room

A still room is a preparation space of sorts, where homeowners can make candles, soaps, jams, and tinctures from herbs, flowers, and other ingredients. "[It] was part laboratory, part factory, and part kitchen," says Merlin Wright, design director at Plain English. "Also, as the name suggests, it was where spirits and vinegars were distilled both for drinking and for preservation."

However, still rooms weren't historically the most beautiful room in the house, and were often tucked away in larger manors or castles. "Think of it as the vintage version of today’s home apothecary or kombucha corner—practical, but with a thoughtful, down-to-earth charm," says Andrew Hays, director and founder of Cabbonet.

History

The still room can trace its roots to medieval Europe. At the time, knowing how to preserve food was essential, especially during the winter months. During the Renaissance, it evolved into a place of experimentation, where the women of the household would create various spirits, cordials, and tinctures.

Still rooms were originally tucked away within a large manor, but as the centuries passed, they became an extension of the kitchen and were often located nearby, or even adjacent. In the 18th century, they were used to ferment vegetables, dry herbs, and even serve afternoon tea.

"Arguably, there's no longer any need for such a specialized room, as we live in an age where every type of food is instantly available," says Wright. However, while still rooms have certainly become less and less of a necessity over the years, they've started to reemerge in the design zeitgeist.

Contemporary Uses

As mentioned, still rooms were never the most aesthetically pleasing space in the home. However, that's starting to change. "People have started to lust after these old-fashioned, small rooms again," says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL. "This time around, they're not just functional, but beautiful."

Wellness trends are sparking a renewed interest in hobby spaces where people can spend quality time at home creating their own jams, candles, and teas. Still rooms are reemerging as a result, "not always in name, but definitely in spirit," notes Hays.

"You'll find them reimagined as tea corners, home apothecaries, or thoughtfully-designed spots for blending herbs, infusing oils, preserving, or experimenting with natural skincare," he adds.

How to Design One

Your approach to designing a still room—or a similar iteration—will largely depend on how you want to use it. These spaces can be cozy homes for a wide range of hobbies and handicrafts, and their interior design elements will differ accordingly.

"Map out your workflow: Think about how ingredients will move from storage to prep, then to drying or cooking," says Hays. "Prioritize good storage solutions—airtight jars, open shelving for easy access—and make sure you have durable surfaces and proper lighting for detailed work."

However, your still room should also feel beautiful and intentional. It's a place that "transforms everyday routines into meaningful rituals.... [and] celebrates personal interests and creativity," he adds. So while function and utility should always come first, a still room can also be warm, cozy, and serene. It should be a place where you actually want to spend your time.

"They're deeply personal sanctuaries," he says. "You slow down, connect with your surroundings, and create something with intention."