Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sensory Room?

A sensory room is a space set aside for exploring the senses, built so that every visitor can take part. It’s full of kit designed to free your senses, so it is about the people in it. It’s a sensory bridge between people and YOU are the most interactive, sensitive, rewarding, dynamic thing in there. A sensory room is where your senses take over. See the types of sensory room we design, or read our full guide to sensory rooms.

What is Snoezelen therapy?

The idea that people should have time to be, not to do. To take pleasure from their environment. Literally to doze and to sniff (in Dutch). Of course there is more to it but that is the core.

Can we afford a Sensory Room and do we have the space?

Rooms we design and fit start from around £5,000 exc. VAT. Once a room includes made-to-measure padding, prices start above £8,000, and most bespoke rooms fall between £8,000 and £30,000 exc. VAT. You need a space with some uncluttered zones. Ready-made corners start from £938 exc. VAT for the Padded Corner, and our Sensory Corners are designed to work together. Our price guide has more detail.

Is there a minimum spend?

Rooms start from around £5,000 exc. VAT. Padding pushes the price above £8,000, because it's made to measure and takes at least two visits: we fit the equipment, measure the gaps, then come back to fit the padding. If that's beyond your budget, there are other options that do work.

Our Vecta mobile MSE range starts at £1,500, ready-made Sensory Corners start from £938, and if you have a capable site team our kit is easy to install yourself!

I don't have space for a Sensory Room?

We can work around anything, it just costs more. Our top end Vecta is £7k and needs no clutter-free zone and does almost everything a Sensory Room can do.

Who is a Sensory Room For?

Sensory Rooms are still largely “for” people with special needs, so for the record that includes Autism, PMLD, dementia, sensory processing disorder and more. However, if you or someone you know would enjoy one there is no reason you shouldn't look into it.

What sectors do you install Sensory Rooms for?

We have designed and installed for almost everyone, including Schools, Hospitals, Care homes, Private Homes, Day Centres and more. See our case studies. But if you are really unsure, we love a challenge so get in touch.

Do you do different types of Sensory Room: calming, energising, immersive etc?

We do all sorts of Sensory Rooms and know what should go into each type, so either you can give us ideas or we can advise you. See multi-sensory, sensory integration, calming and de-escalation, immersive and soft play rooms.

Is a multi-sensory environment the same as a sensory room?

Mostly. A multi-sensory environment (MSE) is the most common type of sensory room, and MSE is easier to say than MSR, so Environment sticks around. Plus it sounds more impressive, which is itself important. We say MSE and Sensory Room and retain the importance.

What’s the Sensory room design process?

After getting in touch and telling us some dimensions, an idea of budget and any ideas you have for the room we will make a free 3D design and quote. Then you can tell us what you think about the design and we can improve it together if needed. We then will take a deposit and we will come and install it. Then we will measure the gaps and then we will fit the padding in some or all of those gaps. (if you have a site team you could even install it yourself, honestly.)

Why should I get my Sensory Room from TFH?

There are a few reasons to choose TFH, firstly our experience, we have been designing and manufacturing sensory equipment and then designing and installing it into Sensory Rooms in the UK for 40 years. Our bubble columns and the interactive panels we fit in our sensory rooms are made by TFH in Wales, and our soft play and padding is made in the UK.

The second reason is our equipment, at our heart we are designers and innovators and the result is truly unique items (check out the wobble garden to get a taste). If you want the most interesting and innovative Sensory Room, you have to go TFH.

We also have a lovely team (but that is perhaps slightly less convincing.) So get in touch!

What can I expect from the Sensory Room once it is installed?

A Multi Sensory Environment is transformative, in the moment, (the wow factor is big), and also for the whole institution that they exist within. There is something magical about a building with an MSE in it, it becomes the heart of the building and we encourage minimal training so that everyone (even the accountants) have used it and everyone at all times carries a little bit of MSE magic with them wherever they are in that building.

How much training do I need?

Almost none, some people are naturals, others need to forget more than they need to learn. There is one simple principle. This poster will be displayed outside the MSE and this one within it. Your training is complete. (further training is available).

Will it last?

Our sensory equipment comes with a one-year guarantee covering routine faults. After that, we'll happily come out to repair or service any equipment, and we'll quote for the work first. So if you look after it, it will look after you.

Can I upgrade later?

Yes, but if that's on the cards let us know, your ultimate MSE can be planned for in our initial design. Alternatively go for one of our Modular Sensory Corners and you can always add another later!

Can I visit one first?

We have a showroom you can visit, or browse around remotely so get in touch and we can arrange a visit.

Is there funding help?

We have created a funding and grants page with some options and we also find that we can help gee up your backers with visuals, or a tour.

Can you work with our builder or architect?

Sure. Actually we would love to get to know your architect. If you are doing electrical work we want to give very specific information, but in general do not let them put a dado rail in!

Do Sensory Rooms actually work?

The people who use them tell us they do, but the problem is proof: good research on sensory rooms is hard to come by, for many reasons. We have summarised academic papers on sensory rooms so you can read the evidence yourself.

We like our customers to say “well that worked” ritually after every good session.

What’s the lead time?

TFH International keep £4M worth of Kit in stock, bespoke (pads to Fit the gaps) takes 4 weeks, Fit requires diary synergy (for schools that may be holidays?).