404: screen not found.
A growing number of homeowners are designating one room in the house for a single, radical purpose: no screens, no wifi and no notifications. The analog room is a contemporary twist on the sitting rooms of an earlier era. The soft surfaces remain, but there is no television or radio in sight. Books, board games, conversation and quiet are the only things on the agenda.
The case for it rests on a number. According to GWI data compiled by DataReportal, the average American spends more than seven hours a day in front of a screen. Homes have been optimized for connectivity, with wifi, smart televisions and voice assistants, and in the process have quietly lost the conditions that make rest, creativity and genuine connection possible. An analog room pushes back.
Start with comfort
Make comfort the guiding principle. Choose deep, low seating and layer in textiles that invite you to linger: a throw, a soft rug underfoot, curtains heavy enough to muffle the outside world. Keep the lighting warm and adjustable, with a floor lamp beside an armchair rather than an overhead fixture.
Give everyone a reason to sit down
A well-curated bookshelf signals the room's purpose and doubles as a warm, interactive piece of art. A game table, a writing desk, or a dedicated Mahjong or puzzle corner gives each member of the household a reason to settle in. Clutter competes with calm, so keep surfaces clear and storage generous.
No spare room? No problem
If there is no room to dedicate, bring the analog pieces into the common areas instead. Put floor pillows nearby, reach for lamps instead of overheads, light a candle, and keep puzzles and cards within arm's reach.
Most of all, use the space, alone or together as a family. It is the best place to model the behavior you hope to see in your home.
Originally written for the magazine by Nicole Letts.
This story appears in the September 2026 issue of Stroll Providence.