Podcast Studio Ideas to Help You Sound (and Feel) Like a Pro

Posted by Matt Ressler on October 16, 2025

Podcasting isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With more than 584 million people tuning in worldwide and over 6.5 million shows already out there, the space is crowded and competitive. If you’re looking to get in on the action, you’ll need a studio setup that helps you sound sharp and feel confident on the mic. Here are some podcast studio ideas that can take your show to the next level.

How to Choose the Right Room for a Podcast Studio

The most important thing to consider when choosing a room for your podcast studio is the noise level. Pick a room that stays quiet and is away from kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, or street noise. Carpeted floors and smaller rooms will naturally help with sound absorption as the fabric drowns out echo and reverb.

What Equipment Do You Need for a Podcast Studio?

You don’t need to buy every shiny gadget out there to build a podcast studio. What you actually need will depend on your budget and the number of people you’ll be recording. The essentials fall into three categories: audio equipment, video equipment, and software tools.

Audio Equipment

The first thing people notice about a podcast isn’t the jokes or the hot takes. It’s how it sounds, and that starts with the mic:

USB mics are budget-friendly and hassle-free. Just plug in and hit record. Perfect if it’s just for you or you and a cohost.
XLR mics are the upgrade option. They need an interface, mixer, or recorder, but they’ll give you cleaner sound when you start adding guests.

Once the mic’s handled, a few extras keep things tight:

Headphones: Think of them as your warning system. You’ll hear the buzz, squeaks, or mic pops before your audience does.
Pop Filter: This is a cheap fix that saves your listeners from those sharp ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds from spiking in your audio.
Audio mixer: Mixers balance multiple voices so no one fades into the background (or blows out the speakers).

Video Equipment

If you plan on recording video for your podcast, your gear can make a difference in how professional you look. You’ve got options at every budget level:

Equipment	Budget Level	Why It Works	Things to Watch For
Smartphone	Low	Portable, easy to use, high-quality video with newer models	Battery drain and limited control over settings
Built-in Webcam	Low	Already on your computer, no setup	Grainy and poor in low light
External Webcam	Mid	Sharper image, better angles, affordable upgrade	Still limited compared to dedicated cameras
Mirrorless/DSLR Camera	High	Crisp, cinematic quality; works with different lenses (wide-angle, zoom, etc.)	Expensive, may not be suited for beginners
Lenses	Mid-High	Wide-angle to capture the full room; prime lenses to focus	Adds to overall cost and learning curve
Lighting (ring light, softbox, LED panels)	Low-Mid	Brightens faces and cuts down on shadows	Can be bulky or harsh without adjustment
Tripod/Mounts	Low-Mid	Keeps shots steady, frees your hands, allows creative angles	Can be awkward in tight spaces

Software Tools

Once you have your gear, the next step is making sure you have the right software. This is what you’ll use to record, edit, and organize your episodes, so it’s worth finding tools that feel easy to use.

If you’re recording on your own, the simplest approach is to use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Audacity or Adobe Audition. They let you record directly into the program and edit everything in one place. For interview-style shows, online platforms like Riverside, Alitu, or Zoom make it easy to connect with guests, regardless of their location.

It also helps to have a system that keeps everything organized. Apps like Notion or Trello are great for tracking scripts, editing notes, and episode deadlines.

Tip: If you’re just starting out, try the free versions of different tools before committing. Testing a few options will give you a better sense of what fits your workflow and what doesn’t.

What Furniture Does a Podcast Studio Need?

Recording sessions can stretch on for hours, and the wrong setup will wear you down fast. That’s why having the right furniture is essential, not only for comfort, but also for how professional the space feels on camera.

Seating and Conversation Areas

Great conversations happen when people are comfortable. If your guests are distracted by stiff backs or awkward chairs, it shows up in the recording. In fact, sitting for long periods can lead to joint stiffness, poor posture, and muscle weakness.

Seating should be one of the first things you plan for your studio, with pieces like:

Ergonomic office chairs
Accent chairs
Small couches or loveseats
Bean bags or floor cushions

cordaroys’ NEST bean bag chairs bring a casual and inviting feel to a studio while still giving you the support you need for long recordings. Built-in head and neck support keep guests comfortable, and side pockets give them a spot to stash notes or phones.

Of course, it’s what’s on the inside that matters. Each chair is filled with shredded polyfoam that molds to the body, then transforms into a bed when unzipped. That means your seating can double as a conversation starter, a fun “pajama episode,” or just extra space for overnight guests once the mics are off.

Tip: Angle chairs toward each other to encourage natural conversation, keep them out of traffic paths, and leave just enough space for guests to move around.

Desks and Tables

While chairs in the recording area can make the space feel cozy, side tables and coffee tables can really bring the space together. A side table provides a guest with a place to set down a drink or jot down a note, while a coffee table in the center can make the space feel more like a living room than a studio. If you’re in a smaller space, folding tables can work just as well, providing an extra spot when needed and disappearing when not in use.

A desk is also an absolute must in a podcast studio. After all, it’s where the magic starts, whether it’s scribbled notes turning into outlines or laptops open with audio files waiting to be cut. It can even make a great spot for a face-to-face interview in a pinch!

Storage and Organization for Gear

From microphones and headphones to cables and stands, podcast gear piles up fast, and the last thing you want is to be digging through a tangle of wires when it’s time to hit record. Wall shelves or bins give cables and accessories a place to live, while drawer organizers keep batteries and adapters within reach.

Need a place to put your phone? cordaroys’ cozy tech holders double as tablet or phone stands, and they even pull triple duty as a drink coaster. If you want an even cozier feel, our bean bag pillows are another option to prop up devices during recording or editing so you don’t have to juggle screens in your lap.

How to Decorate a Podcast Studio

You’ve got the gear, the furniture, and the storage. Now, it’s time to make the space your own! A simple way to make the space a little cozier is to add a cordaroys’ pouf to your seating. Guests can kick back and put their feet up, and when the room gets busy, it doubles as an extra seat.

A few other ways to bring character into your studio:

A bold rug to help with sound absorption
Posters or framed art (album covers, vintage prints, or inside jokes)
Throw pillows or blankets
Soft lamps, colored LEDs, or a string of cafe lights
A conversation piece (a neon sign, quirky figurine, or a stack of books that guests can flip through before recording starts)

Start Setting Up Your Podcast Studio With coradaroys

Every podcast has its own style, and your studio should reflect that. cordaroys makes it easy to build a space that feels professional without losing comfort. From NEST chairs that double as guest beds to poufs that slide between footrests and extra seating, our pieces are designed to keep recording sessions relaxed and flexible. Add them into your setup, and you’ll have a studio that not only sounds good but feels good too, episode after episode.