Icon Corner Setup

Location & Orientation

Choose a quiet, respectful spot in your home that won’t be passed by casually—preferably an east-facing wall, if possible, to reflect the tradition of praying to the East.
Tradition often places the icon corner in a prominent room, sometimes opposite the front door.
Any shelf, table, or dedicated wall space can be the foundation for your icon corner; even small floating shelves or sturdy icon stands work well.

Core Items to Include

Icons: At a minimum, incorporate an icon of Christ (placed to the right from the viewer’s perspective), an icon of the Theotokos (Mother of God, placed to the left), and your family’s or personal patron saints.
Cross: A cross in the center, whether handheld, mounted, or standing, is traditional.
Candles: Beeswax candles or Orthodox vigil lamps symbolize Christ as the Light of the world.
Prayer Books & Bible: Keep daily prayer books and an Orthodox Study Bible accessible for regular devotion.
Holy Water: Place a bottle of holy water, especially if received during special feasts or Theophany.
Festal Icons: Rotate icons to reflect the current feast or liturgical season.
Decorative Cloth: An embroidered cloth can be used to cover the table or shelf.
Occasional Elements: Fresh flowers, palm crosses, or pussy willows (e.g., from Pascha service) are often displayed by the icons.
Other Personal Items: Wedding candles, crowns from your Orthodox wedding, or family heirlooms may also find a place.

Practical Tips

Start simple: Even just icons of Christ, the Theotokos, and a candle are enough for meaningful prayer.

Use framed or mounted icons, so they are easy to venerate; travel-sized icons are affordable for beginners.

If on a tight budget, print icons at home and frame them to start, upgrading to hand-painted/silk-screened icons as able.

Keep the area tidy, peaceful, and focused—let prayer, not decoration, remain the focus of this space.

Keep it safe – if you have any open fire (candle or oil lamp), it is best to keep it lit only during prayer; you can hang a light bulb lamp alternative when you are not home, to avoid any mishaps.