Whether seeking calm amidst chaos or clarity to guide future ambitions, meditation can be a grounding part of life at any stage. Its accessibility and growing popularity have turned it into a lucrative wellness category. The global meditation market is estimated to be worth $7.41 billion, encompassing products and services such as books, apps, courses, and retreats. Yet, Brooklyn-based Walden.US has carved out a unique niche by specializing in meditation furniture that marries comfort with functionality.
Walden stands apart with its minimalist aesthetic, crafting tools that inspire reflection and serenity. The company's name pays homage to Walden Pond, the storied retreat that influenced transcendentalist thinkers like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. This inspiration is evident in Walden's mission to create intentional spaces that nurture mindfulness.
"We believe everyone needs a space of their own to reflect, be present, and find comfort," states Walden's website. The company’s thoughtfully designed products deliver on this promise—beautiful, functional pieces that elevate both the meditation experience and the surrounding environment.
Co-founder Eddie Cohen first experienced the transformative power of meditation as a Wharton undergraduate during a vipassana retreat. What started as a personal journey soon became a passion project that even won over his initial skeptics. “My parents thought I was some hippie, off my rocker,” Cohen shared. “But even they’re meditating now.”