November 27, 2025 Alison Leung

How to Choose the Right Pilates Reformer for Your Home (2025 Buyer’s Guide)

How to Choose the Right Pilates Reformer for Your Home (2025 Buyer’s Guide)

Creating a beautiful, functional home Pilates space is easier than ever — but choosing the right reformer can feel overwhelming. With different styles, materials, price points and features, it’s hard to know where to start.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know so you can confidently choose the perfect reformer for your home, your goals, and your lifestyle.

Hungry for more info? Scroll to the end of this page to download our Reformer Buying Guide, to see which features actually matter when buying a reformer.

Why a reformer is the best investment for home Pilates

A high-quality reformer lets you:

Build strength and mobility at home
Reduce back pain and improve posture
Stay consistent without travelling to a studio
Train safely with adjustable resistance
Enjoy a beautiful, wellness-focused space you’ll actually use

And when you choose a premium reformer, it becomes part of your home aesthetic — not an eyesore.

1. First, decide where your reformer will live

Before comparing models, think about your space.

Do you have a dedicated wellness room?
Are you setting up in a spare bedroom, study or living area?
Do you need to store it away when not in use?

Best choices by space:

Small spaces / apartments

Go for a foldable reformer, like one of these
Look for built-in wheels so you can move it easily
Choose lighter frames with smooth fold mechanisms

Medium to large spaces

A home reformer with a full-length frame, like the Pioneer Pilates Studio Reformer PP-09, offers better stability and more studio-like feel

Dedicated Pilates rooms or studios

Choose a full studio reformer, like the Kauffer Pilates Half-Trapeze, with a heavier frame, commercial-grade springs and a smoother carriage ride

2. Pick your frame style: wooden vs aluminium

Both are excellent — the right choice depends on your priorities.

Wooden Reformers are perfect if you want a warm, timeless, premium aesthetic. They’re great for home studios, styled wellness spaces, coastal and natural interiors.

Pros:

Beautiful, luxe look
Blends into home décor
Stable and quiet

Aluminium Reformers are best if you want lighter weight and a contemporary feel. They’re great for apartments, smaller rooms and modern interiors.

Pros:

Easy to move
Durable and stable
Sleek, modern design

3. Understand the key features – what really matters

Here’s what makes a reformer feel amazing — or not.

✔ Smooth Carriage Glide

Look for high-quality bearings, quiet, smooth movement and a stable, non-wobbly ride.

✔ Premium Springs

Springs control resistance. Better springs = smoother transitions + longer lifespan.

✔ Adjustable Foot bar

Helpful if multiple people are using the reformer and it also gives better versatility for specialised exercises.

✔ Padded, Comfortable Carriage

Upholstery matters — especially if you use your reformer daily. Speaking of upholstery, choose a colour that complements your space. Some of our reformers (e.g. the PP-09 and the foldable PP-07) are available in classic black, dreamy off-white or calming mocha.

✔ Adjustable Ropes or Straps

Everyone’s body is different — better adjustability results in safer and more comfortable training.

✔ Long Travel Carriage

Allows greater range of motion, especially for taller users.

4. Foldable vs non-folding: what’s best for you?

This is one of the biggest decisions for home buyers.

Foldable Reformers are ideal if:

You live in an apartment
You share the space with kids
You want to store it upright or under a bed

Pros:

Saves space
Easy to move
Still stable when well designed

See our favourite foldable reformers here

Non-Folding Reformers are ideal if:

You have a dedicated space
You want maximum stability
You want a studio-like feel

See our favourite home reformers here

5. Check the Dimensions

Before purchasing, measure your space carefully. You should aim for approximately 60-80cm of clearance around the frame.

A good rule of thumb: If you can roll out a yoga mat with 50–60cm extra on each long edge, you can fit a home reformer.

6. Setting your budget, and what impacts price

The main factors that affect cost are:

Frame material (premium wood is going to be more expensive than cheaper wood, metal and plastic)
Folding mechanisms
Spring quality
Carriage glide system
Commercial vs home grade
Brand reputation and craftsmanship

Our collection at Pilates Supply Co. is purposely selected to give a premium feel without the studio-level price tag. The sweet spot lands excellent quality and durability in beautiful colours.

7. Consider your pilates experience level

Beginners

Look for stability and comfort
A home reformer or foldable reformer is ideal
Our picks: the Pioneer Pilates wooden foldable reformer or the Pioneer Pilates metal foldable reformer.

Intermediate / Advanced

You’ll appreciate long travel, firmer springs, and better glide
A studio reformer gives you more room to grow
Our picks: the PP-09 or the Kauffer Pilates Half-Trapeze Tower

Instructors / Studio Owners

Choose commercial-grade equipment with upgrade options for trapeze towers and cadillacs

8. Delivery, assembly & warranty

When searching for your pilates reformer, it’s important to consider delivery, assembly and warranty. That’s why at Pilates Supply Co., we offer:

Fast shipping within Australia, with free delivery to your nearest depot, or home delivery available (see our shipping policy here)
Free installation available in metro Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle areas
Reliable warranty coverage (see our warranty policy here)

9. What accessories you might want

Consider the accessories you might like to complete your home Pilates setup, for example:

Non-slip Pilates socks
Jumpboard
Box for short + long box work
Head cushions
Booty bands
Hand-held and ankle weights
Pilates rings
Spine corrector for mobility

10. Final tips to help you choose confidently

Prioritise smooth glide and a stable frame
Consider whether folding matters in your home
Choose a style that inspires you to use it
Buy from a supplier with strong customer support

Ready to find your perfect reformer?

Explore our curated collections:

If you’d like a personalised recommendation, send us an email at support@pilatessupplyco.com.au telling us about your space, experience level and budget and we can help you choose the best model for your lifestyle.