Custom saunas for small places

First and foremost, creating a custom sauna for small outdoor or indoor spaces is entirely possible with thoughtful planning and creative design. Whether you live in a cozy urban apartment or have a small backyard, creating a custom sauna is not out of reach. At Sauna Depot, we’ll be happy to give you some unique ideas for sauna design, provide you with an expert advice, consider practical hints and tips, see budget options, and, of course, to build your perfect sauna. 

Creating a Custom Sauna for Small Spaces: Innovative Ideas for Cozy Outdoor and Indoor Retreats

With a bit of creativity and smart design, you can enjoy the luxury of a sauna even in the most compact of spaces. From sleek, minimalist designs to rustic, nature-inspired retreats, here are some ways and ideas to make a custom sauna for small outdoor and indoor places that cater to different preferences and tastes.

Maximizing Small Outdoor Spaces

Designing a sauna for a small outdoor area requires clever use of space and an eye for efficiency. Whether you have a small backyard, patio, or balcony, here are some ideas to make it work:

The Barrel Sauna

Barrel saunas are a popular option for small outdoor spaces due to their compact, cylindrical design. The rounded shape allows for efficient heat distribution while using minimal materials. These saunas can be placed in a backyard, on a deck, or even on a balcony if space allows. Despite their small size, barrel saunas can comfortably fit two to four people, making them ideal for couples or small groups.

• Tip: Choose a model with a front porch or seating area to extend the use of the space. This creates a cozy spot to cool off between sauna sessions while enjoying the outdoors.

Corner Saunas

Corner saunas are designed to fit snugly into the corner of your outdoor space, making them a great choice for small yards or patios. These saunas are typically square or rectangular, and they can be customized with wood finishes that match the exterior of your home or surrounding landscape.

• Tip: Add a small roof overhang to protect your sauna from the elements, and consider using sliding glass doors to bring in natural light and create a more open feel.

Modular or Prefab Saunas

For those who want to avoid the hassle of building a sauna from scratch, modular or prefabricated saunas are a convenient option. These saunas come in various sizes and can be delivered as a kit that’s easy to assemble, even in small spaces. Prefab saunas can be customized with different wood types, bench layouts, and heating options, allowing you to create a sauna that fits your taste and needs.

• Tip: Look for saunas with a compact footprint that still offer enough interior space to stretch out. Some prefab models even come with built-in features like LED lighting or Bluetooth speakers, adding to the luxury experience.

Transforming Small Indoor Spaces

Creating an indoor sauna in a small space requires thoughtful design and a focus on functionality. Whether you’re converting a closet, bathroom, or basement corner, these ideas can help you build a custom sauna that fits seamlessly into your home.

Closet Conversion

If you have an unused closet or storage area, consider converting it into a compact indoor sauna. Infrared saunas, which don’t require the same level of ventilation as traditional saunas, are ideal for small indoor spaces. These saunas are typically smaller in size and can fit comfortably in a standard closet, making them perfect for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.

• Tip: Use space-saving features like foldable benches or wall-mounted heating panels to maximize the available room. Mirrors can also create the illusion of a larger space.

Shower-Sauna Combo

If you’re short on space but still want to enjoy a sauna experience, consider incorporating a sauna into your bathroom. A shower-sauna combo is an excellent way to make the most of a small bathroom while adding a spa-like feel. These units often combine a steam shower with infrared or traditional sauna features, allowing you to enjoy both in a single space.

• Tip: Opt for glass walls or doors to maintain an open, airy feel in the bathroom. Built-in seating or foldable benches can make the space even more versatile.

Under-Stair Sauna

The often-overlooked space under your stairs can be transformed into a compact indoor sauna. This space-saving solution is ideal for small homes or apartments, and it allows you to create a private sauna nook without taking up valuable living space.

• Tip: Use the sloped ceiling to your advantage by creating tiered seating. This allows you to enjoy different temperature zones within the sauna, even in a small area.

Selecting the Right Heating Option

Choosing the right heating option is crucial when designing a custom sauna for a small space. The type of heater you select will impact both the installation process and the sauna experience.

Infrared Heaters

Infrared saunas are a popular choice for small spaces because they heat the body directly rather than heating the air around you. This allows infrared saunas to operate at lower temperatures while still delivering a deep, penetrating heat. Infrared heaters are also energy-efficient and require less space for installation, making them ideal for indoor setups.

• Pros: Compact, energy-efficient, easy to install in small spaces, lower operating temperatures.
• Cons: Lacks the traditional sauna experience of intense heat and steam.

Electric Sauna Heaters

Electric sauna heaters are another great option for small spaces, especially if you want a more traditional sauna experience. These heaters can be wall-mounted or installed in a corner, saving floor space. Electric heaters offer precise temperature control, making it easy to customize your sauna experience.

• Pros: Easy to control, no need for ventilation like wood-burning stoves, compact options available.
• Cons: Requires access to electricity, may increase energy costs.

Wood-Burning Stoves

For those who prefer the classic sauna experience, a wood-burning stove can be used even in small outdoor saunas. These stoves create a cozy atmosphere with the crackling of wood and the smell of burning logs. However, they require proper ventilation and a chimney, so they’re best suited for outdoor saunas or indoor spaces with good airflow.

• Pros: Authentic experience, no need for electricity, rustic charm.
• Cons: Requires ventilation and regular maintenance, not suitable for all indoor spaces.

Personalizing Your Small Sauna

Just because your sauna is small doesn’t mean it has to be plain. Adding personal touches can turn even the tiniest sauna into a luxurious retreat.

Materials and Finishes

Choose high-quality materials that reflect your style. Cedar is a popular choice for its durability and pleasant aroma, but other options like spruce or aspen can give your sauna a lighter, Scandinavian feel. You can also mix wood types to create visual interest or add stone accents for a rustic touch.

Lighting and Ambiance

Lighting can dramatically enhance the atmosphere of your sauna. Consider installing LED lights under the benches or along the ceiling to create a soft, relaxing glow. For a more immersive experience, add chromotherapy lighting, which uses different colors to promote various health benefits, from relaxation to energy boosting.

Sound and Aroma

Incorporating sound and aroma into your sauna can elevate your experience. Bluetooth speakers can allow you to listen to calming music or nature sounds while you unwind. Adding aromatherapy, such as eucalyptus or lavender essential oils, can further enhance relaxation and provide therapeutic benefits.

Whether you’re looking for a compact outdoor sauna to blend with your backyard or an indoor oasis tucked away in a closet, there’s a solution for every space and preference. By carefully choosing the right design, heating option, and personal touches, you can transform even the smallest area into a luxurious sauna retreat tailored to your needs.