Indoor custom saunas for Every Taste

While many envision saunas as an outdoor retreat nestled in nature, indoor saunas offer an equally relaxing experience that can be personalized to fit your lifestyle and space. Whether you’re looking for a spa-like escape or a compact wellness corner in your home, building an indoor custom sauna opens the doors for endless creativity. In this article, we’ll try to show you the many ways to create your custom indoor sauna that caters to your taste, preferences, and budget.

Designing Your Perfect Indoor Custom Sauna: Ideas for Every Taste and Preference

Building an indoor custom sauna offers endless possibilities for personalization and relaxation. Whether you’re drawn to the classic heat of a traditional sauna or the modern benefits of an infrared sauna, you can create a space that reflects your style and enhances your well-being. 

Choosing Your Sauna Style: Traditional vs. Infrared

Before diving into the construction, it’s essential to determine what type of sauna experience you want. Your choice will influence the design, installation, and overall feel of your indoor sauna.

• Traditional Sauna: These saunas use a heater (usually electric or wood-burning) to warm up the air inside the sauna room. Temperatures typically range from 150 to 195°F (65-90°C), and you can adjust humidity levels by pouring water over hot stones. Traditional saunas offer that classic experience of intense heat and steam, making them ideal for those who enjoy the full sensory experience of a sauna session.
• Infrared Sauna: Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared light to heat your body directly rather than heating the air around you. This allows for lower temperatures (120-150°F), making the experience more comfortable for longer sessions. Infrared saunas are known for their deep-penetrating heat, which can aid in detoxification, pain relief, and relaxation. They’re also energy-efficient and easier to install in smaller spaces.

Choosing between a traditional and infrared sauna depends on your personal preferences, the space available in your home, and the kind of wellness experience you’re looking for.

Selecting the Right Location

One of the most critical steps in designing an indoor sauna is choosing the right spot in your home. Depending on your available space and sauna size, there are several options to consider.

• Basement Retreat: Basements often make an excellent location for saunas because of their privacy and cool surroundings. A sauna in the basement can become a private wellness retreat, especially if you add a relaxation area or home gym nearby. The cool ambient temperature of a basement helps enhance the heat contrast, making your sauna sessions even more refreshing.
• Bathroom Oasis: If you’re tight on space, incorporating a sauna into your bathroom is a smart solution. Modern saunas can be designed as compact units that fit into existing shower or bathtub spaces. Imagine transforming your master bathroom into a spa-like oasis where you can switch from a hot sauna to a cold shower for a rejuvenating experience. Just make sure your bathroom has proper ventilation to handle the extra humidity.
• Converted Closet: If you’re working with limited space, consider converting an unused closet into a mini sauna. Infrared saunas, in particular, are perfect for this because they don’t require as much room as traditional saunas. A compact, custom-built sauna can turn even the smallest of spaces into a relaxing haven.
• Spare Room Spa: If you have a spare room that’s not being used to its full potential, why not turn it into a full-fledged wellness room? In addition to your sauna, you can include massage chairs, yoga mats, or even a meditation corner. This option is ideal for those who want a more luxurious setup and have extra space to dedicate to relaxation.

Customizing Your Sauna’s Interior

The interior of your sauna is where you can truly personalize your experience. From the choice of wood to the arrangement of benches, every detail should contribute to your comfort and enjoyment.

• Wood Choices: The type of wood used in your sauna will impact both the aesthetics and the functionality. Cedar is a popular choice due to its durability, pleasant aroma, and resistance to decay and heat. Aspen and spruce are also good options, offering light colors and smooth textures that create a serene atmosphere. Consider mixing and matching different types of wood for contrast and style.
• Benches and Layout: The arrangement of benches in your sauna can vary depending on the size and design of the space. Traditional saunas often feature tiered benches, allowing you to choose between lower, cooler seating and higher, hotter seating. If you’re building a compact sauna, a single bench along one wall might be more practical. For a luxurious feel, consider wider benches that allow you to lie down comfortably or add reclining options for ultimate relaxation.

Lighting and Ambiance: Proper lighting can transform your sauna from a simple room into a tranquil escape. Soft, indirect LED lighting is ideal for creating a calming ambiance. You can also incorporate chromotherapy lighting, which uses different colors to enhance mood and well-being. For example, blue light is known for its calming effects, while red light can boost energy. Adding dimmable lights will allow you to adjust the brightness according to your mood.

Adding Extra Features

While the basics of heat and seating are essential, there are plenty of additional features that can take your sauna to the next level.

• Built-in Sound System: Music can greatly enhance your sauna experience. Consider installing a waterproof sound system so you can listen to calming music, nature sounds, or guided meditation while you relax. Bluetooth-enabled speakers allow you to control your playlist easily from outside the sauna.
• Aromatherapy: Incorporating aromatherapy into your sauna can heighten relaxation and well-being. Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or pine can be added to the water poured over the hot stones (in traditional saunas) or diffused in the air (in infrared saunas). These scents help clear your mind, open your airways, and enhance the overall sauna experience.
• Spa Accessories: Small details can make a big difference in your sauna experience. Consider adding towel racks, built-in shelves for water bottles and sauna essentials, and hooks for robes or sauna hats. You can even include a small fridge outside your sauna to keep beverages chilled and within easy reach.

Budget Considerations

The cost of building an indoor sauna can vary widely depending on the size, materials, and features you choose. Here’s how to approach budgeting for your custom sauna:

• DIY Kits vs. Professional Installation: If you’re handy with tools, purchasing a sauna kit and installing it yourself can save money. Kits come with pre-cut materials and instructions, making it easier to assemble your sauna without professional help. However, hiring a professional ensures that the sauna is built to code, properly insulated, and safely connected to your home’s electrical system. For complex setups or larger saunas, professional installation is recommended.
• Material Choices: Opting for high-quality wood like cedar will increase the cost, but it will also enhance the longevity and aesthetics of your sauna. If you’re working on a tighter budget, consider using more affordable woods like spruce for the interior, while still incorporating cedar for key areas like benches and backrests.
• Size and Features: The size of your sauna will have a significant impact on the price. A smaller, closet-sized infrared sauna will be much more affordable than a large, multi-person traditional sauna with custom features. Start by prioritizing the features that are most important to you and build from there.

By carefully selecting the location, materials, and extra features, you can transform an unused corner of your home into a private retreat where you can unwind, recharge, and indulge in the soothing benefits of sauna therapy.