With health and wellness perks and spa vibes, home saunas are quickly becoming the next big thing in home design. Although they are perceived as a luxury upgrade, models range from modest DIY to sleek custom designs, making them more accessible than homeowners might think.
What’s Driving The Popularity of Home Saunas?
The wellness economy in the United States is huge, with consumers seeking health-focused products and features, especially at home.
Global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company’s Future of Wellness report shows that the wellness economy in the United States is worth $480 billion and growing.
According to the report, 82 percent of consumers prioritize wellness, with at-home wellness features behind the trend. This contextualizes the rise of health and wellness interior design, including wellness kitchens, sustainability, home gyms and saunas.
Saunas are becoming more mainstream, representing attainable luxury.
Leading kitchen and bath brands are aligning product offerings to suit burgeoning wellness demand, meaning more choice for consumers.
Design professionals are taking notice of the trend.
A sauna took the coveted overall Best-In-Show award at the recent Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Selected as the winner by design professionals, the Aladdin sauna by Effe Perfect Wellness beat out strong contenders, showing how prominent saunas are in home design right now, and demonstrating the aesthetic potential.
Having resort or spa-like amenities at home is important to homeowners.
Homeowners see home as an indulgent sanctuary, reflected in rich color and textile trends, and the rise of lifestyle amenities, such as wet rooms, golf simulators, wine cellars and home theaters.
A home sauna is as good as a trip to the spa, says Zach Hillesland, senior brand manager, Wellness Products at Kohler. “As soon as you close the sauna door behind you, you enter a private escape that has a different and special environment. The heat, the quiet, and the softness of the wood create a feeling that's undeniably physical and separate from the rest of your waking moments,” he says.
What Are The Health And Wellness Benefits of a Home Sauna?
The therapeutic benefits of saunas are both physical and mental. The heat aids cardiovascular health, arthritis, muscle soreness, respiratory health and detoxifies skin. It’s also a known stress reducer and can help to promote better sleep.
“Using a sauna (specifically a traditional Finnish sauna) has been shown to have similar impacts on your health as a 10-minute brisk walk,” says Ariana Smies, lead research scientist, Wellness at Kohler.
“Sauna use can also be another tool for post-exercise recovery. There are newer studies which report benefits in strength training outcomes,” says Smies, noting that sauna use can improve cognitive capabilities, fatigue levels and mood.
Flexible Design Options For All Budgets
Saunas are popular in a spa-like primary bath, a home gym, or tucked in a basement corner. Saunas can be easier to install indoors, given that plumbing and electrical are readily accessible, but you are limited by your home’s size. Adequate ventilation is important, to avoid damage from heat and humidity in the surrounding area.
Outdoors, a sauna elevates the backyard bay, particularly if it is paired with a pool, hot tub or outdoor kitchen and living space. You can frame pleasant views, making the overall experience more peaceful. However, you’ll need to install a foundation for your sauna outdoors, as well as supply electrical and plumbing. Climate needs to be considered, with weather-resistant design.
Costs range for a home sauna, but typically fall between $2000-$25,000+, depending on size, customizable features and heat source. Maintenance costs are low, especially compared to pools, steam rooms and hot tubs.
Choosing The Heat Source
A traditional sauna uses heated stones. Sauna purists love this style, because it replicates the traditional Finnish sauna experience. The air inside the sauna is heated, which heats your body. Often water is poured over the hot stones, to generate steam.
An infrared sauna uses lamps to create heat, as opposed to heated stones. Heat is applied directly, instead of heating the surrounding air. Think of how your skin heats in direct sunlight.
Which style you choose will depend on where the sauna is located, budget and personal preference.
Sauna Design Tips
While much of sauna design focuses on functionality, consideration to aesthetic style and tone is important, especially to achieve a resort vibe, as seen in Effe Wellness' award-winning Aladdin sauna, where components appear to float. Mirrored trim is calming, and a rounded bench inside offers comfortable, stylish seating.
Must-have accessories for a home sauna include:
Robe hooks
Decorative door handles
Ladle and bucket
Essential oils
Sauna pillow
Marine lighting
Bottle rack
Thermometer
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Hero image courtesy of Kohler
