Sauna wood-burning stove with a woman in the background

Sauna in the bathroom

Pure relaxation

It’s a staple of Finnish bathrooms: the sauna. And you don’t actually need a luxury bathroom—you can fit a small sauna into your bathroom with just over one square meter of space. In this article, you’ll learn what you should keep in mind and the different types of saunas available.

What types are there?

Saunas can take many different forms. This is because the practice, which likely originated in Asia thousands of years ago, has evolved differently in various cultures over time. Generally speaking, the differences can be attributed to variations in temperature and humidity and can be broadly divided into the following categories:

High heat with low humidity

This is similar to a Finnish sauna and is therefore the “classic” version—the word “sauna” actually comes from Finnish. With temperatures exceeding 100 °C and humidity around 10%, this sauna really heats things up in the bathroom.

Moderate temperature with high humidity

In addition to the Finnish-style sauna, the so-called Turkish sauna—or hamam—is also particularly well known. This type of sauna focuses primarily on hot steam and the resulting humidity of nearly 100% to help the body relax.

Moderate temperature with normal humidity

The most modern type of sauna for the bathroom is made possible by new technologies. An infrared cabin in the bathroom can reach temperatures of up to 50 °C, promoting both skin health and circulation.

What types of stoves are available?

The choice of the right sauna heater or heating method is also directly related to the type of sauna. The following options are common:

A wood-burning stove seen from above, with a woman standing next to it

Wood-burning stove

A sauna with large panoramic windows and a gas stove

Gas oven

Electric stove next to a wood-paneled wall

Electric oven

Sauna with infrared heaters and wood paneling

Infrared sauna

Shower sauna with Starck shower trays by Duravit

Shower-sauna

Close-up view of an infusion

What are the benefits?

A sauna in the bathroom creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. A sauna can also be beneficial to your health. For example, regular sauna sessions can strengthen the immune system and cleanse the skin. Your circulation and heart can also benefit from sauna sessions in general.

However, it’s important to note that a sauna alone isn’t a miracle cure. Even long sauna sessions don’t necessarily have positive effects, as they can lead to dehydration. You should also avoid using the sauna if you have an infection or pre-existing medical conditions.

What requirements must be met?

The requirements you need to meet if you want to install a sauna in your bathroom depend on the specific type you choose. In general, you need to ensure that you have the appropriate connections, sufficient space, and enough power.

Connections

The connections required for a sauna in the bathroom depend on the heating method you choose. Traditional saunas, in particular, require connections to exhaust vents, such as a chimney. A sauna with an electric heater, on the other hand, requires a high-voltage power connection. It is therefore essential to find out about the necessary connections in advance.

Place

Although a sauna in the bathroom is often associated with needing a lot of space, this isn’t necessarily the case. A mini-sauna in the bathroom is entirely possible. For use by a single person, just over one square meter is sufficient. For each additional person who will be using the bathroom sauna at the same time, an extra square meter should be planned for. It should also be noted that, depending on the type of sauna, a minimum distance from the walls must be maintained.

Performance

While you can simply add more logs to a wood-burning stove if needed, it’s especially important to consider the stove’s power output when choosing an electric model. For a small bathroom sauna measuring no more than 6 m², a power output of 4.5 kilowatts is sufficient. For larger saunas, you should choose models with a higher power output.

Tips and tricks for setting up

Whether you have a traditional or modern bathroom with a sauna, the goal is definitely relaxation. To ensure this, don’t forget about the decor around the sauna. After all, the right aesthetic and atmosphere also play a key role in your well-being.

Drainage of a Stonetto shower tray

Shower

Woman relaxing on a lounge chair by the pool

Seating and reclining options

A tree trunk next to a Duravit ME by Starck shower

Aesthetics