There are few home luxuries that scream “A-list excess” like a built in sauna. From Gwyneth Paltrow to Kendall Jennerand from Drake to Jennifer Aniston, the list of US celebrities who have spoken about indulging in their personal steamy oasis goes on and on.
But if you thought that having a built in sauna of your own would demand an A-lister bank balance, think again. Choose wisely and you could be steaming away your cares in your very own sauna for about the price of a 10-year old Honda.
A choice of prebuilt sauna styles
A stylish yet cost effective option for a built-in sauna is the prebuilt kits available from suppliers such as SaunaPlace. These come in a standard selection of sizes and styles that can be assembled in the home on a DIY basis as long as you have basic skills and a standard toolkit – or by a local handyman if you don’t.
Choosing the style is not just about the appearance of the sauna – important though that might be. But when you are installing a built-in sauna as opposed to one that stands outside in its own building, there are three main types to choose from:
1) A traditional Scandinavian-style sauna. This is the timeless “cabin in the woods” style sauna, but can be installed in the home. It provides deep, penetrating heat and is ideal for muscle relaxation, improving circulationand detoxifying the skin.
2) A steam room provides a more humid experience, a little like a spa. It is better for providing relief to conditions like asthma and congestion.
3) A third option that has become very popular with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston recently is the infra red sauna. This provides the best of both worlds at lower temperatures.
Where to install your prebuilt sauna
We have established that you don’t need a millionaire bank balance to treat yourself to a sauna in your own home. But also, you don’t need a mansion in the Hollywood Hills. The beauty of choosing a built-in sauna as opposed to one for the garden is that it can literally be installed in any home.
If space is truly at a premium, for example if you live in an apartment in a big city, the infrared sauna option is worth serious consideration. A single person infrared sauna only needs a space of about three feet square, so it can even be built into a walk-in closet! Also, it does not require the ventilation system that is part and parcel of conventional saunas.
If you opt for a steam room, then the obvious choice is to incorporate it into a bathroom conversion or upgrade. Whether you choose to convert the main bathroom or create your personal oasis as an ensuite is for you to decide!
If you have a larger home with a basement, this can be the ideal spot for a built in sauna. You might choose to install it in combination with some fitness equipment to create your very own subterranean wellness hub.
The devil is in the details
The fact that prebuilt saunas come in standard styles does not prevent you from having one that oozes style and uniqueness. Like so many things, it is all about making what you have stand out with the details and finishing touches. Here are a few examples:
- If you are going for a natural and minimalist look, pay attention to the type of wood. Cedar, spruce or even hemlock all exude quality.
- Mood lighting is a great way to create a special ethereal atmosphere, and LEDs are an effective and inexpensive way to achieve it.
- Essential oil infusions such as tea tree or eucalyptus can ramp up the experience and make it even more soothing.
- Tech touches such as built-in speakers or smart temperature controls will impress your friends.
- Luxury accessories such as plush towels and robes add that final ingredient of five-star comfort.
With all these in place, you’ll be ready for anything, whether it’s a movie star detox or a Kardashian-style post-workout recovery session.
