How to Create a Relaxing Sauna Atmosphere

water, ladle, rocks and sauna greenery

Saunas have been a tradition for thousands of years in many European cultures, and are known for being an excellent means of relaxation. Are you looking to create a private sanctuary in your home where you can relax, rejuvenate, and unwind? With so many health benefits from improved circulation to better sleep, a sauna can help you create an oasis of calm in the comfort of your home. Let’s explore how to create the perfect at-home retreat with a home sauna.

Enhancing the Aesthetic of Your Home Sauna 

From traditional wood-burning to modern electric and infrared, home saunas offer options for anyone looking to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of sauna bathing in their own home. To fully maximize the benefits of your home sauna experience, it’s important to create a serene environment that promotes relaxation, tranquility and peace of mind. Determining the right location for your sauna is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. Strategically position your sauna to offer privacy and pleasant views whether it’s outside overlooking a garden, or indoors, make sure the location enhances the overall ambiance of your space.

Be attentive to lighting with your design. Soft lighting is an essential element in creating a spa-like atmosphere. Replace bright light bulbs with warm, dimmable ones, or use table lamps or floor lamps with soft white shades to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Candles are also a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere. They provide a soft, warm glow that can instantly transform any room into a soothing haven. Flameless, battery powered candles are safe and just as beautiful and easy to incorporate into any design. 

Soft textures like plush towels, cozy blankets, and fluffy pillows can make your home feel like a luxurious spa. Choose decor and colors that are inviting and relaxing and create a comfortable and cozy space that you’ll want to spend time in. Especially if your sauna is indoors, utilizing plants in your decor is one of the easiest ways to bring the outside in. Plants create a healthy and tranquil atmosphere, and add a decorative element. Popular choices are bamboo, aloe vera, orchids and peace lilies. Whatever plants you choose, be mindful of how much light they need and whether they prefer a humid or dry environment. 

woman enjoying the aroma of essential oil while steaming in a wooden sauna

How to Create a Relaxing Sauna Atmosphere 

Taking time to slow down and relax is important for both your physical and mental health and what better way to indulge in self care than by creating a healing oasis at home. The most traditional way to enjoy a sauna is in a quiet environment, but we don’t live in “traditional” times anymore. Nowadays, life is a lot more hectic and we are under higher levels of stress. Music can have a powerful effect on our emotions and mood, and choosing to listen to soothing instrumental music can help create a calming and relaxing sauna environment. 

Certain aromas can also help us relax. You can scatter herbs onto sauna rocks, hang them from the ceiling, or use scented sachets. Essential oils can be mixed with sauna water and poured over heated rocks or used in a diffuser. Candles are also available in soothing scents and can also provide mood lighting. Lavender and chamomile are popular aromas that are known to be helpful for relaxation. 

Living in a hectic world filled with noise and distractions can make it difficult to focus and maintain equanimity. Saunas are well known for having a calm and quiet setting, which also makes them an incredible place to meditate. Meditating is an excellent way to bring peace to our minds and relaxation to our bodies. It’s been proven to reduce anxiety and stress, improve blood pressure and even improve brain health. There are lots of guided meditation apps that you can use to easily be guided through a practice. 

By taking time for self-care and relaxation, you can improve your overall well-being and reduce stress in your daily life. If you’re ready to create a home sauna spa, give us a call at 970-879-4390 or contact us to learn more.