8 Unique Ways To Make Your Custom Sauna Stand Out

Designing a custom sauna is an exciting journey that allows you to personalize every detail, creating a space that reflects your style and enhances your sauna experience. But how do you make your sauna stand out from the crowd? In this guide, we'll explore eight unique design ideas that can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your custom sauna. Let’s dive in!

1. Go Vertical with Wall Cladding

Traditional saunas often feature horizontal wall cladding, but switching things up with vertical wall cladding can instantly modernize your space and add a sense of height. Vertical cladding creates clean, uninterrupted lines that draw the eye upward, making your sauna feel more spacious and elegant.

• Design Tip: Pair vertical cladding with contrasting wood tones to add even more visual interest. For example, combine light aspen with dark thermo radiata pine for a stunning, contemporary look.

2. Raise the Floor with a Recessed Heater

Looking to create a truly unique focal point in your custom sauna? Consider installing a raised floor with a recessed sauna heater. Placing the heater in the center of the room with surrounding benches can create a cozy fireplace effect, perfect for socializing or meditative moments. This design not only looks incredible but also maximizes heat distribution, enhancing the overall sauna experience.

• Design Tip: Opt for a round heater with a protective guard to ensure safety while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

3. Add Decorative Feature Walls

Why settle for plain walls when you can make your sauna a work of art? Adding a decorative feature wall can transform your sauna from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you prefer intricate wood patterns, stone accents, or mosaic designs, a feature wall adds a unique focal point that reflects your personal style.

• Design Tip: Position your decorative wall behind the sauna benches or heater to create a stunning backdrop that stands out without overwhelming the space.

4. Contrasting Bench and Wall Wood

For a truly distinctive look, mix and match different wood types for your sauna benches and walls. For instance, using light aspen for the walls and dark thermo radiata pine for the benches creates a striking contrast that adds depth and dimension to your custom sauna. This combination not only looks beautiful but also highlights the craftsmanship of your sauna design.

• Design Tip: Use the darker wood on seating areas to ground the space, while lighter woods on the walls can help reflect light and keep the sauna feeling open and airy.

5. Create Ergonomic Benches

Comfort is key in any sauna, and investing in ergonomic benches can make a significant difference. Customizable ergonomic benches can be tailored to fit the contours of your body, providing superior support and comfort during your sauna sessions. This not only enhances relaxation but also makes your sauna a more inviting space for longer stays.

• Design Tip: Incorporate adjustable backrests and footrests to allow each user to find their perfect position, adding to the overall experience.

6. Add a Himalayan Salt Wall or Feature

Infuse your sauna with the calming, therapeutic glow of a Himalayan salt wall. Not only do these walls look incredible, but they also offer numerous health benefits, such as improved respiratory health and air purification. For an even more stunning effect, consider adding LED lighting behind the salt wall to illuminate the crystals and create a serene ambiance.

• Design Tip: Position the salt wall near seating areas to enhance its therapeutic effects while providing a beautiful visual

7. Install an Autodose Water Dispenser for the Heater

Keeping your sauna's humidity levels in check can be a game-changer, and an autodose water dispenser does just that with ease. This innovative feature automatically adds water to the sauna heater, ensuring consistent steam without the need for constant manual pouring. It’s a fantastic addition that takes the guesswork out of sauna operation, allowing you to focus on relaxation.

• Design Tip: Set the autodose system to add essential oils for a personalized aromatherapy experience that complements your sauna sessions.

8. Incorporate Full Tempered Glass Walls or Large Windows

There’s nothing quite like connecting with nature while enjoying your sauna, and adding full tempered glass walls or large windows allows you to do just that. Glass walls create a seamless transition between your sauna and its surroundings, whether that’s a lush garden, a serene lakeside, or a modern interior space. The transparency brings in natural light, making your sauna feel brighter and more expansive.

• Design Tip: For added privacy, consider frosted or tinted glass options that still let in light but obscure the view from the outside.

Why Choose a Custom Sauna?

Opting for a custom sauna allows you to tailor every aspect of your sauna to suit your personal preferences and needs. From choosing the right materials and layout to adding unique features that reflect your style, a custom sauna is an investment in your well-being and lifestyle. Plus, with the ability to incorporate the latest innovations and designs, you can create a space that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Final Thoughts

Creating a custom sauna that stands out involves more than just selecting high-quality materials—it’s about incorporating unique design elements that enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your sauna. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic impact of vertical cladding, the cozy appeal of a recessed heater, or the luxurious glow of a Himalayan salt wall, these design ideas will help you craft a sauna that’s as unique as you are.

Ready to start designing your dream sauna? Visit Havenly’s sauna design request page for expert guidance, top-quality materials, and the inspiration you need to create a custom sauna that truly stands out.