Sauna lighting design is an essential part of creating a relaxing and enjoyable sauna experience. Well-designed lighting not only enhances the appearance of the sauna, but also serves practical purposes such as ensuring proper visibility and creating a soothing atmosphere.
In Finland, where the sauna is an integral part of the culture, proper sauna lighting design is very important. Whether you are building a new sauna or renovating an existing one, careful lighting design can help you create a pleasant and inviting sauna environment. In this article, we will discuss some essential factors to keep in mind when planning the lighting for your sauna.
The importance of sauna lighting for relaxation
The sauna is where many of us want to relax and get away from the stresses of everyday life. But the relaxing effect of a sauna also depends on its lighting. Sauna lighting affects the atmosphere, comfort and functionality. Poor lighting can ruin the relaxing atmosphere in the sauna and even compromise safety when you bump into stairs. That’s why sauna lighting is important to consider when designing the interior of your sauna.
Sauna lighting design – The main points to consider for sauna lighting
Sauna lighting design starts like the design of any other space. Here are 10 things to consider when designing your sauna lighting:
Himmennys
Choose lighting that creates a soothing atmosphere in the sauna. Dimmable lighting is recommended to allow you to adjust the intensity of the light and create a pleasant atmosphere. Atmospheric lighting can include, for example, spotlights embedded in the walls, which can be dimmed as needed. This creates a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the sauna, helping you to relax and enjoy your sauna experience.
Temperature duration
Choose lighting that can withstand high temperatures. The temperature in the sauna can reach very high levels, so the lighting needs to be able to withstand the heat. Sauna lighting must be robust and designed to withstand high temperatures so that it does not overheat or cause hazards.
IP class
Choose lighting that is safe to use in a humid environment. The sauna is humid, so the lighting must be safe to use. It is recommended to choose lighting designed for use in humid environments, such as IP44 rated lights.
Sauna size and shape
Consider the size and shape of the sauna when choosing lighting. The size and shape of the sauna affect the effectiveness and impact of the lighting. Lighting a larger sauna may require more light sources, while a smaller sauna may only need a few light.
Placement of light
Preferably place lighting under the seat or behind the backrest to create an atmosphere along the surfaces. If you only want a little light, I recommend putting it under the bench, so it also serves as a cleaning light.
Lighting as required
Choose lighting that provides the necessary illumination for different situations, such as getting dressed or taking a shower. There may be different situations in the sauna that require different lighting. For example, brighter lighting is needed in the dressing area, while dimmer lighting can be used in the steam room.
Avoid direct lights
Avoid direct light sources that can cause glare. In a sauna, it is a good idea to direct the light towards the walls or ceiling, for example, so that the light is reflected evenly around the sauna. Avoid direct light sources that may cause glare or discomfort.
Light temperature
Pay attention to the colour temperature of the lighting. The lighting in the sauna should be warm white or yellow, as it creates a calming and warm atmosphere. Light that is too cold or bluish can create a cold and uncomfortable atmosphere. Sauna lighting should be natural and warm to help you relax and enjoy your sauna. CCT lighting is often the best solution as it allows you to adjust the light to your own preferences.
Cleaning
Choose lighting that is easy to clean and maintain. Sauna lighting needs to be easy to clean and maintain in order to maintain its appearance and efficiency. It is advisable to choose lighting that does not collect dust or dirt easily and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
My preferences
Take into account personal preferences in lighting. Sauna lighting should be pleasant for you and other sauna visitors, so it’s a good idea to take personal preferences into account when designing the lighting.
For example, some people find that dimmer lighting creates a more relaxing atmosphere, while others prefer brighter lighting. It is important to listen to your own and others’ preferences to ensure that the sauna lighting best serves all users. And feel free to choose RGB lights for your sauna if you like them.
Led lights for sauna lighting – An ecological and energy-efficient alternative
Led lights are an excellent option for sauna lighting. They are highly energy efficient and sustainable, saving both money and the environment. Led lights also produce less heat than traditional light sources, which is important for controlling the temperature in the sauna. Led lights can also be used to create different atmospheres, as they are available in different shades and wattages. Led lights can be placed on the ceiling, walls or even the floor, so they offer a wide range of possibilities for sauna lighting.
Indirect lighting – A sauna ambience enhancer
Indirect lighting is a common choice for sauna lighting. It is a great way to add atmosphere and comfort to your sauna interior. Indirect lights can be placed, for example, underneath a ceiling or in a gutter in the ceiling.
Indirect lighting is also practical, as it does not take up space and is easy to keep clean. Concealed, indirect lighting is usually achieved with LED strip lighting.
Ceiling lamps – Functionality and elegance for sauna lighting
Ceiling lights are a simple but functional alternative for sauna lighting. They provide the necessary lighting for the entire sauna and are easy to install and use. Ceiling lights are available in different shapes and colours, so they can also be used as decorative elements in the sauna.
Chandelier lamps can be modern in design, for example, or more traditional in style, such as those with a copper coating.
Wall lights – A handy addition to your lighting without forgetting your sauna interior
Wall lights are a practical way to add light to your sauna. They are easily accessible and provide the necessary lighting on the sauna wall. The wall lights are available in different shapes and sizes, so they can be adapted to your sauna interior. Wall lights can also be used to create atmosphere, for example to highlight the wooden surfaces of the sauna. You can also make a wall light with a straight LED strip by covering it with a wooden panel, for example.
Lastly
Sauna lighting is an important part of sauna interior design and functionality. Well-designed lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere and makes the sauna safe to use. Led lights, indirect lighting, ceiling lights and wall lights are all good options for sauna lighting. Choose them carefully and plan their placement carefully, and the sauna lighting will create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.
Sauna lighting expert
LedStore has been an expert in LED lighting and lighting design since 2010. We have our own product design, so our products are technologically state-of-the-art. Products have quarantee for up to 7 years. We also carry out lighting maintenance.
We focus on temperature-controlled and high colour rendering lights, so they work brilliantly and last a long time. We do around 500 lighting designs for our clients’ sites. Read more here or order a lighting design
We offer a service of custom-made led strips, i.e. custom-made led strips in aluminium profile. Also installed. Did you know? LedStore offers lighting design from 99 euros for the whole house!
Remember that we are always ready to offer our help to you along the way, by email (myynti@ledstore.fi) and by phone (045 251 4510). As always, feel free to share photos of your own projects on social media at ledstore.fi at Instagram and ledstore.fi at Meta. We love to see the great things our LEDs do, and it helps to provide inspiration for those who are unsure of the power and awesomeness of LEDs. Did you know that we already have over 3500 pictures of our LED installations in our Gallery!
Photo gallery of Led lights:
Product gallery: Pictures of products in different installation locations
Indirect light: Indirect light in different spaces
Room-specific: Light in different rooms
References: Complete houses that have been photographed
