How does sauna lighting affect relaxation? Tips on lighting design for well-being

Have you ever wondered how much of an impact the right lighting can have on your sauna experience? The sauna atmosphere is created by the interaction of many factors, and lighting is one of the most important. When you step into the warmth of a sauna, lighting can either take the experience to a whole new level or leave something missing. Warm light tones and carefully considered light sources can create a peaceful environment where the body and mind can truly relax. Next, we’ll delve deeper into how sauna lighting can support wellbeing, and offer practical tips to help you improve your own sauna lighting even further.

The psychology of light: how does lighting guide the mind towards rest and relaxation?

Light has a powerful effect on our mood and behaviour. Used correctly, lighting can help us move from our busy everyday lives to a calm and relaxing sauna atmosphere. The psychology of light is mainly based on how different shades and intensities of light affect our emotions and the way we perceive our surroundings.

Warm shades of light

Warm light tones, such as reddish or yellowish light, can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These shades communicate a sense of safety and calm to our bodies, which helps to reduce stress levels and facilitate relaxation in the sauna.

Dim lighting and its effect

Dim lighting is an effective way to distract the mind from the busyness of the day. It helps the body prepare for relaxation by reducing excessive light stimulation, which can cause extra stress and alertness.

The colour scheme of light in the sauna

• Shades of blue and green: not commonly used in saunas, but these shades are soothing and can help you sleep after relaxation.
• Yellow and orange: these are often used to create a sunset-like atmosphere, which is known to promote relaxation.

As light affects both the body and the mind in many ways, it is important to choose just the right shade and intensity so that sauna lighting can, at its best, turn everyday moments into real oases of relaxation.

Warmth and harmony: the role of colour temperature and light intensity in the sauna

Colour temperature and light intensity play a key role in sauna lighting design. These factors have a big influence on how we experience the atmosphere in the sauna. Choosing the right values can increase the overall well-being of your sauna.

Colour temperature and its effects

Colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), tells you the hue of light. For saunas, it is recommended to use warm tones between 2000K and 3000K. These shades resemble the sunset, which naturally calms the mind and body.

Adjustable lighting

• Versatility: adjustable lighting allows you to vary the intensity and colour of the light to suit different needs and situations.
• Adaptability: different situations, such as a relaxing sauna or a social moment with friends, require different lighting.

Light intensity

The intensity of light plays as important a role as its colour. Lighting that is too bright can distract from relaxation and even create more anxious feelings. Dim, soft light, on the other hand, promotes a harmonious atmosphere and encourages relaxation.

By considering the harmony of colour temperature and light intensity in particular, you can create an even more inviting escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These details will make your sauna moments blissful and restorative.

Indirect lighting to set the mood: best practices for lighting placement

Indirect lighting is the key to creating an effective sauna atmosphere. Since people often relax in the sauna, minimising direct and intense light contributes to a calm experience. In this section, we share tips on how to position lighting to make your sauna experience as comfortable as possible.

Positioning in relation to the roof and walls

Indirect lighting can be effectively created by placing light sources under ceiling structures or benches and directing light through the ceiling or walls. This soft reflection reduces glare and provides uniform overall lighting.

Tips for placement

• Recessed lum inaires: recessed luminaires in the ceiling or wall blend in with their surroundings, creating a calm and coherent look.
• Hidden light profiles: hidden LED strips or luminaires behind structures make the light part of the space itself, with no individual light sources visible.

The benefits of adaptability

When using indirect lighting, the use of customizable or adjustable lighting solutions can enhance the sauna experience for different situations. In this way, lighting suitable for relaxation and a more refreshing atmosphere can be easily changed.

When the lighting is correctly directed and not glaringly directed at the eyes, the sauna is an even more harmonious and pleasant space in which to truly relax.

Modern technology: dimmers and smart lights for the perfect atmosphere

Modern technology has opened the door to more adaptable and personalised sauna lighting solutions. Dimmers and smart lights can be used to create the exact atmosphere you want at the touch of a button, greatly enhancing the comfort and experience of your sauna.

Benefits of dimmers

Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of the light to the exact level you want. You can easily dim your sauna for relaxation or brighten the light for cleaning. This versatility makes dimmers an indispensable part of modern sauna lighting.

Adjustable lighting for different situations

• Refreshing: the enhanced brightness can be refreshing, for example in the morning sauna.
• Soothing: The dimmer light in the evening sauna creates a calming environment.

The potential of smart lights

Smart lights take the sauna experience one step further. These lights can be controlled and programmed remotely using a smartphone or voice commands, so changing the mood of your sauna is just a switch or command away. With smart lighting, you can easily create the lighting moods you want for different moods or sauna situations.

By combining modern technology with traditional sauna bathing, you can achieve the perfect balance between comfort and experience. Thanks to dimmers and smart lights, the sauna lighting is always perfect – whether you’re relaxing alone or enjoying the company of friends.

Create your own lighting plan: combine the different elements into a functional whole

Designing sauna lighting can seem like a challenge, but with the right tips you can create a scheme that serves your needs. By combining different lighting and control options, you can build the perfect sauna lighting solution that supports both relaxation and practicality. Use your creativity and these tips to create the sauna of your dreams.

Form the foundation

Start your design by thinking about the main areas of your sauna that need lighting. Well-lit entrances and ceilings create a sense of security. Also remember to light the sauna’s eye-catching features, such as the wood-burning stove or beautiful tiling.

Combine indirect and direct light

• Indirect light: create a calm and glare-free backlight that keeps the space coherent.
• Direct light: use spotlights to highlight specific features or functional areas.

Customise with technology

New technology allows you to add adaptive lighting to your sauna. Include dimmers and smart lights in your lighting plan so you can easily adjust the mood of the space to suit different situations and moods. This adaptability will make your sauna more flexible and experiential.

Once you have combined all the elements into a seamless whole, you can enjoy lighting that is perfect for your needs, both aesthetically and practically. Well-designed lighting completes the sauna as a magical retreat where you can relax time and time again.

Bring your ideas to life – try our free design tool and build the sauna of your dreams.