Creative sauna lighting

Summarize

Led lighting significantly improves the sauna atmosphere and relaxation
Waterproof LED lights are recommended due to the humidity in the sauna
Warm-toned lights create a more pleasant sauna atmosphere
The placement of lights affects the efficiency of sauna lighting
Coloured lights and dimmer add versatility to sauna lighting

Sauna lighting often ends up being a bit dull. If you’re looking for ways to liven up your sauna experience, have you considered how modern LED strips could help create the right atmosphere? Creative sauna lighting is best achieved with LEDs. With LED lights, you can set the perfect mood, and there are many creative ways to use LED lighting in the sauna. However, it is important to approach sauna lighting in a considered and strategic way, taking into account the size of the space and the mood you want to create.

Sauna lighting: What you should know before getting started

The sauna is a sacred place for Finns. Spending time there is often relaxing and soothing, and well-designed lighting can help create an even better atmosphere. When planning sauna lighting, it’s good to consider a few key factors. First of all, it is important to choose the right type of lighting. The sauna has high humidity, so the lighting fixtures must be waterproof. Led lamps are usually a better choice than traditional lamps, as they are more resistant to humidity and do not heat up as much. Secondly, the colour temperature of the light source affects the atmosphere. The colour temperature of warm light (around 2700-3000K) is usually more suitable for creating a sauna atmosphere than cold light (above 5000K). You can also choose coloured lights to create a more special atmosphere. Thirdly, the lighting should be adequate, but not too bright. In a sauna, the amount of light depends on the size of the space and personal preferences, but generally, a lighting level of about 150–200 lux is recommended. Light that is too strong or coming from the wrong direction can disturb relaxation.

Creative and versatile sauna lighting — in this sauna, small spotlights have been used in the ceiling near the wall edge of the steam room. — In this sauna small spotlights have been installed in the ceiling along the edge of the wall to illuminate the space indirectly through the wall without causing glare

Sauna lighting done differently.

If you want to create a more special atmosphere in your sauna, you can try different lighting solutions. One way is to install LED strips in aluminum profiles along the edge of the ceiling, allowing them to beautifully illuminate the walls. For ceiling installation, however, add a wooden trim in front or leave a recess in the ceiling for the LED strip. Both methods prevent the worst heat and steam from directly hitting the light fixture. You can also place lights at the floor border or under benches to create interesting effects. Sauna lighting in a limited area. For example, illuminate just the top or corner of the sauna, creating interesting shadows and highlighting certain parts of the space. For example, an LED strip installed vertically in a corner within an aluminum profile creates interesting lighting. I recommend placing a board in front to avoid glare, or equipping the LED with a dimmer. Sauna lighting with colors is also entirely possible — meaning RGB LED strips in the sauna. You can choose your preferred colors from the RGB strip, such as blue, red, or green, to create different moods and give yourself some colour therapy. You can also use coloured lights to highlight the shapes of the sauna. So sauna lighting can be used to highlight a specific surface or just to create general lighting.

Where to place led lights in the sauna: tips from the experts

Sauna lighting and the placement of lights are determined by the size, shape, and intended use of the space. Here are a few tips for planning lighting in a sauna.

Choose waterproof LED lights: The high humidity in a sauna requires waterproof fixtures. Led lights are usually a better choice than traditional bulbs because they are more resistant to humidity and do not heat up as much. Make sure the LED lights you choose are IP65 rated or better to withstand the humidity of the sauna.
Consider the different areas of the sauna: Sauna lighting should be positioned to illuminate the desired parts of the space. The upper area of the sauna, benches, and floor can be the main focus of the lighting.
Consider the direction of the light: Lighting should be directed toward walls and other surfaces, allowing the light to reflect within the space and create a pleasant atmosphere. Avoid directing light towards the sauna users, as this can be distracting.
Use a dimmer: dimmable LED lights are an excellent choice for sauna lighting, as they allow you to adjust the light according to the mood of the room. By using smart control, you can also create different lighting programs that enhance the atmosphere in the sauna.

In the sauna, an LED strip under the bench creates an atmospheric indirect lighting effect. — LED strip in a groove behind the bench directed downward in an aluminum profile that protects the strip

Sauna lighting done in an interesting way.

Sauna lighting doesn’t have to be purely practical — you can use LED lights to create versatile and interesting lighting features. Here are some ideas for creative sauna lighting:

Use coloured lights: coloured lights can completely change the atmosphere of your sauna. Blue lights create a fresh and refreshing atmosphere, while red and orange lights can help create a warm and cosy atmosphere in the sauna. You can use one or more colours in your sauna lighting to create different atmospheres.
Create interesting shadows: with Led lights you can create different shadows and lighting features in your sauna. For example, you can place lights under a bench with a front seat to create lighting effects, or mount lights on the edge of the ceiling behind a moulding to illuminate the walls beautifully.
Create a sauna light: You can use LED lights to create a beautiful and unique sauna light. For example, you can repurpose old wood and install LED lights in it to create a beautiful fixture on the sauna wall.
Use wireless controllers or smart lights: Wireless lighting controllers allow you to adjust the lights from anywhere, as the remote is easy to carry around. Smart lights, on the other hand, enable lighting control via smartphone or tablet. For versatile control, you can install dimmable, color temperature adjustable white light, or RGB color-adjustable LED strip lighting in the sauna and adjust them quickly and easily with a remote or smart device. If there’s a risk of water getting on the controller, you can place it in a small transparent, sealable bag.

Sauna lighting in the image: spotlights recessed from the edges inward. — Spotlights hidden in a groove built into the ceiling Indirect lighting effectively reduces glare and also protects the fixtures from the most intense heat

Summary: Lighting is an important part of the sauna experience

Sauna lighting is an important part of the sauna experience. Well-designed lighting can help create a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere in the sauna. Led lights are an excellent choice for sauna lighting as they are more resistant to humidity and do not heat up as much as traditional lamps. When designing sauna lighting, it is important to take into account the size, shape and purpose of the space. You can use different lighting features, such as coloured lights and dimmer. You can create more versatile and interesting lighting in your sauna than the traditional grid lamp in the footwell. Well-designed lighting helps to make the sauna experience more relaxing and enhance the 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 perform lighting maintenance and lighting installations. Our focus is 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 169 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 using #ledstore.fi on Instagram and @ledstorefinland on Facebook. We love seeing the amazing things people create with our LEDs, and it helps inspire those who are still unsure about the power and brilliance of LED lighting. Did you know that we already have over 3,500 images of installations done with our LEDs in our Gallery!

Photo gallery of Led lights:

Product gallery: Pictures of PRODUCTS in different installation locationsIndirect light: Indirect light in different spacesRoom-specific: Light in different roomsReferences: Complete houses that have been photographed

FAQ – sauna lighting

1. How can coloured lights be used in sauna lighting?

Colored lights can be used to transform the atmosphere in a sauna. For example, blue light creates a cool and refreshing ambiance, while warm colors like red or orange add coziness and warmth. Colored lights can be installed as LED strips in aluminum profiles behind the benches or along the ceiling edge, hidden behind a trim.

2. What to consider when choosing LED lights for your sauna?

Due to the high humidity and temperature in the sauna, LED lights must be adequately protected. LED lights with at least an IP65 rating handle moisture and heat well. An aluminum profile or housing, along with ceiling structures and trims, helps shield the lights from the most intense steam. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the fixtures are not placed too close to the stove.

3. How does the placement of lights affect the atmosphere in the sauna?

The placement of the lights has a significant impact on the atmosphere of the sauna. Indirect lighting, such as directing light under the ceiling or against the walls, creates a soft and relaxing look. Direct light, on the other hand, can be too glaring and should be avoided. For example, when sitting on the sauna bench with your back to the lights, they can cause surprisingly strong glare.

4. Why dimmable lights are a good choice for the sauna?

Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness according to the mood and your needs. You can choose bright lighting for cleaning and softer light for relaxation. In a sauna, lights can also be grouped behind different switches, so you can turn off some of them if desired.

5. How can smart lights be used for sauna lighting?

Smart lights offer the ability to control lighting remotely, for example with a smartphone. You can change the colour, brightness, and even create lighting programs that suit different sauna experiences. The components for smart control are installed in a waterproof enclosure at floor level in the sauna, or wired further away from the steam room.

Janne Halttu Owner

LedStore.fi entrepreneur who has built 4 detached houses and renovated several properties. 20 years of construction experience has given me a lot of knowledge about structures, and electrical work for several houses. I have worked with LED lighting for over 10 years. I am an expert in Led lighting, I write articles and I am a lighting designer. I often help clients with electrical and structural issues related to lighting and house construction.

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