During the darkest time of the year, the importance of light becomes especially tangible. Light affects our mood, energy levels, and how we perceive our surroundings – which is why it plays a surprisingly significant role in the sauna experience as well. Thoughtfully designed lighting supports relaxation, enhances the atmosphere, and can elevate the entire sauna ritual. Often, it is the small and carefully considered details that make the biggest difference.
Saunas come in many forms, and lighting should always reflect the character of the space. A traditional cabin or smoke sauna calls for a very different approach than a light, modern urban sauna. What they all share is the same principle: lighting should serve the experience, not dominate it.
Lighting as part of the complete sauna ritual
The sauna experience should be viewed as a whole – what happens before the sauna, during the session, and afterwards. When lighting ties these phases together, the result is a cohesive and intentional experience. Enhancing the atmosphere does not necessarily require major investments; even modest lighting solutions can have a remarkable impact.
Sauna surfaces are often made of beautiful, natural materials that deserve to be highlighted. Indirect lighting that reflects softly off wooden surfaces creates a warm, inviting space. The best sauna lighting allows safe movement without illuminating the bather directly. Even a subtle accent – such as highlighting the heater or a wall surface – can be enough to define the space.
Embracing dimness in the sauna
Dim lighting is particularly well suited to darker saunas. Light should be added only where necessary. When lighting is integrated into the benches, a safe and atmospheric solution is to illuminate the lower bench levels. This ensures clear visibility while preserving a calm and tranquil mood.
For many people, especially those outside Finnish sauna culture, the sauna represents quietness, dimness, and a sense of mystery. These qualities can – and should – be reflected in the lighting design.
Smart lighting for modern saunas
Smart lighting solutions open up new possibilities for sauna design. Lights can be controlled via mobile applications, and pre-programmed lighting scenes make use effortless. Dimmable LED lighting works particularly well in saunas, adapting easily to different preferences and moments.
It is also important to remember that a sauna needs a bright cleaning light – but it does not have to be the same as the bathing light. Dimmable systems allow both functions within one solution.
Appropriate and safe sauna lights
Not all lighting solutions support the sauna experience. A bright central ceiling light can easily break the atmosphere, as can strong or colorful lighting. Industrial and cold solutions, such as fluorescent tubes under the benches, tend to strip the sauna of its character.
It is important to ensure that the lighting product is designed and tested for sauna use, and that the luminaire is installed in accordance with the safety regulations, e.g. no electrical device that is not part of the sauna heater may be placed above or in its immediate vicinity. Cariitti also has safe and compliant products for sauna heater and löyly.
At its best, a sauna is a dim, calm, and gentle space where the atmosphere is created with very little light. With carefully designed lighting, the sauna experience can truly be elevated to a new level – making lighting just as important as any other element of the sauna.
