The bathhouse has long been considered a place of human cleansing and healing. Water treatments are accompanied by puffs of hot, relaxing steam and the aromas of birch or oak leaves and essential oils. In order to fully relax after visiting the steam room, you need to carefully consider the design of the relaxation room in the bathhouse, which will give the maximum feeling of comfort. Choose the interior that is most preferable and comfortable for you and your guests. When planning, you must follow several rules so that the room lasts as long as possible.
People go to the bathhouse to heal the body, relax the soul and plunge into the atmosphere of friendly communication.
Requirements for furniture for baths and saunas
Any country furniture is used in difficult conditions. Therefore, the requirements for it are higher than for interior items for city apartments.
However, for furniture in a bathhouse or sauna, as you understand, the requirements are the highest. After all, it is always very humid here, there is a lot of steam and large temperature changes.
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Not all materials from which country furniture is made can cope with such operating conditions.
What are the basic requirements for furniture for baths and saunas?
Protection against fungus and mold.
Resistant to large temperature changes.
Environmentally friendly - furniture should not emit harmful substances when heated.
Only reliable fasteners without chemicals - furniture should be fastened with nails or screws or soldered, like artificial rattan. Chemical fasteners (glue, liquid nails, etc.) release harmful substances when heated.
Furniture for steam rooms must be resistant to steam.
Furniture should be well ventilated, especially wardrobes.
Regulatory requirements for wiring in bath rooms
Anyone can install light in a bathhouse and steam room with their own hands. In bath rooms, decorative coverings and objects are affected by:
- temperature;
- hot steam;
- moisture.
Items made from low-quality materials will quickly collapse without protection.
Lamps for steam rooms and washing rooms must have a degree of protection IP-54. Explanation:
- IP is an abbreviation indicating international protection mark;
- 5 - resistance to shock and mechanical stress;
- 4 - degree of protection of the device from moisture.
When choosing a lamp for a bath, you need to consider a number of factors:
- The brightness of the lighting device should be moderate. Bright light will not allow you to relax, dim light will begin to induce sleep.
- The lampshade must be sealed, highly durable - withstand mechanical stress and temperature changes.
- The lamp body should not allow moisture or steam to pass inside. All lampshades must be tightly closed. If an incandescent light bulb is installed inside, it will burst if it gets wet.
- The housing and internal parts of lighting fixtures must be resistant to strong heat.
It is prohibited to use incandescent lamps in the steam room and washing room. If moisture drops in contact, the light bulb will explode.
Furniture from what materials cannot be placed in a bathhouse or sauna
Plastic
. At high temperatures, the plastic heats up and begins to release harmful substances. And as we know, a steamed human body absorbs all bath odors. So such a bathhouse can backfire.
Metal
. Metal oxidizes under the influence of steam, humidity and high temperatures. Even a special anti-corrosion coating will not save you here. Under the influence of steam it will quickly come off the surface.
Painted or varnished furniture
. Again, under the influence of steam, high humidity and temperature changes, paint and varnish will come off the furniture very quickly. It is permissible to use such furniture only in recreation rooms.
Wicker furniture made from rattan or other natural materials
. No matter how beautiful such furniture looks in a country interior and no matter how it suits your style, temperature changes and high humidity are certain death for such interior items. In this case, it is better to replace it with moisture-resistant artificial rattan furniture.
Expert opinion
Mikhailova Maria Vasilievna
Furniture store manager. Knows everything about comfort and interior design
Massive furniture made of dense materials ,
which is poorly ventilated
inside .
Mold and mildew easily form in such furniture. And for things that will be stored here, this is not the best option.
Basic rules of interior design
The surfaces of all objects located in rooms adjacent to the steam room must be resistant to heat, high humidity air and sudden temperature changes. If it is necessary to install electronics, preference should be given to the highest quality models. Since any equipment contains metal parts that tend to heat up quickly, it is recommended to place it along walls that do not border the steam room.
The interior of the relaxation room in the bathhouse should include areas for:
- Preparing and eating food. They can be combined or separated by a small bar counter. During recovery, the human body needs an additional source of energy. It’s great if after the steam room you can have a snack, drink a cold drink or brew your favorite tea. Therefore, the interior design of a living room in a bathhouse must include a mini-kitchen in which you can place a refrigerator, a couple of wall-mounted and floor-standing cabinets, a table and chairs.
- Sleep and relaxation. Vacationers often have a desire to lie down and even sleep after a steam bath. This idea can be brought to life by placing a soft bench, an oversized corner sofa or even a large bed in the relaxation room.
- Leisure organizations. It all depends on the habits and preferences of the owners. For entertainment, there may be board games stored in a specially designated cabinet, a billiard table, a TV, and a karaoke system.
- Storing things. To prevent the room from looking cluttered, when designing the interior design, it is necessary to provide cabinets, cabinets, hooks and hangers where bedding, bathrobes and a change of clothes will be located.
- Hygienic procedures. A sharp cooling of the body is considered extremely useful after a steam room. For this purpose, you can install a swimming pool. It would not be amiss to provide a shower stall in which you can rinse your heated body and thoroughly rub it with a washcloth.
In pursuit of high functionality, you should not overload the interior of the rest room with a large number of furniture. The design must be based on the area of the room. When designing, you may have to select several priority areas, sacrificing less necessary ones.
For convenience, it is recommended to separate zones of different directions from each other. This can be done using various partitions, distinctive types of finishes or expressive light accents.
To make the design look complete, you should choose soft, dim lighting for the relaxation room that promotes relaxation. If necessary, you can place several brighter lamps along the walls. We must not forget about natural light: it will be fully provided by panoramic windows.
Features of bath furniture, popular models and recommendations
A sauna or steam bath has a beneficial effect on the body. This is a place where you can relax and unwind for the benefit of your body.
Furniture for a bathhouse has characteristic features, including the correct choice of material for a longer service life. To select items for the bathhouse, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the nuances of their manufacture and design features.
Room color
To get more pleasure from visiting the bathhouse and to completely relax, you need to choose a color scheme. It is better to choose warm, calm tones. Bright, variegated colors strain the eyesight.
Based on the developments of scientists, we can distinguish several colors that are better perceived by the subconscious:
- peach, pink - calm;
- yellow - optimism, solar warmth;
- gray is a neutral shade;
- white - cleanliness (suitable for decorating different rooms in the bath; this color cannot be used in large quantities).
If you want to add bright colors, you can make a few separate touches on the walls. Of the cool tones, the best options are pale green, blue, and lilac.
Peculiarities
The main difference between bath furniture and what we use in apartments is its moisture resistance. In conditions of high humidity and temperature, it should last a long time. Another important nuance is that the furniture is in direct contact with human skin. Environmental friendliness is the main criterion for selecting items for a bathhouse.
For relaxation in the bathhouse, an original Russian way of restoring strength, various types of furniture were invented; they will be discussed in the next section. It is worth highlighting the main requirements for the material:
- High density;
- Easy processing - sawing, grinding, trimming;
- Safety for humans;
- Low thermal conductivity – furniture should not heat up;
- Small amount of resins in the composition.
All of the listed characteristics indicate that the best furniture material for a bathhouse is wood of various species. It is worth noting that varnishes, paints and adhesives are not used in production. This is due to constant humidity conditions in the room, which causes the coating to swell and gradually peel off.
The healing properties of the bathhouse have been known since Ancient Rus', so there should be no objects harmful to the body in the room. In addition to the cleansing properties of steam passing over the skin, a person absorbs the smell of the materials from which the furniture is made.
Traditionally, a relaxation room is designed in bath complexes - this is a place where people can relax in a calm environment, without hot steam. Some rooms require furniture on which a person can sit and have a snack.
The requirements for the coating in this case are different: they must also be moisture resistant, although they can have a varnish coating, since there is no constant exposure to steam.
Bath furniture can be made in various stylistic directions, let’s consider the most popular of them:
- Classic style - characterized by straight lines, rigor and practicality. There is no room for luxury here - all items are made discreetly and at the same time cozy. Steam rooms in spas are often equipped in this style;
- Antique sauna furniture is a common option for a free-standing sauna. Entering the room, you get the feeling of a fairy tale. All items are made in an antique style - they have rounded backs, fancy cutouts, and an aging effect.
To arrange a home bath or sauna, you can limit yourself to the classic style - it is inexpensive, and the items can be made with your own hands. If you plan to design a bathhouse for commercial purposes, choose an old style for bathhouses; visitors will appreciate it.
Window textiles in different stylistic directions
The design of the bath depends entirely on your taste preferences. There is no need to adhere to certain stylistic shades. You can decorate the room in a rustic or country style.
Laconism and rationality are the main criteria for designing a steam room; all elements must be designed in the same style, harmoniously intertwining with each other and creating a complete picture of the interior
Country style
Very often, bathhouses are decorated in traditional Russian style. Walls treated with wood, an abundance of herbs, a samovar, simple motifs - all these are characteristic features of the rustic style. For rooms decorated in this style, designers recommend using light, light curtains or lampshade curtains. Macrame curtains will also look good; they are easy to make with your own hands.
Country style
Country style is probably one of the most commonly used for decorating bath rooms. Hang curtains made from natural materials such as cotton or linen. As a design, you can use small floral patterns and thin stripes.
The photo shows how to decorate a window using Roman curtains
Classic style
This style requires a lot of space. Since in a small recreation room, luxurious curtains overload the interior. Classic curtains should be used very carefully; it is better to give preference to light, light tulles. You can make accessories for curtains with your own hands, the main rule that should be followed is laconicism and minimalism. The photo is a clear confirmation of this.
In the so-called dressing room you can hang dark curtains with a light tulle curtain
East style
Traditional hammam designs are often used to decorate bath rooms. Hammam is also a bathhouse, only in eastern countries. Curtains for such rooms should be light and airy, made from natural fabrics. In the design of curtains, you can use various traditional patterns, flowers or vertical stripes.
Japanese style
For rest rooms, Japanese curtains with traditional prints are often used. Japanese style is characterized by the use of light pastel colors and natural, environmentally friendly materials. In order for Japanese curtains to fit harmoniously into the interior, their shade should echo other elements of the interior, for example, a large fan on the wall or small pillows on the sofa.
Mediterranean style
The decoration of a Mediterranean-style bath room is characterized by light and warm tones, associated with a lot of sun and light. In a room designed in this style, hand-made curtains look good. A handmade product will add personality to your bathhouse.
In the photo, curtains with floral patterns fit beautifully into the interior of the room
Art Nouveau style
A bathhouse decorated in this style is an excellent option if you have a large space. The main colors predominant in this interior: pastel, muted, warm, soft shades. Choose curtains from natural fabric. A floral component is possible in the form of adding a green tint, floral patterns or real flowers. The best options would be a light curtain or plastic blinds.
Blinds are hung in the dressing room as a textile decoration for the window.
Varieties
To decorate your steam room and dressing room colorfully and elegantly, you should pay attention to the types of furniture that are most often used for furnishing. The photo below shows the most popular models and accessories for bathing.
First you need to figure out what items must be present in the steam room. The first thing you need to buy is shelves. This is a special design designed for sitting. This is where people steam in a sauna under the influence of hot air. Requirements for shelves:
- Long length;
- Stable seat;
- The presence of several tiers.
Tiered furniture in a bathhouse is necessary so that the shelves can accommodate several people at once. At the same time, people should not interfere with each other. It is advisable to purchase shelves in 2 - 3 tiers. The width of the products is 60 cm, and the length is at least 180 cm.
Experienced sauna owners recommend also having footrests and headrests. The first ones are necessary to sit comfortably without disturbing other steamers.
Headrests are needed to relieve stress on the neck. Benches are the second thing that is important to have in any sauna.
They are also placed in the steam room, against the walls. The legs of the benches should not interfere with steaming, so they are made with a recess inside. The bench should have a wide seat and back.
In addition to the items listed, the following furniture for baths and saunas must be included:
- Tables – there are a lot of options for choosing tables: figured, carved or classic square and round. The scope for imagination is limitless, everything depends on financial capabilities;
- Chairs or stools - upholstered furniture for a bathhouse is also important. For example, chairs may have a soft seat. The upholstery material should not deteriorate when exposed to moisture. Chairs can be decorated with antique carved backs, and stools can have figured legs;
- Wooden fonts are the place where a person plunges after a steam room. This easily replaces a swimming pool, because it is not always possible to equip one at a summer cottage. The average size for a font is 1.5 m in diameter. Several people can be here at once;
- Basins or tubs - it’s hard to imagine the procedure of being in a bathhouse without these items. Photos of basins and tubs are presented below - you can also make them yourself.
Expert opinion
Mikhailova Maria Vasilievna
Furniture store manager. Knows everything about comfort and interior design
In addition to tables and chairs, furniture for the relaxation room in the bathhouse is selected at your discretion. These can be small storage areas for accessories and towels, cupboards for dishes, sofas and shelving.
Design styles
When choosing the interior of a relaxation room in a bathhouse, you need to study ready-made styles and their features. Each design option has its own characteristic features, for example, the color of the walls, shape and type of furniture.
Russian
Features of the dressing room design:
- The walls are decorated with brooms and hats.
- The surrounding surfaces are covered with clapboard. You can leave the open beam without additional decoration.
- A samovar and wooden mugs are placed on the table. Other kitchen utensils should be made of clay.
- Wooden furniture without metal inserts is used.
- If fabric is used, choose a material with patterns and ornaments.
- The floors are covered with natural wool carpets.
Rest room in Russian style
A mandatory feature of any Russian bathhouse is the presence of decorative carvings.
Scandinavian
The style stands out with cool, light tones. Characteristics:
- A simple finish is done, without any eye-catching elements.
- The furniture chosen is modern, covered with natural materials.
- The fireplace is faced with white stone or light decorative brick.
- The interior is complemented by antlers, vases with branches of various trees, and indoor plants.
- The dishes used are simple, austere, without painting, in light shades.
- Textiles made from coarse fibers are used. You can decorate the fabric with geometric shapes and patterns.
- Long pile carpets are laid on the floor.
It is unacceptable to use bright colors.
Japanese
Steam rooms in Japan are not like other types of bath complexes. Residents of the state steam in barrels of hot water. Decoration features:
- Sliding doors are installed.
- Bamboo panels are installed on the windows.
- The furniture chosen is low, made of wood.
- Ceramic tiles are used for surface finishing.
- Traditional Japanese lanterns are used for lighting.
- Paintings and open fans are hung on the walls.
- A table for incense is installed in a separate corner.
- The floors are covered with trunks. Pillows are placed on them.
- Massive vases are installed as decoration.
Colors should be calm and unobtrusive.
Rustic
An interesting way to decorate a Russian bathhouse. Peculiarities:
- Ceiling beams are not covered with decorative frames and remain in their pure form.
- The furniture is made of wood. It is better to use old cabinets and sideboards.
- The floors are covered with homemade carpets.
- Antiques and wicker baskets with tree branches are placed around the room.
In a rustic style, wood should predominate; the use of plastic and metal is not allowed.
Classical
Classic style is suitable for large rooms.
Classic style of decorating a bath room
In small ones it will not be possible to open it completely. Design features:
- The room is decorated with decorative columns.
- Doorways are given the shape of an arch.
- The fireplace is decorated with natural stone or brickwork.
- The furniture chosen is plain, solid, wooden.
- Natural fabric with floral patterns is used.
Modern
This style is distinguished by soft shades and smooth lines. Design features:
- The furniture used is simple but massive.
- Natural fabrics with simple patterns are used.
- The walls are decorated with wood cuts.
- Several pots with green plants are installed in the room.
- The finishing is complemented by decorative stone and facing bricks.
- Collages of photographs hang on the walls.
- Curtains are chosen to be plain and heavy.
- Warm blankets and soft pillows are laid out on the chairs.
For modern, installation of electrical equipment is allowed.
Retro
The style is similar to classic and modern. The room should be dominated by neutral, cool colors. Peculiarities:
- Tiles are laid on the floor.
- The walls are lined with wood and decorative stone.
- Old, shabby furniture is placed inside the dressing room.
- The overall decoration is complemented by a mirror, which is previously artificially aged.
- The room contains antiques.
- The tableware used is strict, without bright colors.
- Black and white photographs and newspaper clippings hang on the walls.
Retro looks better in large rooms.
Nautical
Design features:
- Fabrics must be striped; designs of marine life are allowed.
- The interior is complemented by decorative elements of ships - steering wheels, sails, anchors, cannons, grappling hooks, lifebuoys.
- Panoramic lighting is provided.
- Little furniture is used. It should not block passages or clutter the room.
- The walls are decorated with shells.
- The room is zoned into separate parts with nets or sails.
Additionally, you can install a large aquarium with fish.
Country
Design features:
- The walls are covered with clapboard and are not complicated by unnecessary decorative elements.
- The ceiling beams remain exposed.
- The floor is covered with tiles.
- Wooden furniture used
- Dishes of different colors are placed on the tables.
As an additional decoration, you can use wicker baskets with flowers.
Loft
The style implies the presence of rough elements, the use of wooden and metal surfaces. Design features:
- Rough furniture made of metal and wood is used.
- Warm shades are used for decoration.
- Furniture and additional elements are artificially aged.
- The walls are covered with facing bricks.
- Textiles are not used.
You can make furniture for loft-style rooms yourself.
Chalet
Alpine interior, which stands out for its comfort and simplicity. It is better to finish the dressing room with unprocessed, environmentally friendly materials. Peculiarities:
- The walls are covered with clapboard or natural stone.
- Solid, wooden furniture is used.
- Choose fabrics for upholstery in natural colors.
Alpine style should be dominated by warm shades.
Which materials are better
The requirements for materials for furniture have already been indicated in the first section of the article. Therefore, it is worth highlighting those raw materials that are considered unacceptable for arranging a sauna:
- Plastic – when heated, it releases harmful substances into the atmosphere;
- Metal – under constant exposure to moisture, corrosion occurs and rust appears;
- Leatherette – not suitable due to constant exposure to wet human skin.
The best material option is natural wood. For the dressing room, you can use chipboard or MDF, from which countertops and cabinet door fronts are made.
With a wide variety of wood species, not all of them are completely suitable for making bath furniture. When choosing a material, it is worth considering its characteristics.
If the choice fell on coniferous species, it is worth taking a closer look at Canadian cedar - it emits less resin than its coniferous counterparts, and at the same time has a beautiful texture. Let's consider the main tree species, their colors and features in order to choose the material for furniture in the bathhouse.
Breed | Colors | pros | Minuses |
Pine | Light shades: cream, yellow, sand | Pine contains a large amount of resin, which makes it moisture resistant. When resins are released, the surface of the tree is covered with a protective coating. When cutting this coniferous log house, you can see beautiful curved patterns that will be appropriate on any bathhouse furniture. | Do not use pine for a steam room: when exposed to high temperatures, the tree releases a lot of resin, which causes skin burns. |
Spruce | White Red | Quick and easy processing is the main advantage of this breed. On a cut of spruce you can find a large number of fancy rings and patterns. Spruce has an affordable price. | The presence of knots and a tendency to rot will not allow items to be installed in a washroom or steam room. The material is great for a rest room. |
Larch | Yellow | Larch is protected from the negative effects of ambient temperature. It has a beautiful pattern and high density. | The wood of this species is heavy and difficult to process, so larch furniture will be expensive. |
Oak | Rich palette from light gray to brown shades | The tree is resistant to aggressive environments, it has an unusual texture and color variations. Oak has high strength, so furniture made from it is strong. | The complexity of processing increases the cost of products; in addition, oak is too massive. It is optimally used for dressing room furniture. |
Ash | White or olive | It has high wear resistance, does not crack, and is flexible. Its structure allows you to create furniture from log houses with a pattern. | Not resistant to temperature changes and high humidity |
Poplar | Sand | It is light in weight and easy to handle. | It rots quickly. |
Aspen | Yellow | The breed is moisture-resistant, but large furniture cannot be made from it - it will quickly become unusable. Aspen is ideal for tubs and basins. | Over time, furniture greatly changes color to dark shades. |
Linden | Beige | Bath furniture made from linden has a pleasant smell. Linden is resistant to moisture and can be processed well. | It is considered the most suitable breed for bath furniture. |
Having studied the information, it is worth concluding that furniture made from linden wood is the most suitable for a sauna. It is distinguished by a healing linden scent, which, combined with high temperatures, has a beneficial effect on the human body, giving freshness and youth to the skin. Photos of linden furniture are presented below.
Which style to choose? Original interior solutions
Designing a relaxation room is not an easy task. The owner chooses the direction to create home comfort and a relaxed atmosphere where it is pleasant to relax alone or in the company of friends. Let's talk in more detail about the styles that are suitable for decorating the room.
Classic
The classic style is luxurious and attractive. Such an interior necessarily includes elegant columns, stucco moldings and similar decorations. An impressive fireplace and massive furniture complete the decor.
To ensure that all furnishings fit harmoniously, the option is chosen when there is enough free space. The solution is relevant for having fun in large companies; if the bathhouse is small, choose a different design.
Russian motives
A room in a traditional style is a simple and convenient option. The main finishing building material is wood. It harmoniously combines with furnishings, is environmentally friendly, and with its help creates home comfort and an indescribable atmosphere of a village bathhouse. The original wood texture and pleasant aroma are the main advantages of the finish. Selecting furniture and decor will not be difficult, because wood is combined with metal, upholstery, and other design solutions. The walls and ceiling of the rest room are covered with clapboard or block house, and plank compositions are chosen for the floor or tiles are laid. The tiles are durable and easy to use even under high loads.
The style is characterized by the presence of benches/benches, chairs/stools, made in a simple manner or with a carved pattern. The decorations here will be: a samovar with bagels, wooden ladles, birch brooms and textiles in the form of napkins, tablecloths and so on. For a complete picture of home comfort, the owners install a stove.
Country
This direction is similar to the previous option, but the rest room, in this case, looks even simpler. At the same time, the visualization of space is achieved here, creating the feeling that there is a lot of air and freedom in the room. Country is classified by country: the French interior is characterized by notes of sophistication, but American country is characterized by democracy.
Carefully choose a specific direction, the color schemes of the design depend on this. Additional elements include flowers, wicker baskets and brightly colored dishes.
Modern
This solution is suitable for owners who are planning a stylish and modern room for relaxing with their family or a group of friends. Modernism is contrasted with classics. Bright materials and asymmetrically shaped furnishings are used for decoration - the ideal solution. Floral ornaments are also common here, making the entire interior lively and attractive.
There is an opinion that Art Nouveau is a cold and uncomfortable style. But with the right approach, the owner will receive a cozy corner for positive rest and relaxation.
Eastern influences
A lounge room in oriental style shows the owner's desire for exclusivity and unconventional vision. Eastern trends are always associated with luxury and chic, which is why the finishing is done accordingly, although not everyone can afford it. The design often includes elements: mosaic designs, gilded lamps, bright textiles.
The choice of furniture is also not easy: carved chests, low tabletops, hookahs, special screens.
Marine theme
Decorating in a marine style requires excellent lighting and spacious space. Here they refuse massive cabinets, shelves and everything that clutters the room. They give preference to old, worn-out furnishings; sometimes furniture is aged artificially. Woody shades, white, sand, green, blue and dark blue are welcome.
The following accessories are allowed here: fish, bottle boats, anchors, sails, and so on. Rugs, curtains and other textiles are strictly blue and white.
Bath sofa: relax, friends
We like to say: “What is a wedding without a button accordion, what is a bathhouse without a sofa.” That’s right, a sofa for a bathhouse is a completely necessary piece of furniture, on which it is so nice to relax after grueling steam treatments and think about something sublime.
It is quite obvious that an ordinary object will not fit in a bathhouse - the conditions are too specific. So what should you pay attention to so as not to make a mistake? Let's read.
Coming from the East
In fact, to tell the truth, the divan is the legislative and executive body in a number of Islamic states, as well as its highest official. Who knows, perhaps the owners of furniture salons under the sonorous and popular name “Mr. Sofa” are very enlightened and erudite in all respects and are not as far from iron logic as it seems to us at first glance.
An indispensable attribute of any office are chairs; in the East, in the same legislative body, the function of such furniture was performed by benches with soft padding, so as not to particularly bother the users, or rather, their individual parts of the body. Actually, from there these important items went around the world, along the way, also acquiring a high back for greater comfort.
Features and differences between a classic and a bath sofa
It is quite obvious and absolutely natural that the furniture in the house and in the bathhouse are somewhat different both in detail and in the principles of use. First, let's look at the concept of a sofa as such.
Dissecting the sofa
As you know, it is a soft piece of furniture designed for prolonged sitting, relaxation and rest of several people at the same time, which is why, in industrial practice, a sofa is often supplied complete with other interior items for a similar purpose: armchairs, coffee or tea tables, footrests and so on. Let's project the situation onto the realities of a bath-sauna.
Bath chairs will certainly allow you to place them in a company rest room or dressing room, but will such placement be comfortable? It’s one thing to have a quick snack at the table, something God sent, and another thing to sit comfortably for a long conversation. As many years of observations show, intimate conversations on chairs are only possible with the investigator and the tax inspector, but do we need that?
- Frame bases are a set of power sets made of wooden boards and bars and panel elements made of plywood, chipboard or fiberboard, which absorb and distribute all the loads associated with the operation of the product;
- Soft elements and flooring materials - which increase the comfort of using the product and are made in most cases from foam rubber and polyurethane foam, with a sufficient degree of wear resistance. Naturally, elements that do not carry large loads and perform mainly a supporting function can be made of white polyurethane foam, which is significantly inferior in durability to structural types. This also includes elastic belts or, in the professional slang of furniture makers, “harness” or “harness.” Due to varying degrees of stretching, they help to more rationally distribute the resulting loads on the load-bearing units of the product. Non-woven synthetic fabrics, layers, spheres, etc. can be used in pillows and side elements;
- Facing is a fabric, leather or other covering that forms and defines the appearance of the product, protects internal elements from damage, and is in direct contact with the user’s body. Can be made from various types of fabrics, leather, leather substitutes, innovative non-woven synthetic materials, increased comfort;
- Additional elements - as a rule, their role is played by sofa cushions, the main function of which is to ensure a comfortable position of the human body, to provide the necessary degree of additional support and emphasis for its individual parts.
Important! Sofa pillows are not intended for sleeping. This is not facilitated by their form or their execution.
Features of a bath sofa
Having familiarized ourselves with the structure of this piece of furniture, we can put forward the requirements that sofas for a bathhouse must meet:
- As a rule, such sofas are intended for subsequent transformation into a sleeping place, this is especially true for small one-story bathhouses in which the sleeping space is not allocated to a full-fledged functional area.
- The frame of such a product is made of pine, spruce, and alder. The panel elements are a plywood base, and a responsible manufacturer protects its ends from water absorption with a special hydrophobic compound, and home-made craftsmen treat it with silicone or wax.
- Soft elements should also be classified as raw materials inert to high humidity.
- Design features must correspond to the general spirit and interior solutions that were used during the finishing work for arranging the interior space.
- At the same time, the design should not be oversaturated with details. In a bathhouse, practicality and ease of use dominate over fashion trends or ultra-high functionality, which undoubtedly leads to unjustified complication of the design of the item as a whole.
- Dimensions, total weight, and the ability to disassemble must ensure that the item can pass through the openings of bath doors, which are often smaller in size than standard ones.
- Now, about the most important thing - what concerns the cladding. Woven materials are not entirely appropriate due to the high degree of water absorption. And the point here is not only in the characteristics of the microclimate. After taking the procedures, the human body continues to actively secrete sweat for some time, which will be absorbed into the fabric and make it not only sloppy, but also unhygienic. Natural leather has the highest functional qualities, especially those that have undergone a special tanning procedure. But don’t be under the illusion that a leather sofa for a bathhouse can be an inexpensive pleasure. Quite the contrary, the price of such products is high and is calculated in freely convertible foreign currency. A leatherette sofa for a bathhouse, in turn, is a very controversial and ambiguous decision. Practice, especially operational practice, shows that in the vast majority of cases the service life of such a product is extremely low, and a sofa in a bathhouse, the leatherette of which belongs to the class of budget material, may completely fail due to a violation of the integrity of the cladding, after some 3 - 4 months .
Attention! Ordinary leather sofas have one rather unpleasant property - they “grab” the naked body. The problem is solved by using specially made upholstery or lining a towel or sheet.
Summarizing what has been said, regarding the choice of cladding for an item of this kind, I would like to say that sofas for baths and saunas can also have fabric upholstery, but with a number of reservations:
- The rest room is located at a sufficient distance from sources of high humidity or there is a buffer zone of sufficient volume between them;
- The room in which the furniture is located is equipped with an effective supply and exhaust ventilation system;
- The sofa covering can be quickly removed for washing, cleaning and similar operations;
- Visitors to the bathhouse are highly cultured people who necessarily use sheets and towels as a moisture-absorbing layer between the body and the surface of the sofa;
- In the production of cladding, fabrics with high mechanical strength, low moisture absorption coefficient and a comfortable contact surface are used.
By the way! Synthetic fibers are increasingly ahead of natural fibers in terms of practicality. The only condition is that to be used in a bathhouse, they must have good sanitary and hygienic characteristics and high environmental friendliness.
Lamps for a bath in a steam room: which option to choose?
Sauna lighting has three main types:
- incandescent lamps;
- fiber optic luminaires;
- LED devices.
Within these three types, there are a huge variety of styles and prices.
Incandescent lamps for baths
Incandescent bulbs are the cheapest and also the easiest to replace. Like everything else in your home, after a while the light bulb will burn out and you will simply replace it with a new one. You can also use different colored bulbs to create moods and change their intensity accordingly by using a switch to raise or lower the light level.
Fiber Optic Lighting
Fiber optic luminaires come in a variety of color options. With a fiber optic system, the light source is located outside the sauna and the lights "shine" into the sauna via cables that can be placed anywhere, even directly over the stove or heater. A color wheel can be installed between the light source and the fiber optic cables to ensure a consistent lighting effect.
LED lights for baths
LED lights are very effective and can be used to ensure your sauna has as few shadows as possible, or they can be placed under benches to provide a glare of light and create patterns on the wall.
DIY sofa
If the conditions in your bathhouse allow you to use fabric upholstery, and your hands remember how to work with wood and fabric, then you can take a risk and build a sofa for a bathhouse with your own hands. Shall we try?
As an example, let's take one of the simplest, but at the same time practical designs - a sofa book. You can sit on it comfortably, and if necessary, you can unfold it and turn it into a sleeping place. Versatility in a small sauna is an extremely useful thing. Let's go through the main stages of work:
- We begin work with the frame, or rather, with its lower supporting part, which in the finished product will serve as a storage compartment where it is convenient to fold bed linen. It is quite obvious that to store a bed, it must be periodically hung in the open air, no matter how good ventilation your bathhouse is equipped with. In the glove box it is convenient to store a set of household utensils and containers with rowan tincture, which is so good, especially in the cold. By the way, you don’t even need to reach for the next portion. To make a box, you need four boards, two 1900 mm each, two 800 mm each, all 200 mm wide and 25 mm thick. The amplifier requires four bars with a cross section of 50×50 mm and a length of 200 mm.
- The assembled box is reinforced along the short side with four crossbars made from four boards, 800 mm long, 50 mm wide and 20 - 25 mm thick.
- We cover the bottom of the structure with a sheet of fiberboard measuring 1900x800 mm and about 3 mm thick.
- The frame of the seat and backrest is made of timber with a cross-section of 40×60 mm, from which a rectangular structure with dimensions of 1890×650 mm is assembled. The mattress is supported by a set of lamellas - thin, narrow bars, which are assembled in the transverse direction in increments of 50 - 70 mm.
- For the armrests, we form a base with the given dimensions from furniture panels. Then, along the contour of the panel base, we attach a frame from a set of bars with a cross-section of 20x40 mm.
- To assemble the structure, you will need special accessories for book sofas, which can be purchased in specialized stores. With its help, the seat and backrest are connected, leaving a gap of 8 - 12 mm, when unfolded. When folded, the cut of the seat should not extend beyond the contour of the armrests.
- We lay interlining on top of the lamellas, secure it and proceed to laying the foam rubber mass. The thickness of the main layer is 40 mm; here we do not forget to make cutouts for the folding mechanism. To form a supporting cushion, another strip of foam rubber, 20 mm thick, is glued along the edge of the seat. And on top, along the entire plane, there is another one - a finishing sheet, 40 mm thick, the edge of which is tucked under the edge of the seat. A multi-layer set of foam rubber will create more comfortable conditions for furniture users. Similar work is carried out with the back. At the end of which, covers are pulled over them.
- We form the armrests. We glue a shaped foam strip, 40 mm thick, on top. There is a second one on top, but 20 mm thick. The inner side of the armrest is glued with a layer of foam rubber, 40 mm thick, not reaching the bottom of the shield 320 mm. The front part of the foam rubber at the end of the armrest is folded inward and secured. The planes are upholstered with fabric, on top of which the necessary fittings are fixed.
Let's be honest, making a sofa right away will not be easy. The right solution, so to speak, a “breakdown of the pen”, can be considered to be carrying out repair work on upholstered and other furniture.
This will allow you to objectively assess your capabilities to manufacture a product “from scratch.”
Types of lamps used
Incandescent lamps
A good option for a steam room or washing room, provided several conditions are met: heat-resistant housing, moisture protection level of at least 5 (ip45/55/65), power does not exceed 60 W. Such a light bulb is inexpensive, and considering that the light in the bathhouse is not on every day, it will last quite a long time.
However, they are quite fragile, so the lamp for incandescent lamps must comply with all safety regulations: sealed and with protective grilles.
There are models with a safe voltage of 36 V with connection via a step-down transformer.
Fluorescent lamps
Despite their advantages - long service life, energy saving - they are not suitable for baths. Fluorescent light sources cannot : they do not work well at temperatures above 60⁰C. This is also a bad option for unheated bathhouses and for the waiting room: frosty air from the street will significantly shorten the service life. In addition, in winter, after freezing, they will take a long time to warm up and start up. In addition, due to the presence of mercury vapor in the composition, they are dangerous if the flask is damaged.
Halogen lamps
Suitable for steam rooms: not afraid of high temperatures, protected from splashes (lamp with internal bulb). Since the light in the bathhouse does not burn constantly, the short service life does not play a significant role. Moreover, halogen lights cost little.
Special halogen lamps are produced especially for baths: they are protected by special heat-resistant housings and have low power (15-35 W).
LED bulbs
Opinions differ about the use of these lamps in the steam room. LED light sources can be used in a sauna, but these lamps begin to physically degrade LEDs at a temperature of 65⁰C (on average). The intensity of the degradation process varies depending on the model.
LED lamps are perfect for any other sauna room. They are not afraid of moisture, heat up slightly during operation, last a long time, and are not afraid of low temperatures. Moreover, it is with their help that you can organize a low-voltage lighting system without any problems. Design possibilities are expanded by the use of LED strips.
Fiber optic lighting for sauna
Expensive, but the most durable, safe option for steam rooms and washrooms. Withstands temperatures up to 220 ⁰С. In addition, due to the physical characteristics of light - lighting works thanks to light waves, and not electric ones - optical fiber is not afraid of water.
With the help of optical fiber, you can come up with many interesting interior solutions.
Example of fiber optic backlight
The essence of such lighting is that the light source (any, but more often LED) is placed not in the room itself, but outside it. Light rays from the lamp “enter” the room through special fiber optic light guides. These are usually glass flexible tubes.
Operating principle of fiber optic lighting
Threaded bits
For the convenience of clients, companies that specialize in lighting baths offer kits for fiber optic lighting. Their cost starts from 25,000 rubles, depending on the configuration.
Salt lamps.
They will not only help illuminate the bathhouse, but will make the atmosphere in it healthier. Salt lamps destroy allergens, microorganisms, and saturate the air with healing vapors.
Salt lamps are made from Himalayan salt. A lampshade is made from salt into which a regular light bulb is screwed. Lampshades are made in different shapes, sizes, and colors. A variety of designs will allow you to decorate any bathhouse.
Caring for the lamp is easy: the main thing is to keep it clean. Keep in mind that in a steam room atmosphere, the lifespan of a salt lamp is reduced because the salt becomes soggy and crumbles in the humid atmosphere of the steam room. The price of such lamps varies greatly depending on the processing of the material. The average price for an untreated lamp weighing 2-3 kg is 700-900 rubles. More about salt lamps
Materials and colors
In the production of sofas, various raw materials are used to make frames, as well as filler and upholstery.
The best material for making bases for bathhouse furniture is considered to be natural wood.
It is not afraid of sudden temperature changes, and special impregnations make it resistant to high humidity. Furniture with frames made of metal, chipboard and MDF is not suitable for use in a bathhouse.
Recently, rattan bath furniture has become increasingly popular . This material is made from palm liana.
Thanks to the ability of the fibers to expand under the influence of steam, the wood becomes soft and bends easily if necessary to give it any shape. Rattan sofas are produced using a special technology - the frame is made of solid stems, and the upper part is made of thin and flexible branches using weaving.
Rattan wood has light colors; it can also be painted in any tone.
Genuine leather is most often used for upholstery of bath sofas . It is insensitive to temperature changes and high humidity.
Expert opinion
Mikhailova Maria Vasilievna
Furniture store manager. Knows everything about comfort and interior design
Leather does not absorb odors; moisture and various types of contaminants are easily removed from it. A leather sofa can last for many years while maintaining its original appearance.
Significant disadvantages of the material include high cost and a meager range of colors. Leather sofas come in pastel colors, white, beige, brown or black.
An inexpensive, but beautiful and durable material used as upholstery for bath sofas is tapestry . Products intended for use in conditions of high humidity are treated with special compounds that help repel liquids.
However, before sitting on such a sofa, it is recommended to dry yourself.
The tapestry can have different colors - from light to dark tones, with patterns and prints.
Recommendations
To like the result and have more pleasure from visiting the bathhouse, you need to listen to the advice of experienced finishers and bathhouse attendants:
- If the floors are concrete and you don’t want to wear shoes, you can install a heated floor system. The temperature regulator is located in any convenient place.
- If the oven has an external channel, it is better to buy a model with a transparent glass door. It will look like a fireplace, and you can control the load on the firebox.
- It is better to decorate all rooms under the same style.
- It is not recommended to use bright lamps.
- To make the interior cozy, you don’t need to clutter it with a large number of decorative elements.
- It is better to avoid experiments with mixing different colors, especially bright and provocative ones.
- Sockets and switches should be at a convenient height.
- Before operation, the wiring must be checked and completely insulated.
- Communications need to be hidden in the walls and floor so that they do not interfere with bathhouse visitors.
- The dressing room should have large windows.
- It is advisable to make a small vestibule near the entrance so that visitors can leave their outerwear and shoes. You can fence it off with wooden panels or two wardrobe cabinets.
- To provide more natural light, you can install display windows.
- Walls look beautiful when decorated with tree cuts.
- Color transitions should be smooth so that a person does not get hung up on them.
- For finishing you need to choose materials that are resistant to humidity and temperature changes. In the dressing room, cold air coming from the street and hot air from the stove are mixed.
When visiting a bathhouse, a person wants to get maximum pleasure from bathing procedures and relax. Since visitors spend most of their time in the dressing room, the layout and decoration of the room needs to be carefully thought out - choose the design style, furniture, colors, etc.
Tips for choosing
When choosing sofas for a dressing room or rest room, you should take into account a number of important parameters.
- Frame. The most suitable bases are those made of spruce, larch, pine, oak, linden, cedar and other wood species.
- Upholstery. The most suitable solution is made from genuine leather. If your budget is limited, it is recommended to take a closer look at the variations made from high-quality leatherette. These 2 materials have similar characteristics and similar external presentation. However, products made from genuine leather will last much longer.
- Softness. Spring blocks, holofiber or padding polyester can be used as filler. These materials provide optimal softness to the product, and dry quickly if wet.
- Dimensions . In order for the furniture to fit in the space allocated for it, it is important to first measure the free area. For small rooms it is advisable to choose compact mini-sofas or corner solutions, and for spacious rooms any options are suitable.
- Additional functionality. Before purchasing, it is important to decide whether additional seating is needed or not. If you need a place to sleep, you should give preference to models with a transformation system. The most reliable and durable mechanisms are “click-clack”, “book”, “eurobook”.
- Manufacturer. Bath sofas are produced by domestic and imported companies. Foreign-made furniture in most cases is more expensive. To save money, you can take a closer look at sofas from domestic brands. However, it is not recommended to give preference to too cheap products of dubious production.
- When choosing sofas for a bath, you need to pay attention to the style and design of the items.
It is important that the products are simple, without excessive decoration.
Decorative pillows would be appropriate, especially if the models are deep, as they will add additional comfort when relaxing. You should also take into account the overall style of the room - the sofa should be in harmony in color and design with the interior of the space.
Lamps for baths
Halogen lamp 12 V Tylo Steam light A
Tylo Steam light A
An original wall sconce, runs on 12 V. The stainless steel sealed body is made of a glass cap and a porcelain base. Lamp power - 40 W. Light source: halogen lamp. Protection degree: ip65.
LED Cariitti SY SQ Led
LED Cariitti SY SQ Led
Original, stylish wall sconce for saunas with a power of 1 W. Miniature: 45x49 mm. Case material – stainless steel. Protection degree ip67.
LED Cariitti CR16 chrome
LED Cariitti CR16 chrome
A modern, stylish lamp will contribute to additional relaxation. Made from stainless steel. Both wall and ceiling mounting is possible. Waterproof, heatproof, durable. Light source power 0.5 W. Protection class ip67.
Halogen Harvia Steel (steel lampshade)
Halogen Harvia Steel (steel lampshade)
Elegant wall set: lamp and lampshade - made of wood and stainless steel. Dimensions: 180×230 mm. Reliably protects against splinters in the event of a lamp failure. Designed for a halogen light source with an E14 socket.
Fiber optic Cariitti Torch TL-100 (wooden rod)
Fiber optic Cariitti Torch TL-100 (wooden rod)
Fiber optic original lamp, fiber diameter 3-4 mm. Protection level: ip67. Power 1 W. Made from stainless steel, glass and wood. Dimensions: 83×175 mm.
Bathroom Stuff lamp, corner, heat-resistant
Bathroom Stuff lamp, corner, heat-resistant
Wall or ceiling corner sconce. Designed for incandescent lamp e27 with a power of 60 W. Made of ceramics and glass. IP 54. Operates at temperatures up to +125⁰С. Simple and reliable.
Sauna lamp Bathing Things round, heat-resistant
Sauna lamp Bathing Things round, heat-resistant
A simple round ceiling or wall lamp. Made of metal with a heat-resistant glass shade. Designed for an E27 incandescent lamp with a power of 60 W. IP 65. Operating temperature up to +120⁰С.lf
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