Interior design or how to turn a bathhouse into an original relaxation area

If they have the finances, the owners of country houses are happy to complement the estate with a bathhouse - a place to relieve stress, tension at the end of the work week, and spend holidays with family and friends.

Upon completion of construction, the design of the bathhouse and the creation of a cozy atmosphere in it come to the fore, so that a person, while inside, enjoys it, forgetting about everyday worries.

There are many design options, so each owner chooses for himself what suits his taste.

People often search for:

• Optimal bath size
• Options for building a bathhouse with your own hands

What material is suitable for a steam room?

There are a lot of finishing materials for interior work. To make it easier for you to choose what kind of finishing will be done for the steam room in the bathhouse, each designer has photos and pictures of ready-made solutions. It is worth remembering that even if you made your own choice, it is better to coordinate it with a specialist, because not all materials are suitable for installation inside the hottest room.

Taking into account the specific operating conditions, the following requirements are imposed on the finishing:

• moisture resistance;
• heat resistance;
• durability;
• hygiene;
• environmental friendliness.

Important! For the interior decoration of the bathhouse, you should choose natural materials.

When the temperature rises, plastic becomes deformed and begins to emit an unpleasant odor, and ordinary tiles crack after heating. Therefore, the use of such finishing is unacceptable in the steam room.

The best option is wood. The finishing structure depends on financial capabilities. For example, lining is cheaper than timber; it is chosen if it is necessary to meet a certain budget. Basically, bathhouse owners prefer deciduous wood. Below is an example of what the interior decoration of a bathhouse might look like, a photo of the classic version.

High-quality wood for interior decoration of a bath Source stroy-block.com.ua

There is an opinion that you should not sheathe the inside with steamed coniferous wood, since it releases resin when the temperature rises. But this statement is controversial, because resin has a beneficial effect on health, cleanses the respiratory tract, and strengthens the heart.

Whether or not to sheathe the interior with coniferous wood is up to you - maybe someone in your household doesn’t like the smell of pine needles or vice versa...

If lining was chosen for cladding the bathhouse, then it must be of high quality. Particular attention must be paid to the external processing of the material - there should be no chips, knots, or cracks on its surface. The lining should not deform: swell when heated or dry out at normal temperatures.

If wood is not suitable for you as a material for interior decoration of a steam room for some reason, you can give preference to heat-resistant tiles; they have proven themselves well under significant temperature changes.

Experts recommend laying the walls of the steam room with terracotta flagstone - this material is resistant to high temperatures and humidity.

How to arrange a bathhouse with a terrace

The shape of the extension can be:

• round;
• oval;
• square or rectangular;
• triangular.

You can do it simultaneously with the bath or later.

Choosing an unusual terrace shape will make it a decoration of your summer cottage.

By design, the veranda comes in two types:

1. Open. Shed with porch and roof. Used only in warm weather.
2. Closed. A full-fledged house with communications, a wood stove or a gas or electric boiler. All parts of the building are covered with insulation. Suitable for year-round use.

If the foundation structure allows, then a closed terrace is made on the second floor - an attic or a glazed loggia. The material of the extension may differ from the bathhouse. The use of brick, stone, blocks, wood is allowed.

It is better to build a terrace at the same time as a bathhouse. This reduces the risk of errors when joining two different substrates.

If you build a terrace later than a bathhouse, then it is better to choose a frame structure.

It is customary to decorate an open veranda like a gazebo: instead of walls there are railings made of carved balusters. The top can be sheathed with wooden sheathing. In conditions of limited funds, any available materials are suitable for finishing.

Benches, chairs and a large table are installed on the summer terrace. A chandelier is fixed in the center of the ceiling, and lamps on the walls. All interior elements must be moisture resistant.

Ceiling protection

Before finishing, you should protect the ceiling from hot steam. To do this, use aluminum foil or a construction membrane.

Important ! Do not use foil with mineral wool or polypropylene foam glued on it. When heated, these materials release toxic substances.

Protecting the ceiling in a bathhouse using aluminum foil Source ko.aviarydecor.com

Using lining - rational or not

Definitely yes! Lining made from linden, aspen, cedar, and abashi has become popular due to its properties. It tolerates temperature changes well, high humidity, is aesthetically pleasing, and does not absorb moisture. Cladding made of clapboard has low thermal conductivity - it does not heat up, but transfers heat to the air.

Bath lining is not covered with varnish, antiseptic, or paint; it is used in its natural form.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in finishing materials.

Advantages of building inside a building

The popularity of planning a sauna in the house is justified by many reasons. Firstly, a separate building is not required, which significantly reduces costs. Other advantages include:

• the costs of installing the external structure are reduced;
• there is excess heat in the house;
• comfort - you can heat without going outside;
• all household members and guests will love her;

Despite all the attractiveness, you should not overlook possible disadvantages:

• fire hazard - buildings with bathhouses inside automatically fall into the category of risk; if the recommended rules are followed, the occurrence of a critical situation is reduced to zero.
• High humidity - attention should be paid to ventilation, otherwise dampness cannot be avoided, hence the possible rotting of the wooden material and the appearance of fungus.

A qualified approach to equipment will help eliminate troubles. To do this, they practice ordering a sauna in a turnkey house.

Designers and craftsmen from specialized companies will take a responsible approach to the implementation of the project.

Preparing the walls for finishing

When starting to finish the walls, they solve the issue of insulation and waterproofing. Without such measures, the bathhouse will not last long, and healing procedures will be reduced to simple hygienic ones. For insulation, the walls are covered with mineral or basalt wool. The second one is more resistant to high temperatures, so it lasts longer.

Insulation of walls in a steam room with mineral wool Source hvylya.net

Experts consider cork to be the best thermal insulator for bathhouse walls. This agglomerate does not burn, does not rot, and is resistant to fungi and mold.

Furniture

What kind of furniture is needed in a bathhouse? You certainly won’t be able to do without a bench and a hanger; this is the bare minimum. But this does not mean that nothing else is needed in the waiting room. A small chest of drawers or whatnot , where you can put clean clothes, towels, tablecloths and other necessary things, would be quite Of course, if possible, then in the dressing room you can place not only a chair and benches for relaxation, but also a refrigerator or even a TV.

If you want to place a sofa in the dressing room, then choose upholstery made of leather or leatherette; due to high humidity, textiles will quickly become unusable. If you don’t like sitting down on your skin after a steam room, then buy a blanket made of natural fabric . All textiles in the dressing room should be easy to wash and dry quickly. For long service life of furniture and decorative elements in the dressing room, you need to ensure that vapor barrier and insulation are done according to all the rules.

Choose the design you like or come up with your own. Each dressing room looks different and bears the imprint of the owner’s character. You can see interesting ideas in the selection of photos.

Lathing - to do or not to do

Craftsmen prefer to install the sheathing and attach the interior trim to it. The popular base size is 50x50, less often they make 70x70. The pitch is not standard and varies depending on the size of the blocks being strengthened.

The sheathing is made of wood, less often of metal. Considering the operating conditions, the metal must be treated with moisture-resistant compounds. The lining or logs are secured with self-tapping screws and nails. They must be copper or brass. The installation of the base is done perpendicular to the sheathing.

Lathing walls in a steam room under clapboard Source seattlehelpers.org

Stages of clapboard finishing

• A beam is fixed along the perimeter of the wall and ceiling . Fastenings should be every 80–100 cm.
• Cut pieces of insulating wool are placed between the wood without compacting.
• The top is covered with a waterproofing agent . The joints are sealed with aluminum tape, paying special attention to the corners.
• Provide ventilation . To do this, fill the distance rail. It will provide a small gap (2–3 cm) through which air will be vented.
• They make separate upholstery for doors and windows.
• They fasten the lining . You need to start from the corner, fixing each part vertically. This position will ensure free flow of water. If a horizontal arrangement of blocks is planned, make sure that the spikes are at the top. This will protect the lock from moisture.
• The lining located in the corners or near the walls is cut to the required size . It is especially important to cut the corner block correctly. It is necessary to accurately calculate the angle of inclination so that the adjacent block is correctly fixed.

Insulating the furnace using a metal sheet Source interistroy.ru
Next, install insulation from the furnace. For this use:

• metal - stainless steel or profiled iron is mounted on the wall behind the stove;
• red brick - placed between the wall and the fire;
• tiles resistant to high temperatures (kaolin);
• mineralite is a heat-resistant board made of cement and special components.

Stylistic features

There are several styles that are often chosen for a bath complex.

Russian

One of the most beloved and popular. What makes it different is the finishing and decor.

• Wood is the key element. The walls, floor and ceiling are finished with timber. The furniture chosen is also wooden: benches, tables, chairs - literally everything.
• Objects that are reminiscent of Russian bath culture are selected as decorative elements: brooms are hung in prominent places, a samovar is often displayed on the table, and a horseshoe is hung above the door.
• Furniture items can be further stylized by decorating them with carvings. This design of the bathhouse inside in the photo looks very impressive.
• You can complete the interior with textiles with traditional embroidery and ornaments.

Country style is very similar to Russian style - rustic. The main differences are in the decor. If you are attracted, for example, to a chalet, accessories and furniture finishing will be less decorative, closer to the modern direction.

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Instagram @pechnik40

Instagram @pechnik40

Instagram @pechnik40

Instagram @kristina_ivanova1

Making the floor in the steam room

Not only comfort, but also safety depends on the choice of raw materials for the floor. Moisture on smooth tiles or linoleum leads to falls and injuries. Installation of such materials will turn the floor into a skating rink. In addition, when heated, linoleum emits an unpleasant odor containing substances harmful to health.

The optimal choice of floor for a steam room is wood. It does not require a special coating, and with this design the room will be designed in the same style. It is worth noting that the wooden floor in the bathhouse is not made of oak. This wood becomes stronger when wet, but at the same time its surface begins to slip.

Concrete works well. A floor made of such material will be strong and durable. Tiles are laid on top of it, but the structure of the surface of such a coating is important. It should not be glossy; a pronounced relief is necessary. The floor is laid at a slight slope towards the water drainage.

Laying tiles on the floor in a bath Source seattlehelpers.org

The tiles are laid from the corner, placing crosses between the blocks, tapping with a mounting hammer. After 2-3 days, the seams between the tiles are rubbed down. Wooden grates are placed on top to prevent you from stepping on the cold floor and provide additional safety in case of possible slipping.

Design of a bathhouse with a swimming pool

In large private estates, the owners not only equip a bathhouse, but also add a swimming pool to it, so that vacationers can plunge into the cool water after spending time in the steam room.

The pool can be installed outside the bathhouse, right on the street. The cheapest way is to make it out of plastic or put a large barrel of water.

The most expensive is a monolithic tank. The structure is dug into the ground 1–2 meters. Suitable only for southern regions, where it is warm most of the year.

An indoor pool is laid out indoors. Often a separate room is allocated for this. On the walls near the pool you can often see designer mosaics made from pieces of tiles and stones. The indoor pool is suitable for year-round use. There is a possibility of heating. It’s an expensive pleasure, so it’s only done in luxury bath complexes.

Regardless of the type of pool (indoor or outdoor), installation is carried out next to the steam room. So that when leaving the steam room, vacationers can immediately take a plunge. To do this, a separate door is installed from the steam room to the pool.

And now the shelves

A very important point is the shelves in the bathhouse. Since constant tactile contact is assumed with them, increased requirements are put forward for these elements:

• they should not get very hot ;
• it is better if they cool slowly ;
• must be environmentally friendly ;
• do not slip or be very rough;
• have no external damage ;
• easy to wash.

Again, wood is most suitable for this purpose. Carefully cleaned, without knots or nicks, it has served people in bathhouses and steam rooms for centuries. Shelves should not have sharp corners that could cause injury. They are not made solid, leaving a small distance between the wooden boards.

Setting up a dressing room

The main function of the dressing room is to preserve heat. The temperature in the room is not high, so it is good to use coniferous trees to decorate walls in a traditional style.

Design of the waiting room and rest room “under the tree” Source koon.ru

The interior decoration of the bathhouse made of logs creates an atmosphere of antiquity and ancient fairy tales. A light aroma created by pine, fir, and spruce is appropriate here. The wood of these species resists fungus and mold well. It does not crack after drying and is durable. When heated, fir releases almost no resin.

If hardwood is preferred, experts advise finishing the room with birch. The lining can be laid out not only in even rows, but also in a pattern. It is important that the walls in the room are covered with the same type of wood.

What else needs to be considered

There are several other factors that must be taken into account when arranging the dressing room.

The right light

Proper lighting is very important for the waiting room. First of all, it is worth remembering that there is no need to install too bright and white light in this room. It is better to use only warm and yellow shades. If you neglect this rule, a comfortable rest will be impossible.

It is better to replace a single and bright light source with a diffused one. A chandelier will not work as well as, for example, a suspended ceiling with several built-in lamps.

On a note! Of course, this is not a strict rule, but a chandelier in a small dressing room will look very bulky, while a stretch ceiling with lighting will bring a feeling of comfort and coziness.

Another great solution would be to install lamps around the perimeter of the room. It is desirable that they emit soft and uniform light. 60 W incandescent lamps work well.

Decor

When arranging the dressing room, do not forget about the decor. Thanks to correctly selected materials and design, it is possible to create a dressing room in various styles, for example, Scandinavian minimalism, Provence or Oriental.

For additional accessories it is worth considering:

• separate shelves;

• places for paintings and posters;

• make room in the buffet.

An excellent option would be mosaic finishing. It can be decorated in different styles.

For example:

classics

eastern

Greek

surrealism

On a note! It is not necessary to use mosaic finishing only if you have a font or swimming pool. It may be appropriate on its own.

Clapboard and blockhouse are good for wall decoration. They not only look great, but are also a completely budget-friendly solution. It is also appropriate to use accents of muted tones, for example, emerald blues and others. This will add zest to the interior.

Bathroom and washroom

These rooms do not have very high temperatures, although the humidity is as high as in a steam room. The choice of finishes in the bathroom and washroom is more extensive. Fans of bath procedures recommend using natural raw materials for such rooms - wood or stone. Among wood, pine is the leader - it is an affordable material, however, it darkens with prolonged use.

An example of a washing station design Source profstroiplotnik.ru

Plastic is acceptable since there is no high temperature, and it tolerates humid air well. You can use regular tiles for the shower.

Internal equipment

In the usual view, a steam room is a small room decorated with clapboards and equipped with a stove. You can make a real bath complex.

A locker room, a small swimming pool, a shower room and a bathroom will complement the idea and create comfort. A gym and billiards will also not be superfluous for a good rest.

In order to take everything into account correctly and correctly implement engineering solutions, it is recommended to order a turnkey sauna in your home.

In specialized companies, designers and designers work together to solve problems and guarantee quality at every stage of the contract.

High temperatures and high humidity place demands on finishing. Making a sauna in your home with your own hands is not difficult if you are confident in your abilities.

If you have the slightest doubt, use the services of specialists - this will keep you calm and reduce the likelihood of a fire. It is important to follow preventive recommendations when placing a sauna in the basement of a private house.

Owners of conditions for a pleasant pastime prefer wooden models:

1. environmentally friendly, creates a special atmosphere and comfort;
2. contact surfaces with strong heating will not cause burns on the body;
3. the texture emphasizes naturalness and harmoniously fits into the essence of the process;
4. availability and variety of choice, relatively low price.

Video description

For interesting ideas for interior decoration of a bathhouse, watch the video:
Decorating a relaxation room in a bathhouse, in addition to traditional wood, can be done:

• glass wallpaper;
• porcelain stoneware;
• natural stone;
• decorative plaster.

Important! The tree is not installed immediately after delivery to the construction site. It is brought into the room and allowed to stand for a couple of days so that it “gets comfortable” in the bathhouse. After this procedure, the wood is not subject to deformation when heated and high humidity.

Sauna cabins for one, two people

The booths are available pre-fabricated or assembled from individual panels. The product can be placed in the bathroom. It is important that there are a few centimeters between the ceiling and the top of the booth. The average height of the product is about 2 m. Even if the bathroom is small, there is room in it for a cubicle designed for one person. The key advantage of the finished structure is the proper placement of ventilation and stove.

Saunas have an important and often decisive advantage over a Russian bath - they are universal, it is easier to build them from scratch or install them in an already finished room.

There is a wide choice of dimensions and materials of the product. More often natural wood is used, such as linden or aspen. The doors of the structure are often made of glass. Custom manufacturing is necessary if you want to implement an original design. Then the booth can complement the style created in the bathroom or become the highlight of the room.

It all depends on the amount of available space, the choice of sauna capacity and the financial capabilities of the homeowners.

See also: Lining in the interior: types, tips, photos.