The advantages of a bathhouse are difficult to overestimate. This is a good place for rest and relaxation. Bath procedures improve sleep, normalize blood pressure, and remove toxins. Neither Jacuzzis, nor showers, nor other delights of plumbing can compare with the superiority and such widespread popularity of the bathhouse. Today we will talk about the features of its internal content from the point of view of finishing and design together.
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.
Sauna
Sauna is another widespread type of bathhouse in Russia, and its popularity is facilitated by the fact that creating the conditions of a Finnish bathhouse is much simpler and cheaper than a Russian bathhouse. Any metal stove is suitable for this. And if your ventilation is properly arranged, then you can enjoy the heat of a sauna much faster than the warmth of a Russian bath, which, as you know, takes several hours to heat.
So, Finnish sauna - high temperature, low humidity. People come not to steam, but to sweat. Finns prefer to do this while sitting, but their shelves are arranged in such a way that you can lie down if desired. However, a lot of space is not wasted; the shelves are usually made of three tiers, so they are relatively narrow - 60 centimeters wide.
INTERESTING! Finns do not soar each other with brooms, so the space between the tiers is usually covered with clapboard - there is no need to leave space for the soaring person’s legs.
Materials
So, the design of a steam bath-sauna is usually quite simple and ascetic - Finns prefer natural materials, modern processing and the same modern design.
Wood in a sauna is as familiar as in a Russian bathhouse. However, it is not stylized; on the contrary, it is more likely to be timber, lining, a neat block house than a log house. And the likelihood of painting with opaque (hiding the texture) paint is just as high as for varnish.
Metal - metal stoves have a modern design, sparkle with mirrored stainless steel surfaces and have long been preferred in electric versions. Apart from stoves, metal is not used systematically in the sauna; it has nothing special to do in the steam room. But stainless steel parts can be used as fasteners, for example.
Glass. But they love it in saunas. Transparent and frosted doors are made from heat-resistant material, which can be decorated with a variety of patterns. No one will forbid you to do the same with windows. In addition, the very focus on modernity suggests the possibility of using glass in the form of shelves, for example.
Stone - its use in a sauna can be limited to a pile of stones in an open heater, or it can become a stylish element of wall decoration.
Styles
We would say that the current sauna is in itself a fusion of tradition with new technologies, so there is no gap, no retreat into the archaic and no desire (among the Finns) to abandon traditional wood. Therefore, a rather nice unified style emerges, in which the Finns set the tone. And those who buy Finnish items to equip their sauna automatically borrow and reproduce it.
To understand the basic parameters, so to speak, of the style, just look through the catalogs of stoves - there, by the way, you can also find ready-made saunas for sale.
And if we talk about trends, then, as usual in Europe, they are aimed at maximum environmental friendliness, maximum comfort for a modern person who has no time for anything, and maximum minimalism, if we talk about detailing - everything is simple, aesthetically pleasing, devoid of decor and doesn’t even need bright color accents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Content
The interior, made in the Russian style, is a classic.
Beautiful interior inside the bathhouse
In fact, everyone is provided with such familiar attributes as brooms, hats, buckets, gangs. Only by adhering to the integrity of the overall style and competently choosing the necessary accessories can you make your sauna unique and its interior special.
Design depends on the choice of material
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.
Arranging a shower room
A bathroom with a walk-in shower is an innovation inherent in the modern bathroom, demonstrating how you can hide from prying eyes. It is advisable to tiled the room, adding colorful elements to the design, such as mosaics and stained glass. A special requirement for the floor covering is that it must have a rough texture. The range of laundry equipment is quite large. Installation of a shower, jacuzzi, swimming pool is allowed.
Installation of a shower cabin
If you build according to the model of your ancestors, then huge tubs of water installed on top will look more harmonious. Of course, the height of such a self-made soul must exceed the height of an adult. To take a “shower” you need to pull a rope, after which you will be treated to an invigorating waterfall.
Huge water tanks
It’s good if the shower room is equipped with shelves and cabinets for storing clean towels, felt hats, sheets, brooms and other accessories, without which a steam room is not a steam room.
The walls inside the shower can be painted or wood, but in this case the tiles will be functional. Ceramic walls prevent mold and mildew and are easy to clean and disinfect.
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.
Zoning Features
There are usually three zones in a room:
- Food preparation area;
- Dinner Zone. It occupies the largest area, as it is designed for full-fledged feasts, without which the broad “Russian soul” usually cannot do;
- An area for quiet relaxation.
If the bathhouse is designed to accommodate large companies, then it will be inconvenient for one of the guests to lie down and sleep while the rest are celebrating or making noise. In such a case, a separate corner with a chaise lounge or sofa is fenced off from the rest of the room with textiles. Curtains, if necessary, will create the illusion of protection. In other cases, zoning is thought out in advance and a partition wall is erected during the construction stage. The kitchen is optimally separated from the dining area by a bar counter or a wide countertop. A fireplace with a central location will also cope well with the task.
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.
Types of interior design of baths
The classic layout of a bathhouse includes 3 rooms: a dressing room (dressing room), a washing room (shower room) and a steam room. True, in traditional Russian baths, the steam room and shower can be combined. All additional premises - a font (swimming pool), a games room (billiards), a kitchen, a recreation area, a toilet, a smoking room - are a matter of financial probabilities and personal preferences of the owners.
However, the decoration in the usual Russian genre is especially famous - careful, laconic, with a bulky table, benches and couches. Billiards or TV will add a touch of modernity.
The interior of a bathhouse in the old style can be supplemented with forged elements, wooden household items and utensils decorated with carvings. Walls decorated with oak, birch brooms or bundles of fragrant herbs will also look picturesque.
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.
Room interior
There is no more suitable place where you can simultaneously relax after a busy work week, imbue yourself with harmony, and cleanse your body than a sauna or bathhouse, which is closer in spirit to the Russian spirit.
For many, visiting it is a tradition that is supported by every generation, and is often instilled in families from early childhood, so it is not surprising that our compatriots want to have their own bathhouse in the backyard.
Great place to relax
The environment inside should give harmony and tranquility. This atmosphere is achieved by the combination of all parts of the interior. You should not think that the type of Russian baths is a standard steam room with a stove and the same type of shelves. A designer interior is always distinguished by original details and decor; only by implementing an individual project can you get a stylish room for couples and relaxation.
Stylish room in oriental style with your own hands
Quality, thoughtful finishing and accompanying accessories are three pillars of internal content that will never cause you any inconvenience. For information on how to equip the interior, I will tell you today. These ideas can be used both at home, for your own needs, and for business.
Thoughtful finishing is the key to success
