Make it work for you
Revitalising as well as relaxing, a steam room is just the antidote to a hectic lifestyle. Here’s how to install one…
Perfect for winding down in at the end of a busy day, relaxing after exercise or treating yourself to a spa-style experience, a steam room is a useful – and indulgent – addition to your bathroom.
Q What is a steam room?
Also known as a Turkish bath or hammam, it’s similar to a sauna, but humidity reaches 100 per cent and the temperature is around 45-48°C. You relax on a natural marble or stone bench, allowing a cloud of warm steam to envelop your body, soothing tired muscles, helping with decongestion and eliminating impurities in the skin.
Q How much space do I need?
Surprisingly, not much. There are solutions to suit different settings and budgets, from a compact cabin with built-in steam system to a bespoke design to fit your room. A steam room can be fitted in a ‘regular’ shower enclosure, provided it is fully enclosed and watertight, and you may want to include a bench or foldaway seat. An electricity supply and steam generator, fitted outside the enclosure, are required. It also needs a connection to the water supply and drains, which is why it makes sense to install a steam room in a bathroom.
Q Can you add any extra features?
Aromatherapy, mood lighting (it must be immersion proof) and music systems are available. You can also include body massage jets and an overhead shower to push the luxe vibe to the limit.
Q Do I need professional installation?
Yes, to avoid a disappointing fit and a steam room that doesn't do the job properly, it’s important to buy from a reputable supplier and use a fully qualified electrician and installer.
“The most popular place to install a steam room is in a shower, because no extra space is needed and it’s usually steam” 90 per cent ready for