Modern Sauna Design Ideas

Looking for Cedar Sauna Inspiration? Don’t Sweat It—We’ve Got You Covered! (See What We Did There?)

From sleek indoor installations to cozy backyard escapes, a well-built sauna brings the luxury and health benefits of a spa experience to any setting. With thoughtful craftsmanship and the right materials, you can create a stress-busting sanctuary that effortlessly adapts to your lifestyle. And at the heart of nearly every exceptional sauna? Real Cedar.

Cedar’s exceptional performance properties make it a natural choice for sauna design. For those seeking health benefits, using natural materials like cedar enhances the connection to nature, elevating the sense of relaxation and well-being. Its durability, sustainability, and natural beauty ensure that saunas built with cedar are not only functional but also deeply restorative spaces. It’s no wonder professional sauna builders turn to Real Cedar to enhance their craftsmanship and create designs that stand the test of time.

1. Lakeside Cedar Sauna with Outdoor Shower

Nestled by the lake, this shed-style sauna by Voyageur Custom Saunas is a tranquil retreat that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The black-stained cedar exterior, complemented by a natural cedar door, trim, and custom outdoor shower, exudes rustic elegance while creating the perfect spot to unwind after a swim or a day outdoors.

Western Red Cedar, used inside and out, is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insects—making it perfect for humid lakeside environments. Durable, sustainable, and designed to last, this sauna transforms your lakeside escape into a serene, year-round sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Photo: Ema Peter

2. Ultra-Modern Preassembled Sauna 

The System S by the Backcountry Hut Company is the ultimate in modern sauna design, offering a seamless blend of form, function, and convenience. Whether you’re adding to your wellness routine or seeking a restorative heat session après ski, surf, or outdoor adventure, this preassembled sauna delivers instant relaxation with no assembly required.

Western Red Cedar takes center stage in System S, celebrated for its timeless beauty and incredible versatility. Naturally pitch- and resin-free, cedar effortlessly accepts many different types of finishes, making it equally suited for rustic or modern designs. Here, a two-tone finish with black-stained siding allows the sauna to blend seamlessly into the woods, creating a striking yet harmonious connection with nature.

Photography: Bruno Jakobsen, Jakob Lerche

3. Scandinavian Stand-Up Barrel Sauna 

As part of Bruno Jakobsen Design’s Scandinavian-inspired backyard spa for The Nordic Barn Project, this stand-up barrel sauna reimagines the classic barrel shape with a vertical twist. Its striking, space-efficient design creates a sculptural centerpiece that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern ingenuity.

Beyond its stunning Danish design, the sauna also reflects a commitment to sustainability. Crafted from responsibly sourced Western Red Cedar, it uses one of nature’s most renewable materials. Cedar’s longevity minimizes the need for replacements, while its carbon-storing capabilities and natural beauty make it an environmentally mindful choice. Paired with a cedar hot tub, this project is a perfect balance of style, comfort, and sustainability.

Photo: Kevin Scott

4. Modern Customized Indoor Sauna 

Designed by CLB Architects, this sleek, built-in indoor sauna at Black Fox Ranch redefines modern luxury. Crafted with precision and sophistication, its seamless integration into the home’s architecture creates a spa-like retreat that’s both functional and stunning. Warm cedar planks line the interior, offering a minimalist aesthetic that complements the ranch’s contemporary design.

Beyond its striking appearance, cedar’s biophilic benefits enhance the sauna experience, promoting relaxation and well-being. The natural wood aroma and warm tones create an inviting ambiance, while cedar’s durability ensures lasting performance. This custom sauna is a perfect harmony of wellness and modern design, tailored for the ultimate indoor retreat.

5. Micro Backyard Cube Sauna 

The micro backyard cube sauna by Voyageur Custom Saunas is a compact yet striking addition to any outdoor space. Its thoughtful design allows it to bring the luxury of a sauna to even the smallest of backyards, making it an ideal choice for urban dwellers or anyone with limited space.

What truly sets this sauna apart is its use of knotty-grade Western Red Cedar siding, which adds warmth, texture, and natural beauty to the minimalist design. The knots and rich grain patterns create a character-filled aesthetic that feels deeply connected to the forest—even if you’re surrounded by cityscapes. With its efficient footprint and timeless craftsmanship, this sauna transforms any backyard into a relaxing, nature-inspired retreat.

6. Classic Campground Barrel Sauna

Home improvement superstars Colin & Justin recently took their backyard retreat to the next level with a “sexy” barrel-shaped cedar sauna, complete with a smoky gray window offering views of the lush natural surroundings. Western Red Cedar’s timeless charm fits seamlessly with their lakefront aesthetic, creating a design that feels both modern and organic.

But cedar isn’t just about looks—it’s also a carpenter’s best friend. Known for being a joy to work with, cedar loves tools, takes fasteners easily, and is incredibly versatile, making it the ideal material for custom builds like this. Its stability and low shrinkage rate help it maintain its shape even in high-moisture environments like a sauna. Plus, Western Red Cedar is naturally cool underfoot—an essential feature for a comfortable sauna experience.