The Ultimate Sauna Accessories Buyer's Guide (2025)

So, you’ve got your beautiful new sauna. You've experienced the incredible heat, the relaxation, and that amazing post-sauna glow. Now you're ready to take your sessions from great to truly exceptional. How? With the right tools for the job.

The world of sauna accessories can seem vast, but it’s actually pretty simple. The right gear isn't just about adding frills; it's about enhancing your comfort, deepening your relaxation, and perfecting your sauna ritual. From the essential bucket and ladle to the surprisingly effective sauna hat, each piece plays a role in creating the perfect session.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the must-have essentials, the experience-boosting upgrades, and the key safety items to help you build the perfect toolkit for your home spa.

These are the items every sauna owner should have to ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective session. Think of this as your starter pack.

1. A High-Quality Bucket and Ladle

For any traditional sauna owner, this is your number one tool. The bucket holds the water, and the ladle is for gently pouring it over the hot sauna stones to create that perfect burst of steam, or löyly. A long-handled wooden ladle is essential for keeping your hand safely away from the hot steam. Explore our curated collection of buckets & ladles to find the perfect set for your sauna.

2. A Reliable Thermometer & Hygrometer

How hot is it? And how humid? A combination thermometer (for temperature) and hygrometer (for humidity) answers these crucial questions. It allows you to find your perfect settings and ensure your sauna is operating in a safe and comfortable range. This is an essential safety and performance tool for any sauna type.

3. Proper Sauna Towels

You'll need at least two: one to sit on (which is critical for hygiene and protecting the wood) and one for drying off. Look for towels made from natural, absorbent fibers like cotton or linen. They feel great on the skin and hold up well to the heat.

Once you have the essentials, these are the accessories that can transform your sauna from a simple hot room into a true luxury spa.

Ergonomic Backrests & Headrests

These are a total game-changer for comfort, especially during longer sessions in an infrared sauna. A curved wooden backrest provides support for your spine, allowing you to lean back and fully relax. A headrest does the same for your neck, making it easy to recline in total comfort.

The Sauna Hat: A Pro Move

It might look a little goofy, but a wool sauna hat is a secret weapon of seasoned sauna users. Your head heats up faster than the rest of your body. The hat acts as an insulator, keeping your head from getting too hot too quickly. This allows you to stay in the sauna longer and enjoy a more balanced, comfortable heat for your entire body.

Aromatherapy: Setting the Mood with Scent

Adding a few drops of a high-quality essential oil to your sauna's water bucket can add a powerful new dimension to your session. Eucalyptus is fantastic for respiratory support, lavender is deeply calming, and pine can make your sauna feel like a forest retreat.

These simple additions are all about ensuring every session is as safe as it is relaxing.

Heater Guard Rail

For any traditional sauna with a hot stove, a wooden heater guard is an absolute must. It creates a safe, protective barrier around the heater to prevent accidental contact and burns. Most high-quality sauna kits come with one included, but you can explore our collection of heater guard rails for different styles.

Heat Shields & Floor Protection

For the area around a hot stove, especially a wood-burning one, it's critical to use proper protection. A heat shield for the wall and a heat-resistant floor protector are essential for safety. This is not the place for a standard bath mat. These specialized items are designed to protect your sauna's structure from intense heat. You can find them in our Heat Shields & Floor Protection collection.

The accessories are the tools; the ritual is the art. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to using your gear to create the ultimate sauna experience.

1. The Prep (15 mins before): Start preheating your sauna. Fill your bucket with fresh water (and a few drops of your chosen essential oil). Take a quick, warm shower to prepare your body.
2. The Session (15-20 mins): Step inside and sit on your towel. For the first 10 minutes, just relax and enjoy the dry heat. Then, use your ladle to gently pour water over the stones, creating a soft steam. Lean back against your backrest and focus on your breathing.
3. The Cool-Down (10-15 mins): This is just as important as the heat! Step out of the sauna and into a refreshing rinse with an outdoor shower, or, for the ultimate experience, a quick dip in a cold plunge. This hot/cold cycle is incredible for your circulation and leaves you feeling energized.
4. Relax & Rehydrate: After your final cool-down, pat dry with your second towel, drink a large glass of water, and take 10 minutes to just relax and enjoy that amazing post-sauna feeling.

What kind of bucket is best?

A wooden bucket with a plastic or stainless steel insert is the best of both worlds. You get the classic, beautiful look of wood on the outside and the durable, waterproof performance of the liner on the inside.

Can I use any rocks in my heater?

No, absolutely not. You must use rocks specifically designed for sauna use. Regular river rocks can contain pockets of water that can cause them to crack or even explode when heated to extreme temperatures. Our collection of high-quality, safe sauna stones is the only way to go.

The right accessories are the final step in perfecting your personal sauna ritual. They transform your sauna from a simple hot room into a comfortable, safe, and deeply therapeutic sanctuary. By starting with the essentials and adding the upgrades that best suit your wellness goals, you can create a truly world-class spa experience, right in your own home.

Ready to complete your sanctuary?

Browse Our Full Collection of Sauna Accessories