Best Home Sauna for Small Apartments (Tight Spaces 2026)

Can You Really Have a Sauna in a Small Apartment?

You don't need a spare room or a huge house to own a sauna. Many modern infrared saunas are designed specifically with space constraints in mind.

A typical 1-2 person infrared cabin can fit into a corner of your bedroom, home office, or even an under-stair nook—anywhere you'd normally place a small wardrobe or armchair.

Here's the reality: if you can fit a small wardrobe (roughly 90–120 cm / 36–48 inches wide and deep), you can usually fit a compact sauna. These units require no major renovations and often plug into a standard electrical outlet.

5 Measurements That Make or Break Your Sauna Plans

Before shopping, verify these 5 specs to save yourself headaches:

Space Requirements:

• Floor space: 90 × 90 cm (1-person) or 120 × 100 cm (2-person) - about 36 × 36 inches or 48 × 40 inches - plus 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) clearance
• Ceiling height: 190 cm minimum (about 75 inches, just over 6 feet; always check specific sauna specs)

Technical Checklist:

• Power: Most use standard 120V outlets (no electrician needed)
• Floor type: Hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl only (no carpet)
• Ventilation: Wall gap + window crack post-session prevents stuffiness

Do Apartments Need Special Wiring?

Good news: compact infrared saunas are electrically simple. Unlike traditional steam saunas that require dedicated 220-240V circuits, most small infrared models run on standard household outlets.

This makes them ideal for apartments and rental properties where you can't install new wiring. Always check the sauna's power requirements before purchasing—if it needs higher voltage, choose a plug-and-play model instead.

Where Should You Place It?

The most popular rooms for small-space saunas:

• Home office or study - Perfect for midday wellness breaks
• Bedroom corner - Ideal for evening relaxation routines
• Guest room or spare room - Dual-purpose space for visitors and wellness
• Finished basement - Often underutilized and perfect for a wellness zone

Avoid thick carpet or uneven surfaces. Flat, stable flooring ensures proper stability and airflow underneath the unit.

Will Your Neighbors Notice?

Infrared saunas run quieter and produce less ambient heat than traditional steam saunas. The infrared heaters warm your body directly rather than heating the entire room, so surrounding areas stay relatively cool.

Noise level: Almost silent operation (no loud fans or steam generators)
Heat impact: Minimal room temperature increase
Privacy: Your neighbors are unlikely to even notice it's there

Now that you've measured your space and confirmed your apartment can handle a sauna, let's look at the best sauna types for tight living areas.

The Best Types of Saunas for Small Apartments

Not all saunas are created equal when it comes to saving space. Here are the top three types to consider.

Compact 1-2 Person Infrared Cabins

These are the most popular choice for small-space living. They deliver all the health benefits of larger models while fitting neatly into corners, alcoves, or alongside furniture.

Why they work for apartments:

• Smaller footprint - Often under 1 square meter for 1-person models
• Faster heat-up - Ready in 10-15 minutes
• Lower power consumption - More energy-efficient than traditional saunas
• Easy installation - Many arrive pre-assembled or require minimal setup

Best for solo use or couples who primarily use the sauna individually.

Corner Saunas to Use Dead Space

Empty corner that's too awkward for furniture? Corner saunas are specifically designed with angled backs to tuck into 90-degree corners, turning wasted space into a mini wellness retreat.

Pros: Maximizes space efficiency, looks built-in and intentional
Cons: Requires precise measurement, harder to relocate later

Plug-and-Play Saunas (No Renovation Needed)

Pre-built or easy-assembly units that use existing electrical outlets. No electrician, no new wiring, no permanent installation.

Perfect for renters:

1. Unbox and set up (under an hour)
2. Plug in and start using
3. Disassemble and take with you when you move

It's sauna ownership without the commitment.

3 Best Spots for Your Sauna

Choosing the right location makes or breaks your sauna experience. Here are the most practical placement options for small living spaces.

Bedroom Corner

Evening wind-down ritual in your personal space. Perfect for 20-minute pre-sleep sessions that improve sleep quality and relax muscles.

Placement Tips:

• 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) clearance around the sauna (walkway + airflow)
• Avoid blocking windows or closets
• Face door toward bed (easy access)

Home Office or Study

The ultimate workday reset. Take a midday break or end your workday with a session to transition from work mode to relaxation mode.

Works best when:

• Office doubles as multi-purpose room
• You can move desk chair to opposite wall
• Space allows furniture rearrangement without feeling cramped

Spare Room or Multi-Use Space

Create a dedicated wellness room that also functions as guest quarters. Add a daybed or futon, a small shelf for towels and robes, and you have a dual-purpose space.

Pro tip: Keep clear floor space in front of the sauna door (about 60–90 cm / 2–3 ft) for easy entry and exit, especially in multi-purpose rooms.

How to Choose the Right Size Sauna for a Tight Space

Size matters when space is limited. Here's how to determine which sauna size makes the most sense for your needs.

1-Person vs 2-Person: What Do You Actually Need?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you plan to share sauna sessions with a partner or roommate?
• Do you like to stretch out or just sit comfortably?
• How tall are you? (Taller users need extra interior space)

If space is tight and you're using the sauna mostly solo, a compact 1-person model is usually sufficient. It saves floor space, heats up faster, and costs less to run.

Height and Interior Layout

Don't just look at exterior dimensions—check the interior layout too. Some compact saunas have bench seating that's more cramped than others, or ceiling heights that feel restrictive.

What to verify:

• Interior bench dimensions and headroom
• Comfortable sitting without head brushing ceiling (especially if you're over 180 cm / 5'11")
• Single bench vs tiered seating (rare in compact models)

Practical Setup Tips for Small-Space Saunas

Once you've chosen your sauna, these tips help you set it up smoothly and maintain a comfortable, clutter-free space.

Assembly and Moving In

Before you order, measure your doorways and hallways to ensure the sauna can actually make it into your apartment.

Pre-purchase checklist:

• Standard doorways: Ensure panels fit through (most need 80 cm+ / 32 inches+ doors)
• Stairwells and elevators: Confirm panel dimensions with manufacturer
• Assembly time: Budget 30–60 minutes
• Tools needed: Usually just a screwdriver (check product specs)

Most compact saunas arrive in flat-pack panels that can be carried through standard doorways and assembled on-site.

Keeping the Room Comfortable

Infrared saunas heat your body, not the air, so the room around the sauna stays relatively cool.

Simple airflow tricks:

• Leave sauna door open 10–15 minutes after use
• Crack a window if room feels stuffy
• Use a small fan to circulate air if needed
• Consider a small dehumidifier for very small rooms (though infrared produces minimal moisture)

Maximizing Storage Around the Sauna

Turn the area around your sauna into a mini spa with smart vertical storage.

Storage solutions that work:

• Slim wall-mounted shelves for towels and essential oils
• Hooks or small coat rack for robes and slippers
• Small basket or bin for magazines, headphones, water bottle
• Over-door organizer if sauna is near closet or bathroom

Vertical storage keeps everything within arm's reach without cluttering the floor.

Real Apartment Layouts That Work

Still not sure if a sauna will work in your home? Here are two realistic layout scenarios.

Scenario 1: 1-Bedroom Apartment
Compact 1-person sauna (90 × 90 cm / 36 × 36 inches) fits in bedroom corner, next to nightstand. Slim wall shelf holds towels and robe. Total footprint: about 1 square meter (roughly 10–11 sq ft), leaving plenty of room for bed and other furniture.

Scenario 2: 2-Bedroom with Home Office
2-person sauna (120 × 100 cm / 48 × 40 inches) sits in home office along one wall. Desk chair moves to opposite wall, small bookshelf repositioned to create dedicated wellness corner. Total footprint: roughly 1.2 square meters (about 13 sq ft), still leaving space for desk and filing cabinet.

In both cases, if you have approximately 100 × 100 cm (about 40 × 40 inches / ~3.5 × 3.5 ft) of floor space and standard ceiling height, a sauna is usually possible.

How to Know if a Sauna Will Fit Your Space (Quick Checklist)

Use this checklist to determine if a small-space sauna is right for you:

☐ I have at least 90 × 90 cm (36 × 36 inches) of floor space (1-person) or 120 × 100 cm (48 × 40 inches) for a 2-person unit
☐ My ceiling is at least 190 cm (75 inches) high (check specific sauna specs)
☐ I have a suitable power outlet within 2 meters (about 6–7 ft) of the planned location
☐ I'm okay dedicating a permanent corner of a room to wellness
☐ My floor is flat, stable, and suitable (hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl)

If you checked all or most boxes, you're in great shape to add a sauna to your small space. Still unsure? Contact us to verify fit or take a quick quiz to see which sauna model works best for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a sauna in a small apartment?
Yes, compact 1–2 person infrared saunas are designed specifically for small spaces. Most require only 90–120 cm (36–48 inches) of floor space and plug into standard outlets, making them ideal for apartments without renovations.

What is the smallest size sauna you can buy?
The smallest home saunas are 1-person infrared cabins, typically measuring around 90 × 90 cm (36 × 36 inches, about 0.8 square meters / 8–10 sq ft). These fit easily in bedroom corners, home offices, or spare rooms.

Do infrared saunas use a lot of electricity in apartments?
No. Most compact infrared saunas use 1,500–2,000 watts, similar to a space heater. A 30-minute session typically costs roughly $0.15–$0.30 in electricity at common US residential rates.

Can I put a sauna in my bedroom?
Yes, many people place compact saunas in bedroom corners. Infrared saunas produce minimal ambient heat and moisture, won't disturb sleep spaces, and create a personal wellness sanctuary for evening routines.

Do apartment saunas need special ventilation?
No special mechanical ventilation is required for infrared saunas. Simply leave a small gap around the unit and open the sauna door after use. Cracking a window helps, but isn't necessary in most cases.

Can renters install a home sauna?
Yes. Plug-and-play infrared saunas require no permanent installation or modifications. They're portable, can be disassembled when you move, and typically don't violate rental agreements—though it's always smart to check your lease.

How much space do you need around a sauna?
Leave 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of clearance around the sauna for proper airflow. Also ensure 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) of clear floor space in front of the door for comfortable entry and exit.

Are corner saunas better for small apartments?
Corner saunas maximize space efficiency by utilizing awkward 90-degree corners. However, they require precise measurement and are harder to relocate. Standard compact models offer more flexibility.

Ready to Add a Sauna to Your Small Space?

Small apartments and tight spaces can absolutely accommodate a real sauna. You just need the right model, the right measurements, and a little planning.

With compact infrared cabins, plug-and-play convenience, and smart placement strategies, you can enjoy all the health and relaxation benefits of sauna therapy without sacrificing precious square footage.

Next steps:

• Browse our compact home sauna collection to find the perfect fit for your space
  
• Need help planning your layout? Send us your room measurements and we'll provide personalized recommendations

Your wellness retreat is closer than you think - even in a small apartment.

Disclaimer
This guide provides general wellness information only and is not medical, electrical, or construction advice. Consult your doctor before sauna use, especially with health conditions. Verify local codes, lease rules, and use licensed pros for non-plug-and-play installs. Follow manufacturer guidelines; use at your own risk.