Movable benches

by Vlad Fokin on September 23, 2024

Saunas have been a central part of relaxation and wellness routines for centuries, particularly in regions like Scandinavia, where they hold significant cultural importance. Traditionally, saunas are designed with a fixed layout, including stationary benches where users sit or lie down to absorb the intense heat. However, modern innovations are transforming this experience, and one such development is the introduction of movable benches into sauna design.

What Are Movable Benches in Saunas?

Movable benches are precisely what they sound like—benches that can be easily repositioned or removed within a sauna space. Unlike traditional fixed benches that are permanently built into the sauna structure, movable benches offer a dynamic way to interact with the space, allowing users to customize their seating arrangements according to their preferences, group size, or type of sauna experience.

The Benefits of Movable Benches

  1. Versatility and Customization

    • One of the main advantages of movable benches is the ability to customize the sauna experience. Individuals can easily rearrange benches to create more space, add seating for additional guests, or change their position to ensure they’re sitting at the ideal distance from the heat source.
    • For example, during a group session, people can move benches to create a more intimate or spacious setup, accommodating various seating preferences.
  2. Improved Accessibility

    • Saunas with movable benches offer greater accessibility for individuals with limited mobility. Fixed benches can be difficult to maneuver around, while movable ones allow people to arrange the space as needed for ease of entry and exit, making the sauna experience more inclusive.
  3. Flexible Heat Distribution

    • In a sauna, heat distribution varies depending on proximity to the stove or heating element. Movable benches enable users to find their preferred spot more easily, adjusting their position based on how much heat they want to receive.
    • Higher benches are generally hotter, as heat rises. With movable options, you can control how high or low you sit to manage the intensity of your experience.
  4. Simplified Maintenance and Cleaning

    • Cleaning and maintaining a sauna can be challenging, especially in hard-to-reach areas under fixed benches. With movable benches, the process becomes much easier. You can quickly move the benches out of the way to clean every corner of the sauna, ensuring that it stays hygienic and well-maintained.
  5. Enhanced Comfort

    • Movable benches allow users to find the most comfortable seating positions, whether they prefer reclining or sitting upright. This flexibility can make a significant difference, especially for longer sauna sessions where maintaining comfort is essential.
  6. Adaptability for Different Sauna Types

    • Whether you're using a dry sauna, wet sauna (steam room), or an infrared sauna, movable benches can enhance the experience by allowing users to adapt the space to the type of sauna. For instance, during a steam session, benches can be moved to avoid direct exposure to water drips, while in a dry sauna, benches can be positioned to maximize the heat received.

Applications in Public and Private Saunas

Movable benches are not only beneficial in personal home saunas but also in public or commercial sauna settings. In a commercial environment, such as a gym or spa, the ability to reconfigure seating depending on group sizes or cleaning schedules provides operational flexibility. In a home sauna, movable benches allow families or friends to enjoy a more tailored experience based on their unique preferences.

Materials and Design Considerations

For movable benches in saunas, materials play a crucial role. Since saunas are high-heat, high-humidity environments, benches need to be constructed from durable and heat-resistant materials, typically wood types like aspen, cedar, or hemlock. The design must prioritize both durability and the ability to withstand the intense heat of a sauna while being light enough for easy repositioning.

In many cases, the design of movable benches can also include ergonomics, ensuring that users have proper back and leg support while enjoying their sauna experience. Some designs also feature foldable or modular components, allowing the benches to be compacted and stored when not in use, further maximizing space efficiency.

The Future of Sauna Design

As saunas continue to grow in popularity, innovations like movable benches are reshaping the traditional sauna experience. These flexible seating solutions appeal to modern consumers who seek customization, comfort, and convenience in their wellness routines. Whether for home installations or commercial settings, the rise of movable benches in saunas reflects the broader trend of creating adaptable and user-centered environments.


In conclusion, movable benches are revolutionizing the sauna experience by providing versatility, improved comfort, and greater accessibility. As a practical innovation, they meet the evolving needs of modern sauna users who desire more personalized and dynamic spaces. Whether you’re a sauna enthusiast or a business owner looking to enhance customer experience, movable benches are an excellent addition to consider for a truly flexible and enjoyable sauna environment.

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