Designed with alderwood (Finnish stools) or hinoki cypress (Japanese), sauna stools are traditionally used as a perch while washing up in the bathhouse before entering the soaking tub. They also, of course, make good shower stools or bath-side caddies. The woods are naturally bacteria- and mildew-resistant and withstand humidity well. Here are our favorites.
Above: Designed by Aamu Song and Johan Olin for Finnish brand Nikari, the Arte Culture Sauna Stool was designed for a Helsinki public sauna called Arte Culture in 2013. It’s made of oil-treated alderwood and is $384 at Finnish Design Shop. Above: A small Hinoki Bathroom Stool is available from Everyday Needs in New Zealand; contact the store for restocking information. Above: A straightforward Hinoki Wood Stool by designer Yoko Ueno Lewis has a grooved surface for water drainage; $300 at Design Within Reach. Above: The German-made Solid Oak Stool is best for bathside products, as shown; $135.20 at La Trésorerie. Above: From Kiso Lifestyle Labo, the Hinoki Bath Stool is designed with an angled seat; $170 at Nalata Nalata. It’s also available for $170 CAD at Mjölk. Above: The Azmaya Hinoki Bath Stool has a traditional shape and design; $86.81 at Analogue Life. Above: The Ambai Hinoki Bath Stool by designer Makoto Koizumi is handmade of bent Kiso Hinoki; $109.65 for the small size at Analogue Life. Above: A traditional Hinoki Bath Stool made in Tochigi, Japan, is £65 at Native & Co. Above: Designed by Finnish designer Kari Virtanen for Nikari, the Periferia Sauna Stool KVJ3 in oiled alderwood is designed with a concave shape and drainage to allow water to drip through the middle; $371 at Finnish Design Shop. Above: A Japanese Bath Stool from Mr. Kitly in Australia is made of Hinoki cypress and comes in two sizes, the standard size for $215 AUD and the tall size for $295 AUD. For more Japanese bath inspiration, see our posts:
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