Saunas are naturally beautiful. The wood lined walls, ceilings and floor are as attractive as they are functional. When choosing accessories for your sauna try to find objects that will complement this natural beauty. Wooden accessories are a good match, as well as other natural materials like copper and cotton.

Every sauna needs a pail and ladle for putting water on the rocks. There are many attractive sets in both wood and copper. Wooden pails fit in well with the wood panels while copper provides a nice accent. When choosing a ladle, choose one with a long handle. It will keep your hands at a safe distance from the steam when you pour water on the hot rocks.

Another necessity for most saunas is a light. Unless your sauna has windows or is built outside, at least one light is needed. Sauna lamps need to be specially designed to provide a vapor barrier between the housing and the casing. They can be installed on the walls and fitted with a lampshade to provide a soft, relaxing light.

A towel rack attached to the exterior wall is a useful accessory. It provides a convenient place for hanging towels and bathrobes. A wooden towel rack nicely complements the wood interior.

Other accessories include thermometers and timers. These are particularly useful for those who are new to the sauna experience. Several types of thermometers are available in either metal or wood casings. They attach to the interior wall and allow you to ensure that the temperature stays within a certain range. Hygrometers are also available to measure the room's moisture level. Timers are advisable if you are concerned about overdoing the recommended time. The classic hourglass timer uses sand to keep track. When the sand runs out, simply flip the timer over for another session.

There are a variety of back and leg rests available to make sauna benches more comfortable. These are made of wood and fit in perfectly with the decor.

A set of skin brushes is a wooden accessory for brushing the skin. Their natural bristles provide an invigorating sensation and are soft enough to be used on every part of the body.

Adding a few drops of fragrance to the rock water fills the air with a refreshing alternative to the regular steam. Several aromas are available including eucalyptus, herbal extract, pine or birch.

Sauna suits are an alternative for those who love the sauna experience but lack access to a regular unit. They were originally designed for losing weight and can be worn when exercising or doing housework to promote perspiration. Although not quite the same as a real sauna, these suits do offer the same benefits achieved through heavy perspiration, including cleansing of the skin for a healthy glow. Sauna suits are made of nylon or vinyl and fit tightly around the wrists and necks to seal in body heat. When wearing one, be sure to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.

All of these sauna accessories spruce up your unit and add to your enjoyment. They also make great gifts if you have a friend who owns one. So whether you are looking for a gift idea or to enhance your own experience, one or two of these sauna accessories should do the trick.