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Let's be honest: Stars aren't always like us. Some celebrities like Kim Kardashian have big demands like removing cardboard sleeves from every cup of coffee. Others have real-estate portfolios that are worth millions of dollars. And, in the case of Jennifer Aniston, her home is decked out with A-list amenities. In a recent Instagram story promoting her haircare brand, Lolavie, the Friends star gave fans an intimate look at her bathroom.
However, if you can look past her ultra-chic, black-and-white space, you might notice that her bathroom boasts a steam shower. Though a shower might be a staple fixture in nearly all bathrooms, one with a special steamy feature is both fancy and expensive. In fact, some estimate a steam shower can cost as much as $25,000.
"They are a bit more expensive because of the shower system, which includes a steam generator, a control panel, vapor-sealed doors, and high-quality fixtures capable of withstanding high humidity," explains Candace Matlock, a designer at ITALKRAFT. "Also, the steam has to be contained within the shower which usually requires custom tiling and professional installation."
Steam showers seem to be all the rage with the rich and famous, but would you add one to your bathroom? On the one hand, Matlock says this fancy fixture can help with respiratory health, stress, detoxification, and muscle recovery. "Steam showers can be a great investment, not only into the resale value of your home but also into creating a relaxing spa-like retreat right in the comfort of your own home," she adds.
Before you even think about adding a steam shower to your bathroom, Matlock warns that you really can't cut corners with this pricey pick. "If they are not properly installed, it can be troublesome to control moisture and ventilation," she says.
But don't worry: If dropping thousands of dollars on a steam shower is out of reach—and understandably so—at-home saunas and cold plunges are two budget-friendlier ways to kick your wellness routine into high gear. Or, to recreate a serene shower, you can always add a few fizzy steamers to your basic shower. Talk about an instant ahh…
