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The difference between aromatherapy and chromatherapy in a steam shower comes down to which sense each feature targets. Aromatherapy uses essential oils diffused into the steam to engage your sense of smell, while chromatherapy uses colored LED lighting to engage your sense of sight. Get directions to our Buffalo Grove showroom to experience both features in a working steam shower display, and get expert help with your upcoming bathroom remodel at Banner Plumbing’s kitchen and bath showroom.
Key Takeaways
- Aromatherapy diffuses essential oils into the steam through a dedicated injector or reservoir system built into the shower.
- Chromatherapy uses waterproof LED lighting to change the color of a steam shower, with different colors associated with different moods.
- The two features work independently and are commonly offered together on the same steam shower system.
- Neither feature is objectively better. The right choice depends on which sense you want your steam session to engage, and many homeowners choose both.
What is Aromatherapy in a Steam Shower?
Aromatherapy in a steam shower uses a dedicated system, such as an injector pump or reservoir, to diffuse essential oils into the steam as it’s generated. The warm, humid air carries the scent throughout the shower, creating a spa-like experience built around scent. Common essential oil choices include lavender, eucalyptus, and mint, each associated with a different mood or effect. Brizo’s Mystix steam shower package, which Banner displays in the Buffalo Grove showroom, includes aromatherapy as one of its spa options.
Because essential oils are concentrated, aromatherapy features are built into the steam system itself rather than added separately. Adding oils directly to a steam generator that isn’t designed for it can damage the equipment, so aromatherapy should come from a system built for that purpose. You can browse steam shower systems available to order through Banner Plumbing.
What is Chromatherapy in a Steam Shower?
Chromatherapy in a steam shower uses waterproof LED lighting, usually controlled through the same digital interface as the steam settings, to change the color of the shower environment. Different colors are commonly associated with different moods: cooler tones like blue and green are often chosen for relaxation, while warmer tones like red and orange are chosen for a more energizing session. Chromatherapy is also part of Brizo’s Mystix steam shower package, offering several color options through a single control. You can also browse Banner Plumbing’s full shower selection to see which lines pair with chromatherapy lighting.
How Do Aromatherapy and Chromatherapy Compare?
| Feature | Aromatherapy | Chromatherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Sense Engaged | Smell | Sight |
| How It Works | Essential oils diffused into steam via a dedicated system | Waterproof LED lighting controlled through the shower’s interface |
| Common Associations | Specific scents tied to specific effects (lavender for calm, mint for energy) | Specific colors tied to specific moods (blue for calm, red for energy) |
| Installation | Built into the steam generator or added as a compatible accessory | Built into the shower enclosure or steam system as a lighting feature |
| Can Be Used Together | Yes | Yes |
Depends on the experience you’re after: aromatherapy adds scent to a steam session, while chromatherapy adds visual mood lighting. Many steam shower packages, including Brizo’s Mystix line, offer both as add-on options on the same system. A showroom visit is the best way to experience both features before deciding.
Can You Use Aromatherapy and Chromatherapy Together?
Yes. The two features work independently of each other and are commonly paired on the same steam shower system, since one engages smell and the other engages sight. Pairing a calming scent like lavender with cooler-toned lighting, for example, is a common way homeowners combine the two for a more immersive session. Many steam shower packages, including options Banner displays in the showroom, offer both features through a single control interface.
Which Feature is Right for Your Steam Shower?
The right choice depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for:
- Choose aromatherapy if scent is the biggest part of relaxation for you, or if you’re drawn to the wellness benefits associated with specific essential oils.
- Choose chromatherapy if you want to change the visual mood of your shower without adding scent.
- Choose both if you want a fuller sensory experience. Many steam shower systems are designed to support both features together.
For homeowners planning a steam shower as part of a remodel, visiting our Buffalo Grove showroom to experience a working display is the most practical next step. If you’re still deciding between a steam shower and a sauna, see how steam showers and saunas compare before choosing which features to prioritize.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between aromatherapy and chromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses essential oils diffused into steam to engage your sense of smell, while chromatherapy uses colored LED lighting to engage your sense of sight. Both are common add-on features for steam showers.
- Can you combine aromatherapy and chromatherapy in the same steam shower?
Yes. The two features work independently and are frequently offered together on the same steam shower system, controlled through a single interface.
- Is it safe to add essential oils directly to a steam generator?
Adding oils directly to a steam generator that isn’t designed for aromatherapy can damage the equipment. Aromatherapy should come from a system built for that purpose, such as a dedicated injector or reservoir.
- What colors are used in chromatherapy, and what do they do?
Chromatherapy systems typically offer a range of colors, with cooler tones like blue and green associated with relaxation and warmer tones like red and orange associated with energy. The specific color range depends on the system.
- Do all steam showers come with aromatherapy and chromatherapy?
No. These are typically offered as add-on features on steam shower packages rather than standard on every system. Contact Banner Plumbing or visit the showroom to see which steam shower lines include these options.
- Are aromatherapy and chromatherapy worth adding to a steam shower?
That depends on personal preference and how you plan to use the space. Homeowners who prioritize a full sensory wellness experience often find both features add value, while others may prefer a simpler steam-only setup. A showroom visit is a good way to experience both before deciding.
