When the wood crackles quietly beneath the stove and the steam rises gently into the air, a space is created where ideas can breathe. Rento—a Finnish sauna brand—also draws inspiration from this same moment of stillness and pause and is now participating in Young Finnish Design’s “Young Designers at Work” Competition 2026. The competition brings together a new generation of designers and brands who boldly look ahead as new ideas for the future. Ideas that continue the significance, innovation, and forward-looking vision of Finnish design.

The competition kicks off on Thursday, April 16, in Helsinki at a launch event at the AX Art Hotel together with participating companies—and designers are also there to familiarize themselves with the competition and the brands. There will be excitement and a new, inspiring creative perspective! Through the competition, companies gain external perspectives for their creative needs, as well as marketing visibility and direct contact with the designers of the future.

An idea born in the sauna

The Rento story begins in the sauna. Not just as a space, but as an experience: the heat on the skin, the crackling of wood in the stove, the sound of water, the silence that feels good. Rento products are also built from these elements—they are not just items, but part of the moment.
Participating in the Young Finnish Design competition is a natural extension of this philosophy. It is an opportunity to highlight how the traditional Finnish sauna can evolve with the times, develop, and take on new forms without losing its essence.

RENTO x YFD Design Competition Brief

A new sauna-related product or product series that invites you to pause and experience the harmony of the sauna. It should feel like a natural part of Finnish sauna culture—something that could have always existed, yet is firmly rooted in the present. It supports relaxation, calmness, and mindfulness. The Rento sauna experience is connection to nature, and we hope this is reflected in the design.

  • The product is related to the sauna, washing or the essential moment of sauna-going
  • aligns with Rento values and visual identity
  • is a mass-producible consumer item (not sauna furniture) manufactured through our procurement channels
  • g., an object, textile, or other accessory; a cosmetic or fragrance product
  • may also be a product serie in which multiple elements form a whole

Regarding materials:

  • responsibility and sustainability have been taken into account in the selections, which supports longevity
  • we are very open to new innovative materials and value the use of recycled materials

The evaluation places particular emphasis on:

  • Atmosphere
  • The presence of nature – materials, colors, shapes, scents
  • Timelessness – withstands the test of time and years of use
  • Insight – a small, thoughtful detail that makes the product special

Finally, be sure to explain why this is a Rento product and suggest a name and use case for the product.

Young designers can request the competition materials by email by sending a message with the subject line “competition materials” to hello@youngfinnishdesign.com. Competition materials (assignments from all companies, rules, competition schedule) will be sent to all registered participants via email after April 16. Ordering the competition assignments and participating in the competition is free of charge for designers.

We’ll also keep you updated on the competition’s progress here on Rento website and our social media channels. Be sure to stay tuned!