A walk-in shower already sets the stage for a modern and luxurious bathroom, but incorporating a bench takes it to another level of comfort.
Explore a variety of designs, from the layout and style to the materials used, to find the perfect shower bench that complements your space.
1. Maximize Space with a Sleek Bench Design
Incorporating a bench in your walk-in shower can be space-efficient if done correctly. Opt for a bench that is strategically placed within arm’s reach, allowing easy use while seated.
Ensure the bench design is streamlined to blend seamlessly with the other elements of your shower, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal without overwhelming the space.
2. Harmonious Integration
Opt for materials that integrate smoothly with your existing design for a cohesive look. Marble is a top choice for a shower bench because of its timeless appeal and the ease of finding slabs that match the rest of your shower.
3. Enhance Your Walk-In Shower with Glass and a Bench
Integrate glass in your walk-in shower to create an open, spa-like atmosphere. Complement this airy feel with a floating bench to add both style and functionality.
If natural light is limited, investing in high-quality artificial lighting can maintain the bright and inviting ambiance, ensuring your shower remains a luxurious retreat within your home.
4. Dynamic Designs and Patterns
Introduce a dynamic contrast in your bathroom by selecting tiles and marbles that differ in shape and pattern yet remain within a unified color palette. This approach not only enhances the visual interest but also keeps the space feeling coordinated.
5. Vibrant Contrasts
Utilize color to create striking contrasts in your shower area. Pairing a light-colored bench with darker wall tiles can add a dramatic flair to your walk-in shower.
6. Strategic Placement
Avoid potential water retention and mold issues by installing the shower bench a few inches away from the glass shower door. This spacing ensures better airflow and reduces moisture buildup.
7. Seamless Accessibility
Pair your bench with a sliding glass door to minimize water splash and make the space more accessible. Ensure there’s a small gap between the bench and the door to prevent scratches and allow easy cleaning.
8. Innovative Waterproofing Solutions
For benches adjacent to glass walls, ensure proper waterproofing to protect against water damage. Consider adding a low wall on one side of the bench to neatly conceal grout and caulk lines, enhancing the overall cleanliness of the design.
9. Maximizing Light
If natural light is a priority, design a half-wall (pony wall) behind your bench and top it with glass. This structure supports the bench while allowing ample light to filter through, brightening your shower space.
10. Incorporate a Pebble Bench for a Spa-Like Feel
Adding a pebble bench to your walk-in shower can instantly elevate its spa-like quality. Consider installing it in a corner to save space, which is especially useful if your bathroom isn’t very large.
While matching the bench color to the walls is not necessary, a contrasting look can still be very stylish, as shown in some designs. This type of bench not only adds texture and interest but also enhances the overall ambiance of your shower.
11. Strategic Placement Near Small Windows
Positioning a shower bench under a small window ensures privacy while allowing natural light to enhance the ambiance. Make sure the window is placed high enough to maintain privacy.
12. Maximizing Views with Large Windows
For a truly spa-like experience, install your shower bench against a large window that overlooks a private garden or serene landscape. This setup not only brings in natural beauty but also adds an open, airy feel to your bathroom.
13. Efficient Use of Shower Niches
Incorporate a shower niche above the bench for easy access to toiletries. For a streamlined look, align the niche with the length of the bench, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing element.
14. Versatile Shower Bench Designs
Explore lightweight, L-shaped benches that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, providing both style and support. Alternatively, consider a floating bench design supported by hidden brackets for a modern, clean look.
15. Contemporary Shower Bench Placement
For a modern touch in your walk-in shower, consider positioning a bench adjacent to the bathtub, ideally centered to serve as the focal point.
This strategic placement not only enhances functionality but also adds a touch of luxury, contributing to a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom.
16. Choosing the Right Materials
While marble adds elegance to your bathroom, it requires regular maintenance to prevent water stains. Quartz is a durable and low-maintenance alternative that offers a similar aesthetic without the upkeep.
17. Experiment with Contrasting Colors in Your Walk-In Shower
Don’t be shy about using color to enhance the spa-like feel of your walk-in shower. Consider a bold mix, like brown and cream tiles paired with a pure white bench, which can really elevate the look.
Just be mindful of the bench’s placement and size—it should complement the space without hindering access. It’s a fantastic way to blend style and practicality!
18. Opt for a Spacious Shower Bench
If your walk-in shower has ample space, consider installing a deep shower bench. This design not only enhances the spa-like feel of your bathroom by allowing full relaxation but also provides excellent back support when positioned against a wall.
The depth and strategic placement make it a luxurious and practical addition to any large shower area.
19. Innovative Bench Solutions
For those desiring a bit more support, extend the floating bench to incorporate hidden brackets on multiple sides, ensuring stability and style.
20. Enhanced Stability with Partially Floating Benches
Embrace the elegance of a freestanding floating shower bench while ensuring stability by extending the bench ends to the adjacent shower walls.
This design allows for hidden support brackets on three sides, providing a secure and sleek seating solution in your walk-in shower.
21. Luxury Fusion: Freestanding Tub and Walk-In Shower
Elevate your bathroom’s luxury by placing a freestanding tub adjacent to your walk-in shower. Enhance the cohesive and sophisticated appearance by adding a bench that matches the style and materials of the walk-in shower, creating a seamless blend of elegance and functionality.
22. Classic Walk-In Shower Design
For a classic touch in your walk-in shower, why not install a shower bench right up against the glass wall? Just like you see in this setup, leave a little space between the bench and the glass to neatly stash your lotions and soaps. It’s a smart way to keep everything handy while maintaining a sleek, uncluttered look.
23. Optimized Low Shower Niche
For easy access to your essentials, install a shower niche just a few inches above your bench. This positioning ensures products are within reach when seated, enhancing convenience without the need for leaning back against the wall.
24. Opt for an Extra-Long Bench in Your Walk-In Shower
If you love the idea of a spacious and relaxing shower area, consider an extra-long bench for your walk-in shower. It’s perfect not just for a quick rinse but also for moments of meditation.
Don’t hesitate to use the same materials throughout your design to create a seamless look. This approach not only adds elegance but also enhances the cohesive feel of your bathroom space.
25. Coordinated Design with Matching Step
Enhance the cohesion in your bathroom by using the same materials across different features. A. Naber Design exemplifies this with Corchia marble used on both the shower bench and the shower step, creating a unified look.
26. Extensive Use of Marble in Matching Frame
Maximize your marble purchase by extending its use beyond just the bench and step. Frame your shower entry with marble to match your bench, adding elegance and continuity. If extra marble remains, consider using it for a vanity top to maintain the cohesive design throughout your bathroom.
27. Dual-Purpose Bench Designs
In expansive walk-in showers, consider placing your built-in shower bench away from water flow.
This positioning allows the bench to serve as a convenient spot for towels and toiletries, enhancing the spa-like feel of your shower.
Take inspiration from Obelisk Home’s designs that beautifully incorporate functionality and style.
28. Cost-Effective Tiled Benches
For a budget-friendly option, tiled benches are an excellent choice. Match the tiles of the bench with those of the shower wall or floor for a cohesive look throughout your bathroom.
29. Enhanced Convenience with Handheld Shower Heads
Install a handheld shower head close to the shower bench to facilitate easy rinsing. This setup is especially useful for tasks like shaving or exfoliating, making the shower experience both luxurious and practical.
30. Simplicity in Shower Bench Design
For those who prefer a minimalist approach in their walk-in showers, consider a design that emphasizes simplicity while ensuring functionality.
A streamlined bench can offer ample space for relaxation and includes additional room to neatly store small items like sponges, enhancing both convenience and the overall clean aesthetic of your bathroom.
31. Strategic Shower Head Placement
For smaller showers, positioning the bench directly under the shower head can be effective. Ensure the shower head extends a few inches from the wall to avoid getting drenched every time you sit.
This layout, as seen in designs by Studio AEM, maximizes space while maintaining functionality.
32. Efficient Storage with Extra Niches
To keep your shower area organized and clutter-free, install mini shower niches around your bench.
This approach, popularized by Kirby Home Designs, ensures that your essentials are within easy reach without overwhelming the space.
33. Embrace Minimalism in Your Walk-In Shower
In smaller walk-in showers, opting for a minimalistic design can still create a spa-like atmosphere. Consider adding a small bench along one of the walls to elevate the space and introduce a serene vibe.
Keeping the area uncluttered enhances the feeling of openness, making even a compact shower feel more expansive and relaxing.
34. Extended Bench Design
Consider an L-shaped bench that runs along two walls, creating a spacious yet cohesive look. Opt for a floating design to enhance the aesthetic and avoid a bulky appearance, as demonstrated in Adam Hunter’s design.
35. Double Shower Head Options
When designing a double shower, decide between adding two benches or just one. In compact spaces, a single bench can prevent the area from feeling cramped.
For visual balance, place the bench opposite the vanity, achieving symmetry without overcrowding.
36. Simplified Spa Elegance with Low Seating
Enhance your walk-in shower with a low seating bench to achieve a spa-like experience effortlessly. Pair it with distinctive lighting and a nearby bathtub for a truly relaxing atmosphere.
When selecting the height of your bench, ensure it meets your comfort needs, making your daily routine a luxurious retreat.
37. Embracing Minimalist Style
Create a serene retreat in your walk-in shower with a minimalist bench design. Simple lines and neutral colors, as showcased by Jeff King & Co., contribute to a calming atmosphere, making your shower a perfect sanctuary to start or end your day.
38. Classic Combinations
Pair marble with subway tile for a timeless appeal that transcends fleeting trends. This combination ensures longevity and allows you to experiment with bold accents like brass fixtures, as highlighted by Charlie Coulldesign.
39. Maximizing Small Spaces
Even in the smallest walk-in showers, a corner can perfectly accommodate a compact bench. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors demonstrates how a well-placed corner seat can be both functional and stylish.
40. Unique Tile Choices
Consider penny tile for its affordability and versatility. It’s suitable for all surfaces within the shower, including benches. Choosing a colored variant can add a distinctive touch to your space.
41. Mixed Material Aesthetics
For a dynamic look, combine different materials on your shower bench. Use marble on top for elegance and subway tile on the sides for durability, creating a harmonious yet striking visual impact.
42. Visual Dynamics with Shapes
Utilize geometric shapes to create a compelling backdrop for your shower bench. Installing a matching backsplash behind only part of the bench, as designed by Britt Van Namen, can create focal interest without overwhelming the space.
43. Curved Seating Options
Break away from traditional straight lines in your shower by introducing a curved seat. The wavy design not only adds an aesthetic touch but also provides a more comfortable seating area.
44. Versatile Freestanding Benches
For those who skipped a built-in bench, consider a freestanding one. Options range from vintage wooden benches for a rustic look to waterproof teak for practicality and style.
45. Customizable Height
Tailor your shower bench height to your personal comfort. Standard heights range from 17 to 19 inches, but lowering it to around 14 inches can suit specific needs better.
46. Expansive Seating Arrangements
Don’t limit your bench to the shorter walls of your shower. Installing it along a longer wall offers ample space to relax and enhances the functionality of your walk-in shower.
47. Warm Earth Tones
Choose earth tones for your shower bench to instill a warm, calming atmosphere in your bathroom, moving beyond traditional black and white.
48. Comfort with a Floating Bench
Thinking about a floating bench for your walk-in shower? It’s a great choice if you’re all about comfort. Placing it low gives you plenty of room to stretch out and relax.
This setup is perfect for larger bathrooms, where you can dedicate a specific area just for your spa-like shower, keeping it separate from the rest of the bathroom essentials.
Conclusion
Incorporating a bench into your shower design not only boosts functionality but also elevates the comfort and luxury of your bathroom. Whether opting for a built-in or freestanding model, the right shower bench can enhance the aesthetic appeal and practicality of your space.
Ideal for accessibility and relaxation, shower benches are a wise addition, promising both increased resale value and daily utility. As you design your perfect bathroom, consider the placement, material, and size of the bench to best suit your needs and lifestyle.
FAQ
Is a bench a good idea in a shower?
Yes, a bench is a great addition to any shower, enhancing comfort, accessibility, and functionality.
Why do people have built-in benches in showers?
Built-in benches in showers provide seating, storage, and aid in tasks like leg shaving or relaxing under the water.
What is the difference between a shower seat and a shower bench?
A shower seat is generally smaller or foldable, designed for temporary seating, while a bench is a permanent, larger fixture.
What are the disadvantages of shower seats?
Shower seats can be less stable, take up usable space, and require maintenance to prevent mold and water damage.
What type of shower bench is best?
Teak, quartz, and tiles are popular for their durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
Do built-in shower benches leak?
Properly installed built-in benches should not leak, but poor construction can lead to water damage and leakage.
Do shower benches get moldy?
Without adequate ventilation and regular cleaning, shower benches can develop mold, especially in joints and seams.
Does a shower bench add value?
Yes, a shower bench can increase a home’s resale value by enhancing the bathroom’s functionality and appeal.
Where should a shower bench be placed?
Ideally, place it away from the showerhead or in a corner to minimize water exposure and maximize space.
How to make your shower luxurious?
Incorporate high-end materials like marble, install multiple showerheads, and add features like steam systems or ambient lighting.
How big should a shower be to have a bench?
A shower should be at least 36 inches deep to comfortably incorporate a bench without compromising space.
What do you use a shower bench for?
Shower benches are used for seating, storage, and aiding mobility within the shower.
What are the requirements for a shower bench?
It should be sturdy, slip-resistant, and sloped slightly for water runoff to avoid pooling.
Should a shower bench be sloped?
Yes, a slight slope helps drain water and prevents pooling, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.