Shower Bench Ideas For A Spa-Like Experience
A shower bench can come in a variety of designs, such as a built-in bench, folding seat, or a portable teak stool to add functionality and comfort to your bathing space. Whether you are thinking of remodeling or looking for a simple update, there is a shower bench option for every style and budget.
Having a shower with a built-in bench has become quite trendy these days. Unlike most trends, these benches have more functional value than aesthetic. They can serve as a platform for personal hygiene tasks such as shaving the legs, washing the feet, or cutting the toenails, which otherwise could be pretty difficult to do while balancing on one foot.
If that is not particularly a concern, a bench also helps ensure you get a more thorough shower session. Hard-to-reach areas like the back of the foot and the lower leg become easily accessible when you have a place to rest your foot. Add a shower bench to your spa-like bathroom retreat and get the most out of your shower.
Choosing A Bench For Your Shower
If you want to install or add a shower bench, consider these factors:
- Who will use the bench? Do they have special needs or mobility issues? What is the average height of its user/s?
- Area of application – how much space do you have, and what’s the layout of your shower area?
By considering the above factors, you will be guided on your decision for appropriate shower bench sizing. If none of the standard sizes fit your preference, you can always opt for a custom shower seat.
It is best to try it yourself to see which is more comfortable. However, if you have kids / small children, try to keep the seat at a comfortable height for them as well. When in doubt, try to go for the most standard measurement.
Generally, a seat height of 18” would be comfortable for most, according to ADA standards. For the seat depth, it is also recommended to have at least 15” and no more than 20” of depth. If you have a smaller space, a 15” depth would be the most practical option.
Built-in Shower Bench Ideas
Depending on the size of your shower, there are many different seat styles to choose from.
Tiled Shower Bench – The easiest and the most common. This is easy to construct with concrete, especially if you haven’t started tiling yet. It is also the best choice if you want a bench that seamlessly blends with the rest of your shower walls.
Marble/Stone Shower Bench – Similar to the tiled bench, the only difference is the material used.
Floating Shower Bench – A faux “cantilever” is made using concrete and then clad with tiles or natural stones to create the illusion of a floating bench. It can give any bathroom a modern, minimalist look.
Wall-mounted Shower Bench – If you already have tiles installed, then perhaps a store-bought or custom wall-mount bench is the best bet. These are attached to the wall and can be folded up if you don’t need it.
Freestanding Shower Bench – This category includes wooden and plastic chairs and benches you can put in your bathing area without any installation required.
Tile Bench Ideas
This tiled bench is placed where the showerhead wall is, which is an unusual location for seating but also makes sense, as it allows you to sit while the water reaches you directly. The extra-large format glazed porcelain tiles used for the walls and ceiling give this shower a bold, luxurious look. There are many benefits of built-in shower benches made from tile, such as being durable, low cost, low maintenance and cohesive with the overall design of the shower.
This wet room is a bit more proportionate in size. The almost square layout allows enough room for the tiled cantilever bench that runs along the right side of the shower. Using the same large concrete-look tiles for the bench as the walls creates a cohesive, seamless look.
To match the glamorous look of the bathroom, the bench used in the small corner shower room is not only clad with tiles but also topped with a matching marble slab. The diagonal tile pattern on the walls add visual interest while the crystal chandelier above ties it all together.
This is another example of a tiled bench with a stone top. This shower is large and spacious, so the seating area is also on the larger side. The subtle gray and silver vertical mosaic tile accent adds a decorative touch without overwhelming the classic white design.
Since this shower is on the smaller side, the bench was tiled to camouflage as a ledge on the wall. Using tile for your bench does not always have to mean a full-size bench, sometimes a narrow ledge is all you need to rest your foot or place your toiletries.
This tiled bench uses dark ceramic tiles instead of the usual light-colored tiles, giving it a unique, contemporary appearance. The dark charcoal tones create a bold, moody atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and masculine.
Instead of a fully matching combination of tiles, this walk-in shower room adds a wall with accent mosaic tiles to create a focal point in the small space – which is the wall where the bench is built against. The seat has its own ceiling-mounted rain showerhead, making it convenient to wash up, even when sitting.
The walls of this bathroom use gray textured tiles all throughout – even the small seating ledge is clad with the same tiles. However, because of the light-colored floor tiles, the bold contrast between the two colors makes each other stand out. The three-dimensional wave texture adds depth and visual movement, making it a striking design choice that stands out without extra decoration.
Marble Bench
This marble-topped bench seamlessly blends onto the wall of this corner shower room, as it uses the same marble tiles as the walls. The all-white Carrara marble bathroom exudes elegance, complemented by a crystal chandelier and a classic clawfoot soaking tub.
Similar to the previous example, this marble shower design uses the same marble tiles for seating and walls. But instead of a corner seat, this one runs along the full width of the back wall, giving it a more generous seating area and a clean, symmetrical look.
The marble tiles used for this corner built-in ledge really stand out because of the dark black granite tiles used on it as a contrasting base. The angled glass enclosure and adjacent round soaking tub make this master bathroom feel like a private luxury spa.
Corner Bench
For those who are a bit short on space in the shower areas or those who simply don’t want the bench to occupy too much space, a corner bench is an excellent option. These can be a built-in style or a freestanding stool that simply gets placed in the corner.
With matching mosaic tiles and a black granite top, this corner seat stays low-key while providing you with a convenient place to sit. The dark dramatic tiles on the shower walls contrast beautifully against the sleek black freestanding soaking tub outside.
Bold turquoise wall tiles are used on the walls and this small enclosure’s cantilever corner sitting ledge. A white solid surface or quartz top could also be used as a contrasting alternative to keep the color palette from getting too busy.
To keep a clean and seamless contemporary look, this shower room blends in its corner built-in seat with the wall tiles used throughout. The open frameless glass partition also keeps the space feeling open and airy, with a teak wood bench placed conveniently just outside the enclosure.
If you’re short on space and don’t want to construct or re-tile, a freestanding wooden seat would be the best choice. Not only can you move it around, but you can also take it out completely if the space is needed for other purposes.
Granite Bench
The use of a black granite surface not only adds a nice contrast to the finishes but also makes it the focal point of the shower. Granite is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and naturally water-resistant, making it one of the most practical choices for shower seating.
Since the tiles used for the walls and floor of this shower area are textured, a granite top was added for a smoother, more comfortable seat. The light granite surface contrasts nicely against the matte gray taupe tiles and keeps the seating area functional and refined.
Mosaic tiles and any small-sized tiles are usually not ideal to use on seats because the texture can be uncomfortable, and the grout lines can be difficult to keep clean. A granite top solves both problems — it is smooth, easy to clean, and adds a polished finish to any built-in bench.
If your existing wall tiles are smaller, you can simply add a granite top on the ledge. Not only will it make it more comfortable to sit on, but it also upgrades the overall look of your shower.
Quartz Bench
This pony wall, topped with white quartz, functions not only as a seat but also as a base support for the glass partition and the showerhead above it. Quartz is a popular countertop material that also works great as a shower bench top due to its non-porous surface and low maintenance requirements.
Already have tiles and partitions installed? No problem. You can still easily install a solid quartz slab seat like this one. A quartz slab can be cut to fit any size and shape, making it easy to retrofit into an existing shower without major renovation work.
If you have a combined bathtub and shower area, you can maintain a clean and modern look by using an inset, built-in bathtub that doubles as a bench. The continuous marble surface creates a spa-like feel, and the quartz or marble bench surround provides a practical perch while the tub fills.
Walk in Shower With Bench
This gorgeous industrial-style shower area has a rustic charm, thanks to wood tiles on its cantilever seating design. The full-width natural wood plank bench grounds the space with warmth while the dramatic distressed tile feature wall creates a striking backdrop.
For transitional bathroom style, it’s a little easier to integrate the bench into the design. In this case, a freestanding teak bench is placed next to the shower. But if you want something more permanent, a floating concrete bench like this one is a great option, especially for a large walk-in shower.
A multi-function luxury walk-in shower seat like this example really makes the area the focal point of the shower by adding a built-in bench between two showerheads. The warm beige large format tiles and dual rain showerheads create a resort-like experience right at home.
The contrast of the wood deck flooring with the sparkling white tiles creates a simple yet stunning look for this walk-in shower. A built-in bench stretches across the back wall, offering plenty of room to sit and relax.
A fully enclosed walk-in shower with a built-in tiled seat. This small showering space has a classic, elegant appeal with cream tiles and a diamond mosaic floor pattern. The built-in bench provides a comfortable spot to sit while the hand shower makes it easy to rinse off.
Floating Bench
Floating or cantilever benches are great for smaller and tighter spaces as they look less bulky. Here are some excellent floating shower bench ideas to consider.
Since the bathroom shower design is narrow, installing a floating seat attached to the wall on only two sides is possible, and also gives it a sleek, modern look. The all-white palette with contrasting black fixtures keeps the minimalist aesthetic cohesive throughout.
A telephone showerhead was conveniently installed right beside the floating shower bench with a quartz top. These types of showerheads are helpful for rinsing off specific areas of the body or for bathing young children, making the bench doubly useful.
Seamlessly blending into the walls, this floating bench functions as a seat and a small ledge for your toiletries. Since the seat ledge was placed under the shower head, the area is kept relatively dry most of the time, and because this is a floating bench, cleaning under it is much easier than a traditional built-in design.
Modern Bench
Modern bathrooms usually have a clean, sleek look, with streamlined silhouettes combined with stainless steel elements. For modern shower areas, it’s best to integrate the bench into the design as seamlessly as possible by matching it with the surrounding tiles or keeping it in a solid, minimal form.
Simplicity is the key to this modern bathroom. It features white ceramic tiles all over the walls and gray terrazzo floors. A floating bench was installed in the bathroom’s enclosure and was clad in the same tiles used on the wall, making it look like an extension of the wall itself rather than an afterthought.
Sometimes, the best way to hide is in plain sight, and this modern all-white bathroom demonstrates how to do it right. The built-in bench inside the shower blends perfectly with the surrounding white tiles, while the open shelving unit with wicker baskets adds storage and a touch of warmth outside the enclosure.
Built into the low partition of the shower, this quartz-topped seat becomes the focal point of the bathing area. The dark charcoal tiles on the shower walls make the white quartz bench pop, and the black floating vanity outside reinforces the contemporary, high-contrast aesthetic.
Wall Mounted Bench
Some of the best shower bench ideas are versatile, such as a wall-mounted design that folds up when not in use. The smallest walk-in shower designs start at 30″ by 30″. The International Residential Code mandates this as the minimum size. If your shower is this small, a wall-mounted folding bench would be the most space-efficient option. A folding model may work for your space if you have a stall that is this size or larger but not large enough to comfortably accommodate a regular-sized bench.
An even more space-saving option would be wall-mounted shower benches. These can be bought in stores or online and can easily be installed in any shower as long as you can find the studs in the wall. They come in a variety of materials, including teak, bamboo, aluminum, and plastic.
Folding Bench
Attached to the wall, this folding bench is a combination of stainless steel metal framing and teak wood. This can be folded flat against the wall when not in use, making it ideal for compact shower spaces. The gray linear tile walls complement the dark wood slats beautifully.
Portable Bench
Portable benches are those which you can basically move around easily. You can put them in and remove them as quickly as needed. These can be made from a variety of materials such as plastic, bamboo, teak, aluminum, or a combination.
Bamboo is a new popular material used in outdoor furniture. This folding stool is made from bamboo ply, which are basically flattened sheets of bamboo. Bamboo is also known for its excellent weather resistance, so getting it wet is not an issue.
Medical Bench
A medical shower chair is helpful for the elderly, those with injuries, or limited mobility. The four-legged design provides a stable platform for sitting and personal grooming in the bathtub or enclosure. The aluminum frame helps prevent corrosion, and a curved seat helps offer additional comfort.
Wood Bench
Perhaps the most traditional type is a wooden stool, which was used back in the day as well. They are light, affordable, and easily move around as needed. Just make sure the legs have the appropriate grippers so it doesn’t slip on the floor!
Wood Bench Outside the Shower
Many opt to use seating outside the enclosure to prevent moisture from damaging the wood surfaces. They can help those with children or limited mobility to sit while undressing or dressing. They can also help keep your clean towels or clothing off the floor.
Teak Bench
Teak is a popular material for outdoor furniture and decking because of its excellent weather resistance. Teak has a natural oil that helps repel water, warping, or cracking.
Teakwood is quite hard, shrinks very little in seasoning, and possesses great physical strength. – Sculpture in Wood, Jack C. Rich
This example shows various variations of solid teak benches — a teak stool, a tub seat, and a corner stool as well. A teak stool is perfect if you have a small space but need that “sit-down” area in your enclosure.
What are your favorite shower bench ideas? Let us know what your favorites are or any questions we missed in the comments below.
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