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Best Shower Bench Ideas – Relaxing Bathroom Seat Designs
For the man on the go, a shower is efficient and invigorating. You can save the long soaks for romantic evenings and spa getaways.
However, efficiency needn’t come at the expense of a little luxury. Even the most streamlined, no-frills shower can enjoy a very simple improvement that has come to change the whole shower game.
Shower benches are an ingenious compromise between the briskness of standing and the grandeur of reclining. Whether they are moveable or built directly into the shower wall, shower benches allow you to bask in the bliss of a long and leisurely shower.
They are available in all manner of colors, designs, and materials. You’re not short on choice when it comes to the shower bench. Your shower bench is expertly crafted to blend in seamlessly with your shower scheme, awarding you comfort and class day in and day out.
These shower bench ideas are tangible proof that a little bit of self-indulgence can be instilled into the most basic of everyday rituals. Your moment of reprieve can be all the more enriched by the chance to rest your feet, lean back, and take in a moment of sheer, unencumbered bliss. Let’s check out the best shower bench styles to give you even more inspiration.
1. Wood Shower Bench
Wood may seem like a curious choice of material for a shower or bathtub but it works perfectly. It needs to be treated correctly to prevent any mildew build up but it can form a bath bench or shower bench which is much more comfortable to sit on.
The reason for that is how cold tile and stone surfaces can be when you first touch them. Wood has another advantage over stone too as it has the benefit of drainage holes. Bamboo or teak is the best material for the job as they are extremely durable and give you the perfect shower bench, which will also looks fantastic.
2. Tile Shower Bench
Many people like the idea of their tile shower bench blending in with the rest of the shower. From a certain angle, you won’t be able to tell where the shelf of the seat begins and the wall ends. Having this blended style is preferable for many people.
Of course, you can choose to go a different way and add a different color of tiling from your seat and your shower walls. Tiles are fairly easy to install and you have a wide variety of patterns and colors to choose from.
3. Marble Shower Bench
A marble shower bench can look spectacular in any shower room. This gives it a beautiful look and you’ll have a bench with immense durability. An alternative to marble is granite and both of them have similar qualities in their style and durability.
Marble benches are also a good idea if you want one that can support more than one person due to their high weight capacity and extra stability. Those features also make them a good option for anyone with mobility issues.
4. Corner Shower Bench
If your shower was a little smaller then you can choose to have a corner shower bench which isn’t going to take up much space at all. This can be seen as a better alternative to having a freestanding bath stool or shower chair, which can be quite ugly.
Having the shower bench next to the wall not only gets it out of the way but gives you plenty of support. Due to it being a more subtle feature, this shower bench also works well for busy households where not everyone would want a bench.
5. Curved Shower Bench
We love this idea for those that are looking for the ultimate in shower relaxation. You can throw out the conventional ideas of a bath seat or shower chair and go for a curved shower bench which is going to allow you to nearly lie down and let the water flow over you.
You can use its curved shape as a shelf to sit on if you wanted to but these models are perfect for relaxing your whole body. They’ll require more time and effort to install than most other shower bench types but it’ll be well worth it.
6. Floating Shower Bench
If you want your shower bench to be a statement piece, then floating benches would be a good call. They are probably the most eye-catching type of bench as the lack of and legs makes it look like a design marvel and you could even place lighting underneath.
It’s a much nicer option than a shower chair and you can choose from a wide range of materials to do this. It’s often seen mostly with stone but you could even have a wooden or metal floating bench. There’s no doubt that they look epic.
7. Wide Shower Bench
If you want to shower with your partner or anyone else, then you may want a wide bench to be able to do it. This gives a much greater level of seating space. This type of shower seat is not just for more than one person either.
A wide shower bench can act as a transfer bench between the shower head and the door. You may also want to position yourself in different parts of the shower so you can alternate between having the shower head over you or not.
8. Adjustable Bench
For those looking for a bit more flexibility, an adjustable bench is a great idea. These are commonly associated with stainless steel chairs which have a medical style. A much nicer model is to get an adjustable bench made from wood.
While this can be a great idea, you do need to think about the stability of the bench. It’s a good idea to add some non slip feet to keep it firmly in place.
9. Quartz Shower Bench
If you can’t quite afford a marble or granite bench, then quartz is going to be the ideal alternative. It’s a cheaper material but one that has many of the same qualities such as the level of comfort, style, and durability.
It makes a perfect material for a shower seat and you can get it in a wide range of colors too. Many people don’t know the difference between marble or quartz and that’s another reason it’s incredibly popular.
10. Aluminum Shower Bench
One unusual material to see in a shower is a bench with an aluminum frame but stainless steel can also be used. These have a striking appearance but unless your shower room is kept at a warm temperature, they will be a little cold to sit on. If you’re not worried about having this issue then an aluminum shelf can look brilliant.
FAQs
Is a shower bench worth it?
We think shower benches are a great idea. They provide a greater level of comfort and a shower seat gives you immense support too. For small and more cramped spaces, you may need to settle for a shower stool.
A high-quality transfer bench will also mean you no longer need to get in the bath. For those struggling with mobility, a bathtub can be seen as the only option, as they can lie down. A shower seat makes it much easier to wash yourself without the need for a grab bar.
Why should I put a bench in a shower?
Even for someone who is fit and athletic, some people just like sitting down in the shower. For most regular shower cubicles, that’s just not possible. For those who struggle to get in a bathtub, a shower stool can be a huge upgrade.
You won’t need to worry about getting out of the tub, needing a swivel seat, or a cane. Just place your shower bench next to a wall and see how much easier it makes your life. You can wash in a greater level of comfort.
Do teak shower benches get moldy?
When you combine wood and a constantly wet environment, the risk of mold and mildew is greatly increased. A teak shower bench can be a good option due to the characteristics of teak wood. It is incredibly dense and is also packed full of protective natural oils.
It does mean that treated teak benches don’t get mildew easily. While you should inspect them now and again, they are going to last for a very long time.
What is the best material for a shower bench?
We’ve already seen the benefits of a teak shower bench which is a great material for a wooden look. Other materials such as stone, tile, and metal stay quite cool to touch, and therefore you need to be mindful about warming them up before using them.
If you wanted a padded seat you can do with a material such as naugahyde, where you can have a softer shower stool. While that’s an option, it’s high maintenance. The best material for feel is wood but for style and durability, it’s probably best to choose one of the harder materials.
How long does teak wood last in a shower?
Longer than you may think! Teak wood should last for around 15 years which makes it a perfect material for shower benches when you consider its other benefits. Bamboo is another good option for a wooden shower bench as it shares many of the same qualities.
