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9 Stylish Built-In Shower Bench Ideas
Updated on Oct. 03, 2024
Is a Built-In Shower Bench a Good Idea?
If you’re remodeling or designing a new shower, you might be wondering if you should include bathroom seating or a built-in shower bench. We are team shower bench! A bench allows you to rest under the water when you need a little more relaxation time and provides a safe place for women to shave their legs.
But not all shower layouts are compatible with a bench. We spoke to interior designer Kristen Pawlak to get her take on when a shower bench is a good idea.
“A large shower, either square or rectangular works well for a built-in shower bench,” says Pawlak, “The design should be large enough so you can stand under the spray without being too close to the bench, where you could be crowded or have a tripping accident.”
Pawlak says she likes to use the same tile as the shower walls for the sides and the front of a bench so it blends in seamlessly.
“But for the bench seat, we will use a solid surface, either quartz or granite — often the same material used for the shower curb or niche shelves,” she says. “No one wants tile and grout lines on the seat!”
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Green with Envy
If this green tile shower from @adidstudio wasn’t stunning enough, the built-in bench adds another level of luxury.
The same green tile is used throughout to help the bench blend in with the walls. The solid marble top is comfortable to sit on, coordinates nicely with the marble hex floor and cleans up easily because there are no grout lines.
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Corner Built-In Shower Bench
For smaller showers, a corner bench is the way to go. Seen here from @fitbuildconstruction, the corner bench is just big enough to comfortably sit on without taking up too much space. The right size bench should never make you feel cramped while standing.
The crisp black-and-white tile camouflages the bench into the rest of the shower.
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Lounging Bench
This bench from @queen_city_stone_and_tile features a reclining shape, perfect for relaxation. The marble mosaic tile on the seat allows for the curved design, where a solid top would not.
A handheld showerhead like this one means you can access and control the water flow while leaning back on the bench. The only hard part? Getting out before you run out of hot water!
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Glass Built-In Shower Bench
Many shower benches come up against a solid wall. But the design also works in an all-glass shower, as shown in this example from @brothers_homes.
The glass extends all the way down to the top of the bench, so there isn’t a half wall breaking up the open space. Notice there’s still plenty of standing room in the rectangular layout.
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Leg Detail
This design from @cottagesupplydowntown features curvy legs for extra detail. This is a great choice if you like a more traditional or cottage aesthetic, whereas a solid bench can look really modern.
Beware: The more intricate details and grout lines will make it more difficult to keep this bench clean.
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@winnidesigns Using @ariavent to build the strongest shower bench possible. #diy #homeimprovement #homerenovation #construction #HuluChippendalesDance #carpenter #carpentry #realestate #work #tile #tipsandtricks ♬ original sound – WINNI
Floating Built-In Shower Bench
Much like a floating shelf, you can have a floating bench! Watch as @winnidesigns demonstrates how to install a floating shower bench.
Though the bench lacks legs, it’s completely secure thanks to extra-strong brackets that attach directly to the wall framing. A floating bench takes up less space and doesn’t break up the shower floor.
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@renogurus Floating bench in the shower❤️❤️ #bathroommakeover #bathroomdesign #bathroomdesignstyle #showerhead #tiles #tileswork #foryoupage #fyp #viral ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay
Lighted Bench
This luxury shower from @renogurus includes lighting under the floating shower bench. The waterproof LEDs illuminate the bench area and the wall niches for glowing ambiance.
Notice the clever use of two showerheads: A rain model in the middle and a handheld one near the bench.
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@loveandspecs Game. Changer. 🥰 This was my first request when we talked about the shower with our builder & now that we’re in here, I can confidently say that it was 100% worth it! #bathroomdesign #bathroomremodel #bathroomdecor #bathroomrenovation ♬ original sound – Maryal
Heated Built-In Shower Bench
No one wants to sit on a cold shower bench. Spraying some hot water on it should fix the problem. But for even more convenience, check out this heated bench from @loveandspecs.
The floor and bench warm up with a simple touch of a button on the nearby digital thermostat. Talk about luxury!
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@allmanbrothershburg This dual usage shower is the perfect combo for a master suite. #rubicutter #schlutershowersystems #tile #tileshower #allmanbrothers #wegetthejobdone #smallbusiness #kerdi #tikibench #showertower #showerbench ♬ Cradles – Sub Urban
Double Benches
This shower from @allmanbrothershburg offers room for two with double showerheads and benches.
Because they’re corner benches, they don’t take up too much standing space. And did you notice the two hidden wall niches? With the right space planning. you can squeeze everything you want into your shower design, even if you’re working with limited square footage.
About the Expert
- Kristen Pawlak is an interior designer and owner of KP Designs/Decorating Den Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky.
