Stepping into a luxurious bathroom after a long day can melt away the stress as you turn on the hot water and prepare to unwind under the soothing spray of the shower. But what if you could elevate this daily experience even further? A shower bench is a simple yet transformative addition that can turn your shower into a haven of comfort, safety, and style.
Beyond the practical benefits of providing a place to sit and shave or rest tired legs, shower benches offer a design element with the potential to completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom. From classic built-ins to modern marvels, there’s a shower bench design out there to suit every taste and bathroom size.
So, ditch the standard shower stall and get ready to be inspired. Let’s explore 11 stunning shower bench designs that will have you yearning to upgrade your bathing experience:
1. The Timeless Appeal of the Classic Built-in Bench
There’s a reason why the classic built-in shower bench remains a popular choice. Its clean lines and seamless integration with the shower walls create a timeless elegance that complements any bathroom style. Whether you favor a minimalist aesthetic or a more traditional look, a built-in bench offers a sense of solidity and sophistication.
Material options for built-in benches are vast, allowing you to personalize the design to match your existing bathroom elements. Opt for beautiful tiles that complement your shower walls, creating a cohesive and unified look. Stone is another popular choice, adding a touch of luxury and natural elegance to your bathing space.
Pro Tip: Consider incorporating a recessed niche above the bench for storing toiletries. This keeps your shower clutter-free and visually clean while providing easy access to essentials.
2. The Warmth and Beauty Of a Wooden Shower Bench
For a touch of nature’s charm, a wooden shower bench is a truly captivating option. Wood brings warmth and a sense of organic beauty to the bathroom, creating a spa-like retreat. However, not all wood types are created equal for shower environments. Opt for naturally water-resistant woods like teak, cedar, or mahogany to ensure your bench withstands the constant moisture.
The rich grain patterns and natural variations in color of these woods add a unique character to your shower. To further enhance durability, be sure to choose wood that has been properly treated with a waterproof sealant specifically designed for shower applications. With proper care and maintenance, a wooden shower bench can last for years to come.
Pro Tip: Consider incorporating a built-in drainage channel within the wooden bench to prevent water from pooling. This will not only extend the lifespan of the wood but also prevent the formation of mold and mildew.
3. A Mosaic Masterpiece: Unleashing Creativity with Tiles
If you’re looking for a shower bench that truly makes a statement, look no further than the stunning world of mosaic tiles. Mosaic tiles offer endless design possibilities, allowing you to create intricate patterns, geometric designs, or even incorporate stunning artwork directly into your shower bench.
Mosaic tiles come in various materials, including glass, ceramic, and stone. Glass mosaics add a touch of shimmer and luxury, while ceramic offers a wider range of colors and patterns. Stone mosaics, meanwhile, provide a natural and earthy feel to your shower space.
With mosaic tiles, your creativity is the only limit. You can design a simple geometric pattern or go all out with a complex mosaic mural that transforms your shower into a work of art.
Pro Tip: Consult with a professional tile installer to discuss your design ideas and choose the right type of mosaic tile for your shower bench. They can also ensure proper installation techniques to guarantee a watertight and long-lasting design.
4. The Sleek and Modern Appeal of the Waterfall Bench
For a truly contemporary and luxurious look, consider the waterfall shower bench. This unique design features a bench with a sloped back, allowing water to cascade down its surface and create a visually captivating effect. Waterfall benches are often made from sleek materials like stone or concrete, further enhancing the modern aesthetic.
The waterfall design not only adds a touch of sophistication but also serves a practical purpose. The sloped back prevents water from pooling on the bench, promoting faster drying and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Pro Tip: Opt for a waterfall bench with a built-in niche behind the cascading water. This hidden space can be used for storing toiletries, adding a touch of functionality to this stunning design element.
5. Spa-Inspired Luxury: The Shelf Bench
For those who crave ultimate pampering in their bathroom, the shelf bench is a dream come true. This design incorporates shelves directly into the shower bench, providing a convenient and stylish storage solution for all your shower essentials. Imagine having your luxurious bath products, loofahs, and razors neatly organized within easy reach, creating a spa-like ambiance in your own home.
Shelf benches can be constructed from various materials, including wood, stone, or even composite materials. Choosing a material that complements the overall design of your bathroom is key. Wood adds warmth and a natural touch, while stone offers a luxurious and elegant feel. Composite materials, on the other hand, provide a durable and water-resistant option that requires minimal maintenance.
Pro Tip: If you opt for a wooden shelf bench, ensure the shelves are properly sealed and have a slight slope to encourage water drainage. This will prevent water from pooling and damaging the wood.
6. Maximize Space with the Luxurious Folding Bench
For those with limited bathroom square footage, the folding shower bench is a brilliant space-saving solution. When not in use, the bench simply folds up against the wall, freeing up valuable floor space in your shower. This makes it an ideal option for smaller bathrooms or for creating a more open and airy shower environment.
Folding benches come in various styles and materials. Teak is a popular choice for its natural beauty and water resistance. Acrylic is another option, offering a sleek and modern look that’s easy to clean and maintain. The folding mechanism itself can also add a touch of elegance, with some designs featuring sleek hinges and sturdy hardware.
Pro Tip: Choose a folding bench with a high weight capacity to ensure it can safely support users of all sizes. Additionally, look for a bench with a comfortable seat design that folds flat against the wall without protruding too far.
7. Utilize Every Corner with the Captivating Corner Bench
Don’t let those unused corners in your bathroom go to waste! A corner shower bench is a perfect way to maximize space and create a comfortable spot to relax or shave in your shower. This design utilizes the corner perfectly, allowing for a spacious bench without sacrificing valuable floor space.
Corner benches can be built-in, tiled, or even prefabricated. Built-in benches offer a custom-made look that seamlessly integrates with your shower walls. Tiled corner benches can be designed to match the existing tilework in your shower, creating a cohesive and unified aesthetic. Prefabricated corner benches, on the other hand, offer a convenient and cost-effective option, often available in various sizes and materials.
Pro Tip: Consider incorporating a built-in shampoo niche above the corner bench to maximize storage space and keep your shower clutter-free. Additionally, ensure the corner bench has a slightly rounded edge for added comfort and to prevent any bumps or bruises.
8. The Rustic Charm of the Pebble Bench
For those drawn to a natural aesthetic, the pebble shower bench offers a unique and captivating design. Imagine a bench constructed from smooth, river pebbles meticulously arranged and secured to create a comfortable and visually striking seating surface. This design brings the beauty of nature indoors, creating a spa-like ambiance that’s both calming and grounding.
Pro Tip: Ensure the pebbles used for the bench are smooth and free of sharp edges for ultimate comfort. Additionally, choose pebbles with a naturally occurring drainage gap to prevent water pooling and potential mold growth.
9. The Industrial Chic of the Metal Grate Bench
If you favor a more industrial or contemporary aesthetic, consider the metal grate shower bench. This design utilizes a sturdy metal grate as the seating surface, allowing for excellent water drainage and a sleek, modern look. Metal grate benches come in various finishes, such as chrome, brushed nickel, or even matte black, allowing you to perfectly complement your existing bathroom hardware.
Pro Tip: Choose a metal grate bench with a comfortable support structure underneath. Look for padded inserts or a slightly curved design to ensure the bench remains comfortable for extended use.
10. Ice-Blue Shower Bench
For a truly unique and minimalist statement, the ice-blue shower bench is a daring option. This bench offers a sense of weightlessness and allows light to pass through, creating a visually open and airy shower space. Opt for high-quality tempered glass specifically designed for shower applications to ensure safety and durability. Additionally, consider adding a subtle etched pattern to the shower surface for a touch of privacy without sacrificing the open aesthetic.
11. The Comforting Embrace: The Built-in Curved Bench
For those seeking ultimate comfort and relaxation in the shower, the built-in curved bench is an indulgent choice. This design features a bench with a gentle curve that perfectly contours to the body, providing exceptional support and a luxurious bathing experience.
Pro Tip: Consider incorporating heated elements within the curved bench for an extra touch of luxury. This will create a spa-like atmosphere and provide warmth and comfort while you shower.
Conclusion
The perfect shower bench awaits you, ready to transform your daily shower routine into a luxurious and relaxing experience. Whether you crave timeless elegance, a touch of nature, or a burst of creativity, there’s a design out there to suit your style and bathroom needs.
So, take inspiration from these stunning shower bench designs and start creating your own personal shower oasis. Remember, a well-designed shower bench not only enhances comfort and functionality but also elevates the aesthetics of your bathroom, making it a true haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Have you incorporated a shower bench into your bathroom design? Share your favorite shower bench designs and ideas in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you.
