Walk-in showers are the darling of modern bathroom design, offering a luxurious and spacious feel compared to traditional shower stalls. But what if your bathroom is on the smaller side? Walk-in showers can work beautifully in compact spaces too. In fact, they can even create the illusion of a larger bathroom by eliminating the bulky shower door and enclosure.
The key to success in a small walk-in shower is smart design and maximizing functionality. And that’s where a bench comes in. Not only does a bench provide a comfortable place to sit and shave or wash your feet, but it can also serve as a storage solution and add a touch of luxury to your tiny spa retreat.
Here are 17 inspiring design ideas to help you create a small walk-in shower with a bench that’s both stylish and functional:
1. Corner Shower with Built-In Bench:
Make the most of your bathroom’s corners by opting for a corner shower design. This clever layout utilizes a typically unused space and creates a designated showering area. To maximize functionality, consider building a bench directly into the corner. You can choose from various materials like tile for a seamless look, or teak for warmth and natural beauty. Opt for a triangular or L-shaped bench to fit perfectly in the corner. If you have a little extra space, consider adding cubbies or shelves underneath the bench for storing toiletries and bath products.
2. L-Shaped Shower with Fold-Down Bench:
An L-shaped shower is another excellent space-saving option, especially for narrow or oddly shaped bathrooms. This design creates a defined showering area while leaving some extra space in the bathroom. To further optimize the layout, incorporate a fold-down bench into the design. When not in use, the bench simply folds up against the wall, freeing up precious floor space. Fold-down benches are available in various materials like teak, acrylic, or even stone, allowing you to match your overall bathroom aesthetic.
3. Niche Shower with Floating Bench:
If your bathroom has a built-in wall alcove, consider transforming it into a chic niche shower. This design utilizes an existing architectural detail to create a dedicated showering area without sacrificing valuable square footage. To enhance the feeling of spaciousness, install a floating bench made of sleek materials like glass or acrylic. This creates a modern, minimalist look and keeps the floor space feeling open.
4. Glass Panel Shower with Teak Bench:
Open up your small bathroom visually by incorporating a clear glass panel as a shower barrier. This allows natural light to flow through the space, making it feel larger and airier. To add a touch of warmth and natural beauty, incorporate a teak bench into the design. Teak is naturally water-resistant and known for its durability, making it a perfect choice for a wet environment. Plus, the rich wood tones add a touch of luxury to your small shower haven.
5. Tile Threshold Shower with Corner Bench:
For a seamless and minimalist look, consider a tile threshold shower. This design eliminates the need for a bulky shower door and creates a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. To maximize space utilization in a threshold shower, incorporate a corner bench. This space-saving solution provides a comfortable place to sit while maintaining the open feel of the shower.
6. Open Shower with Removable Bench:
For the truly tiny bathroom, an open shower design might be the answer. This daring concept involves creating a designated showering area without any walls or doors. While it might not be for everyone, it offers the most openness and can make a very small bathroom feel surprisingly spacious. To make this design functional, incorporate a removable bench. This allows you to easily clean the shower area and provides a place to sit when needed. Opt for a lightweight, waterproof bench that can be easily stored outside the shower when not in use.
7. Subway Tile Shower with Recessed Bench Shelf:
Embrace timeless design with a classic subway tile shower. Subway tiles are known for their clean lines and versatility, making them a perfect choice for small spaces. To add functionality to your subway tile haven, incorporate a recessed bench shelf. This built-in feature provides a comfortable place to sit while offering additional storage space for your toiletries. Opt for open shelves below the bench for easy access to essentials, or add closed cabinets for a more streamlined look.
8. Walk-In Shower with a Pebble Tile Bench:
For a touch of natural serenity, consider incorporating a pebble tile bench into your walk-in shower design. Pebble tiles come in a variety of colors and textures, allowing you to create a unique and spa-like atmosphere. The textured surface of the pebbles also provides a naturally slip-resistant surface, adding an extra layer of safety. This type of bench is ideal for a walk-in shower with a minimalist aesthetic, as the organic form of the pebbles adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.
9. Mosaic Tile Shower with a Built-In Niche Bench:
Add a splash of personality to your small walk-in shower with a mosaic tile design. Mosaic tiles come in an endless array of colors, patterns, and materials, allowing you to create a custom look that reflects your style. To maximize space and functionality, consider incorporating a niche bench with mosaic tile detailing. This built-in feature provides a comfortable spot to sit while adding a touch of visual interest to your shower.
10. Glass Block Shower with a Curved Bench:
For a unique and light-filled shower experience, consider using glass blocks as part of the shower enclosure. Glass blocks allow natural light to penetrate the space while maintaining privacy. To complement the curved nature of the glass blocks, incorporate a curved bench into the design. This creates a visually cohesive look and softens the overall aesthetic of the shower.
11. Waterfall Shower with a Compact Fold-Away Bench:
Elevate your shower experience with a luxurious waterfall showerhead. This type of showerhead creates a cascading water flow, adding a spa-like feel to even the smallest bathroom. To ensure optimal space utilization in a small shower with a waterfall feature, consider a compact fold-away bench. This space-saving solution provides a place to sit when needed but disappears against the wall when not in use.
12. Walk-In Shower with a Steam Feature and a Built-In Bench:
Transform your small bathroom into a home spa haven by incorporating a steam shower feature. Steam showers offer a variety of health benefits, including improved circulation and muscle relaxation. To enhance the spa-like experience, include a built-in bench within the shower design. This allows you to sit back and fully enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the steam.
13. Walk-In Shower with a Rainfall Showerhead and a Teak Shower Mat:
For a luxurious showering experience without sacrificing space, consider a rainfall showerhead. This type of showerhead provides a wide, overhead spray that simulates the feeling of natural rainfall. To add warmth and a touch of luxury, incorporate a teak shower mat. Teak is naturally water-resistant and provides a comfortable surface to stand on, making it a perfect choice for a small walk-in shower.
14. Walk-In Shower with a Glass Corner Shelf and a Built-In Shower Caddy:
Maximize storage space in your small walk-in shower with clever shelving solutions. A glass corner shelf provides a sleek and unobtrusive way to store essential toiletries. Additionally, consider incorporating a built-in shower caddy directly into the bench design. This creates a designated space for storing shampoo, conditioner, and other bath products, keeping your shower clutter-free and organized.
15. Pocket Door Shower with a Flip-Up Bench:
For a truly space-saving solution, consider a pocket door shower with a flip-up bench. Pocket doors slide seamlessly into the wall, eliminating the need for a swinging door that can take up precious bathroom real estate. To maximize space within the shower itself, incorporate a flip-up bench. This ingenious design folds flat against the wall when not in use, creating a more open feel in the shower.
16. Black and White Tile Shower with a Floating Shelf Bench:
Embrace a timeless and graphic aesthetic with a black and white tile shower design. This classic color combination creates a bold statement and can visually expand the space. To add functionality without compromising on style, incorporate a floating shelf bench made from a material like stone or concrete that complements the tilework. This design provides a sleek and modern place to sit while maintaining the clean lines of the black and white theme.
17. Vertical Garden Shower with a Built-In Seating Niche:
Transform your small bathroom into a tranquil oasis with a vertical garden shower. This innovative concept involves incorporating living plants directly into the shower wall. Vertical gardens not only add a touch of nature and beauty to the space but can also help improve air quality. To complement the natural theme, consider a built-in seating niche finished with smooth river rocks or pebbles. This creates a comfortable and organic spot to sit while enjoying the serenity of your vertical garden shower.
Conclusion
With a little creativity and these inspiring design ideas, you can create a luxurious and functional walk-in shower with a bench in even the smallest bathroom. Remember to consider your needs and preferences when choosing a design. Think about how you’ll be using the shower and what features are most important to you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, consider consulting with a professional bathroom designer. They can help you create a customized solution that perfectly fits your space and style.
