Shower seats can provide stability for people with balance or mobility issues, support legs for shaving, and add an extra surface to store shampoo and other products. But they’re not only practical, they’re also very stylish. We’ve collected 15 images that reflect a variety of seating options in showers, large and small, from simple stools to elaborate built-in benches.
The most flexible and often cheapest way to add a seat to the shower is to insert a freestanding or freestanding stool or bench. Wood is a smart material choice because it’s lightweight and non-slip, and it provides an earthy contrast to hard bathroom surfaces. Just make sure to choose items that have been properly treated and maintained that won’t rot or mold, such as a slat-topped teak bench designed by Joy Street Design in a bathroom in Oakland, California.
Cypress or Japanese cypress is another type of wood that performs well in humid environments. Due to its antibacterial and quick-drying properties and fresh scent, it is a popular choice for shower accessories (such as this minimalist shower bench and bucket designed by PlaidFox Studio). As with teak, look for Forest Stewardship Council certification to ensure the wood is sustainably harvested.
Whether you choose a built-in or freestanding seat, take inspiration from K Design’s modern bathroom with sturdy armrests, alcoves, hand-held nozzles and valves to make them easily accessible from your seated position.
In addition to wood, you can get creative with indoor and outdoor seating made of weather-resistant materials such as glazed ceramic, plastic, and resin. For example, this stool in the transitional bathroom designed by FMSProjects is both attractive and affordable. Please note that any seat that is not designed for showering should be used with caution. The safest option is to use a bench that meets ADA standards and is equipped with non-slip feet, especially for heavier users and those who have difficulty standing or have limited mobility.
Fold-down or flip-out shower seats, some of which also have fold-out legs, take up minimal space, but some models can support more than 400 pounds when properly installed and meet ADA specifications. Crafted in burnished white Carrara marble installed by Constructa, this shower is available in a wooden version and is suitable for both traditional and modern bathrooms.
Benches are a bigger commitment, but they can also make a big difference, as is the case with this quartz-topped, tile-wrapped built-in bench in Calgary, Alberta, designed by design-build firm LD&A. Professionals recommend seat heights of 17 to 19 inches from the finished shower floor to meet industry standards. The depth is a matter of personal preference, but 12 to 21 inches is common. The seat should also be slightly angled to the shower drain to prevent leakage and mold.
The bench in the shower room in Indiana is topped with Heath Ceramics tiles designed by Susan Yeley Homes. The wood is not as slippery as the stone, and the seat surface is warmer. That said, you can avoid feeling cold on solid surfaces and tile seats by installing under-seat heating.
In the Phoenix bathroom designed by Anthony W Design, the floor and benches are “decorated” with wood.
Located in The House Group’s Bel-Air mansion, this steam room features a built-in lounge with small tiles that conform to its curvilinear shape and are non-slip. Professionals recommend using tiles that are suitable for floors and walls and are approved for use in wet locations.
Seats, like this stylish wet and dry bench in a Los Angeles bathroom, can look lighter than a sturdy bench. Like flip-up seats, they require a lot of structural reinforcement – especially when made from softer materials like marble and wood – so professional installation is recommended.
Lead designer Misha Lindsey said that this shower space, designed by Misha and installed by GoodSpace High Performance Builders, features floating marble benches supported by hidden stainless steel brackets.
The custom floating glass seat echoes the glass bricks of the compact shower cubicle designed by Christa Young of TY Design. LED lighting mounted under the seat illuminates the glass and adds visual impact.
The bench makes the most of the tight space and awkward angles, as you can see in this modern Houston bathroom designed by Maureen Stevens. The diamond-shaped floating teak bench is complemented by black and white hexagonal tiles.
In San Francisco, the architect-led architecture firm Zack | In the luxurious marble shower room designed by de Vito, note the convenient location of the alcoves and hand showers.
This isn’t the actual category of a shower seat, but you can’t deny that this 2,000-pound lava is unique. Designer Lori Dennis said it needed additional steel support to prevent it from falling off the floor.
