35 Walk-in Showers With Benches for a Spa-Like Experience at Home

A walk-in shower is a nice amenity in its own right. But if you opt to include a bench in your walk-in shower, you'll feel like you're sitting in luxury.

You've got countless options when it comes to layout, shape, style, and materials for your shower bench, and we've rounded up some ideas to inspire your plans.

Matching Surfaces

If you want your shower bench to blend seamlessly in with the rest of your shower design, simply match the materials. Marble tile is a great option because it's typically easy to source a marble slab with similar color and veining.

Pattern Play

Rather than sticking with the same materials for your shower bench, floor, and wall, you can add a little interest by choosing tile and marble with contrasting shapes and patterns. To create a common thread, consider sticking to neutrals or a similar color scheme for each.

Contrasting Colors

Color is another way to create some contrast in your shower. If you go with a lighter stone or tile for your shower bench, grab some dark tile samples for your shower wall and see if you like the visual drama it creates.

A Bench With Breathing Room

Installing a shower bench right up against a glass shower door can cause water retention issues. To play it safe, consider leaving a few inches of space between the two features to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Paired With a Sliding Shower Door

If you opt for a sliding glass door rather than a swing-out door, you won't have to worry quite so much about water build-up next to the shower bench. In this case, you can extend the shower bench right up to the edge of the door. Just leave a few centimeters of clearance so the bench doesn't scratch the door.

Covered Side

It is possible to install a shower bench that rests directly up against a glass wall. However, this will require proper waterproofing between the two features.

Tip

Grout and caulk can look a little messy right up against glass. To hide anything unsightly, you can build a small wall on the other side that measures slightly higher than the bench.

Half Glass Above the Bench

If you want to let as much natural light into your shower as possible, consider building a pony wall and incorporating that as the back support for your shower bench. Then, finish off the top half of the wall with your glass shower wall.

Small Window Above

It is entirely possible to position a shower bench on the same wall as a window. Just be sure the window sits above where your back and head will land for privacy reasons.

Large Window Behind

On the other end, if your shower is located on a wall that opens to a private area of land, we say go big on the window behind your shower seat. It will further help you hone the look of a spa-like retreat.

Shower Niche Above and High

A great place to put your shower niche is a couple of feet above a shower bench. Choose a niche design that spans the entire length of your bench for a sleek look and a tiered effect.

Shower Niche Above But Low

Chances are that when you use your shower bench, you won't be leaning against the wall too much, so back support shouldn't be a huge necessity. For this reason, don't be afraid to install the shower niche just a few inches above the shower bench. Your products will be right within arm's reach when you need them.

Light and Airy Design

Rather than opting for a solid shower bench, consider going with a more lightweight design. This L-shaped shower bench receives support from the shower wall. The addition of one leg adds additional support on the side with the shower glass.

Floating Shower Bench

Don't shy away from a floating shower design if your only hesitation is stability. Hidden support brackets attached to studs will keep your shower bench right in place.

Partially Floating

If you love the idea of a freestanding floating shower bench but you want a little more support, simply extend the seat to either side of the shower wall. This will allow you to install hidden support brackets on three sides of the seat rather than just one.

Quartz Over Marble

A marble shower seat can look lovely, but certain types of marble are prone to hard water stains. You'll need to commit to re-sealing marble on a regular basis. For a lower maintenance alternative with a similar look, consider quartz.

A Spot for Towels

If you're working with a large walk-in shower, try positioning your built-in shower bench in a spot that doesn't collect any water. You can use it as a place for storing towels and dry brushes, and it will make your shower feel like a spa. This shower design by Nathan Taylor from Obelisk Home is the perfect example.

Tiled Shower Bench

If marble is out of the budget for your shower bench, consider tile. Choose the same tile as your shower wall or floor for a seamless look.

Matching Step

One creative way to create cohesion in your bathroom is by repeating materials in various places. In this bathroom by A. Naber Design, you'll notice the Corchia marble appears on both the shower bench and the shower step.

Matching Frame

You don't need to stop at just a matching step. When you purchase marble, some marble suppliers require you to pay for the entire slab. A shower bench and step will definitely not use up an entire marble slab. But luckily, there are even more uses for marble. For example, the shape of a shower bench tends to match the shape of your shower entry. You can really play this up by framing your shower in marble. And if you have even more marble to spare, use it for a vanity top.

A Handheld Shower Head Nearby

Shower benches are ideal spots for shaving your legs or exfoliating your body. Installing a handheld shower head next to your shower bench will make rinsing off a breeze, and future you will thank current for you choosing convenience.

Shower Head Right Above

Positioning your shower bench directly under your shower head is a clever layout for smaller showers. Just try to choose a shower head that extends several inches away from the wall so it doesn't completely drench you every time you sit.

Extra Niches

Chances are, you'll find yourself reaching for products quite often when using your shower bench. To make it extra easy on yourself, keep products nearby. Installed a few mini-sized shower niches around your shower bench area, and it will keep the surface from getting too cluttered.

Extra Long Shower Bench

One design option to consider for your shower bench is an L shape that runs along two walls. Consider going with a floating design to prevent it from looking too bulky.

Options for Two Shower Heads

If you are going with a double shower, it's up to you whether you want to install two shower benches or just one. In a smaller shower, opting for just one will prevent the shower from feeling too cramped. There are other ways to achieve a sense of symmetry. For example, placing the bench on the wall opposite your vanity will create visual balance.

Minimalist Design

A walk-in shower can be a little sanctuary where you gather yourself before a big day or unwind at night. Opting for a minimalist design for your shower bench that shows simple lines and neutral colors will help you achieve a relaxing ambiance.

Marble Paired With Subway Tile

Tile trends cycle out quickly and can date your bathroom. However, certain materials, like marble and subway tile, are timeless. Since you obviously won't want to replace your shower tile and bench any time soon, choosing these materials is a safe design choice. You can go bold with other accessories like brass fixtures.

A Corner Seat

If you think your walk-in shower is too small for a shower seat, think again. A spare corner is the perfect spot for a bench that's just big enough.

Penny Tile All Over

Penny tile is a beautiful and often cost-effective tile choice for your shower. It applies well to any surface in a shower, shower benches included. If you want to make a statement, give this classic choice some edge by opting for a colored version.

Two Materials in One

You don't have to go with the same material on all sides of your shower bench. For example, marble on the horizontal surface paired with subway tile on the vertical surface is a nice design choice.

Repeating Shapes

You don't need to show-stopping tile in a bold color to make a statement with your walk-in shower. Instead, you can use shapes to create visual interest with your shower bench by installing a matching backsplash behind just half of it.

Curved Seat

Showers typically feature straight lines and geometric shapes. Consider breaking up the rigidness with some curved lines via your shower seat. A wavy top will create a comfortable spot to sit.

Freestanding Bench

If you already re-did your shower sans bench, a freestanding version is always an option. A small vintage bench makes an aesthetic spot to store extra towels. Or, you can opt for a waterproof teak bench.

Low Seating

While the standard height for a shower bench measures about 17 to 19 inches, consider what will be most comfortable for you and how you plan on using your bench. You might find that going as low as 14 inches is ideal for your needs.

Long and Luxurious

It's pretty common to install shower benches along one of the shorter walls of a walk-in shower. However, don't write off the idea of installing the shower bench on one of the longer walls. This will allow you plenty of room to sprawl out.

Earth Toned Bench

When choosing the materials to cover your shower bench, you can think beyond neutrals like white or black. For example, earth tones will evoke a calming mood and create a sense of warmth.

Read Next: 20 Modern Shower Ideas to Start Your Mornings in Style

Read the original article on The Spruce.