Bathroom Design
10 Showers With Stylish Built-In Bench Ideas
See how a fixed seat can add comfort and safety while enhancing the look of your shower
If you have the space, a built-in shower bench can add comfort, convenience and style. Unlike a freestanding stool, a fixed bench stays securely in place and can span the width of the shower or fit neatly into a corner. With the right materials and finishes, it can become a standout design feature while providing a handy spot to sit while shaving your legs, washing your feet or relaxing. A bench can also add stability for people who have difficulty standing for long periods. Take a look at these 10 showers for ideas on incorporating a built-in bench.
2. Heated Retreat
A spacious heated bench is among the standout features of this Cary, North Carolina, wet-room steam shower by Noble Renovation. Slatted wood seats top the bench, while wood-look fluted porcelain tile wraps its sides and continues across the wet-room ceiling and tub apron for a cohesive effect. Tumbled mosaic marble flooring and an integrated drain add texture and a slip-resistant surface.
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A spacious heated bench is among the standout features of this Cary, North Carolina, wet-room steam shower by Noble Renovation. Slatted wood seats top the bench, while wood-look fluted porcelain tile wraps its sides and continues across the wet-room ceiling and tub apron for a cohesive effect. Tumbled mosaic marble flooring and an integrated drain add texture and a slip-resistant surface.
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3. Versatile Seat
The wide built-in bench in this Newport Beach, California, low-curb shower by Streamline Construction is topped with gray quartz that matches the bathroom vanity countertop. The seat coordinates with matte black plumbing fixtures and glazed gray-blue picket tile, adding a contemporary edge to the space. Designed with a hand shower within reach and a main shower head above, the generous bench provides flexibility for daily routines and longer, more leisurely showers.
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The wide built-in bench in this Newport Beach, California, low-curb shower by Streamline Construction is topped with gray quartz that matches the bathroom vanity countertop. The seat coordinates with matte black plumbing fixtures and glazed gray-blue picket tile, adding a contemporary edge to the space. Designed with a hand shower within reach and a main shower head above, the generous bench provides flexibility for daily routines and longer, more leisurely showers.
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4. Tailored Touch
A Chicago homeowner found designer Anna Butler on Houzz and worked with her to create this low-curb shower with a tailored bench. The seat has a honed black granite top that coordinates with the curb and complements 2-inch matte black hexagonal porcelain floor tile. Midori matte green ceramic wall tile brings a calm, earthy quality, and brass fixtures add warmth and a hint of glam.
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A Chicago homeowner found designer Anna Butler on Houzz and worked with her to create this low-curb shower with a tailored bench. The seat has a honed black granite top that coordinates with the curb and complements 2-inch matte black hexagonal porcelain floor tile. Midori matte green ceramic wall tile brings a calm, earthy quality, and brass fixtures add warmth and a hint of glam.
Read more about this bathroom
5. Floating Free
A Charlotte, North Carolina, couple found Melissa Rieser Interiors on Houzz and worked with the firm to create this transitional-style bathroom with an open, curbless shower and floating bench. Large-format porcelain tile covers the walls and seat, creating a seamless, minimalist effect. The wall-mounted bench and clear glass enclosure keep the shower feeling open and unobstructed. A section of marble mosaic tile defines the shower floor, set within wood-look ceramic tile in a herringbone pattern.
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A Charlotte, North Carolina, couple found Melissa Rieser Interiors on Houzz and worked with the firm to create this transitional-style bathroom with an open, curbless shower and floating bench. Large-format porcelain tile covers the walls and seat, creating a seamless, minimalist effect. The wall-mounted bench and clear glass enclosure keep the shower feeling open and unobstructed. A section of marble mosaic tile defines the shower floor, set within wood-look ceramic tile in a herringbone pattern.
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6. Blending In
An integrated bench is a practical feature of the low-curb shower in this Newton, Massachusetts, bathroom by J.P. Hoffman Design Build. Topped with the same quartz used on the warm natural walnut double vanity, the seat sits beneath a hand shower for easy access. Creamy white glossy ceramic tile, measuring 2 by 6½ inches, covers the bench front and shower walls, helping the seat recede and allowing the elegant hexagonal tumbled Carrara marble mosaic floor tile to stand out.
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An integrated bench is a practical feature of the low-curb shower in this Newton, Massachusetts, bathroom by J.P. Hoffman Design Build. Topped with the same quartz used on the warm natural walnut double vanity, the seat sits beneath a hand shower for easy access. Creamy white glossy ceramic tile, measuring 2 by 6½ inches, covers the bench front and shower walls, helping the seat recede and allowing the elegant hexagonal tumbled Carrara marble mosaic floor tile to stand out.
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7. Quiet Definition
A built-in bench almost disappears into a sea of deep green wall tile in this Denver shower by Rowe Interior Design. Its Taj Mahal quartzite top subtly defines the seat while adding a light contrast to the saturated surroundings. A double niche keeps bath products within easy reach, with two shelves made from the same quartzite.
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A built-in bench almost disappears into a sea of deep green wall tile in this Denver shower by Rowe Interior Design. Its Taj Mahal quartzite top subtly defines the seat while adding a light contrast to the saturated surroundings. A double niche keeps bath products within easy reach, with two shelves made from the same quartzite.
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8. Comfort Built In
A heated bench brings added comfort and accessibility to this Bellevue, Washington, bathroom by H2D Architecture + Design and Kat Lawton Interiors. The hand-held shower wand is within easy reach from the seat, while the main shower head is positioned on the opposite wall for a choice of showering positions. Porcelain slabs cover the bench, echoing wainscoting elsewhere in the bathroom. Elongated subway wall tile laid in a brick pattern adds subtle variation in soft tones, and small-scale tumbled limestone creates abundant grout lines for a slip-resistant surface.
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A heated bench brings added comfort and accessibility to this Bellevue, Washington, bathroom by H2D Architecture + Design and Kat Lawton Interiors. The hand-held shower wand is within easy reach from the seat, while the main shower head is positioned on the opposite wall for a choice of showering positions. Porcelain slabs cover the bench, echoing wainscoting elsewhere in the bathroom. Elongated subway wall tile laid in a brick pattern adds subtle variation in soft tones, and small-scale tumbled limestone creates abundant grout lines for a slip-resistant surface.
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9. Corner Advantage
A corner bench makes smart use of space in this 62-square-foot hallway bathroom and laundry room in Newtown, Connecticut, by Design by the Jonathans. Crema Marfil marble tops the seat and reappears on the shower curb and as a liner for a long niche that keeps hair and body products organized. The marble contrasts with natural Moroccan clay 2-by-2-inch mosaic zellige tile on the upper walls and 4-by-4-inch moss green zellige tile below. The two tile colors and scales help define the shower’s zones while maintaining a sense of spaciousness.
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A corner bench makes smart use of space in this 62-square-foot hallway bathroom and laundry room in Newtown, Connecticut, by Design by the Jonathans. Crema Marfil marble tops the seat and reappears on the shower curb and as a liner for a long niche that keeps hair and body products organized. The marble contrasts with natural Moroccan clay 2-by-2-inch mosaic zellige tile on the upper walls and 4-by-4-inch moss green zellige tile below. The two tile colors and scales help define the shower’s zones while maintaining a sense of spaciousness.
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10. An Open Retreat
A built-in bench creates a relaxing spot in this Keller, Texas, curbless shower by USI Design & Remodeling, which uses Houzz Pro software. The open shower has no glass or door. Durable marble-look porcelain tile covers the bench and walls for a cohesive, elevated look. Satin brass fixtures, including a hand shower positioned near the seat, add warmth and contrast. Beige matte porcelain floor tile slopes gently toward a linear drain in front of the bench to help contain water.
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See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
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A built-in bench creates a relaxing spot in this Keller, Texas, curbless shower by USI Design & Remodeling, which uses Houzz Pro software. The open shower has no glass or door. Durable marble-look porcelain tile covers the bench and walls for a cohesive, elevated look. Satin brass fixtures, including a hand shower positioned near the seat, add warmth and contrast. Beige matte porcelain floor tile slopes gently toward a linear drain in front of the bench to help contain water.
Read more about this bathroom
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find home professionals
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A built-in bench offers a comfortable place to pause in this Los Altos, California, shower by Ebcon. The bench and surrounding lower walls are clad in slabs of green-toned Costa Esmeralda granite, giving the seat a substantial, cohesive look. Positioned beside a pony wall and recessed niche, the bench keeps shower products within easy reach. A grab bar, hand shower and curbless entry further enhance accessibility. Two linear drains — one beneath the bench and another near the shower opening — help direct water away from the space, while small-format tile in a herringbone pattern provides a slip-resistant surface. On the top half of the shower, a custom mosaic marble mural adds visual interest.
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