The One Shower Upgrade Designers Say Makes Any Bathroom Feel More Luxurious – and It's Easy To Add Without Renovating

Luxury in a bathroom usually conjures images of a freestanding tub, but the right shower design can feel just as elevated. The designer secret? A humble shower bench that blends style and function in one seamless feature.

It's an element often overlooked in shower ideas, but one that will transform your space from purely functional to truly luxurious and more purposeful. And designers say it's a feature worth adding, whether it's built-in or freestanding.

Here's why a shower bench is becoming the one feature you should never overlook, how to use them to add luxury, and the best buys if you need a freestanding option.

A bath was once considered non-negotiable in bathroom designs, but in recent years, showers have leveled up, bringing luxury and tranquility that fit seamlessly in schemes of every size. And part of that elevated look is the addition of a shower bench, creating a space to perch and lean on, as well as a more architectural feature.

'A shower bench is one of those elements that can be both highly practical and visually beautiful. It gives you a comfortable place to sit, makes everyday routines easier, and can also make the shower more accessible over time. From a design perspective, I love that it can become part of the architecture of the shower rather than simply an accessory,' says Nana Park of Nana & Nani Design.

In the past, shower benches were mainly added to help with access in later life (think plastic seats that fold up and down), and the designs focused purely on function. But now, we are seeing built-in benches made from beautiful stone, and even freestanding designs that bring a more organic detail. You still get the practical benefits, but they’re delivered more elegantly.

'A shower bench might seem like a small detail – until you have one. Most showers are designed around efficiency; you're in, you're out. A bench is one of those little architectural moments that makes a shower feel luxurious,' explains Justin Thomason, Co-founder and Director at West of Main Design, noting its importance in creating a more wellness-led, hotel-inspired space.

'Suddenly there's somewhere to sit while the steam builds, somewhere to prop a foot, somewhere to set a bar of soap down instead of balancing it on a ledge. It's one of the few additions that's genuinely both sculptural and useful, and helps make showers accessible for all ages and stages of life.'

The luxury comes from the materials used. A shower bench should feel like a seamless addition to your wash space, rather than an afterthought. For a built-in design, Nana recommends avoiding contrasting materials and embracing a more integrated look to create something that feels part of the room's architecture.

'We’re seeing a shift away from the accent tiles and contrasting finishes that were once commonly used to define shower features. Now, there’s a move toward material continuity – carrying the same stone or tile across the walls and onto the bench. It creates a quieter, more seamless look and allows the bench to feel integrated into the architecture rather than treated as a separate feature,' says Justin.

A built-in shower bench needs to be added during the renovation process, but if you aren't currently rethinking your entire bathroom design, you can still create a high-end look with freestanding pieces. In these cases, materiality is key, as is choosing a form that feels elevated, long-lasting, and in keeping with the rest of your shower design.

'A freestanding stool or bench is the easiest and most reversible option, and it can be genuinely beautiful rather than a compromise. If you’re low on space, you could even use a small marble side table. If you’re going freestanding, measure properly: leave the drain clear, and be sure to check the door swing,' Justin advises.

'Solid teak is the classic material choice for good reason – its natural oils make it dimensionally stable in constant humidity, and it silvers beautifully rather than degrading. There’s a reason they use teak on boats!' says Justin. 'Beyond wood, powder-coated or marine-grade stainless steel is excellent if you want something more architectural. Natural stone or quartz are also great options. Whatever you choose, let it dry between uses and oil the wood once or twice a year.'

A freestanding shower bench doesn't have to be neutral. If you're adding it to a colorful bathroom, or even a neutral scheme in need of something more vibrant, certain materials can offer a bolder hue. 'I especially like sculptural, contemporary plastic or resin stools – something that feels more like a design object than a traditional shower seat. It can introduce color, shape and personality into an otherwise neutral bathroom, and because it’s lightweight, it can easily move in and out of the shower as needed,' Nana explains.

The key to a successful freestanding shower bench lies in the maintenance. For most materials, this means placement and cleaning. 'A teak bench can add needed warmth to a space. They will last longer if you keep them out of the way of the shower stream if there's space and squeegee them off when wet,' says interior designer Sarah Montgomery.

Shop Freestanding Shower Benches

A shower bench is a small but impactful addition to your bathroom, and one designers say is worth introducing. If you're buying a freestanding design, consider the materials and ensure they are suitable for use within a shower.

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