Are you looking to upgrade every bathroom in your home?
Bathroom seating is severely overlooked by most homeowners. From a plush vanity stool in your master bathroom to built-in shower benches everywhere you need them… there’s a seat for every bathroom!
Here’s the thing though…
Bathrooms are one of the LAST places most homeowners think to add seating. They dump money into tiles, fixtures and fresh coats of paint. But the right bench or stool can bring comfort, safety and style to any bathroom.
The best part?
There’s a seat for every budget, decorating style and bathroom size. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Why Bathroom Seating Is More Important Than You Realise
- The Best Bathroom Seats for Every Style of Bathroom
- How Licensed Bathroom Contractors Make Things Easy
- How to Choose the Best Seat for Your Bathroom
Why Bathroom Seating Is More Important Than You Realise
You may not realise it, but bathroom seating is a crucial detail. Every seat in your bathroom serves a purpose for someone. And that someone could be you!
Here are a couple of examples…
Chances are, you take showers every day. A shower bench allows someone the ability to sit down while they shower. Maybe you spend extra time doing your hair and makeup every morning. A little seating at the vanity can provide comfort during your routine. If you have a large enough bathroom, consider adding an upholstered accent chair to create your own personal sanctuary.
Safety is another huge reason to add seating to bathrooms.
Americans are staying in their current homes longer than previous generations. A 2024 survey by AARP found that 75% of Americans over the age of 50 want to stay in their current home as they age. This means bathrooms should be designed with ageing in mind. Comfortable seating is important for someone who has trouble standing for long periods. A reliable bathroom remodelling contractor can help homeowners choose seating that’s stylish and safe.
Bathroom seating isn’t just something pretty to look at. When done correctly, it adds value to your home. The 2024 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study revealed that 27% of homeowners are remodelling their bathroom specifically to make it more accommodating. Clearly, people are investing in functional bathroom upgrades.
Smart move for any homeowner.
The Best Bathroom Seats for Every Style of Bathroom
When it comes to seating, there’s far more than just bathroom benches. Every home is different. Your bathroom may not have room for a large seating area. Maybe you’re looking for something a little more decorative than useful.
No matter your situation… Licensed bathroom contractors most often recommend these seats.
Vanity Stools
Vanity stools are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about bathroom seating. These are most commonly used in master bathrooms and half bathrooms with a designated vanity.
Why?
For starters, they come in SO many different styles. You can find sleek modern stools with chrome legs. Or you can get comfy vintage stools with tufted fabric seats. Vanity stools not only give you a place to sit during your daily routine but also enhance the overall design of your bathroom.
Pro tip: Make sure your stool matches the height of your vanity counter. Otherwise, you’ll have sore knees every time you sit down.
Built-In Shower Benches
When it comes to shower seating… built-in benches are the gold standard. They’re permanent, built to last and can be customised to match any shower.
There are some benefits to these types of benches. Built-in showers are a MUST for accessibility. If someone needs to sit down in the shower, these benches provide safe, stable seating. Most bathroom contractors recommend building these benches out of teak or stone.
Some things to consider with built-in benches:
- Custom benches require professional installation
- Ideally, they should be installed in a walk-in or curbless shower
- You can get corner benches to save space
- Make sure there is proper drainage around the bench area
Correct installation is KEY with a shower bench.
Freestanding Shower Stools
Not every shower has the space for a built-in bench. If you fall into this category or just want something that you can move around… freestanding shower stools are a great option.
Freestanding shower stools are portable, inexpensive and made of materials like bamboo, teak or waterproof plastic. These stools are great for people who rent their home or aren’t ready to fully commit to a renovation.
The downside to these is that they can slide around when the shower is wet. Look for shower stools that have rubber feet or grips on the legs.
Accent Chairs and Chaise Lounges
Large master bathrooms are the perfect place to add a splash of style. An accent chair or chaise lounge can really make your bathroom feel like a retreat.
Who doesn’t want to relax in their tub while reading a book? Just make sure that any upholstered chairs you buy are moisture-resistant. Bathroom upholstery typically won’t hold up to humidity.
Storage Benches
Don’t have the space for a full bench? Try a storage bench.
Storage benches can be placed against a wall or underneath a window. Once opened, they provide storage for towels, toilet paper and other bathroom necessities. They’re a great way to keep clutter at bay while providing a seat for users.
How Licensed Bathroom Contractors Make Things Easy
Here’s a little secret…
Not all bathroom seating can be picked up at Target. When you start diving into things like built-in benches and full shower seating. You’ll need to make sure they’re installed properly.
That’s where certified bathroom contractors earn their paycheck.
Licensed bathroom contractors can help you choose the right seating for your space and bathroom style. You’ll also want to make sure that everything is up to code. Improperly installed seating can lead to expensive water damage or mould down the road.
How To Choose The Best Seat For Your Bathroom
Figuring out what seat fits your bathroom can be tricky. But if you keep these three things in mind it’ll become a breeze.
Size: Take careful measurements of your bathroom. You don’t want to overcrowd a small bathroom with a large seat. There are tons of petite stools and corner benches on the market.
Style: Coordinating your bathroom seat with your bathroom is important. Minimalist stools look great in modern spaces. Benches or vanity stools with cushions look lovely in more traditional spaces.
Function: Finally, ask yourself who will be using this bathroom. Different people require different levels of accessibility. If someone in the household needs access to seating in the shower, built-in shower benches with grab bars are the way to go. If you’re just looking to spruce up your bathroom, an accent chair will do the job.
You really can’t go wrong.
Wrapping Up
Bathroom seating is one of those “nice-to-haves” that EVERY home should indulge in. Whether you’re dropping a cushy vanity stool in your guest bathroom or installing shower benches throughout your entire house… there’s always a seat to suit your style and budget.
Remember…
- Bathroom seating comes in many forms. From vanity stools to accent chairs.
- Bathroom seats aren’t just for decoration. They provide comfort and safety.
- Not sure where to start? A reliable bathroom contractor can help.
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