Why You Should Add a Shower Bench to Your Bathroom Remodel

Safety Meets Style: Why You Need to Add a Shower Bench During Your Bathroom Remodel

A shower bench may seem like a minor feature to add to your bathroom, but in reality, it can completely transform your daily routine. From boosting safety and accessibility to creating a spa-like experience in your space, a shower bench provides practical and aesthetic benefits you’ll enjoy for years. 

Below, you’ll learn more about the benefits of this bathroom feature and the most important things to consider when choosing the right bench for your space. As you plan your upcoming bathroom remodel, our experts at Coastal Bath Company are here to guide you through the process.

7 Reasons You Need a Shower Bench

There are numerous benefits of adding a shower bench to your bathroom. Let’s explore a few of them to help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your space. 

1. Accessibility

If you have mobility challenges, disabilities, or difficulty standing for long periods, a shower bench can make your bathroom more accessible. It provides a stable, supportive surface to sit on while showering, offering much-needed relief and safety. 

For those who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility aids, a bench can allow for easier transfers in and out of the shower, so it’s easier to maintain personal hygiene routines and independence. A shower bench also helps caregivers assist loved ones more comfortably, minimizing physical strain. 

2. Increased Safety

Safety is one of the most important reasons to add a shower bench to your bathroom. Around 80% of senior falls happen in the bathroom, and showers are especially dangerous, with a higher risk of slips. A bench provides a secure place to sit, significantly reducing the risk of falls and injuries in a wet, slippery environment. 

Standing for an entire shower can be risky and exhausting for people with limited mobility. Picking a shower option for seniors and adding features like a bench offers a safer alternative, allowing individuals to sit comfortably while still maintaining their independence in the shower. The simple fact is that in homes where safety is a top concern, a shower bench is an essential update that provides peace of mind.

3. Enhanced Comfort

Adding a bench to your shower brings a level of comfort that elevates your bathing experience into something more luxurious. Rather than standing the entire time, a bench allows you to sit back and relax, whether you’re enjoying a long, soothing shower after a hard day or using the bench to support grooming activities like shaving. 

The ability to sit down offers an opportunity to slow down and transform your shower into a more spa-like retreat, allowing you to perform personal care tasks without putting a strain on your body. This added comfort can turn your shower into a place to unwind, providing a serene moment of calm in an otherwise busy life. 

4. Convenience

Shower benches are also incredibly convenient for a variety of everyday uses. They offer a handy spot to place items like shampoo and soap, which keeps everything within arm’s reach. While many people believe a shower bench only benefits those with physical limitations, it’s truly a practical feature for anyone looking to make their shower routine smoother and more efficient. 

Whether you’re juggling a busy morning routine or want a place to relax during an evening shower, a bench helps keep your space more organized and comfortable. 

5. Increased Home Value

Investing in home safety updates like a shower bench may help increase your home value when you decide to sell. Homebuyers are often attracted to thoughtful upgrades that enhance functionality and comfort, and a shower bench is a small but impactful feature. A bench adds a touch of luxury to your bathroom and shows potential buyers that the space is designed with accessibility in mind, which can appeal to a broader demographic. 

In homes where aging-in-place or multigenerational living is a priority, accessible features like shower benches become a valuable selling point. Additionally, a stylish, built-in bench can boost your bathroom’s design aesthetic, making the whole room look more polished. 

6. Injury Recovery

A shower bench can be a lifesaver for those recovering from surgery, an injury, or a medical condition. Having the ability to sit down while showering helps reduce physical strain, making the process safer and less exhausting. When recovering from an injury, standing for an extended period can be difficult, if not impossible. Add in a wet shower floor, and your risk of further injury increases. 

If you’re recovering from a broken bone, surgery, or dealing with a chronic condition like arthritis, a shower bench can make daily routines more manageable, aiding in the healing process without compromising comfort or safety. 

7. Design Appeal 

As part of a thoughtful remodel, a shower bench isn’t just functional; it can also enhance your bathroom’s overall design. With a wide variety of styles and materials available, it’s easy to find a bench that complements your aesthetic. 

Built-in benches offer a clean, seamless appearance, blending into the shower design, while freestanding models can add a touch of elegance and flexibility. By choosing an option that aligns with your bathroom’s theme, a shower bench can contribute to a luxurious, cohesive look that turns an ordinary shower into a well-designed space.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shower Bench

Our expert remodelers at Coastal Bath Company are here to ensure you love every inch of your updated bathroom. Here are a few things to consider so you can feel confident you choose the right shower bench for your needs. 

Different Bench Types

There are two main types of shower benches: built-in options and freestanding ones. Built-in benches are often permanent structures that are integrated into the shower during construction or a remodel. They offer a seamless look, and you can custom-design them to match the dimensions and aesthetics of your bathroom. These benches help maximize space as they fit into your shower’s specific layout. 

On the other hand, freestanding benches are versatile and mobile, allowing you to move them around as needed. These are ideal for people who want flexibility in their seating options or prefer a more budget-friendly option. 

Design Options

When it comes to design, your shower bench should complement your bathroom’s aesthetic for a streamlined look. Acrylic is a popular shower wall material due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to mold and mildew. Pairing an acrylic shower with a built-in acrylic bench can create a cohesive, minimalist look that’s easy to clean and maintain. 

The smooth surface of an acrylic bench ensures easy wiping and upkeep, which is particularly beneficial in busy households or for people with limited mobility. Their lightweight material makes them a good option for those who want a minimalist yet functional design that won’t overwhelm the space. 

Cost and Budget

For most of our customers, budget is at the top of their minds when choosing the right shower bench. Fortunately, the cost can vary significantly depending on the type, materials, and design you choose, so there’s an option for virtually any budget. Freestanding benches are typically the most affordable option, while built-in benches tend to be more expensive. 

When you hire Coastal Bath Company for your shower remodel, we’ll talk to you about all of your wants and needs and give you a comprehensive, no-obligation quote to help you plan your budget. We’re happy to show you our different shower bench options and help you find one that works with your wallet. 

Complementary Safety Features

A shower bench in your bathroom can help prevent slips and falls, but we recommend adding complementary safety features that work well with the bench to create a truly safe environment. 

One of the most common additions is grab bars, which provide extra stability when entering or exiting the shower or standing up from the bench. You should strategically place grab bars near the bench and along the shower walls to ensure they are easily accessible when needed. For seniors or people with disabilities, placing grab bars at different heights can offer added support. 

Slip-resistant flooring is another essential safety feature to consider. While a shower bench reduces the need to stand for long periods, the risk of slipping on a wet floor remains. Slip-resistant surfaces can help prevent accidents and are particularly useful when paired with a bench in case of unexpected movements. 

Finally, handheld shower heads can also add an element of safety and convenience to your bathroom. A handheld shower head lets you easily control water follow and direction when seated, minimizing the need to stand up or reach awkwardly. 

For individuals with limited mobility, combining these safety features with a shower bench creates a secure, accessible bathing area that promotes independence and peace of mind. 

Create a Safer Shower With Coastal Bath Company

Now that you’ve learned more about the benefits of a shower bench and how to choose one for your space, don’t wait any longer to get the upgrade you need. Call (302) 295-2133 or contact us online to request a free quest for your shower remodel.