Convenient & Clever Ways to Add Seating to Your Bathroom
When many people think of seating in the bathroom, just one fixture comes to mind…the toilet. But beyond that obvious seat, there are ways to incorporate additional seating options to make your bathroom safer and more relaxing. Homeowners who have large bathrooms can use seating make this space more luxurious with a spa-like feel. Meanwhile, older adults and individuals with mobility issues can greatly benefit from supportive seating in and around the tub and shower for personal safety.
Whether your desire for bathroom seating is decorative, functional, or a bit of both, here are some bathroom design ideas for adding seating areas to your bathroom.
Makeup Vanity Seating
Having a seat at your bathroom’s makeup vanity encourages you to slow down the pace of life and not rush out the door without a second glance in the mirror. Not only does this type of bathroom seat add a touch of luxury to the room, but it is also very useful for getting ready in the morning or for a night out. Even if your bathroom is small, you can add a bathroom seat here by choosing a stool that can slide under a floating or open vanity.
Shower Seating
Another one of our best bathroom design ideas is to add accessible seating inside the shower. As you’re considering walk in shower remodel ideas, definitely consider adding a shower seat to make showering more convenient and safe for you and your future guests. Shower seats help prevent slip-and-fall accidents and are useful for shaving your legs or to simply relax while the conditioner soaks into your hair. One of the most popular walk in shower remodel ideas is to install a pull-down bench seat in the shower so that it can be put out of the way for people who don’t want to use the seat.
Bench Seating Outside the Tub
It’s also a good idea to add a bathroom bench outside the tub to offer bathers a place to sit and also place their clothes, towels, and other personal belongings. This is a convenient place to lay a change of clothes or to sit down as you prepare to get into the tub or dry off after bathing. Alternatively, you can add a simple stool beside the bathtub to serve as seating or to hold a towel, soap, candle, or book for bath time.
Window Seating
If you are fortunate enough to have a window in your bathroom, then this is also a recommended spot for a bathroom seat. You can add a cozy chair or a bathroom bench underneath a high window to enjoy the light coming in while maintaining your privacy. Or you can place a bathroom seat to face a large, lower positioned window to enjoy the view. A banquette seat also works well underneath a mid-level window with secure cushions placed on top of sturdy storage units.
Best Materials for Bathroom Seating
Because of the moisture and propensity for splashes in the bathroom, some materials are definitely better than others for a bathroom seat. Any bathroom seat that is located in your shower should be made with water-resistant materials like plastic or stainless steel. If you have a rustic style bathroom, you can protect natural wood stools and benches outside the tub from water splashes by applying a coat of low-gloss polyurethane to the surfaces. For extra comfort, cover seat cushions with a waterproof material so that they last longer.
Once you’ve taken some measurements and decided on which bathroom seating options are best for your space, you may also want to update the bathroom hardware to match it. Central Plumbing Specialties has an unrivaled selection of decorative bath supplies to help transform an ordinary bathroom into a room you want to linger and relax in!