A good bathroom bench is one of those small-space upgrades that instantly makes your routine easier and your bathroom feel more spa-like.
Bench Paired With a Shower Niche
I’m big on pairing a shower bench with a niche right above it, because it keeps bottles off the floor and within easy reach. I did this setup for a client who wanted a cleaner look, and it instantly boosted the organized bathroom feel.
You might give these a try:
- Wooden Shower Bench with Shelf: Add seating and storage to your shower with a water-resistant bench featuring a convenient lower shelf.
- Refillable Pump Bottles: Streamline your niche aesthetic by decanting shampoos and soaps into matching, labeled pump bottles for uniformity.
- Recessed Shower Niche Insert: Create a dedicated spot for toiletries during your remodel with a pre-formed, ready-to-tile shower niche insert.
Classic Slatted Shower Bench
In my first studio, a simple shower bench with a slatted top made shaving and post-shower towel-grabbing so much easier. I love how the open slats keep it feeling light, which matters a lot in a small bathroom.
Some handy options:
- Teak Wood Shower Bench: Upgrade your shower with a sturdy teak seat that resists moisture and provides a convenient resting spot.
- Small Jute Bathroom Rug: Add a touch of texture to your bathroom floor with a durable, natural mat for secure footing.
- Luxury Cotton Bath Towels: Wrap yourself in comfort after bathing with plush, absorbent towels that look elegant stacked on your bench.
Built-In Tiled Shower Bench
When I helped a client redo a tiny walk-in, a built-in shower bench instantly gave that custom, hotel feel and was super easy to wipe down. If you match the tile, it reads seamless and makes the shower look bigger (I’m obsessed with that trick).
A few suggestions:
- Pre-Formed Foam Shower Bench: Use a ready-to-tile foam bench form to save installation time and ensure a waterproof, sturdy foundation.
- Stone Impregnator Sealer: Protect your porous stone tiles from water and stains to keep that custom bench looking pristine longer.
- Non-Abrasive Stone Cleaner: Keep your natural stone bench clean without damaging the surface using a pH-neutral, gentle formula.
Corner Shower Bench Seat
In my current place, I recommended a corner-style bathroom bench because it steals space from a spot you barely use anyway. It’s my go-to when someone says, “My shower is too small for a bench,” because a corner bench usually fits.
Check these products out:
- Wooden Corner Shower Stool with Shelf: Maximize your bathroom corner space with this natural wood stool featuring a convenient lower storage shelf.
- Water-Resistant Teak Oil Finish: Protect your wooden bathroom furniture against moisture and humidity with this easy-to-apply protective oil finish.
- Corner Bathtub Shelf or Caddy: Complement your corner bench with additional organizational space for toiletries using a matching corner tension pole.
Floating-Style Shower Bench
I once styled a bathroom with a floating shower bench look, and it made the floor feel more open immediately. That little bit of visible floor under the bench is a sneaky small space win I keep repeating.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Teak Shower Bench with Shelf: Add warmth and handy storage to your shower with this water-resistant bench that keeps floors feeling open.
- Bamboo Spa Bench Organizer: Choose a bamboo option for a spa-like aesthetic that provides seating and organizing space without installation.
- Wall-Mounted Folding Shower Seat: Maximize your small bathroom floor space completely with a wall-mounted seat that folds up when unused.
Bench Next to a Freestanding Tub
In a rental I staged, placing a slim bathroom bench beside the tub created the perfect landing zone for towels and bath salts. I swear it’s the easiest way to get that spa vibe without adding clutter to the tub edge.
May just do the trick:
- Teak Wood Shower Bench with Shelf: Add a spa-like touch to your bathroom with this water-resistant bench, perfect for holding towels and essentials.
- Luxury Bath Accessories Set: Upgrade your tub-side display by organizing liquid soaps and lotions in sleek, matching pump dispensers.
- Plush White Bath Towels: Create a welcoming atmosphere by stacking soft, high-quality white towels neatly on your new bench.
Vanity Bench for Getting Ready
Back when I only had one mirror and terrible lighting, a small bathroom bench near the vanity became my “get ready” spot for lotion and socks. It’s especially helpful if you’re working with a tight vanity area and need a calm dressing zone.
A few choices to try:
- Cushioned Wooden Vanity Bench: Create a cozy grooming station with this stylish bench, perfect for comfortable seating during your morning routine.
- Woven Storage Basket: Keep comfy essentials like socks or extra towels tidy and accessible right next to your vanity bench.
- Small Glass Flower Vase: Add a touch of nature to your dressing zone window sill with a simple, elegant glass vase.
Slim Bench With Baskets Underneath
This is my forever favorite: a narrow bathroom bench with two baskets tucked under for extra toilet paper and hair tools. I’ve done it in my own tiny bathrooms because it adds hidden storage without looking bulky.
Products that could assist:
- Narrow Teak Shower Bench: Maximize your small bathroom space with a sleek, water-resistant bench perfect for seating and smart organization.
- Set of Woven Storage Baskets: Tuck away toiletries and essentials neatly with durable, natural-fiber baskets designed to fit under standard benches.
- Large Round Seagrass Basket: Add texture and accessible storage to the top of your bench with a sturdy, decorative catch-all basket.
Tuck-In Bench Under a Floating Vanity
One of my clients had a floating vanity with dead space underneath, so we added a slim bathroom bench that slides in like a drawer. I love this because you get seating when you need it, but the bench disappears to keep the small bathroom airy.
A few helpful options:
- Narrow Teak Shower Bench: Choose a slim, moisture-resistant wooden bench that fits neatly under your vanity to maximize floor space seamlessly.
- Woven Seagrass Basket: Add texture and practical storage for towels or laundry by pairing your bench with a natural woven basket.
- Plush White Towel Set: Create a spa-like atmosphere by stacking soft, fluffy white towels directly on your bench for easy access.
Folding Wall-Mounted Shower Bench
For the tiniest showers, I’ve suggested a fold-down shower bench that pops up out of the way when you’re done. It’s a total game-changer in narrow layouts, and I wish I’d had one in my first micro-apartment.
These products might be useful:
- Foldable Teak Wood Shower Bench: Save space comfortably with this durable wood seat that folds up neatly against the wall when unused.
- Wall-Mounted Slim Profile Seat: Maximize your small shower layout with this sleek, modern folding seat designed for compact bathroom spaces.
- Simple Slatted Wooden Bath Stool: Achieve the spa-like aesthetic shown in the photo with this freestanding, sturdy wooden bench alternative.
Curved Bench for a Softer Look
I once worked in a bathroom full of sharp tile lines, and a gently curved shower bench made everything feel calmer and more spa-like. It’s subtle, but I notice it every time—soft shapes are my secret weapon for a cozy bathroom bench moment.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Curved Teak Shower Bench: Transform your bathroom into a spa retreat with a water-resistant bench that softens sharp tile lines perfectly.
- Oval Bathroom Stool: Add organic warmth to your space with an oval stool that offers seating without taking up too much room.
- Banana Shape Shower Seat: Create a cozy corner in your shower or bath area with a distinctively shaped seat designed for comfort.
Warm Wood Against Cool Tile
Whenever a bathroom feels cold or too “stone-heavy,” I add a wood-toned bathroom bench to warm it up. I’ve used that contrast in my own small spaces, and it always makes the room feel more inviting and spa-like.
Some ideas to consider:
- Teak Wood Shower Bench with Shelf: Add warmth and storage to your bathroom with a moisture-resistant teak bench perfect for stacking fresh towels.
- Luxury Cotton Bath Towel Set: Soften the look of your wooden bench by styling it with plush, neutral-toned folded bath towels.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Basket: Enhance texture and organize clutter by tucking a natural woven basket beneath your wooden bench.
Upholstered Bench in the Dry Zone
Yes, you can do an upholstered bathroom bench—just keep it well away from splash zones and use it like a mini dressing seat. I tried this in a larger bathroom once, and it instantly gave “boutique hotel” energy while still being practical.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Bench: Upgrade your bathroom space with a stylish, comfortable seat perfect for relaxing or dressing after a shower.
- Soft Throw Blanket with Fringe: Drape a cozy, textured throw over your bench to add warmth and instant spa-like luxury to your bath.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Basket: Keep towels or toiletries organized nearby with a natural woven basket that complements organic wood tones perfectly.
Cane or Woven Texture Bench
A woven-texture bathroom bench is my favorite way to add softness when everything else is tile and glass. I used one in a past apartment to bring in that relaxed, airy feel, and it photographed beautifully without looking fussy.
Explore these options:
- Woven Rope Wood Bench: Instantly soften your bathroom’s look with a woven bench that adds airy texture and a relaxed, spa-like vibe.
- Small Ceramic Planter Pot: Add a touch of greenery to your window or shelf for a fresh, organic accent in tiled spaces.
- Textured Striped Bath Mat: Coordinate your bathroom decor with a simple, neutral rug that complements natural wood tones and woven textures effortlessly.
Two-Tier Bench for Extra Storage
In my 450 sq ft place, a two-level bathroom bench meant towels could live on the lower shelf while the top stayed clear for sitting. I love this for small bathrooms because you get storage without adding another cabinet.
Possibly handy products:
- Solid Wood Shower Bench with Shelf: Add functional seating and convenient towel storage with a sturdy, moisture-resistant wooden bench perfect for bathrooms.
- Luxury White Cotton Bath Towel Set: Complete your spa-like setup with soft, absorbent white towels that look pristine stacked on your lower shelf.
- Woven Bathroom Basket for Storage: Keep small toiletries organized on your new shelf with a stylish woven basket to reduce visual clutter.
Bench With a Hidden Hamper Spot
One of my favorite “why didn’t I do this sooner” ideas is a bathroom bench that hides a laundry basket underneath. I set this up for a client with zero closet space, and it kept dirty towels out of sight without sacrificing style.
A few things you might like:
- Teak Wood Bathroom Bench: Add seating and storage to your bathroom with a sturdy bench designed to hold baskets underneath.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Basket: Keep towels or laundry organized and out of sight with a natural basket that fits shelves perfectly.
- Round Woven Laundry Hamper: Upgrade your laundry storage with a stylish, textured hamper that complements natural wood tones beautifully.
Extra-Long Bench as a Spa Display
I once styled a long bathroom bench with neatly rolled towels, a tray, and a small plant, and it made the whole room feel instantly elevated. Even if you don’t sit on it daily, it works like a beautiful spa-style focal point that still earns its keep.
Consider these options:
- Wooden Bathroom Bench with Shelf: Create a spa-like atmosphere by adding this functional bench for stacking towels and displaying beautiful decor.
- Round Wooden Decor Tray: Corral your soaps, candles, and lotions on this stylish tray to keep surfaces tidy and organized.
- Amber Glass Soap Dispenser: Upgrade your vanity instantly with these elegant dispensers that offer a clean, cohesive, and luxurious look.
Backlit Bench for a Wow Moment
For a real statement, I’ve seen a bathroom bench with soft lighting underneath, and it made the whole shower feel like a spa suite. If you’re remodeling, this is one of those “wow” details I’d absolutely splurge on because it adds glow without adding clutter.
Might be a good match:
- Waterproof LED Strip Lights: Create that spa-like glow underneath your bench by installing these flexible, warm-toned light strips for ambiance.
- Teak Wood Shower Bench: Add natural warmth and sturdy seating to your bathroom with a moisture-resistant wooden bench perfect for relaxation.
- Woven Storage Basket: Keep your spa essentials organized and add texture near your bench with a stylish, natural woven basket.
