5 Benefits of a Sitting Area in a Walk-In Shower

A bathroom remodel can upgrade your fixtures and revamp the bathroom — and it can add a lot more functionality to the space as well. When you choose a new bathing area for the bathroom, you have a wide range of options to choose from, including a walk-in shower area that features a lot of open space.

Inside the open space, you may want to install a sitting area. The area would typically include a bench or built-in chair that becomes a permanent fixture. A bench in the shower can come with many benefits and advantages for homeowners. Check out some of the benefits and ways to use the sitting area on a daily basis.

1. Dry Sitting Area

An adjustable showerhead and the exact location of the shower bench means you can choose to keep the area dry if you want to. With a dry sitting area, you have the ability to sit and dry off immediately after your shower without getting any water in the rest of the bathroom. A bench provides an easy area to put socks on and other clothing items.

The dry area also allows you to put items on the bench while you shower and have immediate access to them when you're done with the shower. For example, if you receive a phone call, you can quickly exit the active water area and retrieve your phone without the need to leave the shower enclosure.

2. Daily Grooming

A shower may provide an ideal time for grooming. Your daily grooming rituals could include a wide range of options like shaving, applying lotions, and other skin treatments. A bench gives you the opportunity to sit under an active stream of water and go through your daily grooming habits.

With a bench, you do not need to worry about constantly bending over or struggling to reach areas. You can sit and relax to complete your grooming tasks while still in the shower. The installation of a pull-down showerhead also gives you precise control of the water flow as well.

For example, if you shave your legs, you may choose to use a pull-down showerhead to rinse off excess hair and shaving cream directly on your legs. The process becomes a lot easier while you sit instead of the need to lift your legs or find an exact position while you stand in the shower.

3. Post-Workout Showers

After a long workout, your body may feel too exhausted to stand for a full shower, but you may not want to take a bath either. Get the best of both worlds when you sit on a shower bench. A shower bench allows the water to still stream on you and help rinse off sweat from your head and upper body.

A built-in shelf next to a bench can give you easy access to shampoo, body wash, and other items you seek for the shower as well.

4. Pet Cleaning

If you have a pet that you bathe on a regular basis, then a shower bench provides an ideal area for the pet to sit or stand on. A bathtub enclosure could make a pet feel trapped or surrounded by raised sides. A pet may relax more when placed on a bench for a cleaning. With the bench, you don't have to put a pet directly under the water stream.

You could use a pull-down showerhead to gently rinse their body and keep the pet clean. With a glass door shower enclosure, the pet will remain inside the shower area so you do not need to worry about a wet pet escaping and getting water throughout your home. With a shower bench, you could build up a routine and reduce the stress of your animal.

5. Meditation and Steam Areas

A built-in shower bench can help turn a shower area into a natural steam room. If you like to relax and meditate in a steam room, then a bench area provides the ultimate relaxation. When you turn the water up to hot, you can increase the steam. A floor to ceiling shower door enclosure will help keep the steam in and provide a place to relax.

Spend extra time in the steam and find a routine that allows you to relax and get extra comfort. The steam area can become a daily or weekly activity you enjoy. With the bench, you can sit and relax for longer. A remodeling contractor can help install the best showerheads and options to help maximize the steam output in the room.

Plan out a shower bench and a wide range of other bathroom upgrades with us at All-American Tile & Remodeling. Our team of professionals can help you create a custom bathroom design that fits your needs and includes a lot of special features to match your regular habits.