Shower Stool vs. Built-in Bench: The Guide
When it comes to enhancing your bathroom experience, the choice between a shower stool and a built-in bench can be pivotal. While both have their merits, in the following we'll explore why opting for a shower stool might be the better choice. It's true, we are a little biased towards a well designed shower seat, but there are some real limitations to an integrated bench that are important to consider.
Accessibility and Reach
One of the primary issues with built-in benches is their location within the shower. Often, they end up too far away from the shower controls and the showerhead to reach comfortably while sitting. This can range from inconvenient to dangerous depending on the needs of the person using the shower. A shower stool, on the other hand, can be easily placed in the ideal position to ensure that you can reach the water controls and shower head without any hassle.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Our lives are constantly changing, and our needs evolve over time. A built-in bench, once installed, remains fixed in its position, which can be limiting when your needs or the needs of other users change. A shower stool, however, offers the advantage of adaptability. It can be easily repositioned to accommodate different users, making it a versatile and functional addition to your bathroom.
Comfort and Safety
While a tile bench may appear sleek and stylish, it often comes with drawbacks in terms of comfort and safety. Tile surfaces tend to be cold, which can be uncomfortable, especially during colder months.Additionally, the cold surface can make the bench slippery, posing a risk of slips and falls. Shower stools, typically designed with comfort and safety in mind, are equipped with features like non-slip surfaces, ensuring a secure and cozy shower experience.
Utility Over Storage
An often underestimated drawback of built-in benches is the increased cleaning effort they demand. There are additional areas where water can pool, leading to mold and mildew growth. Shower stools, provide better drainage and can be moved for cleaning. Our Lotic shower seat is also made with rust-free and mildew resistant materials to make the cleaning process even easier.
To recap, here are the challenges with integrated shower benches:
- The bench can end up too far away from the shower controls and the shower head to reach while sitting
- A permanent bench can’t be repositioned to adapt for changing needs (or other users)
- A tile bench is cold and gets slippery
- More places for water to pool = more cleaning
- A built in bench ends up being a storage shelf instead of a useful surface
While the idea of an integrated shower bench may seem appealing at first, the limitations and drawbacks become evident upon closer examination. Shower stools offer greater accessibility, adaptability, comfort, and ease of maintenance. They are designed to enhance your shower experience by providing a functional and convenient seating solution without compromising on safety and hygiene. Ultimately, the choice between a shower stool and a built-in bench comes down to your specific needs and preferences, but for many, the versatility and practicality of a shower stool make it the better choice for a more enjoyable and functional shower space.
Whether you’re new to the Capella Design community or not, we thought folks could use an update on what we’ve been up to this year. And was it ever a lot! From joining the permanent collection of a museum to winning a design award, here’s what you need to know about how Capella Design is creating distinction in the design-forward mobility product category.
- Incorporating premade food, whether that means ordering out or store bought sides and desserts
- Opting for gift bags over wrapping paper
- Sending calls or texts instead of holiday cards
- Saying no to gatherings causing caregiving strain (or that you just aren’t excited to attend!)
Put Yourself First
Prioritize your well-being this holiday season by scheduling regular self-care activities—whether that is a long walk, your favorite treat, or some uninterrupted time alone. As the saying goes, “put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.”Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's an essential part of being an effective caregiver, so carve out time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Let Your Home Help You Out
Organizing and preparing the home for a more accessible holiday season will create an environment that is both festive and conducive to caregiving responsibilities.Check out our post with tips on how to make your home more accessible for the holidays. These small changes can help you ensure a safe and comfortable space for you and your loved ones, alleviating a significant factor in caregiving stress.
Get customer attention by clean visual and video
Make it easy to buy by eliminating stumbling blocks to purchase. Don’t assume customers know which item you’re talking about in your post. Provide a link directly to the product page or just link the product to your blog so they can buy if they want. If it relevant give readers more than one way to get to the product.
Article credit: Heidi Cohen
