Ask the Expert Series: Walk-In Showers Part 5- Storage, Seating & Accessibility

Welcome to Part 5 of our Ask the Expert: Walk-In Shower Series! We’ve laid the foundation with the pan, built strong walls, installed beautiful glass, and set up the fixtures. Now it’s time for the details that make a shower not just functional—but truly enjoyable and safe: storage, seating, and accessibility features.

These finishing touches might not be as flashy as frameless glass or a rain showerhead, but they make a big difference in how you use your shower every single day. Think about it—where will you keep your shampoo? Will you have a spot to rest your foot or take a seat if needed? And if safety is a concern now or in the future, will your shower be ready?

Let’s break it all down, blending design ideas with the practical, behind-the-scenes details you need to know.

Built-In Storage: Shelves and Niches

Nothing ruins a beautiful walk-in shower faster than a row of plastic bottles on the floor or a dangling wire rack. Smart storage keeps your space looking clean and makes showering more convenient.

Shower niches—the recessed shelves built right into the wall—are the most popular option today. They’re sleek, customizable, and can be lined with the same tile or wall panels as the rest of your shower for a seamless look. Standard niches are often about 12 inches by 24 inches, but they can be larger if you want to store bigger bottles or even create multi-tiered storage.

From an installation perspective, a niche requires careful waterproofing. In tile showers, we install a dedicated waterproof niche box or line the cavity with a membrane before any tile is set. Even in acrylic or solid-surface wall systems, niche kits are available that integrate without breaking the waterproof seal.

If you prefer something simpler, corner shelves are a solid choice. These can be installed as part of a tile layout, mounted with brackets, or integrated into acrylic and cultured marble walls. They’re smaller than a niche but easier to add, especially in a one-day installation where you want minimal wall modifications.

Shower Seating: Comfort and Function

A bench or seat in your shower isn’t just a luxury; it’s practical for shaving, relaxing, or providing a safe resting place. There are a few ways to go about it.

Built-in benches are permanent, sturdy, and can run the full width of a wall or just a corner (commonly called a “corner bench”). These are framed with treated wood, waterproofed, and finished with tile or a solid surface slab. They look great and add resale value, but they do require planning during the construction phase because they affect drainage and wall structure.

If you want flexibility, fold-down or floating seats are another great option. These seats are typically made of wood, stainless steel, or composite materials, and they can be mounted to a reinforced wall so they support weight safely when in use but fold up to save space. For installation, we always add blocking behind the wall—even if you’re not adding the seat immediately—so your shower is ready for it in the future.

From a technical standpoint, any seat should have a slight slope (about 1/4 inch per foot) to let water drain off instead of pooling. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference for long-term durability.

Accessibility & Safety Features

Even if you’re not thinking about mobility issues today, planning for the future is smart—and it can make your shower more comfortable for everyone.

Grab bars are the cornerstone of a safe shower. Modern grab bars come in finishes that match your fixtures and can double as towel holders or shelf supports. They’re not the institutional eyesores they once were. Placement matters: one near the entrance for stability, and one along the back or side wall for support when standing or sitting.

Proper installation is key here. Grab bars should be anchored into blocking or studs, not just wall panels or tile.

Low-threshold or curbless entries also improve accessibility. By eliminating or minimizing the step into the shower, you reduce tripping hazards and make your space wheelchair-friendly. Pair this with a slip-resistant shower base or textured tile for even more safety.

How These Features Come Together in a Remodel

Here’s what homeowners in Connecticut often don’t see: adding storage and seating requires coordination with the structural framing and waterproofing. A recessed niche cuts into your wall cavity, so we check for plumbing or electrical first. Benches and grab bars need blocking and slope considerations. Even a small corner shelf requires adhesive rated for constant moisture exposure.

During a Total Bath Systems remodel, we integrate all of this into the design plan from the start. This ensures everything not only looks great but also lasts—no leaks, no loose shelves, no wobbly grab bars down the line.

Final Thoughts: Small Details, Big Impact

A walk-in shower without storage or seating works—but it doesn’t truly shine. Adding a few thoughtful details transforms a functional shower into a space that feels custom, safe, and convenient.

Whether it’s a hidden niche for your bottles, a folding bench for comfort, or grab bars that blend right in, these finishing touches elevate your shower experience every single day. And when done correctly, they’re just as durable and waterproof as the rest of your shower.

At Total Bath Systems, we design and install showers that are built for both beauty and longevity, right down to the last shelf and screw.

🔚 Bringing It All Together: Your Walk-In Shower, Complete

And just like that, we’ve reached the end of our Walk-In Shower Series. From the sturdy shower pan under your feet to the sleek walls, glass doors, precision fixtures, and the finishing touches of storage, seating, and safety, you now know exactly what goes into building a shower that’s as functional as it is beautiful. A great walk-in shower isn’t just a collection of parts—it’s a carefully planned system, where every component works together to create a space that feels like your own private spa and lasts for years to come.

At Total Bath Systems, this is what we do every day for homeowners across Connecticut. We don’t just install showers—we craft experiences, combining thoughtful design with expert installation, so every shower feels like a luxury and performs like a workhorse. Whether you’re ready for a simple tub-to-shower conversion or a full spa-style remodel, we’re here to take the stress out of the process and deliver results you’ll enjoy every single day.

If this series has inspired you to start your own bathroom transformation, there’s no better time. Let’s turn your dream shower into reality—beautiful, functional, and built to last.

📞 Schedule your free consultation with Total Bath Systems and let’s get started. Your perfect walk-in shower is just one call away.