I thought I’d start a weekly feature called “This or That” where you can help me choose between two different things that I’m contemplating for our bathroom makeover. This week it’s shower benches.
Images via Houzz | Designs by The Wood Shop of Avon and Andrea Schumacher
Images via Houzz | Designs by Rossington Architecture and Niki Popodololous
Do you prefer a free standing teak bench or a built-in tiled bench?
I prefer a free-standing teak bench hands down... I just love the look, and how it breaks up the tile like it's a piece of furniture in a room. And I LOVE that first teak bench!
ReplyDeleteI would choose the teak bench for two reasons, first the wood adds warmth to the room and takes away that sterile feel and secondly if you tire of the look, so much easier to change out.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Janet
Good points, Janet :-) I love how wood instantly warms up a room :-)
DeleteKelly
I'd definitely go for the built-in! I'd use it to prop my legs up to shave and I'd be too worried about the free-standing one sliding around. ;)
ReplyDeleteI would go with the built in bench so much easier to clean. I love the touch of wood in the bathroom but I would have it outside the shower.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of the ladies who like the built-in option for the same reasons they mention, plus I like the look of it aesthetically as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda :-) Everyone's feedback is really helpful and giving me a lot to thing about :-)
DeleteKelly
I was immediately drawn to the teak, but then I thought better. These photos make the wood look rich and warm, but teak weathers to a dusty gray unless you treat it. That's ok, but it may not be the look you want. And when teak is wet it can feel a tad slimy. I think you'll be happier with the built-in.
ReplyDeleteBuilt - in, hands down for me !!! It gives a streamlined look and makes cleaning easier !!
ReplyDeleteThis is tough! Aesthetically, I like the teak bench. But I'd be worried about the wood looking dingy after a short amount of time. I'd probably go with the built in!
ReplyDeleteWe have a built in shower bench and I love it. Perfect to prop your foot up on when shaving your legs. Also, as we get older it will probably come in handy for sitting down on while showering, that and a stability bar! Which by the way, I hope we won't need for a few more years yet. LOL
ReplyDeleteI think practically I would like a built-in tile one for ease of cleaning, but my bum would probably prefer a wooden perch instead of cold tile!!
ReplyDeleteIf I had a shower big enough and nice enough I would be thrilled with either version. However, my first choice would be the free-standing teak. Add such an organic touch to the tiled bath. Love!
ReplyDeleteWe have been using the built in type but in a shelf style it feels lighter. Depending on the shower configuration. Slab material on the top.
ReplyDeleteThe bench is nice but a hard sell in our traditional market.
That's an option I hadn't thought about - that could work :-) Thanks for sharing!
DeleteKelly
I much prefer the free-standing teak bench over the built-in tiled bench. A bench that can be moved around in the shower is definitely going to be a lot more convenient, because you can use it anywhere else as well. These pictures of bathrooms are great ideas for an entire bathroom makeover, actually. I really like the dark gray tiles in the 1st picture in the second choice.
ReplyDeleteI also like the convenience of a free standing bench. Although the slope of the shower floor for the drain might limit how much it can be moved around. So many factors to take into consideration! Thanks for sharing your thoughts :-)
DeleteKelly
Im just amazed by these bathrooms! They are all so fabulous! I prefer free standing!
ReplyDeleteThey're pretty gorgeous, aren't they? :-) I'd be happy with any of these bathrooms and benches!
DeleteKelly
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI think they are both fab. I love the look of teak and the ability to move the bench around. However, I think a tiled bench done in a decorative tile pattern really adds a big wow factor. You could also think about getting a pretty ceramic garden stool if you just want a one person bench. That would combine a bit of both and it would be easier to maintain than the teak.
:)
mikky
www.todaloos.com
The garden stool is a great idea Mikky - thanks! Sort of the best of both worlds in terms of easy maintenance and flexibility. Something to consider for sure :-)
DeleteKelly
I bought the teak stool in the top left photo at home sense. I love it!
ReplyDeleteWhoops, I accidentally deleted this comment from mrsben. Sorry Brenda!
ReplyDeleteAs it is going into a Mstr. BDRM Bath, my preference would be a built-in using only an open slab. (Very sleek, less to clean and easier on the tooch.) Also would consider to install it in a corner (more compact thus more floor space, may even be more stable) and at least the height of a comfort-height toilet (not the regular standard chair height).
-Brenda-
Wow, you are going to have one beautiful bathroom Kelly! I would pick the teak bench personally...just the contrast of the wood against the other materials feels more natural and organic...love it!
ReplyDelete