The bathroom is often considered one of the more utilitarian spaces in the home. It also often has such a small footprint that most homeowners don't think much about the decor. But designers say there's a luxury upgrade to have on your radar: Bathroom seating. And no, we're not talking about the toilet. We're talking about a chic chair or stool that makes a big design statement.
As someone who writes about interior design for a living, I'm always looking for creative decorating ideas. However, I didn’t anticipate I’d find the ultimate small bathroom design upgrade at a fancy, three-Michelin-starred restaurant. My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary last year with an elegant dinner at the French Laundry. When nature called, I went to the bathroom and was pleasantly surprised by a beautiful velvet stool in the corner of the wash closet. It was an undeniably charming touch and one that's pretty easy for most homeowners to incorporate.
Compared to many other bathroom upgrades, which can require installing new tile, faucets, hardware, mirrors, or wallpaper, this one is incredibly easy and budget-friendly. Keep reading for tips from professional designers on how to find the perfect seat for your space.
Sasha Basso of Capiz Studio says a chair or stool in the bathroom is an unexpected detail that can make a big statement. "When you think about sitting in a bathroom, only one idea usually comes to mind: The porcelain throne," the San Francisco-based designer explains. "Seating is great, particularly in larger bathrooms with lots of empty space, but it’s more unexpected and sometimes more necessary in a smaller space where surface area is more valuable."
Whether you want somewhere to sit as you complete your glam routine or a place for a family member to hang as you take a serene soak, this addition makes the bathroom more than a pitstop. Suddenly, it becomes a place you actually want to spend time in. "You can be more playful in your choices and make it a delightful addition to the space," Basso says. "Adding not just a unique versatility and extra surface area, but a small style statement as well."
To achieve the look, Basso recommends examining at the bathroom as a whole and looking for small gaps that can accommodate a small seat. "Material choice and cost are two things designers should keep in mind when adding seating to a bathroom," she adds. "One, is the material going to suffer dramatically with the moisture, and two, is the cost worth the risk of this happening?"
It's also important to consider humidity, but Basso says you shouldn't sacrifice style. While a plastic chair can hold up to the moisture, a more stylish seat will wrack up the style points. "I don’t recommend putting your favorite designer chair in the bathroom," she clarifies. "But there is a middle ground of well-designed but not incredibly expensive items that can fit the bill."
While larger, upholstered armchairs are a great match for more spacious bathrooms, Basso says a wooden stool is the most versatile choice. "They’re also easier to move around where they’re needed, which is best in compact bathrooms versus a chair that’s harder to shift around," she says. "They’re particularly useful next to a tub where, during longer luxurious soaks, you can place a candle, glass of wine, or towel within easy reach."
Wooden stools can sometimes appear one-note, so look for options with something visually appealing such as spindled legs or a cool silhouette. You can always go vintage, but if don't find an antique you love? Basso recommends retailers like West Elm, Zara Home, and Lulu & Georgia. To help, check out these options that'll have you sitting pretty—yes, even in the bathroom.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
