Bathtubs

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Bathroom Design

A Handy Side Table for the Tub

A sweet chair, side table or stool can add a design flourish to your bathroom and provide a surface for things you need while you soak

Becky Harris August 30, 2015

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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Whether you have a bathtub with a surround or one of today’s popular free-standing tubs, it can be tricky to find enough space for those things you need to reach for during a soak. But you can turn that challenge into a design opportunity when you introduce a handy side table or small stool that adds style and character to your bathroom. For inspiration, take a peek at these creative ideas from designers on Houzz.

MuseInteriors

First, think about what you want to reach for when you’re using your tub. Is it the one time you indulge in the gossip of Us Weekly? Do you need a spot for a washcloth, towel and body scrubs? Or maybe you’re looking for a place to park the shampoo when you’re washing your child’s hair. And later, a perch for that glass of cabernet when you finally get your own turn in the tub.

Next, consider your bathroom space. Is there floor area available, or could a table be a tripping hazard? If it’s the latter, is there room to tuck away something light or on wheels under a pedestal sink, under the countertop or even in the shower stall?

I cannot remember the last time I saw a Chinese garden stool in a garden; designers have carried them inside to every room in the house. The glossy finish, sweet details and height make them an apt choice for a tub-side table.

Garden stool: Lillian August

Amy Trowman Design

The area next to the bath is a great place to pop in an antique. This chair with its lovely wood and simple style breaks up the gray and white. A chair is also handy if you need to supervise your kids while they’re bathing.

Lowe's Home Improvement

Adding a small stool can be a great way to brighten up an all-white bathroom for the kids. Choose a fabric that can stand up to humidity and water, like indoor-outdoor fabric or terry cloth.

Studio Tupelo Modern Interiors

In fact, you can cut out the tricky part of fabric shopping and go right to the towel section of the store for some absorbent Egyptian cotton. Here the designers found a towel in just the right hue and used it to cover the seat of a vintage Lucite stool with wheels.

Fulford Home Remodeling

The previous photo touches on another important point. If, like most bathrooms, yours is tight on floor space, choose a piece that can slip right under the counter and double as a vanity stool. You may be able to stash it inside a cabinet, under the sink or, if it’s waterproof, in the shower stall, where it can pull double duty as a shower bench.

Contemporary Bathroom Flatiron Apartment

A tree stump side table brings a warm, natural element into a bathroom.

Tree Stump side table: West Elm

Beinfield Architecture PC

If the whole stump is too much wood for you, consider a slice. These burled pieces add a rustic touch, while their hairpin legs nod to midcentury modern style.

Albion side tables: Morgan Allen Designs

Elizabeth Reynolds Interiors, LLC

This is also a great place to get whimsical. This ceramic elephant side table adds a playful touch to an elegant bathroom.

Hebert Design Build

This clever little stool by Philippe Starck works two ways. Not only can you sit atop it or rest your bath-time things on top of it, but you also can stash things in it when you need to tidy up. The cap unscrews for storage inside.

Prince Aha stool: Kartell

Traditional Bathroom Traditional Bathroom

When shopping for something metal, it’s a good idea to look for a table built specifically for a bath (or for the outdoors). This stool has an elegant chrome look but was manufactured to stand up to steam, humidity and splashes.

Newbury bath stool: Restoration Hardware

TKS Design Group

This great little multipurpose teak seat serves as a stool and as a shelf for storing towels.

Stool: HomeGoods

Lucy Interior Design

You also can use stools and tables to introduce a new texture into the bathroom. This woven rattan barrel stool plays off the bathtub’s curved surround and adds natural texture to the room.

Barrel stool: Waterworks

Mindful Designs, Inc.

This can be a good opportunity to show off something you’ve picked up on your travels. This special little stool came from Indonesia.

Austin Design Associates

In this minimalist bathroom, a drum stool with dynamic stripes adds pattern while staying within the strict color palette.

Janson stool: Made Goods

GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens

Tell us: Do you use a stool, chair, small table or something else to give you a handy surface next to the bathtub? If so, please share it with us in the Comments section.

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Kat

Shoshana, sorry to hear of your condition. As we age we all find "our little savours" for me it is my heat bag. Of "5 things you would take on a deserted island" my heatbag would be near the top of my list. Lovely bathrooms displayed here by the way!

Like April 1, 2016 at 3:17PM