Our Favorite Accessories for Walk-In Showers (That Actually Make Daily Life Better)

If you’re upgrading to a walk-in shower, the right add-ons make all the difference—safer, easier to clean, and flat-out nicer to use every day. Here are the accessories we recommend over and over because they hold up in real homes, not just on mood boards.

1. Solid, real grab bars (not suction cups)

A properly mounted grab bar is the cheapest “insurance policy” in a wet zone. It helps steady you stepping in/out and reduces fall risk—especially if floors are slick or you’re helping kids or aging parents. The CDC’s home-safety guidance specifically recommends installing grab bars in tubs/showers and using non-slip mats that you can purchase from any local home goods store.  

What to look for:

• Diameter & clearance: 1¼″–2″ outside diameter and 1½″ from wall for a comfortable grip.

• Mounting: Through blocking/studs—skip suction-cup “bars.” (Even major brands warn slide bars and some “grab-style” rails aren’t weight-rated unless installed to spec.

2. Handheld shower on a slide bar (with a long hose)

Once you have a handheld, you won’t go back. It’s better for rinsing hair, cleaning the shower itself, helping kids, seated showering, or rinsing a pet. It’s also important to control placement and keeping fittings clear of grab bars so the bar can actually be gripped. Also note: most slide bars are not grab bars unless specifically rated.

3. Fold-down seat or built-in bench (sloped to drain)

A sturdy seat makes showering easier for anyone with limited mobility and is just plain convenient for washing feet or shaving. If you add a seat, follow the height guidance 17–19 inches off the finished floor and slope the top ¼″ per foot toward the drain so water doesn’t pool.

4. Linear drain for a cleaner look and simpler floor

Linear drains let you pitch the floor in one direction, which works great with large-format tile and curb-less entries. That single-slope layout is friendlier for mobility aids and makes the space feel bigger.

5. Curb-less/low-threshold entry

If you’re on the fence: do it. Stepping over less = fewer stumbles. Accessibility guidance ties curb-less/low thresholds to safer, easier entries; roll-in/transfer-type designs cap thresholds at ½″ max.

6. Thermostatic or pressure-balanced mixing valve (anti-scald)

This is the “set it and forget it” comfort feature that also adds safety. Thermostatic/pressure-balanced valves are designed to control water temp and reduce scald/thermal shock risk. Modern codes also require the high-limit stop set so shower water doesn’t exceed 120°F.

7. Built-in niche or corner shelves (with slope)

Skip the caddy that rusts. A tiled niche at a comfortable reach keeps bottles off the floor. Like benches and sills, slope the niche shelf ¼″ per foot toward the drain so water doesn’t sit.

8. Squeegee + daily wipe-down habit

Not glamorous, but this $15 tool keeps glass and tile looking new. Consumer/home-expert guidance recommends squeegeeing after each use to cut soap scum, spots, and mildew—it’s the fastest way to reduce deep-cleaning later.

Why these “extras” are worth it

They’re not fluff. Most of these choices either reduce fall risk, cut cleaning time, or keep water where it belongs—which means fewer callbacks, less maintenance, and a better experience day-to-day. That’s the whole point of a walk-in: simple, durable, easy.

If you want help matching accessories to your exact layout and budget, we’re happy to lay it out plain—pricing, timelines, and what’s included—so there are no surprises. That’s how we do things.

At MODbath, our focus is simple: clear answers, quality products, and skilled installation. With us, you’ll know your options, your price, and that the work will be done right the first time.