Walk-in shower ideas are trending hard, and for very good reason. Midway between a fully enclosed shower and a completely open wet room, walk-in showers offer the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy the spaciousness and level-entry access of a wet room but without having to tank the entire room.
One of the simplest ways to install a walk-in shower idea is to buy a specialist walk-in enclosure, complete with low-level tray and screens on one or more sides, depending on whether it is to be installed in a corner, alcove or centrally on a wall. The entrance will always be open, but you won’t need to worry about tanking or draining gradients to ensure the water flows away properly and the rest of your bathroom stays dry.
Walk-in shower ideas
The great news is that walk-in shower ideas, unlike wet room ideas, can work brilliantly no matter what size your bathroom. In fact, a walk-in shower with access at one end can prove an effective space-saving solution. So read on to discover how to make one work in your space...
1. Mix materials
(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)
Make the walk-in shower the focus of your bathroom by opting for a combination of wall and floor tiles, instead of keeping to uniform tiles throughout. Try bathroom tile ideas in two contrasting colours or mix patterned tiles with plain to add visual interest and variation.
For an eye-catching effect, combine tiles in different shapes and size formats, but keep to a similar colour palette to create a more harmonious look. Team patterned hexagonal tiles on the main shower wall and floor with neutral or stone-effect tiles on adjoining walls. This will keep the colour palette consistent and create a visual connection without looking overly busy.
2. Slot a shower under the eaves
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Extending into the loft can give the perfect opportunity for creating a small second bathroom, en suite shower or other attic bathroom idea. Be sure to install the shower head in the tallest part of the space so that there is plenty of room to stand underneath it and make sure the floor has a suitable fall away to allow water to drain easily.
Be clever with tiling choices in small spaces to create the illusion of extra space. Floor-to-ceiling tiling can help make a shower area appear bigger as there are no harsh breaks in colour, which stretches the space and makes walls appear higher than they actually are. Large format tiles on floors, with matching-coloured grout, can also make the floor area feel more expansive.
3. Create flow with continuous flooring
(Image credit: Dunelm)
In a compact bathroom, a walk-in shower with access at one end can be an efficient use of space that will still let you manoeuvre easily around the bathroom.
Rather than using a combination of floor tiles or a walk-in shower tray in a small bathroom, opt for the same bathroom flooring ideas throughout to create a more continuous flow. Keeping floor tiling consistent in a small space will trick the eye into thinking that the floor is bigger than it actually is - and the more floor on show, the more spacious the bathroom will feel.
4. Drench the room in colour
(Image credit: Luxury Bath Co)
With all the glossy tiles and hard surfaces on show in a bathroom, there can be a danger of the space feeling quite harsh and clinical. Introducing a bold colour into the equation is a great way around this, adding visual impact and making the bathroom feel warm and tactile.
Cladding the ceiling area with wood is another colour trick that can add warmth and help to enclose the space for a cosy vibe. Use brushed brass or gold shower fittings and fixtures to add a luxurious feel.
5. Squeeze a shower into a corner
(Image credit: Ripples)
Tight on space? In a compact bathroom or confined space opt for a foldaway shower door so that you can still enjoy the luxury of a walk-in shower. A hinged design can be opened out fully while showering - or folded away against the wall when the shower is not in use.
Keep walls, tiling and grout-lines all one-colour to create the illusion of space in a small bathroom. White or a pale, light-reflective shade will bounce light around the room to maximise natural daylight. Confine pattern to the floor area, opting for the same design throughout, which can help to visually widen the space and make a small bathroom feel less cramped.
6. Don’t sacrifice the bath
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
If you really can’t do without a tub, then be savvy with your space and tweak the dimensions so you can include a walk-in shower with your shower bath ideas. Most standard-sized baths measure up at 1700mm in length, but by forgoing a full-length model and opting for a more compact 1500-1400mm bath, there should be space enough to accommodate both.
Try a side-by-side layout that will use-up less of the bathroom footprint than having bath and shower set apart. It will also more leave space for the basin and loo to be positioned on an opposite wall. Opt for a glass corner-shaped screen to separate bath and shower, which will keep the bathroom feeling bright and airy and also help to prevent splashes escaping too.
7. Keep it contained
(Image credit: Bathroom Mountain)
It’s often the case with small bathrooms that there are awkward alcoves or tricky dimensions that can be a challenge knowing what to do with. If space allows, consider turning an awkward bathroom layout to your advantage with a clever walk-in shower arrangement.
Building a walk-in shower into an alcove or tucking it into a corner is a great way of utilising space that might otherwise be wasted, without taking up too much of the bathroom’s footprint. Slot in a shower tray or if the area is a non-standard size, consider tiling the floor as a whole (as long as there is sufficient run away). Add a single screen or return panel to keep water splashes contained.
8. Illuminate your shower experience
(Image credit: Acquabella)
Poor lighting could leave you fumbling for the soap, so ensure that your walk-in shower area is well-illuminated by adding extra in-shower lighting. LED lighting strips or spotlights are a neat way of working additional bathroom lighting ideas into the showering area when positioned in a niche or alcove area. Installed so that the fitting is concealed, accent lighting allows you to highlight decorative tiles or a luxe finish and can make a striking standout feature.
With any bathroom lighting, where water and humidity is a consideration, you’ll need to make sure that lighting is the correct IP rating to ensure that it is safe. In-shower lighting will need to conform to a rating of IP65, sealed to prevent water from entering and made of components that will not rust. Always consult an expert or electrician on the type of damp lighting fixture to choose.
9. Double-up with his and hers showers
(Image credit: Victoria Plum)
If lack of space isn’t an issue and you’re a couple that likes to shower together, then opt for a layout designed for two so that showering at the same time isn’t a squeeze.
A two-person shower will mean having two separate shower heads, either on opposite walls in an enclosed area or positioned side-by-side on the same section of wall. Either enclosed, or semi-enclosed with a screen, when it comes to the dimensions, the width is more important as the shower area needs to be wide enough to accommodate two people and there should be enough space to move around freely. Most common double shower sizes are 3ft by 5ft or 4ft by 6ft.
10. Fake it with faux timber
(Image credit: Future PLC/William Goddard)
Panelling can be a great way of giving a bathroom a sense of warmth and character, but using any kind of timber in a bathroom can be a problem with moisture and high humidity levels that can make wood warp, crack and swell.
Skirt the issue by opting for wood-effect tiles that give the warm colour and natural appearance of real wood, but in a hard-wearing ceramic that can be used as a bathroom splashback or in a shower area with no danger of water damage. These slimline wood-effect tiles give the appearance of tongue-and-groove cladding laid in a linear format in this walk-in shower area giving the bathroom a rustic, country vibe that’s ideal for a period property.
11. Invest in a designer screen
(Image credit: Pier1 Bathrooms/Industville)
Walk-in showers are pretty unobtrusive compared to full enclosures but that needn’t equal boring. Crittall-style screens, which mimic the metal framing of Crittall glazing are now widely available, and more affordable. ‘Matt black is so on-trend in bathrooms just now. We love incorporating Crittall-style screens into our designs to achieve that striking, urban-chic look,’ enthuses bathroom designer Rosie Proto, from Pier1 Bathrooms.
‘The Merlyn screens we use have the black coating fully integrated into the underlying aluminium substrate, so it cannot chip or peel, making it really durable. It’s the perfect screen for a minimalist yet impactful walk-in shower.’
12. Build in storage
(Image credit: Ripples)
Storing shampoo and soap within arm’s reach is key to showering comfort, not to mention a clutter-free bathroom! If you’re building out stud walls to accommodate a new walk-in shower, adding in smart shower storage ideas like niches makes the best use of the empty void behind the tiles. It also looks far slicker than protruding shelves, and you won’t bash your elbows on them while lathering up!
There are two important points to remember when building in storage. First, don’t position your storage niches directly under the shower head, otherwise your toiletries will be forever sat in a pool of water.
Secondly, make sure you tile the shelf on a very slight gradient to encourage any water to drain away. For extra spa appeal, include waterproof downlights inside the niches and enjoy atmospheric lighting by night.
13. Turn it on without getting soaked
(Image credit: Huntsmore/Chris Snook)
Walk-in showers generally have the shower head located furthest away from the entrance to keep the rest of the bathroom dry. This can make it harder to lean in and turn the controls on, than in a corner enclosure or over-bath shower for example.
Luckily the solution is simple, as Huntsmore’s director Eamonn Agha explains. ‘When designing a walk-in shower, we would ideally have the shower mixer controls at the entrance so that you can turn on the shower and adjust the heating to get the perfect temperature before entering.
‘It also means you can turn the shower on whilst fully dressed and not get cold or wet if trying to reach for the controls under the showerhead.’
14. Install a skylight
(Image credit: Laura Stephens Interior Design/Paul Massey)
Adding windows in the roof can transform a dark or dingy walk-in shower room. Particularly in the mornings when a blast of Vitamin D will help kick-start your day.
While perfect for loft conversions, skylights can also be used to brighten up any bathroom with no void between ceiling and roof, such as extensions with flat roofs and mansard rooms. In this cosy walk-in shower room, interior designer Laura Stephens has used glossy tiles to help reflect light from the above around the space.
Do invest in self-cleaning glass, especially if your skylight is hard to access from outside. Go as big as you can manage and position the skylight directly inside the showering area for maximum invigoration.
15. Step it up
(Image credit: Murus Art/Chris Snook)
Not every room is suited to a level-entry walk-in shower installation, especially if there isn’t sufficient plumbing space in the floor joists. This is a common scenario in period country homes and loft conversions but don’t despair; raising the shower tray has a number of advantages. Firstly, all those pipes can be easily stashed and the correct drainage gradients achieved with minimal disruption.
Secondly, a raised level will make it far easier to keep the rest of the bathroom floor dry, helping to prevent slip hazards in the process. We love the raised-level walk-in shower in this modern bathroom idea. Extending the width of the floor area inside the shower with colourful tiles increases the sense of space inside.
16. Swap out the bath
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Jamie Mason)
If you’re really not a bath person but would love a more spacious shower, go ahead and make the switch. Choose a walk-in shower enclosure, which is sized to match the dimensions of a standard bath – 170cm long – to make it an easy straight swap. These generous enclosures are aimed at homeowners looking to ditch the bath without having to replace the floor or tank the whole room.
The screen and tray are usually sold together, and the design includes a drying area at the entrance to help protect your bathroom floors. Just make sure you pop a towel hook nearby. Putting a bath back in again will be just as easy so you don’t need to worry about devaluing your home if you’re planning to move on.
17. Tank the floors
(Image credit: BC Designs/Darren Chung)
For a wet-room look without the soggy toilet roll, tank the room and install a single glass screen. This walk-in shower idea allows easy, level access, making it a great choice for inclusive use. For minimal visual interruption, choose a frameless screen – sometimes called wet room panels. A wall-mounted support arm is sufficient for small screens like this one. But larger panels should be fixed at floor level for extra rigidity.
‘High-impact floor tiles will help distract attention away from the screen, so you’ll barely notice it’s there,’ adds Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs. ‘Continuing the same floor tiles throughout will also make your walk-in shower feel bigger and less busy.’
18. Protect your modesty
(Image credit: Aqata)
Not only is reeded glass fashion-forward but its softly defused surface will bring an element of modesty to your walk-in showering environment. Perfect for providing privacy in shared en-suite bathroom designs, a simple reeded glass panel is all you need for uninhibited showering.
Install the glass with the reeded texture on the exterior to achieve a smooth easy-to-clean surface inside the shower. The external rail on this smart screen is ideal for keeping your towel close to hand.
19. Work a walk-in in your loft
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Polly Eltes)
A walk-in shower is often the best solution in a loft bathroom where awkward ceiling angles can make it hard to install a fully enclosed shower. ‘Bespoke shower enclosures can be seriously expensive, but a simple screen and walk-in access means you can often buy a panel off-the-shelf,’ says Merry Albright, creative director at Border Oak.
‘Find the tallest wall and dedicate this to the shower head, as you’ll need the height to shower underneath.’ Positioning a skylight at the point where you enter the shower can achieve a little more head height to step inside. But it doesn’t matter if you have to bend a little to enjoy decent head space while you’re showering.
20. Choose sleek, seamless walls
(Image credit: Fiona Duke Interiors/Anna Stathaki)
The space inside your walk-in shower clearly needs to be waterproof but tiling from floor-to-ceiling can feel cold, plus grout cleaning is never fun! Microcement, a.k.a. polished plaster, is an on-trend alternative to tiles – providing a sleek, seamless backdrop to any walk-in shower.
‘Microcement is essentially a waterproof plaster that is built up in layers to create an easy-clean, non-porous surface,’ says interior designer Fiona Duke.
‘Pigments can be added to create whatever colour you like, and it has a subtly textured surface that adds a tactile dimension. In a smaller walk-in shower the lack of grout lines keeps the vertical surfaces simpler and enhances the sense of space.’
Can you have a walk-in shower in a small bathroom?
Lack of space needn’t be an issue when it comes to installing a walk-in shower in a small bathroom. Opt for a compact shower tray that will take up less floor space, or choose a reduced-depth shower tray that can be installed at a lower level to give step-free access.
Alternatively, consider turning the bathroom into a wet room, where you’ll need a slightly smaller showering area, although the bathroom will require tanking (waterproofing). A frameless glass shower panel or screen won’t block the sightlight, creating the illusion of extra space, while still protecting the rest of the bathroom from splashes.
Is a walk-in shower a good idea?
‘Walk-in Showers not only look good, but are also the ultimate in inclusively designed bathrooms,’ says David Osborne, CEO of Roman Showers.
'Whilst looking stylish, modern and on-trend, users of all ages and abilities find them easy to use and access – the lack of handles or mechanisms (and often steps or thresholds) makes them particularly appealing to those with arthritis, yet equally chic for younger generations.’
How practical is a walk-in shower?
It depends on whether the room is fully tanked, and you’re just using the screen to keep the loo seat dry, or whether you really need to contain your shower inside the tray. Therefore, you need the size of space to have available to work with the walk-in shower ideas you're dreaming of.
‘For walk-in showers where you want to keep the rest of the bathroom dry, we always advise you allow around 50cm for the entranceway width. And from 50cm-60cm for the showering area,' says David from Roman Showers. 'Therefore, for a really effective and comfortable walk-in shower, you should aim for an overall length of about 100cm-120cm’. Average walk-in shower widths range from 70cm-100cm.
‘If space is a little tight or you’re worried about keeping water contained, look out for wetroom panels and walk-in enclosures with small pivoting deflector panels that fold out to restrict spray when showering and then fold neatly back when you need to exit.'
FAQs
How can I make my walk in shower look better? ›
Walk-in showers look great with a flush shower tray, which creates a seamless and streamlined appearance. You can also go for a traditional wet room style floor, where you tile the floor of the walk-in shower. However, you will need to ensure your room is completely watertight.
What is the best size for a walk in shower? ›The ADA suggests a minimum size of 36 inches by 36 inches for a walk-in shower, which features a bench attached to one wall for sitting. Even if you eschew the bench, 36 inches by 36 inches is a good minimum size for ease of showering.
Are doorless showers a good idea? ›Showers without doors, also known as walk-in showers, have several benefits. First, the doorless style can save time on the work spent cleaning a door. Shower glass is one of the most cleaning-intensive features of a bathroom, because any soap scum or mineral deposits show right away.
How do I keep water in my doorless shower? ›Install a Shower Splash Guard
Splash guards are small, triangular-shaped rubber fins that are placed along the corners where the shower wall meets the floor. They're typically glued in place or attached with self-adhesive strips and can stop water from leaking out the corners of the shower.
Cons of a Walk-In Shower
Taking hot showers in walk-in showers raises your bathroom's humidity and moisture levels, which leads to eventual mold growth. Homeowners should also note that water can splash on their bathroom's other parts as the walk-in shower is used, leading to a messy or slippery bathroom.
While showering is a steamy prospect in any bathroom, showers with doors block more of the moisture, allowing it to condense on the shower walls and drain away. Doorless showers permit more steam to escape, so you'll need a ventilation fan to remove excess humidity, which can increase the risk of mold growth.
Should you leave bathroom door open when showering? ›Keep the air flowing.
Be sure to leave your shower door open and bathroom door open after taking a shower to keep air moving around your shower. If you have one, be sure to leave the bathroom vent fan on until the temperature has cooled down and the steam is gone.
- Focus your attention on what's right in front of you. ...
- Add essential oils for a spa vibe. ...
- Consider using a shower-ready Bluetooth speaker. ...
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. ...
- Lay out your post-shower outfit before you hop in.
What is the best paint color for a small bathroom? According to basic design principles, light colors such as white, crème, pastel blue, gray or yellow will visually expand a room, while dark colors such as a deep red, green or brown, will make a room feel smaller.
What should I put around my shower walls? ›Acrylic panels
A completely non-porous and waterproof material, it can be used to cover a full wall or as a decorative wainscoting wall accent. Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom.
How big should a doorless walk in shower be? ›
How Big Should a Doorless Shower Be? A doorless shower layout requires a larger footprint than a standard tub or shower stall. Building codes may specify that a standard shower stall must be a minimum of 36 inches by 36 inches while the average doorless shower is about seven feet by four feet with many much larger.
What is the best size for a walk in shower without a door? ›Doorless Shower Dimensions
42 x 60 inches is the recommended shower size for optimal comfort. 60 x 60 inches is much larger and great for wheelchair access. 72 x 72 inches is perfect if you're going to a completely open shower design.
A walk-in shower costs between $700 and $14,000—a notably large range because of the multitude of options. A walk-in shower can give your bathroom an element of luxury that the standard bathtub-shower combo just can't.
How do I keep my doorless shower warm? ›Doorless showers simply don't retain heat as well as those with doors, and they can even feel cold at times. However, you can install a heated shower floor to help counteract this undesirable effect and keep the space cozy and warm while you're rinsing off.
How do I stop my walk in shower from splashing water? ›- Get a showerhead that points downwards rather than outwards.
- Choose the correct shower screen length.
- Consider getting underfloor heating.
- Get a pivoted glass door to complement your shower screen.
- Ensure the drain has sufficient capacity to keep up with the shower head, including any body jets etc.
Doorless walk in showers have a greater propensity for water to splash out of as opposed to walk in shower enclosures that feature shower doors. However, any sort of walk in shower space should be designed to incorporate adequate room to contain the splashback and water flow.
What is the best shower floor to prevent mold? ›Porcelain tile is our number-1 choice for showers because of its diversity, durability, and water-resistance. Unlike some other tile materials, porcelain doesn't have any pores, which prevents the buildup of mildew and soap scum.
Where should a bench be placed in a walk in shower? ›The trick lies in placing the bench in just the right spot. You need it to be within range of the showerhead, not so far at the end of the shower that you won't get wet. If you have a removable shower bench, you can keep it at the far end and then move it closer when it's time to take a shower.
Where does the shower head go in a walk in shower? ›Install wall-mount shower controls 48-52 inches above the floor; place the controls so they are accessible from inside and outside the shower. Mount showerheads 69-72 inches above the shower floor. Keep in mind that sprays from traditional showerheads extend as much as 4 feet.
What is the difference between a walk-in shower and a step in shower? ›The classic difference between a walk-in shower and a level access shower is that a walk-in shower has a tray that catches the water whereas a level access shower doesn't have any tray or lip to step over to get in.
Does a walk-in shower decrease home value? ›
Bathroom Updates for Resale Value
In general, removing a tub and installing a well-appointed walk-in shower also increases the value of a home. That being said, if you have to choose between a bathtub and a walk-in shower, and most of us do, it's important to consider if you have another tub.
Keep windows open during and after showering
As with the extractor fan, leave your window open for at least 15 minutes after you've finished in the bath or shower to allow plenty of time for the air to circulate and moisture to escape.
To prevent the qi that's circulating all around you from also getting sucked down the drain (and disappearing forever), feng shui practitioners recommend you keep your bathroom door shut. It's also recommended that you keep the toilet lid closed.
What is the point of a half shower door? ›One is that they're much easier to clean than full-sized shower doors because there's less surface area for soap scum and grime to build up on. Another advantage is that half glass shower doors can be a good option if you have a small bathroom because they don't block as much of the space as a full-sized door would.
Should you leave the bathroom door open after pooping? ›If the house is air conditioned, you will want to keep the bathroom closed, just as you would close any other outside door. Passive ventilation keeps odours out of the rest of the house, best, with the door closed. In the USA, the bathroom is ventilated actively - and is part of the interior.
Should you shut the door after shower? ›Shower curtains are prime targets for mildew. If you have a shower with a door, leave the door open to air out the inside of the shower. Doing these simple things each day after you bathe is the easiest way to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Should a bathroom door swing in or out? ›Well, to put it simply, despite not appearing in any building regulations, all bathroom doors should swing inwards. And there are a number of very good reasons for this, which we'll get on to shortly. As you go about your daily life, you shouldn't ever encounter outward-swinging toilet doors.
How do you take the best shower ever? ›- Lower the temperature.
- Limit your time.
- Choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
- Ditch the loofah.
- Shampoo and condition first.
- Wash your face last.
- Remember: Hair care is scalp care.
“An everything shower [can] include all practices from washing your face to doing hair and lip masks and foot scrubs,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany J. Libby explains. “They might not all be incorporated each day, but would all be performed in the shower time period.
What is the best color for a bathroom in 2023? ›According to top interior designers, modern blue, light green, and warmer neutral bathroom color schemes are popular in 2023. These are a continuation of 2022's best bathroom color trends in many ways. In a similar fashion, shades like taupe, all-white bathrooms, and warm natural undertones are also trending this year.
What is the most relaxing color for a bathroom? ›
Charcoal + White + Teal
Deep hues can create a sense of comfort while introducing an element of drama. Charcoal, which is warmer than other grays but not as harsh as black, pairs with white and wood tones to form a calming bathroom color scheme. Teal accessories brighten the look.
Stark White
Naturally, white is an obvious choice for making a room feel bigger. It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space.
Any kind of 100 percent waterproof window treatment material can be used in the shower. You'll find many to choose from: PVC shutters, vinyl roller blinds, cellular honeycomb shades (which also insulate the window), and plastic mini-blinds are just a few.
What is the easiest shower to maintain? ›Acrylic. Along with being beautiful and fully customizable, acrylic shower systems are the easiest to clean. This innovative material is naturally resistant to fading, scratching, and staining, and acrylic showers are installed in one solid piece so no stubborn grout lines are present.
What is best for walk in shower walls? ›Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as one day. Acrylic is one of the most durable materials used in the shower construction industry, and for good reason.
What is the difference between a walk in shower and a step in shower? ›The classic difference between a walk-in shower and a level access shower is that a walk-in shower has a tray that catches the water whereas a level access shower doesn't have any tray or lip to step over to get in.
How do you make a shower like a spa? ›Incorporate aromatherapy into your bathroom with calming scents like lavender, rosemary, or ylang-ylang. Essential oil diffusers and scented candles, lotions, or soaps provide simple ways to set a tranquil mood. Or hang a bundle of eucalyptus in your shower for a fresh burst of fragrance when you turn on the water.
What are the cons of a walk in shower? ›Cons of a Walk-In Shower
Taking hot showers in walk-in showers raises your bathroom's humidity and moisture levels, which leads to eventual mold growth. Homeowners should also note that water can splash on their bathroom's other parts as the walk-in shower is used, leading to a messy or slippery bathroom.
Coordinate the Colors
What is the best paint color for a small bathroom? According to basic design principles, light colors such as white, crème, pastel blue, gray or yellow will visually expand a room, while dark colors such as a deep red, green or brown, will make a room feel smaller.
One of the more popular tile patterns that uses 3 or more sizes is called a Versailles Pattern. This pattern will help create a feel of expansiveness which in turn will make you room feel bigger.
What tile makes a shower look larger? ›
Finally, our advice is to use a horizontal floor tile pattern to widen your floor space. Horizontal floor tiles are successful in making the room look less cramped, and making your small bathroom appear that much larger.
What is a no step shower called? ›What is a no-threshold shower? Also known as a curbless shower, barrier-free shower, walk-in shower, or zero threshold shower, it's a shower that has no curb or surrounding edge to it, making it flush with the bathroom floor.