If you’re dealing with a small bathroom, one of the best ways to maximize the space is by installing a walk-in shower. Not only do walk-in showers take up less space than traditional tub/shower combos, but they also provide more flexibility in terms of design and layout. In today’s blog post, we’ll showcase some walk-in shower ideas for small bathrooms that will help you make the most out of your limited space!
What is a Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is a shower enclosure that you can walk into without having to step over a tub or shower threshold or other obstacles. Walk-in showers come in all shapes and sizes, but they are often distinguished by their frameless design and lack of traditional doors.
Benefits of Walk-In Showers
There are many reasons why you might want to opt for installing a walk-in shower in your small bathroom. In addition to saving space, walk-in showers offer many other benefits, including:
- Increased safety, since there is no need to step over a high tub wall or shower threshold
- They offer more flexibility in terms of layout and design
- Easier cleaning since there are fewer nooks and crannies for dirt and mold to accumulate
- A feeling of more openness and spaciousness
What Kind of Bathroom Suits a Walk-In Shower?
Not every bathroom is suitable for a walk-in shower. If your bathroom has a low ceiling, for example, you may not be able to install a walk-in shower without sacrificing too much headroom. In addition, if your bathroom has limited floor space, you may want to consider other strategies for maximizing the available space (such as installing a corner sink or using a pedestal sink instead of a traditional vanity).
If you do decide to go ahead with this option, though, here are some ideas to help you pull it off!
Walk-In Shower Ideas for Small Bathrooms
Use a Corner Layout
If your bathroom is particularly small, you might want to consider a corner layout for your walk-in shower. This type of layout can be especially effective in square bathrooms, as it makes use of otherwise unused space. When choosing a corner layout, make sure to leave enough room for a door or curtain (if desired) and take into account how the placement of fixtures will impact the rest of the room.
Install a Glass Shower Screen
Another great way to make your walk-in shower feel more open and spacious is by installing a glass shower screen. Glass shower screens can be either frameless or framed, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any design aesthetic. If you’re worried about water spilling out of the shower, consider installing a floor-to-ceiling glass shower screen that will contain the water within the confines of the shower area.
Tile Your Walk-In Shower
One of the best ways to add visual interest to your walk-in shower is by tiling the walls. Tiles come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, so you can definitely find something that suits your taste. With a small space, you might want to explore using smaller tiles, as they will make the room feel larger. You could also use accent tiles to create a focal point within the shower area.
Choose Light-Colored Tiles
If you want your walk-in shower to feel bright and spacious, opt for light-colored tiles. Light colors reflect light, which can make even the smallest walk-in showers feel more open and airy. When choosing tiles for your walk-in shower, consider using larger tiles as well, as they will minimize grout lines and make the space feel more streamlined.
Install a Glass Door
If you’re not too keen on the idea of having an open walk-in shower, try installing a glass door instead. Glass doors can be either hinged or sliding, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any taste. Just make sure to leave enough room for someone to walk into the shower without having to duck under the door!
Incorporate Storage Solutions
One of the biggest hurdles with small bathrooms is finding storage solutions for all your belongings. But fear not, because there are plenty of walk-in shower ideas that incorporate built-in storage options! For example, you could install shelves along the walls of your shower enclosure, or use a recessed niche to store shampoo and soap. You could also install a bench seat with storage underneath, or use a towel rack to hang towels and other essentials.
Choose a Doorless Shower Design
If you really want to make the most of your small bathroom, consider a doorless shower design. Doorless showers not only save space but also provide a feeling of openness and spaciousness that’s perfect for small bathrooms. Of course, doorless showers are not for everyone, so be sure to consider the pros and cons before making a final decision.
One of the drawbacks of a doorless shower is that it can be more difficult to keep the area clean and dry, so if you’re not too keen on the idea of having a wet floor, this might not be the best option for you.
Try a Curtained Walk-In Shower
If you’re not sure whether a doorless shower is right for you, try using a curtain instead. Curtained walk-in showers are a great way to save space, and they also provide a sense of privacy that can be lacking in doorless showers. Just make sure to choose a heavy-duty curtain that will withstand the moisture and humidity of a bathroom environment.
Add a Shower Window
If you want to bring in natural light and increase the feeling of space in your walk-in shower, ponder adding a shower window. Shower windows are great for small bathrooms, as they allow you to take advantage of the natural light without taking up any additional space. Just make sure the window is large enough to provide adequate ventilation and avoid moisture build-up.
Don’t Rule Out a Shower AND Tub in a Small Bathroom
Just because you have a small bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t have both a shower and a tub. In fact, many walk-in shower ideas incorporate a shower/tub combo into the design. If you’re working with a limited amount of space, consider using a corner bathtub or alcove tub. These types of tubs take up less space than traditional freestanding tubs, and they can still provide plenty of room for relaxing baths.
Tuck Your Shower Beneath an Eave
If you’re dealing with a really small bathroom, consider tucking your walk-in shower beneath an eave. This can help to save space, and it also provides the added benefit of keeping the shower area out of sight when not in use. Just make sure the ceiling height is high enough to accommodate a walk-in shower, and be sure to add ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.
Boost Practicality with a Shower Bench
If you’re looking for walk-in shower ideas that are both practical and stylish, consider adding a shower bench. Shower benches provide a place to sit and relax during long showers, and they can also be used for storage. If you’re short on space, try using a folding shower seat or wall-mounted shower seat. These types of seats can be easily folded up when not in use, and they provide an extra measure of safety for those with mobility issues.
Custom Glass Walk-In Shower in a Small Bathroom
One of the best walk-in shower ideas for small bathrooms is to use custom glass shower doors. Glass shower doors provide the illusion of more space, and they can also be customized to fit the precise dimensions of your bathroom. When you’re working with really tight quarters, consider using a frameless glass shower door. These types of doors are designed without frames, which provides an unobstructed view of the shower area and makes the space appear larger.
Other Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Bathroom
Now that we’ve talked more about walk-in shower ideas for small bathrooms, let’s go over some other helpful tips for making the most of the space in a small bathroom.
- Use a pedestal sink or wall-mounted sink to save space.
- Use a corner medicine cabinet or recessed medicine cabinet.
- Hang towels from hooks instead of using a towel rack.
- Use shelves instead of cabinets for storage.
- Replace your bathtub with a walk-in shower.
- Install a corner toilet to take up less floor space
- Hang up a towel rack on the back of your bathroom door to free up cabinet and countertop space
- Choose light, neutral colors for the walls and floors to make the room appear larger.
When you’re working with a small bathroom, there are plenty of walk-in shower ideas that can help you maximize your space. Try using one of these tips, or consider using a custom glass shower door to create an elegant and functional walk-in shower.
No matter what route you choose, be sure to select accessories that will make your life easier if you’re ready to explore your options when it comes to custom shower glass, give Coastal Closets and Showers in Stuart, Florida, a call. We provide walk-in shower ideas, custom glass shower doors, and a wide range of other high-quality custom home solutions. We’ll work with you to create the perfect solution for your small bathroom, so give us a call today!
