Do you have a small bathroom that feels cramped and tight? You’re not alone! Many homes, especially older ones, come with bathrooms that aren’t exactly generous with space. The good news? With clever bathroom design choices, even the tiniest bathroom can become a beautiful and practical space that you’ll love using.
Walk-in showers and wet rooms are perfect for small bathrooms because they can make the room feel larger and create that lovely open plan feel we all want. In this post, I’ll share some brilliant small bathroom ideas for walk-in showers that can transform your compact space into something rather special while being space saving and practical.
Why Choose a Walk-In Shower for a Small Bathroom?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s chat about why walk-in showers are such a smart choice for small bathrooms:
- They take up less space than bathtubs (fab space saving solution!)
- They create an open plan feeling that makes the bathroom feel larger
- They’re super easy to clean compared to fiddly shower curtains
- They can give even modest spaces that luxurious bathroom vibe
- They come in various sizes to suit even the most compact bathrooms
- They can boost your home’s value (always a bonus!)
If you’re ready to renovate your bathroom, a walk-in shower might be just the ticket for your small space.
10 Brilliant Walk-In Shower Ideas for Small Bathrooms
1. Glass Shower Enclosures for an Open Feel
Using clear glass shower enclosures instead of shower curtains or frosted glass makes your bathroom feel much bigger. The see-through material creates an unbroken line of sight across the entire bathroom floor, tricking your eye into seeing more space.
A frameless glass panel is even better because it has less visual clutter. Without chunky frames around the edges, the glass seems to disappear, making your bathroom feel even roomier. It’s a bit like magic, really!
According to a study by the National Association of Realtors’ Remodeling Impact Report, bathrooms with glass shower enclosures are among the most appealing features for home buyers. So it’s not just nice to have – it’s a smart investment too!
2. Corner Showers to Save Space
Corners are often wasted space in bathrooms. A corner shower takes advantage of this unused area, freeing up the rest of your bathroom for other things like storage or a vanity unit.
Corner showers can be:
- Triangle-shaped (fitting perfectly into the corner)
- Quarter-circle shaped (with a curved front)
- Square (with one corner in the bathroom corner)
Each style has benefits depending on your specific bathroom layout. Our bathroom renovation experts can help you decide which would work best in your space. Different sizes to suit your specific bathroom dimensions are available too – brilliant!
3. Curbless Showers with Continuous Floor Tiles
A curbless shower (also called a zero-entry shower) has no lip or step between the shower tray area and the rest of the bathroom. The bathroom floor continues smoothly throughout the entire room with just a slight slope in the shower area to direct water to the drain.
This design creates a single, unbroken tile floor surface that makes your bathroom look bigger. It’s also:
- Easy to clean (no awkward corners where the curb would be)
- Safer (no trip hazard – perfect for the little ones or elderly family members)
- More accessible (great for people with mobility challenges)
The continuous flooring creates a luxurious bathroom feel even in the smallest space. It’s a bit like having a posh hotel bathroom in your own home!
4. Clever Drain Placement
The type and placement of your shower tray drain can make a big difference in a small bathroom. Traditional centre drains often require the floor to slope from all directions, which can look bulky.
Consider these modern alternatives:
- Linear drains (long, narrow drains usually placed against a wall)
- Multiple small drains (distributed across the shower floor)
- Perimeter drains (running around the edge of the shower)
Linear drains are especially popular for small bathrooms because they allow for a single-direction slope and work perfectly with large format tiles. They’re not just practical – they look rather sleek too!
5. Large Format Tiles for Less Visual Clutter
Smaller tiles create more grout lines, which can make a small space feel busy and cramped. Using large format tiles (tiles bigger than 30cm × 30cm) on your bathroom walls and floor means fewer grout lines and a cleaner, more spacious feel.
Large format tiles work especially well with curbless showers because they create a seamless look throughout the bathroom. For the shower floor, choose large format tiles with anti-slip properties for safety – no one wants a tumble in the shower!
| Tile Size | Visual Impact | Cleaning Ease | Installation Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (5cm×5cm) | Busy, more grout lines | More difficult | Easier, better for slopes |
| Medium (15cm×15cm) | Balanced | Average | Average |
| Large (30cm×60cm+) | Clean, spacious feel | Easy to clean | More difficult, needs flatter surface |
Wall tiles in larger formats can make your bathroom walls seem taller too, adding to that feeling of space. Brilliant!
6. Wall Niches for Storage
Small bathrooms often lack storage space, which can lead to cluttered shower floors or messy countertops. Built-in wall niches solve this problem by creating storage without taking up any floor space.
A wall niche is a recessed shelf built into the shower wall. It gives you a place to store:
- Shampoo and conditioner bottles
- Soap
- Razors
- Other shower essentials
You can have a single large niche or several smaller ones. For an extra stylish touch, highlight the niche with accent wall tiles or special lighting. It’s these little details that can make your bathroom feel truly special!
7. Partial Walls Instead of Full Enclosures
You don’t always need a complete enclosure for your shower. In very small bathrooms, a single glass panel or a partial wall might be enough to keep water contained while maintaining an open plan feel.
A partial wall can be made of:
- Glass (for maximum openness)
- Tile (for privacy and style)
- A combination of materials (like a half-tile, half-glass wall)
This approach can save substantial space while still keeping the rest of your bathroom dry. It’s a clever space saving trick that really works!
8. Vertical Storage Solutions
When floor space is limited, think upward! Using the vertical space in your shower can give you plenty of storage without making the shower feel cramped.
Consider these vertical storage options:
- Tall, narrow shower caddies
- Stacked wall niches
- High-mounted soap dishes and shelves
- Hanging organisers
Vertical storage keeps your shower essentials within reach while keeping the limited floor and wall space clear. Smart storage really is the key to making small bathrooms work well!
9. Strategic Lighting to Create Depth
Good lighting can make a small shower feel much bigger. Recessed ceiling lights directly over the shower area create a sense of height and openness.
For an even more dramatic effect, consider:
- LED strip lighting along niches or the shower ceiling
- Waterproof accent lights to highlight design features
- Natural light from a small window or skylight (if possible)
According to a lighting study by the Illuminating Engineering Society, proper lighting can make a space feel up to 30% larger. That’s a massive difference in a small bathroom!
10. Wall Mounted Fixtures for Floor Space
While not strictly part of the shower, the fixtures and fittings in the rest of your bathroom affect how spacious your shower area feels. Wall mounted toilets and vanity units keep the floor visible underneath, creating a sense of extra space.
This open floor area makes the entire bathroom feel larger, which makes your shower area feel more spacious too. It’s also much easier to clean the bathroom floor when fixtures are mounted on the wall – no more awkward corners to try and reach!
Special Considerations for Small Bathroom Showers
Waterproofing is Essential
In a small bathroom, water from the shower is more likely to reach other areas. Proper waterproofing isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. This includes:
- Correct slopes in the shower floor (typically 1-2% grade toward the drain)
- High-quality waterproof membrane under tiles
- Properly sealed joints and connections
- Water-resistant materials throughout the bathroom
For expert waterproofing, contact our bathroom renovation specialists. Cutting corners on waterproofing can lead to expensive water damage repairs later. Trust me, that’s one headache you definitely want to avoid!
Ventilation Matters Even More
Small bathrooms trap steam and moisture more easily than larger ones. Good ventilation is crucial to prevent mould and mildew growth. Consider:
- A powerful exhaust fan (sized appropriately for your bathroom)
- A fan with a humidity sensor that runs automatically when needed
- Open windows during and after showers (if available)
Proper ventilation protects your new shower and the rest of your bathroom from moisture damage. No one wants to deal with mouldy bathroom walls or peeling paint, do they?
Bringing It All Together: Creating Your Perfect Small Bathroom Shower
Creating the perfect walk-in shower for your small bathroom means combining several of these ideas to suit your specific space and needs. The best approach is usually to:
- Measure your bathroom carefully
- Identify the most important features for your lifestyle
- Consult with a professional bathroom designer
- Create a plan that maximises both function and style
- Use high-quality materials that will last
Remember that professional help can make a huge difference in small bathroom renovations. Our bathroom renovation team in Ipswich specialises in making the most of limited space.
Ready to Transform Your Small Bathroom?
A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel cramped or outdated. With the right walk-in shower design, even the tiniest bathroom can become a stylish, functional space that you’ll enjoy using every day.
Whether you prefer the open feel of glass shower enclosures, the space saving benefits of a corner shower, or the luxurious bathroom look of a curbless design with beautiful floor tiles, there’s a perfect walk-in shower solution for your small bathroom.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on your small bathroom renovation project.
