6 Popular Walk-in Shower Designs: Shower Design Ideas

Walk-in showers are shower spaces that do not include a bathtub. They typically have little to no curb separating them from the rest of the bathroom. Depending on the bathroom design, a walk-in shower may be a glass enclosure sealed off by glass shower doors or partially obscured by glass panels. Other designs include open shower spaces known as wet rooms and shower rooms which are separate rooms dedicated to the shower enclosure. Whether installed in a small bathroom or a large one, a walk-in shower can provide a luxurious shower experience.

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, check out these walk-in shower design ideas.

1. 1. Open walk-in shower: Small spaces can benefit from having a doorless walk-in shower. A strategically placed glass panel (on the side of the shower nearest the showerhead) can provide a dedicated shower area and prevent the rest of the bathroom from getting wet while the shower is in use. A shower curtain could also be installed and simply pulled to one side to achieve a similar effect.
2. 2. Walk-in shower with frameless glass enclosure: If your shower area is in a corner, consider tiling two of the shower walls and using two frameless glass walls to enclose the rest of the shower. A glass door will allow you to gain access to the shower area and complete the look. For a spa-worthy experience, consider installing a rainfall showerhead.
3. 3. Walk-in shower wet room: A wet room is ideal for incredibly small spaces where a shower may not otherwise be possible. In a wet room, there's no separation whatsoever between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. All the materials in the bathroom—the walls, floor, countertops, faucets—are all designed to be waterproof. In this kind of space, consider installing a rainfall showerhead. In a rain shower, water has to travel less vertical distance and can help keep the water more contained.
4. 4. Tiled walk-in shower: A completely tiled walk-in shower is one of the most common shower designs and works for a variety of interior design styles. The most common tiles used to tile a shower are ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. White subway tiles and mosaic tiles work well for modern bathrooms and contemporary bathrooms alike. Large format marble tiles are the hallmark of a luxurious walk-in shower. Consider using wall tiles to create a contrasting tile pattern (like herringbone) in the middle of the shower wall. This will help create a focal point and give your shower a touch of luxe.
5. 5. Walk-in shower with built-ins: Built-in seating and storage will give your shower stall next-level functionality. Shower benches can be installed in the wall to give a floating appearance or built-in to a tile shower. Built-in storage shelves and cubbies provide convenient places to store toiletries and shower tools.
6. 6. Walk-in shower with skylights: Bring in lots of natural light to your shower space by installing a skylight above the shower.

There are several notable benefits to walk-in showers.

1. 1. Walk-in showers can help save space. A small bathroom can benefit from a walk-in shower. With less separation between the shower and the rest of the bathroom, it makes the floor plan feel more spacious.
2. 2. Walk-in showers provide easier, safer access for bathing. A bathtub can be difficult to step into for those with limited mobility. A walk-in shower can be designed to have little to no barrier between the bathroom floor and the shower floor, making it much easier to step into.
3. 3. Walk-in showers work for a variety of interior design styles. From minimalist and modern, to contemporary and chic, walk-in showers can be designed to complement a wide array of design styles.
4. 4. Walk-in showers can help modernize a primary bathroom. Many prospective homeowners are looking for the main bathroom to have a separate tub and shower. If you're looking to update your main bath, consider installing a walk-in bathroom shower.

Before deciding to remove your bathtub altogether, consider these drawbacks to walk-in showers.

1. 1. Walk-in showers may not be ideal for people with kids and pets. Parents and pet parents may find it easier to bathe their kids and companions in a bathtub where water is more easily contained.
2. 2. Walk-in showers offer less flexibility. A walk-in shower may not be practical in a small space where a tub and shower are both required. In such spaces, a shower-bath combo provides more flexibility than a walk-in shower alone.
3. 3. Walk-in showers offer less privacy. A traditional bathtub shower typically provides more privacy via a shower curtain or opaque doors. Walk-in showers tend not to have doors or make use of transparent glass doors, which make it difficult to maintain privacy.

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