If you’ve ever stood in your tiny bathroom, toothbrush in hand, wondering how on earth you could possibly fit a shower that doesn’t involve bumping elbows with the wall, you’re not alone. My old flat in London had what I lovingly called a “shoebox spa.” Picture this: barely enough room to turn around, one sad towel hook, and a leaky shower curtain that stuck to my leg every morning like cling film.
That’s when I discovered the glorious world of wetrooms. These sleek, open-concept bathrooms don’t just look high-end — they feel spacious, even in the smallest homes. And the best part? You can totally pull one off without needing a luxury penthouse budget.
So grab your coffee (or tea — this feels like a tea kind of topic), and let’s chat about 15 small wetroom ideas that make a big impact — the kind that transforms your tiny bathroom into a space that actually feels like a spa instead of a sad utility closet.
1. Go All-In on Glass Walls
One of the easiest ways to make your wetroom feel bigger? Ditch bulky shower enclosures and go for frameless glass panels.
I once helped a friend revamp her 5-foot-wide bathroom, and the moment she swapped her old corner shower for a glass divider — magic. Light flowed through, the space felt double the size, and cleaning was 100x easier.
Tip: If privacy’s a concern, go for frosted or reeded glass (like the ones from Drench or Victoria Plum). You still get that airy look without feeling exposed.
2. Use Large Format Tiles
Here’s the thing — tiny tiles might look cute in photos, but in small spaces, all those grout lines make everything feel busier.
Large tiles, on the other hand, trick the eye into thinking your wetroom is bigger. Go for neutral tones like stone grey, soft beige, or marble effect. My go-to is Topps Tiles’ Onyx Marble line — it gives luxury spa vibes without the price tag.
Pro tip: Run the same tile on both the walls and floors to create a seamless, uninterrupted look.
3. Keep It Minimal — Really Minimal
You don’t have to go full “Scandi monk,” but less truly is more when square footage is tight.
Think floating vanity, wall-mounted toilet, and hidden storage behind mirrors. The open floor makes the room look expansive — even if you can still reach everything from one spot.
And please… resist the urge to overdecorate. Wetrooms look best when they feel calm and open, not like a product aisle at Boots.
4. Go Dark and Dramatic
Contrary to what your aunt on Pinterest says, small bathrooms can handle dark colors. A moody charcoal or forest green wetroom can feel luxurious and cocooning.
One of my clients went bold with Farrow & Ball “Railings” on the walls and brass fixtures — it looked like a boutique hotel, not a small city flat.
Just balance the darkness with plenty of lighting and reflective surfaces so it doesn’t feel like a cave.
5. Add a Built-In Shower Niche
Trust me, if you skip this — you’ll regret it. A recessed shower niche keeps your shampoo bottles off the floor and adds a clean, custom feel.
Bonus points if you line it with a contrasting tile or LED strip lighting. I’ve seen wetrooms with tiny marble mosaics inside the niche, and it instantly elevated the whole look.
6. Underfloor Heating = Game Changer
Since everything in a wetroom is technically “the shower zone,” a warm floor is both practical and luxurious.
Underfloor heating systems like Warmup or Nu-Heat are surprisingly affordable for small spaces. Plus, it dries the floor faster — goodbye damp smell.
7. Use Wall-Mounted Fixtures
The more you lift things off the ground, the bigger your wetroom feels.
Wall-mounted toilets, taps, and even vanities not only look modern but also make cleaning a breeze. (If you’ve ever tried mopping around a floor-standing sink, you know the pain.)
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8. Think Smart Drainage
This is the unsexy part — but crucial. A good wetroom needs sloped flooring that directs water to a linear drain, ideally by the wall or shower zone.
If you’re going DIY, check out pre-formed shower trays from Impey or Schluter Systems. They make waterproofing almost foolproof.
9. Add Texture, Not Clutter
Small wetrooms benefit from subtle texture. Think natural stone tiles, matte finishes, or ribbed glass panels.
In my current flat, I went for a microcement wall finish — it’s smooth, waterproof, and feels like you’re showering inside a modern art gallery (in the best way).
10. Mirrors: Your Secret Weapon
One oversized mirror can double your visual space instantly.
If you have a windowless wetroom, use a large round mirror (like the Habitat Circa) opposite your light source. It bounces light around and creates that airy illusion.
11. Hidden Storage = Sanity
Towels, razors, skincare… it adds up. But visible clutter kills any spa mood instantly.
Opt for recessed shelving, or even a mirrored cabinet above the sink to keep everything tucked away. Bonus: they reflect light and look clean.
12. Try a Floating Bench
Even in small wetrooms, a little bench (especially one built into the wall) is a total luxury. Perfect for shaving, relaxing, or pretending you’re in a sauna.
You can use a waterproof material like teak, microcement, or composite stone.
13. Add Warm Lighting Layers
Nothing kills a wetroom vibe faster than cold, blue-tinted LED lighting.
Use warm-toned recessed lights, or add a backlit mirror for a soft glow. A dimmer switch changes everything — bright for mornings, cozy for evenings.
14. Don’t Forget a Splash Zone Barrier
If you don’t want to soak your toilet every time you shower, add a simple divider or raised lip to contain water flow.
Some people use a subtle single glass panel, others use a low-profile drain line to separate zones. Either way, it keeps things clean and functional.
15. Bring in Natural Elements
Even the sleekest modern wetroom benefits from a little warmth. Add wood tones, woven baskets, or a single potted plant (like a fern or peace lily).
If your space gets steamy, choose moisture-friendly plants — they’ll thrive. I keep a pothos hanging near my showerhead, and it’s the happiest plant in the house.
Bonus Tip: Ventilation Is Everything
I learned this the hard way after ignoring my extractor fan until mildew made a guest appearance. Don’t skip this.
Invest in a powerful, quiet fan like those from Vent-Axia or Manrose, especially if your wetroom has no window. It’ll keep your space dry and your paint intact.
Designing a small wetroom is all about balance — between sleek style and smart practicality. You’re basically turning your bathroom into a waterproof, minimalist retreat.
Start with good waterproofing, focus on clean lines, and add a few cozy touches that make it feel personal. Whether you go spa-chic with marble tiles or bold and moody with black walls and brass fixtures, small wetrooms prove that size doesn’t dictate luxury.
So, next time you’re staring at your cramped bathroom and sighing, imagine it transformed — a seamless glass wall, soft lighting, warm floors, and not a single shower curtain in sight.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I might go light a candle and pretend my tiny flat’s bathroom is a full-on spa retreat. (Laundry can wait. Obviously.)
