Let me take you back a few years. I distinctly remember believing that only hotels could afford walk-in showers. However, when the door of my shower decided to fall off, I knew that I had to get some research done. After few Pinterest spirals and contracting a very flexible contractor, I was able to learn quite a bit about walk-in shower design.
So grab your coffee – let’s talk about the walk-in shower ideas that had me reaching for my credit card (sorry, Dave Ramsey).
1. The Barely-There Glass Panel
There is something called a Tennessee Flat Top that my friend put into her bathroom and now I am never visiting her apartment again. Sarah gated off her bathroom with a single panel of glass, and ever since she has not flooded her bathroom even once. So how does it work? It firsts requires a very skilled contractor who understands waterproofing.
2. Black Hardware
As y’all know I battled my husband for WEEKS. “Black fixtures will show water spots!” Unfortunately he was right – but seeing them in my sister’s new shower? Complete game changer. They hide soap scum way better than chrome (ask me how I know), and le black towel racks are just fabulous. One thing though – avoid the cheap ones from Amazon. Learn from my mistakes.
3. The Hidden Niche Situation
And what about shower niches? Tell me you’ve not broken your feet because of shampoo bottles hyper diving off the shelf? I didn’t. So I made sure that there is a waterproof shelf niche built in my shower design. But here’s the real hack: instead of the pre-fab plaster, we covered the whole thing with the same marble as the walls. It definitely looks more custom, and this upgrade was well worth every penny.
4. That Pebble Floor Life
Anyone remember those spa pebble floors people were losing their minds about? Well, turns out they actually work in walk-in showers. Just spring for the higher-end ones – the cheaper versions will pop loose and drive you nuts, and no one wants that. They naturally non-slip (crucial for the morning shower dance). Plus they feel like a foot massage.
5. The Shower Bench That Completely Changed My Life
Going a bit off-script, my life has changed remarkably with the addition of a shower bench. It has made shaving significantly easier for me, but it also serves its purpose while having relaxing ‘hot water and contemplate life’ moments. We did a floating teak one that looks super sleek and doesn’t take up much space.
6. Bathroom Lighting Transformation
After our stay in this boutique hotel in Seattle, I realized how dull my bathroom lighting is now in comparison. We LED lit strips under the bench and in the neiche, it seems a bit overboard but works perfectly. Not having to stand in shadows for morning showers is a welcome change.
7. Showers With Teak Benches Now Come With Nearly Invisible Drains
This one might seem irrelevant but hear me out. Do you know how linear drains work? They make the use of large format tiles for showers a lot cleaner, and better yet hide those ugly center drains. I did have to pay my contractor extra for the installation but it’s worth every penny to get rid of center drains.
8.Out of Mixed Metals That Work, Here is Recommendation
Listen, merging metals is not a design crime anymore. At the moment, I have matte black fixtures with brass accents, and it seems intentional, not as if we ran out of matching pieces – which, um, may have happened in my previous bathroom.
9. The Statement Wall Moment
The back wall of your shower is basically artwork space. We went with this insane geometric tile that cost way too much, but since it’s just one wall, it didn’t completely blow the budget. Everyone who visits takes pictures of it – my bathroom is basically Instagram famous now.
10. Smart Storage Solutions
Those corner shelves that come with shower kits? Trash them. Built-in storage is where it’s at. We added a narrow vertical niche for tall bottles and a smaller one for bars of soap. Life-changing organization that actually looks good.
11. The Double Showerhead Setup
Look, sometimes you want a rainfall shower, sometimes you need a handheld for cleaning or dog washing (no judgment). Why choose? We installed both and it’s the best decision ever. Just make sure your water pressure can handle it – learned that one the hard way.
12. Floor-to-Ceiling Glass
If you’ve got the budget, floor-to-ceiling glass panels are stunning. My neighbor did this and her tiny bathroom looks massive now. Warning: you will need to squeegee if you care about water spots. She bought one of those fancy magnetic ones and says it’s not that bad.
13. The Half Wall Hero
For those worried about water everywhere (hi, me), a half wall gives you the open feeling without the splash zone. We tiled ours to match the shower wall and topped it with a piece of quartz – looks super custom but wasn’t crazy expensive.
14. Hidden Plumbing Magic
Saw this at a showroom and had to have it: all the shower controls hidden in a little niche. No random chrome bits sticking out of your beautiful tile job. Fair warning: your plumber might roll their eyes at this request, but stand your ground.
15. That Steam Shower Life
Okay, this one’s bougie, but after trying a steam shower at my gym, I was obsessed. Added it during our reno and it’s amazing for winter colds and stress relief. Just remember you need a totally enclosed shower and waterproof everything (ceiling included).
Real Talk About Walk-In Showers
Look, they’re not all perfect. You might need to squeegee more often, and sometimes the bathroom floor gets a little wet. But I promise the pros outweigh the cons. Plus, there’s something so luxurious about not fighting with a shower door first thing in the morning.
Quick tips I wish I’d known sooner:
Get a good exhaust fan. Like, really good.
Heated floors are worth every penny if you’re already renovating
Those cheap glass treatments from Amazon don’t work. Just buy a squeegee.
Interview at least three contractors who specifically know walk-in showers
Take time picking your drain. Seriously.
Tell me in the comments – which idea is your favorite? Are you team rainfall shower or handheld? And if anyone has the secret to keeping glass spotless without daily cleaning, I’m all ears!