If you have a small bathroom, you might think a walk-in shower is out of the question. After all, walk-in showers are usually associated with spacious, luxurious bathrooms that have plenty of room to spare. However, you might be surprised to learn that walk-in showers can actually be a great option for small bathrooms, as long as you plan them carefully and make smart design choices. The professionals from Forever Builders, the experts in kitchen and bath remodeling San Diego homeowners have trusted for more than 20 years, explain how you can have a walk-in shower in a small bathroom and enjoy the benefits of this modern, stylish feature.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is one that doesn’t have a door or a curtain. Instead, it has an open entrance that allows you to walk in and out of the shower area. Walk-in showers can have one or more glass panels to separate the shower from the rest of the bathroom, or they can be completely open with no barriers at all. A walk-in shower is usually installed on a tiled floor that slopes slightly toward a drain, creating a seamless minimalist look. Some common types of walk-in showers are:
- Corner walk-in shower – This is a walk-in shower that’s installed in the corner of the bathroom, making optimal use of the available space and creating a cozy private area. Corner walk-in showers can have one or two glass walls, or they can be fully tiled for more privacy.
- Linear walk-in shower – This type of walk-in shower is installed along one wall of the bathroom, creating a long, narrow space for showering. A linear walk-in shower can have a glass wall or no wall at all, depending on how open you want your shower to be.
- Curved walk-in shower – This shower has a curved shape that creates a more spacious, elegant feel. Like linear showers, curved walk-in showers can have glass walls or no walls at all.
What Are the Benefits of a Walk-In Shower?
Walk-in showers offer quite a few advantages over traditional showers, especially for small bathrooms. Some of the benefits are:
- They make bathrooms look bigger and brighter – By eliminating the need for a door or a curtain, walk-in showers create an illusion of more space and allow more natural light to enter the bathroom. They also reduce visual clutter and create a sleek and modern aesthetic.
- They’re easier to access and use – Walk-in showers are ideal for people with mobility issues or disabilities, since they don’t require stepping over a threshold or opening and closing a door. They also make cleaning and maintenance easier because there are fewer parts to clean and no moving parts that can break.
- They’re more customizable and versatile – Walk-in showers can be designed to fit any shape and size of bathroom, since they don’t have standard dimensions or configurations. You can choose the location, layout, size, shape, and style of your walk-in shower according to your preferences and needs.
How Do You Install a Walk-In Shower in a Small Bathroom?
With some careful planning and creativity, you can have a beautiful walk-in shower in even the smallest of bathrooms. Here are some tips to help you create a functional and stylish walk-in shower that makes the most of the space in your small bathroom.
Choose a Compact Shower Base
The first step in creating a walk-in shower in a small bathroom is to choose a compact shower base. You can find shower bases that are as small as 32 inches by 32 inches, which are perfect for smaller bathrooms. These bases come in a variety of shapes, including square, rectangular, and even curved, so you can choose the one that best fits your space.
Use Clear Glass
Using clear glass for your shower enclosure will make your small bathroom feel more open and spacious. Clear glass allows light to flow through and doesn’t create any visual barriers. If privacy is a concern, you can opt for frosted or textured glass, but keep in mind it will make your bathroom feel smaller.
Go Curbless
A curbless shower design is perfect for a small bathroom. It eliminates the need for a step up into the shower and creates a seamless transition from the bathroom floor to the shower. This design also makes the bathroom feel more spacious because it removes any visual obstacles.
Use the Vertical Space
When space is at a premium, it’s important to use every inch you have. Install shelves, niches, or hooks on the walls to provide storage for your toiletries and towels. This will keep the floor free of clutter and make your bathroom feel more spacious.
Choose a Minimalistic Design
A minimalistic design can make your small bathroom feel more open and expansive. Choose simple fixtures and a neutral color palette to create a clean, uncluttered look. Avoid using busy patterns or bold colors, which can make the space feel cramped.
Consider a Corner Shower
If you don’t have enough space for a walk-in shower along one wall, consider a corner shower. This design allows you to tuck the shower into a corner, which can maximize your floor space. You can also choose a curved shower enclosure to create more space inside the shower.
Add a Bench or Seat
Adding a bench or seat to your walk-in shower can provide a place to sit and relax while you shower. This feature is especially helpful for older adults and those with mobility issues. If you don’t have enough space for a built-in bench, you can opt for a freestanding one.
Having a walk-in shower in a small bathroom is definitely possible. With some creativity and careful planning, you can create a shower that’s both stylish and functional while making the most of your limited space. The experienced professionals from Forever Builders will guide you through every step of your bathroom renovation, whether you’re updating a guest bath or planning a full master bathroom remodel. San Diego homeowners trust us to provide the most affordable bathroom remodeling services and help them turn their dreams into reality. We’ll help you create the bathroom you’ve always wanted, meeting all your expectations while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our outstanding bathroom remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today at (833) 243-5624.