Inspiring Walk-In Shower Ideas
Installing a walk-in shower instantly updates a bathroom. Because walk-in showers are either designed with no step or only a slight step up, they’re more accessible than step-in showers and are ideal for homeowners with mobility issues. If you’re focusing on creating a more universally designed home, a walk-in shower is a must. Check out these ideas for creating a stylish walk-in shower.
1. Go All Natural
Bring the outdoors in with warm elements, like natural stone. Using natural stone as floor or wall tile in a shower is not only beautiful but also functional. Stone is low maintenance and extremely durable. If you’re seeking an effortlessly chic aesthetic for your walk-in shower, adding natural stone is a perfect choice.
2. Decorate Your Shower With Plants
Using plants as part of your bathroom décor is always a good idea. Plants help purify the air while bringing beauty to any space. When choosing a plant for your shower, be sure to pick an option that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Some examples include pothos, orchids, spider plants and ferns.
3. Put Shiplap on the Ceiling
Most people associate shiplap with a farmhouse aesthetic, but it’s a versatile design choice for a range of interiors. Bathrooms with shiplap have a warm, natural look. You can paint shiplap any color to complement your space and mix it with almost any other material, from natural stone to chic marble. If you install shiplap in the shower area, be sure to use an option that’s waterproof.
4. Create an Accent Wall
Accent walls can add visual interest to any space, including the shower. Play with shower tile in different patterns, contrasting colors or varying textures to create a focal point in the shower.
5. Opt for a Corner Shower
If you’re limited on space, you can still have a walk-in shower. A corner shower lets you take advantage of the space you have while still achieving the look of a walk-in shower. A corner shower won’t take up much room, maximizing usable space and making your bathroom appear larger.
6. Bring in Natural Light
Making good use of natural light is one of the best ways to make a bathroom feel bigger and brighter. If possible — and if privacy isn’t a concern — place the window within view of the shower to bring the outdoors in. If privacy is a concern, consider placing windows high enough so the interior of the shower isn’t visible.
7. Think Outside the Box With a Tinted Door
Clear glass shower doors are common, but a tinted door offers a contemporary look that stands out. Glass tint also provides a little more privacy compared to a sheer glass door.
8. Go All Out With White
White is a classic color that makes a big statement. An all-white bathroom looks and feels clean, bright and airy. Plus, a white color scheme will help make the room appear more spacious.
9. Turn Up the Contrast
If monochromatic decorating isn’t your thing, go for contrast in the bathroom with a mix of colors and textures. For a timeless color combination that never goes out of style, try black and white.
10. Include Built-In Shower Storage
Built-in shower storage eliminates the need for cumbersome shower caddies. Built-ins can add sophistication to a walk-in shower while being seriously useful for shower products and accessories.
11. Install a Rain Shower Head
If you’d like to create a spa-like experience in your bathroom, installing a rain shower head is one of the easiest ways to do it.
12. Blend It In With a Frameless Shower Door
A frameless shower door is ideal for an open, contemporary bathroom design. Frameless doors blend in with the shower, so if you’d like to highlight other areas of the bathroom, this is an ideal door style. It’s also among the easiest door types to clean.
13. Create Seating With a Freestanding Bench
If you can’t have a built-in shower bench, consider a freestanding option. Teakwood is a popular choice for shower benches as it’s naturally water-, mold- and mildew-resistant. Plus, a teakwood shower bench brings natural warmth to any shower space.
14. Separate the Shower Area With a Wall
Consider separating the shower from the rest of the bathroom, especially the toilet area, with a wall. One option is to add a built-in half wall. Another option is to create a barrier with a decorative wall panel. This will divide the bathroom, making the toilet less visible from the shower.
15. Hang a Towel Bar in the Shower
Placing a towel bar in the shower means you’ll never be without a towel. Towel bars can offer a hotel-inspired feel that’s both luxurious and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walk-in Showers
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about walk-in showers.
Can you have a walk-in shower in a small bathroom?
Yes, walk-in showers are versatile and can be designed to fit a range of bathroom sizes. Corner walk-in showers are a great option for bathrooms with limited space.
How much does a walk-in shower cost?
The cost of a walk-in shower varies based on a variety of factors, including the size of the shower, the materials used, the amount of labor involved and more. If you’re looking for the most affordable walk-in shower option, a prefabricated shower kit is much more affordable than a customized walk-in shower.
What’s the difference between a walk-in shower and a step-in shower?
A walk-in shower either has no threshold or just a low barrier to step over, while a step-in shower has a tub you must step into to access the shower.