Top 8 Walk In Shower Ideas

A walk in shower is the ultimate in good bathroom design. It suits everything from the small basic bathroom to a large opulent bathroom and everything in between. It offers straightforward functionality and the chance to create a visual centerpiece. 

Check out these walk in shower ideas to find the perfect fit for your bathroom, no matter what your bathroom layout looks like.

What Is a Walk In Shower Exactly?

A walk in shower is an independent shower space in a bathroom. It is not combined with a bathtub and can be open or enclosed with glass. Most commonly it has no curtains, screens, or doors and functions like a small shower room.

See 6 Most Common Bathroom Layouts

#1 Walk In Shower for Small Bathrooms

The idea of a shower room may cause you to high tail it if you have a smaller bathroom, but walk-in showers come in all shapes and sizes so don’t discount it quite yet. 

In fact, a walk in shower is ideal for a small bathroom where there may not be enough space for swinging shower doors or even a bathtub. Adjust the size of your shower to fit your bathroom. 

Though most walk-in showers are about 60 x 30 inches, you can get away with 42 x 42 inches or even smaller. Designers recommend going no smaller than 36 x 36 inches. Any smaller than that and you’ll have trouble moving around in your shower comfortably.

#2 Walk In Shower with no Tub

Homeowners are getting rid of their bathtubs in droves. It’s a bit of a trend in bathroom design to ditch the shower in favor of an opulent, spacious walk in shower. 

With no tub you have room to create a walk in shower oasis complete with double shower heads, body sprays, and steam.  Even bath lovers can’t deny the luxury of a walk in shower with all the perks of a spa experience. Add additional luxuries like towel warmers, rain shower head, or a high tech shower panel.

Learn the Best Ways to Clean the Shower

#3 Walk In Shower with Bench

One of the benefits of the walk in shower is that it’s accessibility-friendly. Adding a bench only makes your shower even more accessible. 

Benches often become places of storage for shampoos and shower gel or places to perch while doing everyday maintenance. The purposes of your bench will help you determine size placement of your shower bench. 

Go for a larger bench if you foresee the need for seated showers, or select a smaller one for convenience. Place it closer to the shower head for seated showers and on the opposite side for things that don’t need a constant flow of water. 

#4 Zero Entry Walk In Shower

Zero entry style walk in showers are another accessible perk. Essentially, they are showers that have an entry that’s level with the surrounding floor. Having no barrier or lip between the shower and the rest of the bathroom makes it easy for wheelchair users to shower. It also decreases trip risk for elderly users. 

Having zero entry might make you wonder about keeping water out of the rest of the bathroom. It’s true that water tends to get outside the shower area in a zero entry shower, however, with the right installation and slope to the drain, excess water can be minimized. 

#5 Walk In Shower with Shield

Most walk in shower designs have swinging, sliding, or even folding doors, but consider the shield as an alternative walk in shower idea.

The shield is a large piece of glass that can cover from one third to one half of the shower area and is stationary. There is no messing with curtains or doors and if you like to keep things simple, this is the way to go. It keeps water from getting out into the rest of the room and has a minimal vibe.

Choose from clear glass, window pane style, frosted, or rainwater texture for varying levels of privacy and style.

Go to Top Bathroom Trends

#6 Walk In Showers & Privacy

A more open format shower might also feel a little more exposed to you, but there are plenty of ways to give it the right level of privacy for your preferences. 

Adding a frosted or textured glass door or shield can provide more privacy without enclosing the walk in shower too much. Check out textured glass as an option instead of frosted glass. It looks like it has water droplets that obscure the view without blocking light.

Pony walls, or half walls, are another good option for privacy. They block the view halfway up but still allow for an openness for the other half. 

#7 Walk In Shower Storage

Adding niche storage to a walk-in shower is a practical and stylish way to keep your shower essentials organized and easily accessible. A shower niche is a recessed shelf or compartment built into the shower wall, usually made of the same material as the surrounding tiles. 

Niche storage helps keep your shower area tidy and organized by providing a designated spot for your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, and other bathing essentials. Having your toiletries within arm's reach eliminates the need for shower caddies or hanging storage, making your bathing experience more convenient. Plus the in-wall design keeps the floor clear.

The open format walk in shower is the perfect addition to your bathroom. Whatever style suits you, these walk in shower ideas will get you started on your journey to shower bliss. 

#8 Natural Walk In Shower

Create your own spa-like oasis by adding details that invite relaxation. Incorporate soft and waterproof accent lighting inside the shower area to create a soothing ambiance. Use natural materials like stone or wood for a spa-like and calming atmosphere. Install a waterfall showerhead for a luxurious and invigorating bathing experience.

If your bathroom receives sufficient natural light, consider creating a small vertical garden or incorporating plants into the shower area to bring a touch of nature indoors.

Want more shower ideas? Check out this discussion about how to make sliding shower doors feel more up to date. 

Read "Are Shower Doors Outdated?"

Are Sliding Shower Doors Outdated?

A sliding shower door has been the go-to in bathroom design for ages. But that might make you wonder whether their time is up. 

Are sliding shower doors outdated? No, not necessarily. They continue to be a popular choice for many homeowners due to their practicality and space-saving design. 

Sliding shower doors are known for their smooth operation. They are convenient to use in smaller bathrooms where swing-out doors may not be feasible. They also provide a sleek and modern look to the bathroom. Preferences can vary, and some people may prefer frameless glass doors or pivot doors, which offer a different aesthetic and functionality. 

Ultimately, the choice of shower door style depends on personal preference, bathroom layout, and design goals. Let’s talk about the options and how the functionality of the sliding shower door doesn’t have to look outdated.

Go to Top Bathroom Trends

Tub/Shower Sliding Shower Door Woes

If you've got a tub/shower combination, you know how tricky a shower door can be. You run in to problems with leaking water with other doors and curtains. Sliding shower doors are a great choice for bathrooms where other doors don’t work, like a tub/shower combination. 

The things that make sliding doors on your tub/shower feel dated are easy to address. With the right strategy, you can have the ultimate in functionality and design that is far from outdated. 

Skip the Framed Shower Door

It might be the frame on your shower door that’s making it feel less than on trend. Opting for a semi-framed or frameless door will shape up your shower design in a jiffy. The lines created by the frame tend to make the space feel cramped visually. The trend today leans more towards a more open feel that simply doesn't jive with a framed door. 

Learn the Best Ways to Clean the Shower

Try a Tub Shield

A tub shield is one way to get a wet room design for a tub/shower combo. The shield is a piece of glass that covers the front third of your tub. You can keep the water from spilling out but still achieve that open feel. Opt for clear glass, frosted, or rainwater finishes. 

Go for a Swinging Door

If you have the room for a swinging door, try the tub swinging shower door. These are frameless and have varying levels of coverage. Some are a bit bigger than a shield, others are nearly fully enclosures. The swinging tub shower door gives you a more traditional functionality with a shower room type look. 

Small Bathroom Issues

If you have a small bathroom, you might feel like a sliding door is your only choice. You might be surprised how many options are available for even the smallest bathroom and still avoid a sliding shower door. 

Swing In

Instead of worrying about whether or not you have room for a swinging door, try a shower door that swings in. Do a few measurements to ensure you have enough interior clearance in your shower and you’re all set. 

Change Your Angle

If you’re remodeling your bathroom, you might consider creating an angled shower that places the door in the corner. This allows you to gain more room for a swinging door in a smaller bathroom. It also adds some architectural interest to your space that sets it apart. 

8 Bathroom Remodeling Don'ts

Wet Room Extremes

If sliding shower doors just aren't your vibe, it might be time for a bathroom remodel. Start over and pick a type of shower and shower door that is more on trend.

Or, you can dispense with the door completely and create a wet room. These waterproof, open format bathrooms have no shower doors. They are in high demand because of their modern feel and spa-like luxury. 

Are sliding shower doors outdated? Not really. You have plenty of options to make sliding doors work in your design, like frameless doors. Or if you want to head in a different direction, try swinging doors, shields, or a wet room. 

Learn More about Shower Doors

10 Top Lighting Products You Need In Your House Right Away

Lighting is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to give your home a boost. New lighting fixtures not only bring in a freshness with increased light, but they also add style that can change the entire feel of your spaces. 

Here are 10 top lighting selections you can get installed now for the refresh your house needs. 

With its steampunk vibe and satin gold finish, this vanity light is an on-trend addition to your bathroom. The unique metal shade over the light enhances its metallic nature and makes it a standout piece in your design. Available in LED or incandescent bulb options. 

Innovations Lighting - Franklin Restoration Collection - Addison

Looking for something different to hang over your dining table? This 60” reclaimed shell linear pendant light has a slight wave to the shape that adds a softened modern aesthetic to your dining room. The pearlescent white and brown tones introduce warmth to your color palette but keep things elegant. Made for use with halogen bulbs.

Varaluz -Big Collection - Reclaimed Shell Linear Pendant

This wall sconce is the chameleon of lighting. It features unique geometric shapes perfect for a midcentury modern approach and a matte black finish perfect for the soothing palettes of minimalism or hygge. The one-bulb light provides just the right amount of lighting for a hallway or stairwell.

Elan - Kordan Collection - LED Wall Sconce

Track or rail lights are champions of functional lighting. You may not always associate them with style, but these halogen rail lights feature strong metallic details in silver or rubbed bronze with a satin etched opal casement around the bulb that screams style. 

Kichler - Hendrik Collection - Halogen Rail Light

This combination pendant light and fan is unlike any fan you’ve ever seen. It’s the perfect statement maker for small spaces or more directed lighting and airflow such as over the kitchen island, in a breakfast nook, or over an office desk.

Kichler - Terna Collection - 15” Ceiling Fan

This outdoor post light is as classic as it gets. The old world aesthetic defines timeless sophistication. It features room for three incandescent bulbs with a clear seeded glass shade. The Peruvian Bronze finish over die cast aluminum completes the historic styling of this outdoor lighting classic.

Craftmade - Harper Collection - 12” Post Light

You’ll be amazed what under cabinet lighting will do for your kitchen. Not only does it add task lighting right where you need it, it adds a charm you can’t achieve any other way. This LED puck light is wifi enabled and allows you to choose from the full spectrum of colored lights, as well as fine tuning your white light.

DALS Lighting - 2 ¾” Round LED Smart Puck Light

The starburst chandelier style is back! It’s no longer just for modern designs either. The unique shape and linear style makes this a great addition to any style to blend in a little contemporary vibe. This incandescent chandelier draws on another hot trend: mixing metals. Polished chrome and satin brass combine to create an endlessly interesting lighting piece your home shouldn’t be without.

Elk Lighting - Williston Collection - 39” One Tier Chandelier

No home is complete without the ever popular pendant light and this elegant version blends geometrics, crystal, and 3D charm for lighting that draws attention. The orb and satellite design casts wide, soft lighting over a space with six halogen bulbs for excellent ambient lighting.

Elk Lighting - Saturn Collection - 24” Halogen Pendant

Combining the best of track lighting and pendant lighting, billiard/island type lighting requires the perfect blend of functionality and style. This ceiling mounted light offers just that with its bare Edison bulbs and chrome geometric shape. Available in coordinating options for a fully harmonized design. 

Thomas Lighting - Williamsport Collection - 37” Island Light

Want more top lighting products? Or maybe you want to learn more about how to adequately light every room of your home? Check out our lighting guide, which details just how much light you need throughout your house.

Shed Some Light on the Subject