Small bathrooms can still have big style. With some clever design tricks, a compact bathroom can not only feel spacious but also look luxurious. One way to open up a small bathroom is to incorporate a walk-in shower. Eliminating the tub frees up precious square footage and creates a spa-like feel. From modern to traditional, here are 10 stylish examples of small bathrooms featuring walk-in showers.
Choosing a Walk-In Shower for a Small Bathroom
When space is at a premium, a walk-in shower is an excellent alternative to a bathtub. Walk-in showers provide a number of advantages in a petite bathroom:
More Room
Removing a bulky tub frees up space visually and physically. Even a basic bathtub takes up around 60 inches in length. A well-designed walk-in shower can save space while still feeling roomy.
Easy Access
A low threshold and open doorway make a walk-in shower accessible and convenient. There is no need to step over a high tub wall.
Spa-Like Ambiance
With the right finishes like tile, glass, lighting and accessories, a walk-in shower can feel like a high-end spa. The lack of shower curtains adds to the clean, open aesthetic.
Customization
Walk-in showers allow for virtually endless design options when it comes to finishes, layouts, niches and showerheads. You can create a look that matches your personal style.
Improved Functionality
Multiple showerheads, body sprays and benches can be incorporated into walk-in showers. This improved functionality makes daily use and cleaning much easier.
For these reasons, walk-in showers are an excellent choice when renovating or building a small bathroom. With smart layout and design choices, a small space can feel open and luxurious.
1. Modern Glass Walk-In Shower
This contemporary bathroom packs a lot of style into a petite space. A frameless glass walk-in shower serves as the focal point. The lack of shower enclosure makes the area feel more open. Inside, a recessed niche provides space for bathing essentials.
The neutral color palette of white, black and gray keeps the look light and simple. Pops of color come from the art and accessories. While small, the vanity provides ample countertop space. The modern sconces and foliage add interest without clutter.
Key Features:
- Frameless glass shower enclosure
- Recessed niche in shower
- Neutral color palette
- Floating vanity
- Sleek fixtures and accessories
This walk-in shower proves you don’t need a lot of square footage to have a luxury bathroom. The high-end details give this compact space a relaxing, spa-like vibe.
2. HGTV Dream Home Walk-In Shower
This small bathroom from a past HGTV Dream Home makes a dramatic statement with its walk-in shower. Floor to ceiling, white subway tile covers the walls and shower surround. This clean, minimalist look creates the illusion of more space.
Inside the shower, glass shelves and a recessed niche provide storage. The frameless glass enclosure and lack of shower curb give the shower an airy, open aesthetic. The same subway tile flows from the walls down to the floor.
Beyond the shower, the vanity has a streamlined, furniture-style design. Open shelving offers display space without cluttering up the room. Pops of black come from the mirror frame, light fixtures and other accessories.
Key Features:
- White subway tile walls and shower surround
- Frameless glass walk-in shower
- Built-in shelves and recessed niche
- Continuous tile from walls to floor
- Floating vanity with open shelf storage
The walk-in shower steals the show in this tiny but dramatic bathroom. Simple, high-contrast elements like the black and white color scheme make the space feel larger than it is.
3. Corner Walk-In Shower
This corner walk-in shower is a lesson in maximizing every inch. The clever layout allows for a generous shower without eating up too much square footage. Tucking it into the corner still leaves room for a sizable vanity.
Inside, a bench and niche provide space to sit and store bath necessities. The glass enclosure maintains the clean, open look. Outside the shower, gorgeous porcelain tile laid in a herringbone pattern makes a bold statement.
The classic touches like the framed mirror and sconces add elegance. The aged brass finishes and black accents keep the vibe contemporary. This bathroom may be compact, but it’s big on both style and function.
Key Features:
- Corner walk-in shower layout
- Built-in bench and niche
- Large-scale patterned tile
- Classic yet contemporary accents
- generously sized vanity
With careful space planning, this petite bathroom can accommodate a dreamy walk-in shower without sacrificing style or function. The attention to detail makes this small space feel grand.
4. Spa-Inspired Walk-In Shower
This bathroom’s walk-in shower exudes a relaxing, spa-like vibe. Natural stone tile in creamy travertine adds warmth and texture. The lack of shower door and curb creates a seamless look.
Inside, the details are pure luxury. Multiple showerheads, a linear drain and built-in bench indulge the senses. The stone niche provides space for bath accessories and products.
Outside the shower, a curved glass block window filters in natural light. The rich wood vanity has a furniture-style design that saves space without sacrificing style. The organic touches like foliage and rattan add to the earthy spa concept.
Key Features:
- Travertine tile walk-in shower
- Multiple shower heads
- Built-in bench and niche
- Glass block window providing natural light
- Warm, organic finishes and accessories
From the natural stone finishes to the pampering shower features, this walk-in oasis infuses a small bathroom with a relaxing and restorative atmosphere.
5. Modern Hotel-Inspired Walk-In Shower
This contemporary bathroom mirrors the chic aesthetic of a boutique hotel. The walk-in shower steals the show with its stunning tile work. Bold, graphic floor tiles in black and white create a geometric motif.
The glass enclosure maintains the light and airy vibe. Inside, a floating wood bench adds warmth and a place to pamper yourself. A slim recessed niche provides space for shower necessities.
Beyond the shower, thevanity takes on a minimalist look with a sleek floating design. Hidden storage keeps surfaces clutter-free. The round mirror and modern sconce finishes the hotel-inspired style.
Key Features:
- Graphic black and white tile walk-in shower
- Floating wood bench
- Slim recessed shower niche
- Floating vanity with hidden storage
- Round mirror and modern sconce
This contemporary bathroom may be small in size but it’s big in style. The luxe walk-in shower and high-design finishes emulate the look and feel of a chic, modern hotel retreat.
6. Spa-Like Walk-In Shower with Freestanding Tub
This bathroom may be compact, but it packs in both a soaking tub and walk-in shower. Space is maximized by placing the tub in the center of the room. This leaves enough space to tuck a sizeable walk-in shower into the corner.
Inside the shower, crisp white tile and glass enclosure emit a clean, spa-like vibe. A built-in bench provides a place to pamper yourself. The vanity includes closed storage to hide clutter. Open shelving offers easy access to towels and toiletries.
Key Features:
- Corner walk-in shower
- Built-in bench
- Freestanding soaking tub
- White tile wainscoting
- Mixed storage options in vanity
With smart layout and design, this bathroom squeezes in the best of both worlds. The walk-in shower and freestanding tub combine to create a relaxing, spa-like retreat.
7. Rustic Walk-In Shower
This bathroom brings a warm and rustic feel to a compact space. The walk-in shower features wood-look tile and an eye-catching river rock floor. An intricate tile pattern adorns the niche, providing visual interest.
Beyond the shower, reclaimed wood adds to the earthy look on the vanity and mirror frame. Touches of black on the fixtures and hardware add contrast. The woven pendant light keeps the vibe natural and textural.
Key Features:
- Wood-look tile walk-in shower
- River rock shower floor
- Intricate patterned niche
- Reclaimed wood vanity and mirror frame
- Woven pendant light
Rustic materials like wood, rock and woven textures infuse this small bathroom with cozy, eco-inspired style. It proves you don’t need a huge space to incorporate creative finishes.
8. Traditional Walk-In Shower with Subway Tile
This traditional bathroom packs Old World charm into a petite space. The walk-in shower makes a statement with its surround of white subway tile. Crisp grout lines create visual interest and make the small shower feel more spacious.
Inside, a built-in shampoo niche provides essential storage space. Beyond the shower, beadboard wainscoting adds texture and dimension. The classic elements like the arched mirror and sconces add elegance, while the marble countertop provides natural beauty.
Key Features:
- White subway tile walk-in shower surround
- Built-in shampoo niche
- Beadboard wainscoting
- Arched mirror
- Marble countertop
Timeless details like subway tile, beadboard and marble give this compact bathroom a richness that belies its small square footage. The walk-in shower looks stunning while maintaining function.
9. Modern Walk-In Shower with Hexagon Tile
The walk-in shower steals the show in this modern bathroom. Tiny hexagon tiles in shades of gray cover the walls and floor. This mosaic-like look feels visually lighter than large tile. Inside, a built-in bench provides a spot to unwind.
The vanity continues the modern vibe with a streamlined floating design. Hidden storage keeps surfaces clutter-free. The dark wood shelf adds warmth while the foliage brings an organic touch.
Key Features:
- Gray hexagon tile walk-in shower
- Built-in bench
- Floating vanity with hidden storage
- Dark wood shelving
- Modern foliage and accessories
Hexagon tile gives this small, contemporary bathroom unique character and visual interest. The walk-in shower makes an impact while maintaining an uncluttered look.
10. Coastal Walk-In Shower with Wainscoting
This bathroom brings a breezy coastal aesthetic to its compact space. The walk-in shower incorporates classic beadboard wainscoting and an eye-catching accent wall. A white shiplap ceiling keeps the look light and beachy.
The vanity has a furniture-style design with closed cabinets and open shelving. Nautical accents like the rope mirror and life preserver signage complete the New England vibe.
Key Features:
- Beadboard wainscoting walk-in shower
- Coastal blue accent wall
- White shiplap ceiling
- Furniture-style vanity with mixed storage
- Rope mirror
- Nautical signage and accessories
Seaside-inspired elements like shiplap, beadboard and accessories transform this small bathroom into a coastal oasis. The walk-in shower incorporates classic nautical style.
Design Tips for a Small Bathroom Walk-In Shower
When planning a walk-in shower for a petite bathroom, keep these design tips in mind:
- Choose lightweight enclosures like frameless or semi-frameless glass to maintain an open, airy aesthetic.
- Incorporate recessed or corner showers to maximize every inch of space.
- Use reflective surfaces like tile, glass and mirror to create the illusion of a larger area.
- Incorporate multi-functional fixtures like a shower bench or niche to add function.
- Install space-saving vanities like floating or wall-mounted styles to preserve floor space.
- Use neutral colors and natural light to keep the room feeling bright and relaxing.
- Add pops of color and texture through tile, accessories and art to inject personality.
With careful layout and design choices, even the tiniest bathroom can have a luxurious, spa-like walk-in shower. Use these tips to turn your small space into a stylish oasis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of having a walk-in shower in a small bathroom?
Some benefits of installing a walk-in shower in a small bathroom include saving space by eliminating a bulky tub, easier access without climbing over a tub wall, and creating a more spa-like, high-end ambiance.
How can I make a walk-in shower feel roomy in a small bathroom?
Use frameless or semi-frameless glass enclosures, avoid shower doors, use reflective tiles like marble or glass, incorporate a corner or recessed shower layout, use a minimalist design, and ensure proper lighting.
What kind of flooring works best in a small shower?
Small tile like mosaics or hexagons optical illusion of more space. Pebble floors can also work well. Avoid large tiles, which can make a petite shower feel cramped.
What shower layouts work in a small bathroom?
Corner showers maximize space. Recessed showers also tuck away neatly. Curbless showers open up the space visually. Avoid bulky tub/shower combos.
What design styles work well in compact bathrooms?
Clean-lined contemporary or modern design keeps things visually light and airy. You can also embrace vintage charm with traditional wainscoting and tilework. Crisp whites and neutrals work in any design.
Conclusion
While once considered cramped and compromised, today’s small bathrooms can be serene spa-like spaces. A well-designed walk-in shower eliminates bulky tubs and opens up precious square footage.
Using the right layout, lighting, materials and details, compact bathrooms can feel luxurious and spacious. A custom walk-in shower adds functionality and flair. With minimal maintenance, your petite bath can become a stylish oasis for years to come.
