Low-curb showers are a great option for midsize bathrooms, offering easy accessibility and modern style. This week we’re featuring six beautiful midsize bathrooms with stylish low-curb showers. Read on for design inspiration!
Overview of Low-Curb Showers
A low-curb shower is a walk-in shower with just a small curb at the threshold, typically 2 inches tall or less. This minimal barrier makes entry and exit safer and easier compared to standard showers. Low-curb showers provide ADA accessibility and work well for users of any age or mobility level.
Some key benefits of low-curb showers include:
- Improved accessibility – The low curb allows for easy wheel chair access. It’s also safer for those who struggle with high thresholds.
- Reduced fall risk – Stepping over a 2 inch curb is safer than a standard 6 inch tub wall. The lower curb reduces the risk of falls.
- Stylish appearance – Low-curb showers have a clean, modern look that works in all design styles.
- Increased space – Without a bulky tub taking up space, low-curb showers open up the bathroom.
- Easy to install – Converting a tub to a low-curb shower is a DIY-friendly bathroom remodel option.
Low-curb showers work especially well in midsize bathrooms, maximizing both space and style. Let’s look at some stunning examples!
Modern Farmhouse Bathroom
This light and airy midsize bathroom features a fresh take on modern farmhouse style. The wood-look tile floors and subtle textured accents keep the space feeling casual and inviting.
Walk-In Low-Curb Shower
The spacious walk-in shower is defined by its low 2 inch curb and linear drain. The gorgeous oversized tile in shades of white and gray continues the modern farmhouse aesthetic.
The low curb allows for easy entry, while the linear drain and lack of door maximize the open feel. Include a waterproof shower niche to store bath necessities.
Double Vanity
Rather than limiting to a single small vanity, this bathroom incorporates a double vanity along the far wall. The two white floating vanities with matte black hardware maximize counter space and storage.
Place vanities side-by-side, leaving walking space in the center rather than cramming them together. For a cohesive look, select vanities in the same style but opt for two different countertop materials or finishes.
Large Format Wall & Floor Tile
Limiting tile patterns also helps open up the space visually. Use large format tile on both the floor and shower walls, in similar hues for a streamlined look. The oversized scale helps make the midsize bathroom feel more expansive.
Matte Black Plumbing Fixtures
For a modern touch, incorporate matte black plumbing fixtures. Matte black compliments both the white tile and warm wood tones in this design. Include a wall mount faucet and black rectangular undermount sinks on the vanities. Add a matte black showerhead, handles, and accessories to complete the look.
Sophisticated Gray & White Bathroom
For a striking but soothing vibe, opt for shades of gray and white in textures from glossy to matte. The varied surfaces and minimalist style keep the midsize space feeling contemporary yet relaxed.
Hexagon Shower Floor Tile
Hexagon tiles in shades of gray and white bring subtle pattern to the walk-in shower floor, contrasting against the clean white subway wall tile. Continue the hex tiles outside the shower as wainscoting for a seamless look.
The hex floor tile also disguises the low 2 inch shower curb, for a flush appearance. Place medium gray grout in a matching shade to the tile for a more monolithic feel.
Floating Wood Vanity
A floating double vanity adds storage without dominating the space. The rich wood tone provides warmth against the crisp grays and white. Undermount square sinks and modern matte black hardware continue the contemporary vibe.
In a midsize bathroom, a floating vanity leaves the floor below open and visible, making the room appear larger. The lack of drawers also streamlines the look. Add closed storage cabinets elsewhere to hide necessities.
Gray Grout & Subway Wall Tiles
Use light gray grout between the subway wall tiles to create a graphical grid pattern. Continue the tiles from the shower onto the walls and ceiling for a seamless effect.
Vary the tile size, while keeping the color and style consistent. Larger subway tiles on the shower walls and ceiling help expand the look, while smaller tiles on the bathroom walls add intricate texture.
Pendant Lighting Over Vanity
Make a style statement and illuminate the vanity space with LED pendant lights. Opt for three matching pendant lamps hung at staggered heights over the double vanity. Choose pendant styles with a clean-lined form that complements the modern aesthetic.
Spa-Inspired Bathroom
For a relaxing and rejuvenating vibe, take inspiration from spas and zen gardens. This bathroom features natural stone textures, greenery, and a serene color palette of ivory, brown, and sage green.
Textured Neutral Tones
Keep the look calming yet interesting by layering stone and porcelain tiles in shades of cream, taupe, and light brown. Use mottled tiles on the walk-in shower walls and floor for natural-looking texture. Continue the brown porcelain wood-look plank tile throughout the bathroom.
In the shower, include an accent tile with subtle gray-green color. Repeat this on the bathroom wall as a decorative stripe for harmony. Keep grout lines neutral for a seamless effect.
Floating Teak Wood Shelves
In place of bulky vanities, add floating teak wood shelves. The natural reclaimed wood shelves provide open storage for rolled towels, plants, and spa accessories. For more concealed storage, include a recessed medicine cabinet on the wall.
The clean-lined floating shelves complement the tranquil vibe, without taking over the limited floor space. Place plants on the top shelves to enhance the nature-inspired style.
Copper & Glass Sconce Lights
Use copper and glass sconces on the walls to add a warm glow. Position the sconces strategically beside the recessed medicine cabinets and vanity shelves.
The soft ambient lighting contributes to the overall spa aesthetic. Opt for energy efficient LED or halogen bulbs.
Walk-In Shower with Skylight
Bring the outdoors in by adding a skylight above the walk-in shower. Allow natural light to filter into the soothing space framed with neutral textured tile and green glass accents.
The skylight brightens the room and makes the midsize bathroom feel more spacious. For privacy, position the shower so that the skylight can’t be seen from outside.
Bold Black & White Bathroom
For dramatic contrast, opt for a black and white color palette. The bold yet classic color pairing looks sharp in this contemporary bathroom with modern and minimalist appeal.
Large Scale Geometric Tile
Make a graphic statement by covering the walk-in shower walls in large scale black and white geometric tile. Use varying shapes for visual interest, but keep to just two contrasting colors.
Continue the black and white tile as a rug-inspired stripe on the bathroom floor. Pair with rectangular porcelain plank tiles in white to expand the color scheme throughout the space.
Floating Wood Shelving
Incorporate wood for warmth by adding floating shelves in a rich ebony finish. The dark wood pops against the bright white walls and complements the black tile accents.
Minimalist open shelves hold neatly rolled white towels to complete the upscale hotel style. Add a couple larger wicker baskets for concealed storage of bathing essentials.
Bold Black Vanity & Accents
Choose a black quartz vanity countertop and backsplash to contrast with the white floor tile and walls. For drama, make the dual floating vanities and the frame of the large wall mirror black as well.
Pull in more striking black accents like the wall mount faucets, shower bench, and lighting fixtures. The bold black elements feel luxe against the white.
Linear Shower Drain
For a clean look, install a linear drain along one edge of the walk-in shower. The linear drain draws the eye toward the mosaic black and white wall tile.
An inset threshold creates a barely-perceptible low curb into the shower area. The resulting minimalist, seamless effect helps expand the midsize space.
Coastal Bathroom With Sea Glass Tile
Bring beach house vibes to the bathroom with the look of weathered sea glass. Soft blue and green glass mosaic tiles paired with textured driftwood gray tiles create a soothing coastal feel.
Blue Glass Mosaic Shower Walls
Make the walk-in shower wall a focal feature with allover sea glass tile in shades of blue and green. Vary the sizes and hues of the mosaic tiles for multi-dimensional effect that mimics sea glass.
For variation, add strips of frosted glass tile in white. The sea glass mosaic tile contrasts beautifully with the floor’s gray weathered wood look porcelain.
Weathered Gray Wood Plank Tile
Lay gray porcelain plank tile with variegated weathered pattern to mimic driftwood. The wood-look porcelain tile is waterproof and durable, perfect for the bathroom flooring.
Include a rectangular accent rug on the floor, connecting the space. Try sisal or jute in natural tan, or opt for a blue bath rug to tie in the sea glass colors.
Floating Beachwood Vanity
Incorporate more coastal elements with a floating vanity made of stained beachwood. The grayish weathered finish brings warmth to the space. Accent with an undermount seashell shaped sink and crystal knobs in brushed pewter.
Add a tray filled with sea sponges, shells, and glass bottles on top to reinforce the beach house style. Use ceramic vessels to hold cotton swabs and bath salts.
Round Wall Mirror
Above the beachwood vanity, mount a round wall mirror framed in driftwood. Position a trio of small pendant lights around the mirror to illuminate the vanity area with a soft warm glow.
The round mirror ties in the shapes of the mosaic tile and glass vessels, for a cohesive coastal bath design.
Transitional Bathroom With White Subway Tile
For an elegant and timeless transitional bathroom, start with a classic white subway tile foundation. Layer on natural stone, wood, and black accents for a soothing and inviting ambiance.
Marble Brick Mosaic Shower Floor
Cover the walk-in shower floor in white marble brick mosaic tile. The natural stone mosaic coordinates with the traditional white subway tile on the shower walls, but adds visual interest and texture contrast.
For a lower-maintenance option, select marble-look porcelain mosaic tiles shaped and sized to mimic actual marble. Keep the low curb at the shower entry the same white marble brick.
Clawfoot Tub
Incorporate a vintage-style touch with a clawfoot tub placed adjacent to the walk-in shower. This allows bathers a choice between a standing shower or soaking tub.
Position the tub near a window, and drape with a folding privacy screen when not in use. Opt for a tub with ball and claw feet in matte black, for a modern twist.
Double Vanity with Marble Top
Maximize storage in the midsize bathroom with his-and-hers floating vanities with undermount sinks and matte black hardware. Bring in more classic marble with matching countertops in a white, gray, and black mottled pattern.
The double vanities provide plenty of counter space. Leave room in between to walk through and access the shower and bathtub areas.
Wood Mirror Frame
Hang a large rectangular mirror above the double vanity to visually expand the space. Choose a natural wood finish like weathered oak for the mirror’s frame to add a transitional touch.
Flank the mirror with black sconce lights. Their soft upward glow will provide ideal even lighting on the faces at the vanity.
Achieving an Open, Spa-Like Feel in a Midsize Bathroom
While a smaller square footage presents challenges, you can absolutely create a spa-like vibe in a midsize bathroom. Follow these tips to make your bathroom feel more open and relaxing.
Limit Visual Clutter
Prevent your midsize bathroom from feeling cramped by limiting visual clutter. Remove anything non-essential from counters and replace bulky storage pieces with streamlined floating shelves or medicine cabinets. Store necessities out of sight in drawers, cabinets and baskets.
Expand With Mirrors
Well-placed mirrors instantly make a space feel larger and brighter. Incorporate one long mirror above vanities to expand the room. You can also add a mirrored wall cabinet for concealed storage. For the shower area, use a mirrored wall or reflective tile for the illusion of more space.
Neutral Color Palette
Sticking with a tranquil, neutral color scheme avoids overwhelming the compact room. Go for soft hues like white, gray, ivory and tan on major surfaces. You can still incorporate natural, texture-rich materials like stone and wood within the color palette.
Multi-Functional Fixtures
Rethink typical bathroom fixtures with multi-functional options tailored to a midsize space. For example, choose a floating bench that offers shower seating plus storage within. Install a space-saving wall-hung toilet to open up floor area. You can even find sink/vanity combos that maximize functionality.
Sufficient Lighting
Proper lighting transforms a bathroom’s ambiance from utilitarian to spa-worthy. Incorporate layers of light like recessed ceiling fixtures, sconces, and under cabinet lighting. Wall-mounted fixtures and natural light from windows or skylights also help illuminate the room.
Decluttered Walkways
With limited square footage, a cluttered floor makes movement through the space feel constrained. Make sure there’s a clear path to walk in, out, and around key areas. Floating fixtures and furnishings help keep traffic areas open. Consider walk-in showers without doors to improve flow.
6 Key Design Tips for Low-Curb Showers
Low-curb showers offer accessibility along with stylish modern appeal. Here are six top design tips when planning a low-curb shower:
1. Consider Door or No Door
You can enclose your low-curb shower with a glass door, or opt for an open walk-in design. Doors contain splash and provide privacy. A curbless open shower creates a sleeker look and improves flow.
2. Select Flooring With Minimal Slope
The shower floor itself should have only minimal slope so water drains properly. Avoid using small tile sizes, as grout lines can create unevenness. Larger format tiles result in a smoother surface.
3. Arrange Linear Drain Properly
For the drainage, a linear trench along the edge is recommended over a central drain grate. Ensure the linear drain runs perpendicular to the entry opening and low curb area.
4. Use Contrasting Floor Tile
Use a tile with good contrast on the shower floor for easier depth perception. Avoid busy patterns though, as solid colors like white or gray are safest.
5. Provide Grab Bars for Support
Even with the minimal curb, provide grab bars along the walls for stability getting in and out of the shower. Opt for grab bars with modern curved designs.
6. Illuminate Fully
Make sure the shower area is well-lit. Outfit the space with recessed lights, accent lighting and natural light if possible. Proper illumination improves visibility and reduces risk.
5 Safety Tips for Low-Curb Showers
While low-curb showers improve accessibility and safety overall, take precautions with the design to prevent trips and slips. Follow these tips:
- Install non-slip tile or etched flooring on the shower floor for traction.
- Position grab bars thoughtfully for support and stability.
- Ensure even, glare-free lighting on shower floors.
- Use contrasting tile colors to properly gauge depth and edges.
- Apply a waterproofing sealer to grout lines to prevent mildew in crevices.
4 Pros of Remodeling a Tub to Low-Curb Shower
Converting your existing bathtub to a low-curb walk-in shower offers many benefits.
Increased Use and Enjoyment
Walk-in showers are easier to access versus climbing in and out of a tub. The simplicity makes existing bathrooms more functional for family members of any age and mobility level.
Improved Safety
The minimal curb and grab bars reduce the risk of slips or falls. Without a tub, there is no chance of climbing mishaps. Walk-in showers provide a safer bathing experience overall.
Space Savings
Removing a bulky tub opens up floor space visually and physically. The spacious feel is especially noticeable in midsize and small bathrooms.
Cost Effective Upgrade
Converting a tub is significantly cheaper than a full bathroom remodel. Switching to a low-curb shower provides an impactful upgrade at a reasonable price point.
3 Key Planning Tips for Tub-to-Shower Conversions
Converting your tub to a walk-in curbless shower takes planning. Keep these tips in mind:
- Work with an experienced contractor familiar with low-curb shower installs.
- Make plumbing relocations before demolition to prevent bathing disruptions.
- Adjust shower floor slope for proper drainage toward the linear trench drain.
5 Stylish Storage Solutions for Midsize Bathrooms
Limited space means maximizing every inch for storage in a midsize bath. Get creative with these storage ideas:
- Floating shelves – Open and wall mounted, these keep items accessible yet tidy.
- Medicine cabinets – Recessed or wall mounted cabinets add discreet storage space.
- Under vanity drawers – Built-in or retrofit rollout drawers make use of the vanity base.
- Corner floor cabinets – Use narrow corner cabinets for extra linen or
