Showers were once considered functional fixtures that inspired little in the way of creativity or thought – often consigned to the corner space as a no-fuss necessity rather than a centrepiece.
Times have certainly moved on, with more and more homeowners now opting to showcase their showers as the focus of the bathroom, or even dedicate entire rooms to them.
Walk-in showers have emerged as the frontrunner of the bathroom design field, offering a seamless transition from the bathroom area to the shower space, embodying minimalist beauty and spa-like elegance with functionality and practicality.
From layout to fixtures, fittings, tiling, storage and overall style there are lots of considerations when it comes to creating a walk-in shower space that is both functional and beautiful. With an abundance of design options available, it’s a task that can be both delightful yet daunting, so let’s take a look at some walk-in shower ideas to inspire your next bathroom project.
Concealed Shower:
Concealed shower fittings really lend themselves well to the sleek, clean, minimalist look associated with walk-in showers, drawing attention from unsightly exposed valves and instead to tiles and wall surfaces. And given that walk-in showers generally have a larger footprint than conventional enclosed units, a large overhead shower fitting or rainfall shower head – perhaps in novel finishes such as brass or matt black – can really make a statement.
Zoning:
Zoning is an effective technique for those with a small bathroom who want to avoid physical partitions to break up the space so it remains as open as possible. Utilise different paint colours with contrasting wall tiles to create separate sections and differentiate between bathroom spaces.
Texturing:
Similar to zoning, sectioning your walk-in shower with patterns and textures – such as ornate tiles and frosted glass screens – can also be an effective way of separating your bathroom space without breaking up the room completely. And it can add some interesting design elements to boot!
Open Up The Room:
If you have a small bathroom space, you will want to keep the area as open as possible and this is when less really is more. Installing a simple, clear glass shower screen without any framing or patterning ensures that the flow of the room isn’t disrupted.
Take advantage of unique architecture:
Small bathrooms in particular can often have awkward sizing and quirky or complicated space. Don’t let this be an issue and instead embrace the unique design of your bathroom setting to create a statement bathroom. Utilise sloped ceilings or awkward alcoves by positioning your walk-in shower in this space.
Keep It Sleek And Stylish:
Using the same tiles on your walls and floor creates a sleek and sophisticated appearance commonly associated with a luxury spa, while maintaining continuity throughout the room and giving it an expansive feel.
Neutral tones, marbles and natural stones work well with this design and have grown in popularity over the years as more people opt for this warm and comforting ambience over the traditionally popular, but colder, cooler and more clinical-looking, greys and blues.
Staying Traditional:
While walk-in showers might be more closely associated with a modern, sleek or contemporary design, there’s a lot to be said for keeping it traditional, as long as you’re committed to a theme. Traditional aesthetic can flourish in any space and ooze timeless style. It’s also great news for those with limited space as traditional bathrooms often use glossy tiles – mostly in royal blues or deep greens – which can create a mirror effect and give the illusion of a larger room. Heritage tile patterns, such as the classic subway or herringbone tile, might be a consideration to achieve this look.
Traditional shower fittings and fixtures are the easiest and most effective way to introduce a timeless traditional feel to your walk-in shower. Think bold with ornate brass.
Consider Vertical Shower Tiles:
The latest trend in tile patterns is vertical placement – transforming the look of a simple subway tile into something contemporary. Not only this, but installing tiles vertically can create the illusion of height in a small bathroom, drawing the eye upward and making the shower area feel more spacious and airy. This is particularly beneficial in bathrooms with lower ceilings.
Walk-In Showers With A Bath
Often seen gracing the pages of high-end end magazines, walk-in showers paired with baths have been gaining traction in modern home design. Embodying a blend of functionality, luxury, and aesthetic appeal, opting for a sunken bath paired with an overhead shower is a novel approach to the trend. A sunken bath, set flush with the floor, offers a spa-like experience, with the overhead shower providing a layer of functionality and convenience, making the space versatile for different bathing preferences.
Think About Storage:
If you are looking to create extra storage in your bathroom, particularly in compact space, think about including a built-in shower niche, which provides a sleek, stylish and unobtrusive solution to hold your shower essentials. Alternatively, a built-in floating shower shelf will create additional storage space and act as a statement design feature.
A built-in seating area should also be considered as a stunning and practical addition to your walk-in shower space, providing a comfortable spot to sit and relax as well as a clever additional surface for shower necessities. A shower bench can run the length of your shower wall or fit neatly in a corner.
Lakes Showering Spaces has built up an award-winning reputation is one of the UK’s longest established showering brands with a strong history and pedigree, having been founded almost 40 years ago. In that time Lakes has built up an award-winning reputation based on trust, quality and first-class customer service levels.
Our huge range of walk-in showers has been designed to provide the perfect sanctuary and ultimate showering experience, customised to you and your needs, and all come with a Lifetime Guarantee.