A small bathroom with a glass walk-in shower enclosure featuring a chrome frame and a patterned tile floor.
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Is A Walk In Shower A Good Idea For A Small Bathroom?

Cramming into a shoebox bathroom? Shower time can feel like a contortionist act. But wait! Before you ditch the shower dreams for endless sink battles, consider the mighty walk-in. Yep, those fancy showers with no doors might be your small bathroom’s secret weapon. This guide will explain if a walk-in shower is the hero your bathroom needs.

Can a walk in shower save space in a small bathroom?

Believe it or not, walk-in showers can be your small bathroom’s best friend. Here’s why:

  • Ditch the bulky door: Traditional shower doors steal precious floor space with their swinging or sliding antics. Open showers give them the boot, opening up the bathroom and making it feel less cramped.
  • Fit like a glove: Unlike standard shower enclosures, these showers can be built to fit those awkward corners and unused nooks. No more wasted space, just smarty-pants showering.
  • Shower power: Not a bubble bath person? Ditch the tub and snag a walk-in shower instead! It’ll free up a ton of space, making your bathroom feel like it magically grew a few feet!

Do walk in showers make small bathrooms feel bigger?

Walk-in showers are the ultimate small bathroom trickster, making those tiny spaces feel way bigger. Here’s the lowdown on their magic:

  • Goodbye walls, hello openness: Without a bulky door and walls, the bathroom feels more open and airy. No more feeling like you’re showering in a closet.
  • Light show: Glass panels are like an invisibility cloak for your shower. Light gets to flow through, making the whole bathroom feel brighter and airier. Think clear or light-coloured glass for best results.
  • Minimalist magic: Walk-in showers keep things sleek and simple, ditching the clutter that makes a small bathroom feel even smaller. Imagine a Zen spa, not a toy box overflowing with bath stuff.

Modern, small bathroom with a corner walk-in shower featuring a glass panel door and a mosaic tile floor in shades of grey. Light colored walls and a large mirror above the sink contribute to the feeling of spaciousness.

Are there different walk in shower designs for small bathrooms?

Don’t worry, your small bathroom can still have a shower with tons of personality! Here are some cool ideas:

  • Corner champ: This one fits snugly in a corner, using every inch of space you might not have known what to do with. Makes the most of your tiny bathroom layout!
  • Open air oasis: Ditch the bulky shower door! This design has a super smooth entrance (no curb to step over) and just one glass panel. Feels light, airy, and perfect for making your small bathroom seem bigger. Additionally, this is also ideal for enhancing the daily living of NDIS participants, as it provides extra space for mobility and can easily accommodate a shower seat.
  • Half wall hideaway: Want some privacy but still love the openness? A half wall with clear glass on top separates the shower without feeling too closed in.

What to consider before installing a walk in shower in a small bathroom?

Hold on a sec before you ditch that shower curtain for a fancy glass job! Here are a few things to consider:

  • Drainage disaster zone: You don’t want your bathroom turning into a mini-lake, right? Make sure the floor slants a bit towards the drain so the water knows where to go.
  • Ventilation vacation cancellation: No one wants mould in your bathroom forever. Think about adding an exhaust fan or making sure there’s good air circulation.
  • Waterproofing Woes: These showers need serious waterproofing to avoid leaks. Don’t try to be a DIY hero here – call a pro to make sure everything’s sealed tight.

Small bathroom with a modern walk-in shower. The shower has a frameless glass door and a chrome showerhead. The bathroom floor is tiled in gray with a patterned accent tile around the drain. A small sink with a faucet and a mirror with a shelf sit below a window, maximizing the light and the feeling of space in the bathroom.

Walk in shower vs. Traditional shower in a small bathroom

Alright, so here’s the thing about walk-in showers in tiny bathrooms: there are pros and cons to weigh.

Walk-In Shower

Pros:

  • Saves space
  • Makes the bathroom feel bigger
  • Modern and stylish
  • Accessible for everyone

Cons:

  • Needs proper waterproofing
  • Might need extra ventilation
  • May not be ideal for everyone if privacy is a concern

Traditional Shower

Pros:

  • Usually cheaper to install
  • Easier to keep water contained

Cons:

  • Takes up more space
  • Feels cramped
  • Less accessible

Alternatives to walk in showers for small bathrooms

Not feeling a walk in shower in your little bathroom? No worries! Here’s how to turn that tiny space into a spa haven:

  • Shower over bath: Ditch the decision fatigue! This combo lets you enjoy both a relaxing soak and a quick rinse in one spot.
  • Curvy comfort: Swap that straight shower curtain for a curved one. It gives you a surprising amount of extra wiggle room for a more spa-like feel.
  • Pocket power: Remove the swinging door that hogs space! Install a pocket door that slides right into the wall. Genius!

Final thoughts

So, is a walk-in shower the ultimate small bathroom saviour? It depends!

  • Want a bathroom that looks swanky, feels roomy, and is easy to get in and out of? An open shower might be the perfect upgrade! Just remember, good ventilation is key to avoiding any mouldy surprises later.
  • Now, if privacy is your jam or you’re on a tight budget, a classic shower with a space-saving door (like one that slides into the wall) could be the way to go.
  • In the end, the best shower for your small bathroom depends on what works for you – your style, your needs, and your wallet, of course!

Inspired Joinery & Maintenance: Your bathroom renovation dream team

Feeling squished in your shoebox of a bathroom? Wish you had a space that’s both stylish and functional, but stuck with tiny walls? Inspired Joinery & Maintenance is here to turn that frown upside down!

We’re not just some slap-dash crew throwing stuff on walls. We love revamping bathrooms, especially turning those cramped spaces into total oases. We’ll chat with you to figure out your dream bathroom, then design a custom walk-in shower that maximises every square inch (no more shower claustrophobia!).

We’re not stopping there! That amazing shower is just the start. We handle all the nitty-gritty, from making sure the water flows where it should to waterproofing. That way, you can chill knowing your new bathroom is built to last, with zero leaks or mould to haunt your future showers.

Don’t let your small bathroom cramp your style any longer! Hit us up for a free bathroom renovation consultation, and let’s make that dream bathroom a reality. We’re stoked to hear from you!

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