One of my favorite parts about being an interior designer is when I get to work in spaces that feel impossible.
You know the ones… the random corner in a living room that feels pointless and impossible to do anything with, the entryway that’s oddly shaped, and of course the small bathroom designs with showers that just feels blah.
To most people these spaces feel hopeless – how could you possibly design them to be functional and truly maximize the space they offer?
Well, I like a challenge! And there’s nothing I love more than looking at a space that feels impossible and making it one of the spaces in your home that you love the most.
One of the most common spaces that I get to work with are small bathrooms designs and I’ll admit – even as an interior designer, finding the perfect layout that blends style and function can be tricky.
But something I’ve found is that small bathrooms are actually make the PERFECT place for a walk-in shower. Even though it seems like a walk-in shower would require more square footage, when you get creative, you’ll actually find that even the smallest bathroom can benefit from them.
Not only does a walk-in shower provide a sleek, modern look, but it can also maximize space in a room that feels otherwise small.
If it sounds too good to be true, just keep reading! In this blog post, I’m sharing 5 small bathroom designs with a shower so you can see what’s possible, whether you’re planning a remodel or simply looking for inspiration!
5 Small Bathroom Design Ideas with Walk In Showers
1. Frameless Glass Walk-In Shower
One of the best ways to create an open, airy feel in a small bathroom is to use a frameless glass walk-in shower. The lack of bulky frames and barriers allows light to flow freely throughout the room, making it feel larger than it is.
In addition to the frameless shower, you can add shower niches to store your toiletries in order to reduce the need for extra storage spaces throughout the bathroom that might otherwise take up valuable space.
This design not only looks sophisticated but also helps to enhance the feeling of openness in your small bathroom.
2. Corner Walk-In Shower
One of the rules of interior design (okay, maybe it’s just my rule!) is to never underestimate the power of a corner. Whether it be in your living room, bedroom, or especially your bathroom, a corner actually provides a lot more real estate than you might initially think.
Corners in a small bathroom can actually make the perfect spot for a walk-in shower. This layout makes the most of an underutilized area and to visually expand the room, you can use light-colored tiles or large-format tiles inside the shower to reduce the number of grout lines and give the appearance of a larger surface area.
Additionally, when opting for a corner walk-in shower, you can choose a sliding door instead of a swinging one to save even more space!
3. Walk-In Shower with a Floating Vanity
A lesser used option, but a smart one nevertheless, is pairing your walk-in shower with a floating vanity!
With this design, you can install the vanity on the wall, freeing up valuable floor space and making your bathroom appear larger and more open.
To complete the look, you can use under-vanity lighting to add to the sense of openness by casting a soft glow on the floor and pairing the vanity with a frameless glass shower for a seamless, sophisticated design that’s perfect for a small bathroom.
4. Dividing Wall Between Toilet and Shower
A common way to maximize the space of a small bathroom with showers is to have a dividing wall between the toilet and shower.
This functional design feature helps create privacy in shared bathrooms while maintaining an open feel. The dividing wall serves as a partition that can be full-height for complete separation or half-height to allow light and airflow to pass through the space.
Materials like frosted glass, tile, or even sleek cabinetry can be used to create the dividing wall, offering a seamless blend of style and function.
5. Mosaic or Geometric Tiling
Lastly, mosaic or geometric tiling can be a great design choice for your walk-in shower in a small bathroom, not only for the pop of bold and artistic touch, but also because of how these patterns make a small space feel larger.
The small, intricate patterns of mosaic tiles create a sense of movement and texture on walls or floors. The fine details of mosaic designs also draw the eye across the surface, distracting from the room’s actual size and giving the impression of a more spacious area.
Additionally, geometric tiles, especially when used in repeating patterns like hexagons or chevrons, trick the eye into seeing more depth. This continuous flow of shapes creates a visual illusion that stretches the space, helping the room feel larger than it is.
Both of these tile options are a great option for your walk-in shower in your small bathroom to create the illusion of a larger space while also creating an aesthetically pleasing design that you and your guests are sure to love.
Additional Resources For Your Bathroom Design Needs
Overall, it IS possible for you to have a walk-in shower, regardless of your bathroom size! Sometimes you just need an extra set of eyes to help you see what’s possible.
My hope is that these 5 ideas give you a look into new possibilities for your bathroom design, but if you’re in search of additional interior design resources to help you with your bathroom design, you’re in the right place!
If you’re local to Buffalo, NY and are looking to work with an interior designer, click here to view my services to see which best matches your needs.
Not quite ready to complete your project, click here to browse the blog for more interior design ideas and inspiration