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Shower Enclosure Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Small bathrooms require clever design to maximize space and functionality. Shower enclosures are a great way to create a designated showering area without sacrificing precious square footage. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Corner Shower Enclosure

  • Space Efficient: Corner shower enclosures tuck neatly into a corner, maximizing your bathroom's layout. They come in various shapes:
    • Square/Rectangle: The basic, traditional option.
    • Curved: These have a rounded front that offers slightly more elbow room when showering.
  • Design Options: Corner enclosures are incredibly versatile. Choose sliding doors for the ultimate space-saver, or opt for hinged doors that swing out if you have a bit more clearance. Framed, semi-framed and frameless glass styles are all available.
  • Customization: Corner shower bases can be custom-fitted for an irregular bathroom shape or built from tiles to match your bathroom aesthetic.

Neo-Angle Shower Enclosure

  • Diagonal Footprint: This clever five-sided design uses a triangular corner space while offering a more spacious feel within the shower compared to a square corner enclosure.
  • Space-Saver: The angled door eliminates the need for swing-out clearance, saving valuable floor space.
  • Modern Touch: Neo-angle showers have an inherently contemporary look that adds a bit of architectural interest to a bathroom.

Walk-In Shower

  • Open & Airy: No doors create a luxurious, spacious feel even in a compact bathroom. Walk-in showers are the perfect way to blur boundaries and make the room feel larger.
  • Accessibility: Walk-in showers, especially those with low or no thresholds, are very friendly to users with decreased mobility.
  • Flexible Design: The size and shape of a walk-in shower can be completely customized. You can even use a partial glass wall for splash control, leaving some openness.

Curtain Instead of Doors

  • Budget-Friendly: Quality shower curtains are often significantly less expensive than glass shower doors. This frees up money for other bathroom upgrades.
  • Space Saver: You don't need clearance for doors to open and close, just enough space to slide the curtain.
  • Style Element: Shower curtains provide a big opportunity to inject color, patterns, and personality into your bathroom. They're also easy to switch out if you want a quick design refresh.

Important Considerations

No matter which type of shower enclosure you choose, be sure to:

  • Measure carefully: Accurate measurements ensure your enclosure will fit and that the doors have room to function.
  • Consider Drainage: Water must be contained and directed towards your drain, particularly in walk-in showers.
  • Think Long-Term: Accessibility and how your needs might change over time are factors to keep in mind.

Additional Tips for Small Bathroom Shower Enclosures

  1. Use Clear Glass
    Clear glass shower doors will help to make your bathroom feel more open and spacious
  2. Light-Colored Tiles
    Light-colored tiles on the walls and floor of your shower enclosure will also help to reflect light and make the space feel larger.
  3. Built-In Shelves
    Built-in shelves in your shower enclosure can provide storage for shampoo, soap, and other bathroom essentials. This will help to keep your shower clutter-free and make it feel more spacious.
  4. Shower Niche
    A shower niche is a recessed shelf in the shower wall that can provide storage for shampoo, soap, and other bathroom essentials. This is a great way to save space on the shower floor and keep your shower looking organized.

By following these tips, you can create a stylish and functional shower enclosure for your small bathroom.