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
- Use Clear Glass
Clear glass shower doors will help to make your bathroom feel more open and spacious - 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. - 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. - 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.