30 Walk-In Shower Ideas That Elevate Your Bathroom
Bathrooms can often feel the most limited in terms of design possibilities. You have to have certain fixtures—sink, toilet, tiles—but others you can pick and choose at will. For example, if you know you'll never use a bathtub, you can use that precious square footage to install a walk-in shower instead. These types of shower stalls are more spacious than those with a bathtub base and can help maximize bathrooms with smaller square footage. A well-designed bathroom with a walk-in shower allows you to incorporate built-in functional storage, multiple lighting options, and even room for your humidity-loving houseplants.
"Architecturally speaking, a walk-in shower can 'disappear' and [make a space feel] more open," says Matt Baran, founder of Baran Studio Architecture. "It's useful when trying to capture views through multiple layers of space and in increasing the amount of light available to the bathroom."
Walk-in showers can also help to make your bathroom more ADA-accessible and mobility-friendly as they don’t require a full stepover to get inside. The best walk-in shower ideas are both functional and stylish, limiting splashes and spills while looking sleek and streamlined. To help you rethink your bathroom floor plan, we gathered 30 of the best walk-in shower ideas to spark your inspiration. Whether you’re looking for a large, spa-like space, or a better way to outfit your small bathroom, we have you covered.
Additional copy by Kristin Tablang and Medgina Saint-Elien.
Countless ideas for timeless bathroom design:
Make a Statement
Choosing a striking stone slab for your bathroom is an easy way to ensure your walk-in shower stands out. Here, in the Novogratz's West Village home, the eggplant-hued vanity was color-matched to the marble.
Float Your Glass
For a seamless, light appearance, opt for glass barriers with no hardware in sight. Here, because there aren't any hard walls or doors, the shower stall doesn't take up any visual space, making this entire primary bathroom by Marie Flanigan feel larger.
Frame the Alcove
To make your walk-in shower more of a design moment, frame its alcove or border with a contrasting stone. Here, designer Jaqui Seerman used rose quartz for a feminine touch. “Not only is it visually stunning, but it also possesses inherent healing qualities, providing the perfect foundation to start and end your day,” she says.
Minimize the Opening
Creating a deep walk-in shower is a great way to minimize splashes and spills if you're looking to skip the door. Take inspiration from this pinstriped space by Emma Ainscough and opt for a narrow, arched opening instead of hinges or glass.
Don't Forget a Seat
Even if you're fighting for square footage in your walk-in shower, it's important to be comfortable. This bite-sized corner seat makes this shower more accessible and easy to navigate without taking up too much space.
Include Natural Light
Shower stalls are often dark and dingy. But if your space (and privacy) allows, install your shower onto a wall with a window. The natural light will help make the entire space feel larger. And who doesn't like a restorative rinse with a view?
Try a New Door Style
If you're looking to abandon the traditional shower curtain but don't have room for a hinged door, why not opt for a glass closure on sliders? In this small bathroom, the glass helps the space look bigger while still showing off the funky patterned tile.
Add a Sauna
A true spa-like experience must involve a hot and cold combination. In this home, the walk-in shower is just one part of the experience—a sauna is installed on the other side, and the homeowners can easily move between them. Post-work relaxation has never been this easy.
Choose an All-Over Tile
If the rest of your bathroom is covered in tile, continue the pattern into your walk-in shower for a seamless transition. Here, the tile even covers the built-in bench. Like all pattern play, ground your print with a solid foundation, like the terracotta floor here.
Add Panes
To make your glass shower door look more intentional and architecturally interesting, add panes to the glass. In this New York townhome designed by the firm Ward & Gray, the door was made to match the home's historic era.
Chic Black and White
Designer Sarah Richardson created this spa-like walk-in shower for a picturesque A-frame chalet near a ski resort in Collingwood, Ontario. Its sloped roofline was no match for her skilled eye. The peaked design in crisp black-and-white marble looks like a hidden treasure.
Sapphire Paradise
You'll bask in the beauty of a gemstone blue walk-in shower like this one in Justina Blakeney's Jungalow even when it's not in use. The shower's center niche is inset with a vintage mirror the same shape as the tile. The blue-and-gold color combo makes a morning shower even more energizing and glamorous too.
Curtained Curves
Designed by Cathy Chapman, this open-concept shower is in a league of its own. The shower curtain opens up to reveal a circle design on the floor and a rounded asymmetrical marble wall slab that's another eye-catching surprise.
Illusory Tile
The stacks of subway tile in this bathroom by Romanek Design Studio are smoky, cool, and mysterious. They're complemented by foxed mirror tile that makes it look larger and more lively—and adds interest to the wall between the soaking tub and walk-in shower.
Indoor-Outdoor Beauty
Walk right out your bathroom door to take in the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, the way Eric Olsen can do in his California home. There's an outdoor shower on the deck outside this glass door too, so you have your choice of spots to soak and relax.
Bold Moves
Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors chose statement floor tile that extends into this bathroom's asymmetrical walk-in shower. It's a design tactic that helps "reduce visual disruption," she says.
Earthy Greens
Zellige tiles lend the walk-in shower of this tranquil, sun-filled wet room with a skylight by Romanek Design Studio a cool vibe.
Serene Sanctuary
This light and airy bathroom by LH.Designs founder Linda Hayslett showcases a spacious walk-in shower fit for two.
Warm and Contemporary
A1000xBetter founder Kirsten Blazek chose to line the walls of this midcentury-modern bath with dimensional tiles to create more texture and complement the terrazzo floor. "We chose a walk-in shower because we liked the clean aesthetic and made the bathroom feel larger," she reveals.
Emerald Escape
Who says walk-in showers have to be encased in glass? For this cozy and polished bath, Hayslett added a playful pop of color by lining the interior with glossy green subway tile.
Clean and Simple
"We chose this shower because it's minimal: few lines, no walls," reveals Baran Studio Architecture founder Matt Baran, who designed this relaxing space.
Set in Stone
Ishka Designs seamlessly combines stone, wood, and tile in this luxe, nature-inspired bathroom, which features an airy walk-in shower.
Gilty Pleasures
Marble abounds in this stylish primary bathroom by Julie Rootes Interiors, which has a luxurious walk-in shower trimmed in gold.
Glass Act
This contemporary Hecker Guthrie–designed bathroom features an all-glass walk-in shower that makes you feel like you're outside.
Artful Retreat
This dreamy, spa-like space by K Interiors owner Kristen Peña showcases a luxurious marble walk-in shower alongside a wall handpainted by decorative artist Caroline Lizarraga.
White and Gold
In this sumptuous bath by Josh Manes Architecture, the walk-in shower touts gilded fixtures and a wall niche perfect for toiletries.
Bright Side
This sunny all-white bathroom by Studio Munroe features an asymmetrical walk-in shower replete with all the fixtures, including a rainfall showerhead.
Cool and Calm
For a longtime married couple's private bath, CW Interiors designed this walk-in shower with a marble ceiling to offer a much-needed daily respite.
Pretty in Pink
Ashley DeLapp energized the walk-in shower of this guest bath with pink-and-gold tiles that pair well with the hummingbird wallpaper.
Light and Modern
Chevron tiles liven up the floor of the walk-in shower in this sun-filled bath by Arterberry Cooke, which features a matching tub.
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