Designing a small luxury bathroom can be tricky, especially when it comes to the shower area, where space is often even more limited. With the right design approach, however, even the smallest shower space can be functional, stylish, and comfortable.
Small showers offer unique challenges, but they also present an opportunity for creativity in maximising space and style. Whether you’re dealing with tight corners, awkward layouts, or limited floor space, these small bathroom shower ideas will help you make the most of what you have, turning constraints into stylish, practical solutions.
The type of shower you choose has a huge impact on how your bathroom functions and feels. Corner showers are ideal for maximising floor space, as they fit neatly into a corner which is both efficient and visually pleasing. Alcove showers are another great option, as they can fit into an unused recess or nook, making efficient use of wall space.
If you’re looking for an open, modern feel, consider a wet room style where the shower area flows seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom. This barrier-free design is particularly beneficial in compact spaces. For those who want both a bath and a shower, a shower-tub combo can be an excellent choice, offering versatility while taking up minimal room.
Selecting the right shower door can make a big difference in a small bathroom. Sliding doors are a smart option since they don’t require extra space to open outward, making them ideal for small showers. Bi-fold or accordion doors are another solution, folding in on themselves to maximise entry space without intruding into the room.
If you want an open, spacious look, frameless glass panels are an excellent choice that creates a continuous visual line to make the bathroom appear larger. For a more traditional touch, shower curtains can, of course, work too and don’t take up any extra room when pulled back.
Feature or accent walls can have a big impact on how spacious small bathrooms feel, and they give you the chance to have fun with the décor, even in a smaller space. The direction you lay the tiles or wood panels also plays a role; horizontal tiles can make the shower feel wider, while vertical panels draw the eye up and can make the ceiling feel higher.
Creating an accent wall or recessed niche with contrasting tiles or wood panelling adds a pop of colour and visual interest, and can create the illusion of the shower room being bigger than it is.
Storage is essential in any bathroom, no matter how small, but when you’re working with a tinier space, you need to get creative. Built-in shelving in nooks and alcoves is a stylish solution, providing storage for toiletries without the need for bulky caddies, or you might consider installing a couple of floating shelves in a corner or above doorways, to hold essentials without taking up floor space.
Wall-mounted fixtures like soap dispensers also save space, while keeping shampoo, conditioner, and body wash neatly organised. These small adjustments can keep a tiny shower organised and clutter-free while still practical.
Colour can completely transform how spacious or cramped a bathroom feels. Neutral and light colours like whites, beiges, and pastels are classic choices for small showers, enhancing light and opening up the space. But you don’t need to avoid colour and texture completely. To add personality, incorporate accent colours through hardware, like a bold faucet or shower frame, or use a contrasting tile for visual interest.
Metallic finishes on hardware or tile edges can also add sophistication without overwhelming the space. Glass and mirror finishes are particularly useful in small bathrooms because of their reflective qualities, which help bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and bigger.
Small bathrooms can be challenging to design, but with thoughtful planning and out of the box thinking, you can transform even the tiniest shower into a stylish, functional haven. Experiment with the tips we’ve outlined here to create a luxury small bathroom that’s both beautiful and practical.
For beautiful bathrooms, showers and wet rooms in Sussex, contact Village Bathrooms today.
