Best Shower Rooms, Guides and More

Getting the Layout Right

First things first: how you arrange your shower determines everything. Walk-in designs are the VIPs of shower rooms – they ditch clunky frames for sleek glass panels, making even small spaces feel airy. Pro tip? If you’re tight on space, go wider rather than deeper. A 36x36" footprint still lets you move freely without banging elbows.

And about that wet room vibe... Yes, it looks magazine-worthy, but only do it if you're ready for waterproofing EVERYTHING, floor to ceiling. Mess this up, and you'll be mopping puddles off your bathroom floor daily. Trust me, properly sloping that floor towards the drain matters big time.

Storage Smarts & Small Space Hacks

Let’s be real – shampoo bottles aren’t décor. But cramming them under the sink sucks too. Here’s what works:

• Recessed wall niches: Carve them right into your shower wall during renovation – zero floor space taken.
• Floating teak benches: Doubles as seating and hides storage underneath. Win-win.
• Slimline vertical cabinets: Like those 8"-deep towers that fit beside toilets – lifesavers for tiny rooms.

Choose Your Vibe: Spa, Industrial or Vintage

Spa mode: Think pebble-tile floors (gentle on bare feet!), oversized rainfall showerheads, and built-in cedar benches. Add dimmable LEDs around the mirror – overheads ruin relaxation.

Industrial edge: Matte black fixtures + exposed pipe fittings + concrete-look tiles. Keep it warm with wood accents so it doesn’t feel like a parking garage. A luxury spa shower experience doesn’t need frills – it needs texture.

Vintage charm: Clawfoot tub-shower combos work with patterned curtains. Layer a sheer decorative curtain over a waterproof liner – cute AND functional.

Shower Tech That Actually Matters

Forget gizmos you’ll never use. Invest in:

• Thermostatic valves: No more temperature surprise attacks! Safety AND comfort.
• Dual showerheads: Overhead for rinsing, handheld for washing dogs/kids/your feet.
• Digital controls: Tap to set exact temps + timer. Game changer for teens who shower for hours.

Tiles That Work Hard

Glossy subway tiles? Pretty but slippery. Go for:

• Textured stone mosaic: Natural grip + hides hard water stains.
• Large-format porcelain: Fewer grout lines = easier cleaning.
• Terrazzo patterns: Camouflages soap scum like a pro.

And hey – don’t tile the whole room if you hate grout cleaning. Try waterproof wall panels with marble prints. Looks luxe, wipes clean in seconds.

Lighting That Sets the Mood

Harsh fluorescents kill spa vibes. Do this instead:

• LED strips under benches/cabinets: Gentle nighttime glow.
• Recessed ceiling spots with damp-rating: Mandatory near water!
• Backlit mirrors: Flattering light for makeup checks.

Place lights >60cm from shower spray if they’re not fully waterproof. Electricians hate callbacks – do this right.

Accessibility Done Right

Planning ahead? Include:

• Zero-entry thresholds: Roll straight in with walkers or chairs.
• Grab bars disguised as towel racks: Stylish AND supportive.
• Adjustable-height showerheads: For growing kids or aging parents.

Don’t Forget the Drama

Make it Instagram-worthy with:

• Statement floors: Navy Moroccan tiles in shower zone only.
• Brass fixtures: Warm tones against cool grey tiles = chef’s kiss.
• Glass with anti-spot coating: Stay classy, avoid water stains.

Pitfalls to Dodge

Other common mess-ups:

• Ignoring existing plumbing: Moving pipes costs $$$. Design around them.
• Cheap glass: Thin screens wobble and break. Go for 8-10mm tempered.
• Overlooking ventilation: Mildew wins without an extractor fan.