Tight on space? Our round-up of small shower room ideas helps bring a splash of style to even the most bijou of bathrooms
Small shower rooms are about making the most from your available floor and wall space(Image credit: Grohe UK)
If the words 'small shower room ideas' make you think of a cramped space with little room to luxuriate, you may need to take another look at your bathroom design.
With the right fixtures, fittings, space planning and design ideas even the most compact of spaces can be turned into a bathroom that's not only fit for purpose, but is also stylish and filled with design details.
From ways to make the space seem bigger to stylish, contemporary tiling suggestions, we've rounded up 13 small shower room ideas that are guaranteed to make a splash.
Small shower room ideas are all about creating the illusion of space
"When it comes to the bathroom, bigger does not always have to mean better," says Lewis Neathey, leader, product management at Grohe UK.
"For those looking for a streamlined finish, wall-mounted fittings are a great option as they help to create the illusion of space by creating a sleek and streamlined finish. Concealed shower solutions that offer a number of different configurations; from bath fillers to hand and head shower operation are also available and should be front of mind when designing compact, luxury style bathrooms."
It seems that less can still be more when it comes to small shower room ideas, so armed with expert advice, here's our suggestions for making the most out of your bathroom, whether you're looking for en-suite bathroom ideas or find yourself dealing with a small bathroom remodel.
Lewis Neathey
Lewis is a leading expert within the industry, heading up the product team at well-known manufacturer, GROHE, covering both bathroom and kitchen products. Lewis has been at GROHE for seven years, beginning his career within the marketing team, before transiting to sales and product category development.
1. Make layout your number one priority
Make your layout work hard in your small shower room idea(Image credit: Claire Moran for Lusso)
When it comes to tackling your small shower room, "start by considering the layout of your bathroom and how you want your showering space to fit within it," says Mike Whitfield, bathroom interiors expert at Lusso.
"Whether you're working with a compact room or a spacious en suite, thoughtful planning is key. Take into account factors such as plumbing, natural light, and privacy and spend time thinking about your shower enclosure.
"The right one should define the boundaries of your showering space," says Mike, "and complement your overall design aesthetic. Consider factors such as size, style, and functionality when selecting the perfect enclosure for your bathroom."
And when it comes to the design, Mike notes why although bathroom trends can provide inspiration, key design rules should never be forgotten.
"Whether opting for elegant brushed gold or timeless matte black," says Mile, "it's good to pair your shower set with matching bathroom accessories for a flawless and luxurious finish."
Mike Whitfield
Mike Whitfieldis a bathroom interiors expert and Head of Sales at Lusso. With over 10 years of experience in the luxury homeware sector, and nearly 20 years of experience in e-commerce and online sales, Mike possesses a great eye for interior design and stays up-to-date with the latest trends.
2. Swap your window for a rooflight to gain extra wall space
Switch your window for a rooflight and benefit from more wall space(Image credit: Porcelain Superstore)
If you're dealing with a relatively wide but shallow room, where the end wall contains a window, think vertically for an alternative light source. As well as flooding the space with natural light and providing a showering under the stars experience at night, a rooflight can potentially free up enough space for a luxurious double ended shower cubicle.
Decorate with aqua toned tiles, simple black fittings and add a wider sink to account for those times when both inhabitants need to use the space.
If you are considering this idea, make sure you will be installing sufficient bathroom ventilation to account for the potential loss of an opening window.
3. Open up a small space with hairpin leg furniture
Using less bulky furniture can be an option in rooms needing less storage(Image credit: Walls and Floors)
If you're researching small shower room ideas for a small downstairs bathroom that is perhaps being designed for guests, you may not require as much storage as you do in other bathrooms.
If this is the case, help increase the sense of space by replacing a vanity unit with a simple countertop mounted sink on a shelf with hairpin legs. Clean, simple and contemporary, it's a great addition to a monochrome bathroom idea. By giving clear sight of the wall behind, it help tricks the eye into making the room feel much bigger.
The simple design also takes the backseat to more decorative items such as patterned tiles for your bathroom flooring idea which look striking against a white tiled wall. For added visual interest, lay tiles such as these Whitechapel gloss white metro tiles from Walls & Floors in a herringbone or chevron pattern.
4. Stack up on storage in small shower rooms
When space is limited, storage needs to work hard(Image credit: Calypso Bathrooms)
"One of the simplest yet most effective ways to add bathroom storage ideas to a small bathroom without causing major disruption is by opting for fitted or modular bathroom furniture," says Charlotte Tilby, head of marketing at Woodstock Trading Co. These pieces are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing spaces and offer abundant storage solutions without the need for extensive renovations.
"Incorporating a vanity unit into your bathroom offers a stylish storage solution maintaining the clean lines by reducing the clutter."
To maximise your drawers, Charlotte also recommends customisable drawer dividers like the ones shown in this pretty pink vanity unit.
"For added convenience and sophistication," suggests Charlotte, "you could also explore the option of internal drawer lights with motion sensors. These lights illuminate upon drawer opening, elegantly showcasing your bathroom essentials."
Charlotte Tilby
As Head of Marketing for Woodstock Co., Charlotte has her finger on the pulse for the latest design solutions for any bathroom space. Championing both the company's brands gives her a wealth of knowledge to draw upon including new and innovative products hitting the bathroom's market.
5. Choose a luxe maximalist approach for a small shower room
Don't be afraid of maximalism in your small shower room ideas(Image credit: Everett and Blue)
If you prefer a more maximalist approach to your interior decor, don't be put off by thinking it may be too overpowering in a smaller space.
Instead, take your time deciding on the main focus of your theme and if luxe is your overriding choice, choose a bolder yellow bathroom tile that complements your choice of gold or brass fittings.
“People embrace maximalism in their homes by combining a range of different materials, textures, and patterns all within the same scheme," says Leandro Pacheco, founder of tile brand, Everett and Blue.
"We’ve especially seen a move to more pattern in bathrooms," adds Leandor, "and instead of simply following fleeting trends, we’re noticing that consumers are taking a more considered approach to how they shop, mindfully choosing home finishes made to last."
6. Choose elongated wall tiles to add the illusion of height
Tiles with an elongated line can make the room seem taller(Image credit: Calypso Bathrooms)
To add height and detail in simpler small shower rooms where white is the primary colour choice, opt for a tall but thin rectangular patterned tile. As well as stopping the scheme feeling too bland, it will help draw the eye upwards and make the room seem taller.
For small bathroom ideas, it's also a good idea to choose fixtures and fittings with a dual purpose say the experts.
"For smaller bathrooms, leveraging vertical space is a must," says Charlotte Tilby, "with multifunctional furniture an ideal option to gain more floor space, and make the bathroom easier to maintain.
"Mirrored vanity cabinets are a great option for this," suggests Charlotte. "Another alternative are bathroom mirrors featuring LED lights which not only illuminate the space with gentle, ambient lighting but also infuse a stylish touch into the bathroom."
7. Choose a show-stopping shower that suits your needs
A slimline shower tray can be effective in small shower room ideas(Image credit: Claire Moran for Lusso)
Choosing the best shower and tray is of course one of the best ways of getting your small shower room ideas to have function as well as form say the experts.
"Selecting the right shower set is essential for both style and functionality," says Mike Whitfield. "From push-button rainfall showerheads to handheld sprays, there are endless options to suit your preferences and needs. Factors such as water pressure, temperature control, and ease of cleaning should determine which fixtures you choose.
"The shower tray or base also forms the foundation of your showering space," notes Mike, "so choose a material that is durable, slip-resistant, and easy to maintain, such as acrylic, fibreglass, or stone resin. Proper installation will prevent leaks and water damage, and consider options with low thresholds for easy accessibility."
This scheme from Lusso would also be a good option if you're considering vintage bathroom ideas.
8. Wall mount your toilet and taps
Choose wall-mounted fittings for a simple, clean look(Image credit: Grohe UK)
When it comes to taps and toilets, the wall is your friend in a small shower room.
"Another way to make a bathroom appear bigger is to utilise wall-hung fixtures and fittings which help to create the illusion of space by creating a sleek and streamlined finish," says Lewis Neathey.
"Wall-mounted taps, offer a stylish, functional bathroom addition while helping to create space by leaving the basin surface clear. Touchless taps are also often an overlooked solution when it comes to designing a compact bathroom space at home, however, they offer a great space-saving solution," he suggests.
"In compact bathrooms, taps with extra-small dimensions are also proving popular," adds Lewis, "as they can be paired perfectly in both form and function with basins with smaller projection. This means, despite the size, user experience and common pain points such as splashing and inadequate hand washing space can be avoided."
Opting for a wall-hung toilet can also provide a handy extra shelf as shown in this bathroom scheme – a welcome extra storage space for a family bathroom design.
9. Slot your shower under a sloped ceiling
Sloped ceilings can still offer enough head height for a shower(Image credit: Matki)
You'll often find small shower rooms ideas the perfect solution for a loft conversion bathroom. And although head height can sometimes be an issue depending on the type of loft conversion you're considering, sloped ceilings will often provide enough head height for tucking a small shower into one corner.
For light and transparency, choose a semi-frameless glass cubicle with minimal detail and mount a riser and shower head on the back wall where there's the most height. And don't forget to check how much overall floorspace you will have spare around the shower tray, as the sloped ceiling may affect how your door is opened and closed.
10. Divide the space with a half height wall
A half height wall is a good alternative to a shower screen(Image credit: Original Style)
For a stylish alternative to a shower screen that helps when it comes to the matter of zoning in your small shower room, build a half height wall instead.
Neat, compact and providing a handy spot for your shower gel and shampoo, make sure it's practical by tiling it on both sides to prevent water ingress. For a modern coastal inspired bathroom scheme, choose tiny mosaic tiles in shades of blue and green that are like chips of sea glass washed up on the beach.
If you're considering this as an idea but tiling is relatively new to you as a DIY task, find out everything you need to know about the tools and tricks of the trade in our expert guide to tiling a bathroom.
11. Use the same tiles on the floor and walls for a seamless shower space
Use the same tiles on floors and walls for a stylish wet room finish(Image credit: Porcelain Superstore)
If your dream small shower room idea means embracing a wet room approach to bathroom design, create a seamless finish by using the same tiles on your floor and back wall.
But, to prevent the space feeling too enclosed, paint your ceilings and other walls in complementary shades using the best bathroom paint.
Pastel pink is the perfect soft shade in a smaller bathroom(Image credit: R2 Bathrooms)
Pink continues to pique our interest when it comes to bathroom colour ideas. Choose the right shade and it's not only grown-up, but can also have a touch of an industrial feel when the pink errs on the right side of freshly plastered walls.
Of course, in this particular pink bathroom idea, the sleek arched shower screen, marble shelf and fluted tiling are certainly far from unfinished, but have elegance rather than an overdose of saccharine and make for a bijoux but beautiful small shower room idea.
13. Mix and match your tiles for a vibrant shower space
Combine chevrons with diamonds for a striking shower (Image credit: Walls and Floors)
If you love green bathroom ideas and are keen for a fresh and contemporary approach when it comes to your new small shower room, mix and match your tile patterns for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Limit your colour scheme to green plus white, then add black fixtures and fittings for a contemporary edge. Soften with suitable bathroom plants, wooden accessories and you've got a modern take on a tropical vibe without having to worry that it's a pastiche.
Faced with a narrow small shower room and keen to avoid a wall radiator that would further encroach on your space? Don't forget to consider your options for underfloor heating. Removing radiators could gain you up to 15% more floor space as a result.
Even if you're renovating and are keen to avoid lifting an existing tiled floor, but prefer a wet system to an electric one, new products such as Wunda’s Rapid Response® heating system can be laid on top of your current floor – regardless of which floor your small shower room is located on.
It could also save you money on your energy bills says Tom Edmunds, General Manager at Wunda who says, "a low-temperature water-based underfloor heating systems will cost users around 25% less than radiators to run on average and 60% less than electric floor heating systems. When installing a Wunda Rapid Response® system which uses smart controls and zoning the savings can be up to 50%."
Find more ideas on adding warmth to your small shower room, read our guide to heating a bathroom.
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Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.
