How to Fit a Shower in a Small Bathroom?

There’s nothing like a quick shower in the morning to wake you up for the day. However, when you have a small bathroom space, fitting a shower inside can be a bit challenging.

With that said, you can take your relaxing, rejuvenating showers in your small bathroom.

Use creative ways to fit a shower in the bathroom. Use the corner wall, angle the shower, or fit it inside the tub.

With the right planning and design, you can create a luxurious and functional space without sacrificing style.

Let’s take a look at smart ways to fit a shower in a small bathroom:

Table of Contents

Assessing Your Small Bathroom

When it comes to fitting a shower in a small bathroom, the first step is to assess the space you have available.

Determine the square footage of your bathroom by measuring the length and width, then multiplying them together. This will give you an idea of how much room you have to work with.

Next, consider the layout of your bathroom, taking note of any existing fixtures, windows, or closets. Windows can provide natural light, making the space feel larger and more open, while closets offer valuable storage.

As you analyze your small bathroom, think about what features are most important to you in a remodel.

For example, do you prefer a walk-in shower or a shower-tub combo? Consider the size and shape of your desired shower, as well as any additional fixtures, such as a sink or vanity.

When planning your bathroom remodel, keep in mind that code requirements also need to be followed.

For instance, toilets should be placed with at least 15 inches from any side wall or obstruction and not closer than 30 inches center to center to any other sanitary fixture.

Finally, think about any creative solutions that could be employed to maximise your available space. Some ideas to consider include:

Installing a corner shower which takes up less room than a typical stall.
Utilizing a partial wall to separate the shower area from the rest of the bathroom without enclosing it entirely.
Building the shower back into a wall to save floor space and create a custom design.

With the information you’ve gathered from assessing your small bathroom, you’ll be better equipped to plan and execute a remodel that accommodates a shower without sacrificing functionality or comfort.

Tips to Fit a Shower in a Small Bathroom

Here are some helpful ways to fit a shower in your small bathroom:

Use the Corner Space

You can easily free up extra space in your bathroom by choosing a corner-shaped shower.

It’s neater than a rectangular or square-shaped one and will easily fit in a small bathroom corner.

This way, you can also easily save enough space to accommodate the rest of your belongings and bathroom necessities.

Since a corner-shaped shower has curved sides, it’s less obtrusive as well.

You can choose a shower with curved doors that slide across its panels to save even more space.

Additionally, opt for clear glass doors, which can make your bathroom look more spacious and allow more light to enter the shower area.

Opt for Wall-Hung Commodes and Basins

If you have a small space, you will need to think smartly. Choose wall-hung commodes and basins to ensure you have enough space in your bathroom for a showerhead.

Make sure to choose leaner panels and fit the showerhead at the end of the showering space.

Also, the floor should have a suitable fall to ensure the water does not pool inside the shower.

Choose Showers with Singular Panels

When you have a small bathroom, you will need to compromise on a few things.

If you are truly struggling to fit a traditional shower in the bathroom, choose one with a single fixed panel.

After all, you don’t really need an entire enclosure in your own room’s bathroom. It will end up occupying a lot of space. A single panel will keep your shower area separate.

Such an enclosure will also occupy less space in your bathroom. If you’re worried about spillage, waterproof your bathroom floor, and surrounding surfaces.

Steal Some Closet Space

While giving up closet space is never easy, you might have to do that if you want to add a comfortable shower to your bathroom.

It will help you extend your bathroom space greatly.

Similarly, if you have closet space inside your bathroom, think of keeping your essentials outside the room to make some space for the shower.

Use a Curbless Shower

You can also use a curbless shower with convenient fold-away doors in your small bathroom.

It comes with durable double-swivel rollers that support the weight of the doors.

They allow you to retract the shower against the wall whenever you want. This way, you can easily create more space in your bathroom when required.

Choose Angled Cabinets

If you cannot compromise on a standard square-shaped shower, then perhaps you can choose angled bathroom cabinets that will not take as much space as the standard ones.

This way, you will have enough space for a small-sized shower in your bathroom.

Create a Wet Room

Who says you need a traditional shower and enclosure in your small bathroom? Smartly utilize the existing space by opening it up and creating a wet room.

Ensure that the floor is completely waterproof and on a gradient so that water never pools on it. Depending on your design aesthetic, you can keep the showering space fully open.

This offers ease of cleaning and maintenance. However, it does mean that the entire bathroom will get wet.

Alternatively, you can keep it semi-open with a half-screen and wall so that water only splashes in the immediate vicinity of the shower space.

Get a Shower for Your Bath

If you really want to add a shower to your bathroom but have space limitations, you can use a bath shower.

Finding space for a shower cubicle and a bath might be difficult.

However, you can combine both in a small bathroom. Use bright or bold hues to make the area pop. Mix with white tiles to make the space appear brighter.

Affix the shower in a position that the water streams into the bath. Use the bath curtain to keep it from spilling over or splashing the surfaces outside the bath.

Conserve Space with Sliding Doors

Shower doors that open outward can take up valuable space in a tiny bathroom. Instead of using these floor space-eating doors, you can choose sliding shower doors.

They will save a lot of space in your bathroom. These showers feature one fixed panel and a second panel that smoothly glides back on it.

It does not require extra opening space. Using such a shower will allow you to add other necessary fixtures and fittings to your small bathroom.

Choose a Shower with Bi-Fold Doors

If you don’t like the idea of using a shower with a sliding door, you can choose one with bi-fold doors. These showers come with doors that can fold back on themselves.

You can fit them in the corner of your bathroom.

They will require no extra space as the doors will fold inside, unlike protruding outward like standard shower doors.

Use Wall-Hung Shower Storage

Storage is an essential aspect of any bathroom. You will need to make space for your toiletries and showering essentials, such as your shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, etc.

You can choose recessed niches, shelves, and alcoves for stud walls and then tile them.

Give them a waterproof finish for handy, long-lasting storage for your shower essentials.

You can also choose wall-hung storage to save space in a tiny bathroom.

Storage space that is off the floor will always help you save space and make your bathroom look less crowded.

Invest in a small, neat wall-hung vanity to store your toiletries, cleaning kit, tissue rolls, and towels.

Use a Frameless Screen for a Walk-In Shower

If you really wish to add a shower to your small bathroom, you can do so by adding a walk-in shower.

Simply use a frameless, fixed panel to separate the showering space from the rest of your bathroom.

By eliminating the need for a door, walk-in showers create an open, spacious look and feel. If possible, aim to locate your walk-in shower near a natural light source to enhance the sense of openness and airiness.

Tiling your walk-in shower with the same material as the rest of your bathroom can further create a cohesive, streamlined look.

Fix a Shower under the Eaves

Use your existing space smartly by turning the empty loft area into extra bathroom space. Use the loft space as your shower area. This way, you can use the pitched roof.

You can install your shower underneath a sloping ceiling as long as you have enough space to stand comfortably under the shower head.

You will need the enclosure or screen to be angled to suit the shower area. But you can easily find bespoke designs or manufacturers that offer such enclosures.

Forego the Bathtub

If your bathroom is extraordinarily small, you will need to choose between a bath and a shower.

If you choose a shower, you will need to forego the bath. It will create enough space inside for your shower.

Alternatively, you can choose a smaller bath and affix the showerhead over the bath. But it will also require proper planning to ensure the rest of the space does not get drenched in water.

Also read: How to Get a New Bathtub into a Small Bathroom

Add Storage Space at the End

Once you have added your shower and necessary fixtures to the bathroom, move on to the storage. Find custom spaces in the boxed-in pipework to store your things.

You can create ledges and shelving in these spaces, which will help you avoid installing bulky cupboards in the bathroom.

Moreover, you can install custom storage in awkward corners and empty alcoves.

Utilize wall space to your advantage. Installing floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets is an efficient way to store items without taking up any floor space.

If you think smartly, you can also use the space behind your bath or shower where the water pipes are to fix built-in storage.

You can utilize the space under your sink to create additional storage for things like towels and cleaning supplies.

Consider a vanity with built-in drawers and shelves, or even a pedestal sink with a custom storage solution built around it.

Instead of choosing large-sized cupboards, opt for bespoke cupboards.

It will help you disguise your plumbing and create ample space for your linens, towels, and toiletries.

Incorporate a storage solution into your door if possible.

Replacing a traditional bathroom door with a pocket or sliding door not only saves space, but also provides an opportunity to install shallow shelves or hooks on the back of the door for additional storage.

Add a Built-In Bench

Adding a built-in bench within the shower not only provides comfort and functionality but also serves as an attractive design element.

A bench can be used for seating, storage, or even as a shelf for toiletries. This practical addition also reduces the need for freestanding storage units, further decluttering your small bathroom.

Use the Smallest Shower Enclosure

When you have to install a shower enclosure in a small bathroom, choose quadrant or corner-shaped designs that will take up minimum space. You can also create a bespoke shower enclosure.

It will help you decide the size of the enclosure so that it can fit easily in your tiny bathroom. You can also choose custom shower enclosure doors based on your chosen design.

Your options include sliding doors, sleek frameless enclosures, and hinged doors. You can also look into an offset quadrant shower enclosure.

It is slightly lengthier than a quadrant enclosure, so it will take up slightly more space.

Still, it will offer you a more comfortable shower experience while occupying the awkward corner of your bathroom.

Shower Components and Design

When designing a shower for your small bathroom, it’s important to consider various components that will make the best use of limited space.

In this section, we will cover the essentials you’ll need to create an efficient and stylish shower, including the shower pan, shower head, doors and walls, and subway tile and flooring.

Shower Pan

The shower pan is the base of your shower, and choosing the right one for your small bathroom can maximize floor space.

For tight spaces, opt for a corner-shaped or quadrant shower pan that takes up minimal room while providing an efficient design. Remember that proper drainage and a slip-resistant surface are essential.

Shower Head

Invest in a quality shower head that offers a comfortable and enjoyable showering experience without taking up much space.

Consider a wall-mounted, handheld, or combination shower head to save space and provide excellent water pressure.

Additionally, choose a design with adjustable settings and water-saving features to meet your needs.

Doors and Walls

Opting for glass doors, particularly sliding doors or a single glass panel, can create the illusion of more space in your small bathroom.

If you want to separate the shower from the sink or vanity, you may choose a partial wall instead to allow for better traffic flow. Make sure to choose doors and walls that are easy to clean and maintain.

Subway Tile and Flooring

Subway tiles have a clean, modern look that suits small bathrooms well. Choose neutral colors or a pop of color to create visual interest while maintaining a cohesive design.

Stone floor tiles offer a luxurious touch while providing slip resistance and durability. Make sure the tiles are suitable for a wet area and properly installed to avoid problems down the road.

By carefully selecting the appropriate components, you can design a stylish and functional shower within a small bathroom.

Keep these tips in mind as you create your dream shower space, and enjoy the benefits of maximizing every inch of your bathroom.

Adding Character and Functionality

Color Choices and Lighting

When designing your small bathroom, consider the impact of color choices and lighting to make the space feel more open and inviting.

Stick to light colors, such as off-white or light blue, to create a sense of spaciousness. Chrome or stainless steel fixtures also help reflect light and enhance the overall look.

Incorporate well-placed lights to create a spa-like ambiance and illuminate every corner of the room.

Glass Enclosure

Opting for a glass enclosure instead of a traditional shower curtain can make your small bathroom feel more open and modern. A clear glass door allows light to pass through, visually expanding the space.

Additionally, it adds an element of elegance and lets you showcase stylish tile work or other design elements within the shower area.

Shower Curtain

If you prefer a shower curtain over a glass enclosure or need to accommodate a bathtub in your small bathroom, choose a light and airy fabric curtain.

Patterns and colors that complement the overall design scheme can tie the room together. Furthermore, a shower curtain with a curved shower rod will provide extra space while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Double Vanity

In a small bathroom, a double vanity might seem like an impossible feat. However, by utilizing corner spaces or opting for compact sinks, you can create a functional and stylish double vanity.

This feature can enhance your bathroom’s efficiency, especially for families or shared living situations.

By following these tips and incorporating elements like paint, lighting, glass enclosures, and double vanities, you can transform your small bathroom into a comfortable, functional, and stylish space.

Bathroom Remodel Considerations

When planning to fit a shower in your small bathroom, there are several factors to consider.

In this section, we will discuss three main aspects: Plumbing and Installation, DIY vs. Professional Remodel, and Costs and Budgeting.

Plumbing and Installation

First and foremost, consider the plumbing requirements for your new shower.

You’ll need to determine the appropriate length and angles for pipes, as well as the location of the drain. If possible, try to utilize existing plumbing connections to minimize the overall cost and complexity of the project.

When selecting a shower enclosure, consider the dimensions of your bathroom and choose a unit that maximizes available space.

Fiberglass units are lightweight, easy to install, and available in various widths, making them a practical choice for tight quarters.

DIY vs. Professional Remodel

Consider whether you have the skills, tools, and time to tackle the bathroom remodel on your own.

A DIY bathroom remodel may save money initially, but remember that professionals can often complete the job more efficiently and ensure proper installation.

Pros can also provide insights regarding design decisions that might impact your bathroom’s functionality.

Assess your comfort level with plumbing, electrical work, and installing fixtures before deciding to go the DIY route. Remember, errors during a DIY remodel can potentially lead to additional costs to fix any issues.

Costs and Budgeting

Establish a budget for your shower remodel before beginning the project. Consider the following aspects when budgeting:

Materials: Fiberglass showers are generally more affordable than custom tile or stone options. Additionally, opting for standard fixtures will help keep costs down.
Labor: If hiring professionals, factor in labor costs. Keep in mind that plumbing work can significantly impact the overall cost of your remodel.
Unanticipated Costs: Always allow for unexpected expenses, such as repairs or modifications to existing plumbing.

By thoroughly considering these factors, you can successfully plan your small bathroom shower remodel and achieve a result that fits your space and meets your needs.

The Bottom Line

So, to answer your question, “How to fit a shower in a small business,” you can use the tips mentioned above. You can also create the illusion of more space by playing with colors.

Create a white base of basic, large tiles. For the shower space, use tiles in bright colors. It will help open up the space.

Lastly, you can use custom shower enclosures depending on how much space you have.

Alternatively, you can opt for a walk-in shower for your small bathroom.

You can also utilize your corner space more smartly and use bespoke bathroom fixtures and storage spaces.

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