Showers are an essential part of anyone’s daily routine, whether taking a refreshing rejuvenating shower in the morning or indulging in a steamy relaxing one after work. In the distant past the shower was an afterthought, an extension of the bath, but now requires its own area in the bathroom.
More often than not, we see an entire room dedicated to showering. As with any home renovation project installing a shower room requires a bit of preparation and a bit of know-how. Check out our guide to designing the perfect shower room.
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Choose a location
Most people choose to place the shower room in an old bathroom closet toilet or another room with plumbing. This often makes the most sense in terms of its location within the property and relatively compact size.
Installing plumbing in a room can be very expensive and time-consuming, so many homeowners choose not to locate the shower room anywhere without running water and drainage.
Shower rooms are generally compact, so if you are converting a room or closet, consider that wide open spaces don’t work either. Many of us with larger bathrooms choose to designate an area within the space to convert into a luxurious walk-in shower.
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Niche
Most designers try to make a niche in the shower room as inconspicuous as possible. The wet room concept is supposedly compromised by shampoo bottles and soap, and there is some truth in that. Concealing the niche and not drawing attention to it with an accent tile or similar keeps the spa feel.
Having said that, a ledge may be preferable for those with lots of bathroom products, and this can be effectively worked into the overall design. Whatever option you choose, make sure there is enough space for everything you need.
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Showerheads
A shower room is supposed to have an opulent, luxurious feel, so many people opt to place multiple shower heads, with different looks and functions. Rainfall showerheads are a popular option in shower rooms as they offer gentler pressure as well as a relaxing spa-like feel.
The handheld showerhead is often overlooked, but it comes with a few positives. It is easier to wash more thoroughly with and is a more versatile option for children or those with impaired mobility. Whether you choose a ceiling-mounted option or a more traditional showerhead depends largely on your design concept and the nature of your space.
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Curb or no curb
Many designers now favour curbless showers- that is, without a step. This offers an elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and gives the space a more open, continuous feel. Curbless showers are also safer, with no step to trip over, as well as being accessible for those in wheelchairs.
However, as the shower floor needs to be lower than the rest of the floor in order to drain properly, this means that switching to curbless can sometimes be tricky in an existing bathroom if you’re not raising the level of the flooring in the entire space. If you are working with designers or contractors, ask them for their opinion.
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Doors and walls
How you approach doors and walls in your shower room depends largely on the size, shape, and location of the space, as well as your overall design concept. If the room is a part of the bathroom, then a shower enclosure and walls can create a bright and airy effect while still keeping the space separate.
It will also allow accent tiles or features to come to the fore and make them more striking. If you are using doors that open outward then it’s important to check how much space they take up.
Many designers opt to go without a door at all, which is great if you have a larger bathroom and offers a sleek, modern feel. Any fixtures on the door should match the rest of the room, and if you choose to frame the glass, the frame should also match.
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Seating
One popular option in the shower room is the shower bench. This can be used for a variety of purposes such as shaving legs or a pedicure, storage of products and cosmetics or simply a place to relax and let the water run over you. Shower benches can also be used as part of an exercise regimen for stretches, endurance exercises, and others.
Most designers would recommend a slab for the top of the bench which should match your overall design concept. Marble and quartz are popular options. It isn’t recommended to tile the top of your bench as grout can get dirty and pick up bacteria and requires regular cleaning. Not only that, but the tiles with grouting are uncomfortable to sit on.
With their luxurious feel, modern design, and practicality, it’s no surprise that shower rooms have grown in popularity. We hope you can use some of these tips to create your perfect shower room to relax, reflect and indulge.
