The value and contribution of a shower room — not just to the bathroom, but also to the vibe of the room — is tremendous. It gives the washroom a lovely, high-end look and also emerges as the focal point. Not to mention, it takes the experience of bathing to another level. If you are in the middle of renovating your space, then a shower area could be the dramatic addition you need.
And, take it from us — these well-designed showers will inspire you to spend a pretty penny. From walk in shower rooms to pony walls, take a look at these stunning shower room ideas and find out the many different ways in which you can design the space.
1. Add colorful tiles
The easiest way to give a small bathroom shower personality is by tiling it in unique colors. In this project, the multicolored space with unique patterns gives the shower area a big boost of personality and allows the shower head to really stand out. It also distracts from the shower's small square footage.
"To maintain cohesion with the property's color palette, I brought the same color scheme into the bathroom," says Michelle Boudreau, founder of Michelle Boudreau Design. "To add visual interest, I used standard-sized tiles and incorporated a captivating bold graphic pattern with a juxtaposition on the floor and the wall."
2. Design a standalone shower room
If you're lucky enough to have a large modern bathroom and want a stand-alone wet room, this one by Paradowski Studio is one to take note of. The design maximizes the beauty and versatility of marble, and the high-concept structure looks elevated, giving a hotel style bathroom vibe. "The minimalist clean lines stand in opposition to the maximalist scale of the free-standing shower block made of large format marble slabs," say Zuza and Piotr Paradowski, founders of Paradowski Studio.
The minimalist hardware and the glass partitions add to the unit's smart appeal.
3. Enclose it with glass and metal
Black-framed shower enclosures made from aluminum or steel look stunning and can add a modern touch to any type of bathroom. The best way to enhance its look is by choosing white tiles for the bathroom and shower area so the frame truly stands out.
"Wet rooms create a spa-like atmosphere, providing a relaxing and safe environment," says Philip J. Consalvo, principal of PJCArchitecture. "With the entire area designed to be wet, there’s a sense of freedom and ease of movement, similar to the feeling of an outdoor shower, where there are constraints. A crucial element in designing these spaces is striking the perfect balance between openness and privacy. In this design, the incorporation of large sliding doors allows for a dynamic shift, providing both flexibility and intimacy as needed."
"Equally important is thoughtful spatial planning to allow for comfortable movement within the space," adds Philip. "While the ideal layout may vary, it’s essential to provide enough room to step out of the tub without immediately entering the damp area of the open shower, ensuring a smooth and practical flow between different functions."
4. Or with a shower curtain
Sure, most homeowners prefer an enclosure or a half partition over a shower curtain —however, this element, usually seen in high-end primary bathrooms, or large shower rooms, can add quite a bit of intrigue and layering to the room. For one, these soften the visuals of a room, especially if it has a lot of hard surfaces like stone or tile. Great swaths of fabric (waterproofed or backed with a water-resistant liner) can influence the overall aesthetic of a bathroom. Also, these create a soft partition which means that, in time, the shower's layout and design can be changed easily — for example, the inclusion of a freestanding bathtub.
Also, these prettify the room and can add a punch of color. "We designed the shower floor pattern based on the fireplace carving design we created for the living room fireplaces," shares Cathy Chapman of Chapman Design. "We also wanted the bathroom to feel more like a room, hence, we made the shower elegant and transparent with a curtain."
5. Design one in stone
Usually, spa and steam shower rooms are designed in a continuous stone that makes the room not only feel bigger but also calmer and more relaxing. A marble bathroom in a heavily veined design will add layering and depth to the room, as sometimes a single material can make a space feel too one-dimensional.
"We designed this shower area in Ceppo stone for a spa-like feel," says celebrity interior designer Kelly Wearstler. "The tribute stool in this space is custom-designed by us."
6. Include hidden lighting
Shower lighting ideas can be tricky, as you can't just install any fixture due to its high moisture environment. This is why recessed lights, or flush mounts, do well in such a space.
"Acrylic ceilings with diffused lights are perfect solutions to all your light troubles," says Nishita Kamdar, founder of Studio Nishita Kamdar. "And for those who like to bring in a mood — remember no bright, harsh lights — add in backlit wall fixtures and turn on the music to create a peaceful ambiance."
7. Add storage niches
They may seem like tiny details, but shower storage niches play a key role in how practical this space is. They also help keep the room clutter-free, allowing you to access important products neatly and within easy reach. There are several options for these. You could install glass or acrylic shower niches, or ask your contractor to build one within your shower if you are remodeling a bathroom. These built-in niches look especially beautiful when carved in tiles.
"The primary bathroom I designed for my clients immediately pulls from São Paulo," says interior designer Mark Grattan. "One of the very first moments I noticed on my first trip to Brazil a few years ago was the use of mosaic tile on many exteriors of buildings. However, the most unusual application was the living room and bathroom at Casa de Vidro. It felt refreshingly retro. I’ve never met a mosaic with abundance like this. It felt new, opinionated, and full of quiet noise. "
8. Choose terrazzo tiles for the floor and walls
This homeowner worked with the smaller dimensions of this spa and shower room by choosing terrazzo flooring and walls, which gave the space a sense of luxury. Integrated seating is raised above the floor, making these heavier details appear lighter.
The tap and shower head are from the Davinci collection at AF New York. These ceiling lights are from Delta Light.
9. Combine a shower and bathtub
Who wouldn’t want to be a guest at this house when you have a shower room this gorgeous? The warm woods, graphic tiles, and sleek fittings are beautifully combined. We love that this wet room has incorporated a plunge pool, too, and even better that it's a deep tub that will cocoon you up to the shoulders.
In such spaces, experts suggest using wall-mounted faucets. "Having a floor-mounted solution can create more issues where the water can cause leaks over time when breaking through the sealed caulk at the perimeter of the space," says Alex Epstein, lead interior designer at Annapolis-based Purple Cherry Architects.
10. Go for a double shower
Amongst the many types of showers, one of the most useful designs, especially in busy bathrooms, is a double shower. This allows two people to use the bathroom conveniently and each person can adjust the water temperature and length of their shower accordingly. This is also a great design in a children's bathroom, for when you're trying to get both the kids ready for school in the morning.
"To honor the building's pre-war roots, we chose shower fixtures with exposed plumbing, staying true to the historic aesthetic," says Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors.
11. Ensure comfort & safety with a built-in bench
If there's one element that can add plenty of comfort to shower rooms, it is a built in shower bench. This element serves several purposes, while also adding a dose of design. In small showers, it can double as a storage space for keeping shower supplies. To create a spa-like environment, the stacked stone provides a place to perch. And finally, those with mobility issues can use the bench for safety.
"One thing to note is that before installing a shower bench, consider space availability, material, durability, appropriate installation, height for comfort, stability through secure anchoring, weight capacity and proper water drainage," says Lauren Lerner, CEO and founder of Living with Lolo.
12. Install eye-catching shower tiles
Taken from the original encaustic design, these dramatic Ca' Pietra Lily Pad tiles (shown in Peacock) are a great shower wall idea for adding an element of surprise, while also adding a punch of color to the entire space.
In smaller bathrooms, it is a good idea to allow the tiles to continue from the walls to the floor. This removes any breaks from the sightlines and makes the space feel larger than it is.
13. Add a pony wall
This brick, pony wall separates the master bedroom from the shower room, without breaking the floor plan. These walls are actually great architectural additions to a room that retain the charm of an open-concept space.
"Pony walls are nice as a soft architectural separation while keeping the visual feel open and airy," says interior designer Kristen Pena at K Interiors.
14. Create a mural with tiles
Want to give your shower bath a larger-than-life effect? You can do so with painted tiles. Take this space, for instance — the underwater scene on the walls immediately catches attention.
Also, the freestanding Mersey shower enclosure from Drummonds with an overhead and hand shower, plus a marble shower tray, adds to the uniqueness of this room.
15. Make the floor the main show of the room
Patterned floor tiles give this shower room a good design grounding, complemented by heritage fittings and metro wall tiles in white. The neutral walls actually help uplift the colors and design of the floor tiles.
This type of design is especially helpful in a small bathroom where the busy patterns distract from the room's square footage.
16. Try mirror panels
While wall-to-wall mirrors may be waning in popularity, mirror tiles, or panels in general, are still very much chic. These are versatile beauties that boost the visual dimensions of the room, increase light flow and also add a touch of high-end elegance to the room.
The only downside to these is that, in the shower room, with the increasing humidity, these panels can collect a lot of limescale. This can lead to a deterioration in the quality of the mirror. It would be advisable to use such a design in perhaps a less-frequented bathroom, like the powder room.
17. Experiment with patina shower tiles
This type of effect may be for only a few but patina tiles can give the bathroom a royal feel. These add warmth, layering and depth to the room and are usually seen in high-end properties or resorts.
If you love this look, but feel it might make the bathroom feel too closed in, you could bring in plants and added lighting to enliven the room.
18. Make the shower the centrepiece of the room
Marble has been a big modern bathroom trend for a while, and for good reason. The stone has an instant appeal, looks high-end, and is also durable. But what makes it most unique and loved is the different ways it can be experimented with.
Take this shower room enclosure, for instance, framed in white marble. A subtle step-down in the marble floor keeps the rest of the bathroom dry. Alcoves in the marble wall create a space for toiletries.
19. Customize alcoves in the shower room
This wet room, which features marble walls and floors with a recessed alcove for toiletries and a built-in seat ledge, gives the shower a neat look and also does not distract from the beauty of the marble walls.
If you are in the middle of renovating your bathroom, it would be a good idea to have your contractor build these out for you. Along with alcoves, you could also get a special shower seat made for extra comfort.
20. Fit a shower in an alcove
This stylish shower room boasts a porthole window that offers views of the outdoors. It creates a whimsical vibe and gives the room a special look. The white tiles ensure the space feels clean, breezy, and welcoming, while the views and architectural arch remain the focal points of the room.
The step-up shower with the door also ensures that the room feels secluded and a special unit within the bathroom.
21. Highlight the shower room with a statement stone
The green marble bathroom sink continues through the glass shower partition to become the seating in the shower. It looks particularly special when juxtaposed against the white tiles in the space.
The continuous stone also gives the room a design touch, while the brass/gold stool adds a pop of color to the otherwise muted space.
22. Create a classical feature with mosaic
This classical design created with mosaic tiles gives a real wow factor to this wet room. The Endimione tile mosaic by Bisazza shows the beauty and versatility of tiles, and how these offer more than just practical purposes.
Those looking to give their bathrooms a truly stand-out look can use the power of tiles to create artwork that looks great and also stands the test of time (tile as opposed to canvas can stand up to moisture). It also gives depth to the shower room.
Price: $3.76 for 10 sheets
23. Design an alfresco enclosure
A great way to make a small bathroom feel brighter is by making it alfresco; or adding a skylight above. The natural light streaming from above will make this space feel airier, cheery and more welcoming.
Plus, the light well will double as a design feature in the room and make the square footage feel not so tight anymore.
24. Add a glass screen
The marble bath enters this shower space, with the dividing glass screen resting in the marble. It's a very cool effect, and a modern twist to this traditional bathroom.
White hand-moulded metro tile is accented by mosaic tiling on a smaller scale, and minimalist brass hardware and accessories are featured throughout, demonstrating how it’s often a well-edited space that makes the most lasting impression.
25. Install a wet room window
This small but stylish wet room was brightened up by adding transom windows that borrow light from the bedroom. These small yet effective openings allow plenty of light inside the shower without the issues of noise or privacy.
26. Consider a marble mix
While it is common to see a white marble bathroom, it is truly a unique visual to see different colored marbles make home in a bathroom. Take this space, for example — the white walls, juxtaposed with the heavily veined marble seating give this bathroom a striking look.
If you want to pack your small shower with personality, this is a good design trick to follow. You could even add some marble bathroom accessories to add other colors to this space.
27. Design a step up shower
This tall, step-up metal shower enclosure and encaustic tiles make for a smart update on the home's period style. Built on a slight level, the shower and its enclosure give the room height, while also making this spot the focal point in the room.
The architectural bronze casements truly give this a bespoke shower vibe. The floor tiles were sourced on eBay, while the basin and tap are by Leroy Merlin.
28. Mix wood and tile for a unique space
If you have a modern white bathroom and want to accentuate its material palette, consider mixing materials. Here, the white bathroom tiles are contrasted with the wood ceiling — the latter imbues the space with warmth, while the vertical white tiles add height in the bathroom and the wooden boards add earthiness.
The white glazed ceramic wall tiles are from Signorino Tile Gallery in Melbourne. The Pressed Glass wall light is by Tom Dixon. The washbasin is by Pozzi-Ginori. CP Hart has a good range of washbasins with towel rails. The bath is by Duravit.
29. Inject vibrancy with colored glass
Add to your bathroom color ideas with elements other than paint — take this chartreuse-colored glass, bespoke from TD Glassburst, for instance. The heavy dose of sunshine in the shower room makes mornings feel like spring all year round. And, the white-with-a-splash-of-green foliage color scheme echoes in the rest of the house.
If you want to add to the sunshine and greenery, consider adding bathroom plants as well. These will inject freshness to the room all year round.
30. Fashion a Morrocan-style bathroom
The waterproof tadelakt finish on the walls is a traditional Moroccan polished plaster used in riads. It truly creates a spa bathroom vibe. To further layer in a hammam vibe, add dim lighting with wall sconces and flush lights. Also, choose a made-to-measure mirror with an earthy frame.
Go for luxe towels and bath mats. If you like, go for monogrammed towels.
31. Make it child-friendly
If you're keen to design a kid's bathroom, or a shared space, it might be a good idea to add double showers and even a shower screen. The latter will prevent water from getting everywhere and the former is to ensure that more than one child can shower and get ready at the same time.
In case the wet room is too small for two shower heads, a bathtub in the same room could make the room multifunctional.
32. Fit a shower above the bathtub
No room for a separate shower? This bathroom inspired by a hotel in Palm Springs has the perfect solution. A shower has been fitted right above the bathtub and it allows the user options in terms of bathing experience.
The bathroom wallpaper is also a clever addition, as it camouflages the fixtures and the nature-inspired design makes you feel like you're showering in the outdoors.
33. Fit out the shower in luxe materials
Choosing a high-end stone like marble is one of the bathroom splurges designers approve of. It has timeless appeal, is durable, strong and goes well in any type of interior. In fact, if you are budgeting for your bathroom renovation, this is definitely one to consider.
While marble is available in many designs and even colors, experts usually suggest the veined ones that add dimension and movement to the scheme. Furnish the entire bathroom in one stone and see how elevated it makes the room feel.
34. Design your shower room with tiny tiles
The wall tiles of this wet room are actually enamel medallions found by one of the owners in a warehouse in Providence when he was a student. The small bathroom tiles are laid out in a clever manner and the dark grout makes the room feel like a jewel box.
To break the busy pattern in this room, the designer has added lots of plants that not only add freshness but also a punch of color.
35. Experiment with a dark palette
Sure, a dark bathroom may not be to everyone's taste but those who are open to experimenting know how atmospheric this space can be. Shower rooms with dark tiles, paints or even hardware can create a luxurious look; almost a showstopping quality.
"Don’t be afraid of the dark," says Rob Abrahams, co-founder of COAT paints. "Dark tones can create relaxing sanctuaries and the trick to painting with them, is to pair them with smaller accents of even darker tones to add contrast and rich depth."
36. Bask in gold
This bathroom was redesigned into a glamorous space with a walk-in shower. It's lined with a mix of gold, black and white tessera mosaic tiles and the shower frame has an old, retro vibe to it.
A space like this works great when it is well-lit, as the gold tiles can feel a bit overbearing after a point. This is the reason why the designer has included a long window (with textured glass) to ensure the room feels open and breezy.
37. Consider a large ensuite
The owners of this home gave up a fourth bedroom to create a generous primary suite that takes up a whole floor. For its design, they used antique glass as a backsplash from Dominic Schuster. The Carrara marble shower tray is from Alistair Mackintosh.
The ensuite layout gives the bathroom, and the shower a feeling of grandness.
38. Try metro tiles for a classic look
Bathroom metro tiles may resemble the tiling found in classic underground stations, but these tiny beauties have shown that they are durable, hardy and will never go out of fad. These suit both modern and traditional homes and make for lovely feature walls.
Also, these have a glossy finish, and are available in a wide range of colors, plus, the versatility of being laid in various patterns makes them great options for shower rooms.
39. Go for lava stone tiles
While it is usual to see stone, such as granite, marble, or travertine in bathrooms, as these offer a luxurious and spa-like ambiance, it is quite unique to see lava stone make an appearance. The strength and versatility of this material allows it to go through several types of treatments, which is impossible with ceramic or marble.
This is a great stone for tiles and wall claddings, counters, bathtubs and even sinks.
40. Add recessed lighting
An all-white bathroom may sound bland at first but if you choose the right elements, you can create a space that feels truly elevated. In this shower room. the recessed lighting adds an ethereal glow to the space. The light also ensures that the space feels moody (and even safe) at all times of the day and night.
Consider flush ceiling mounts from Walmart to install above the shower for diffused light.
41. Scale up the design
Style your bathroom with wall and floor tiles that create an interesting design feature in even the smallest of spaces. Hexagons and herringbones are still hot property, but there’s been a shift away from straight lines and sharp corners towards more gentle shapes, such as scallops and circles.
Nothing jazzes up a shower quite like its surfaces, so allow tiles to shine by using a concealed shower with valves and pipework hidden in the wall. Look out for floor tiles with an anti-slip finish to keep you vertical.
42. Personalize the design
Personalization, quirks and all, has become the hallmark of bathroom design. Enter Geometrica floor tiles by Domus, giving you total freedom to create your own design using its glazed porcelain tiles.
Team them with dark walls to create a cocooning effect that invites the user to linger and relax. The collection has five solid colors, along with patterns, including this circular design.
43. Choose a graphic style
A true wet room is completely open, although these savvy homeowners installed a minimalist panel so the rest of their bathroom doesn’t get wet. A black industrial-style shower provides the focus for the bathroom, striking a graphic contrast to the white-tiled walls.
A monochrome palette can often have more impact when you introduce an accent color. In this case, gray softens the scheme.
44. Create a maximalist space
A great way to make the bathroom look more expensive is with color. But color has spent too long being confined to accessories and the odd sanitaryware line. But change is afoot. From fearless hue combinations and in-your-face patterns, designers are challenging the norm and exploring the infinite possibilities of maximalism. To master this trend, confidence is crucial — it must be embraced wholeheartedly, or not at all.
Indulge in shades that bring you joy and patterns that speak to your personality. Break all the style rules, except one — try not to suffocate the space. You can achieve this by introducing white areas into your scheme that add a dash of light relief.
45. Go black-and-white
Monochrome bathrooms ground, anchor and lend a sophisticated edge — they can't help but go together — all while looking classy.
Monochrome schemes may be devoid of color but they needn’t lack visual interest, as this herringbone tile pattern shows.
46. Channel the natural beauty of materials
Thanks to manufacturing technology developments, the marble look is available at a fraction of the cost of authentic marble. These realistic alternatives are also easier to care for than the real McCoy. When it comes to tiles, bigger is better. Fewer grout lines create a fuss-free, uninterrupted finish that’s hard to achieve with smaller tiles.
This shower makes a big impact, thanks to a simple mix of marble, chrome, wood, and very little else. The walk-in design creates a luxurious, open feel, especially when installed with a fixed shower panel and minimal framing.
47. Embrace metallics
There are easier metallics to master than gold, but none elevate the status of your bathroom in quite the same way. The trick is to pick the right tone from the wealth of glittering opportunities available. Overly polished gold can tip the balance from glamorous to garish, so seek out warmer finishes for your fixtures and fittings to banish the threat of bling.
The quality of finishes varies widely. Take care to source a product with lasting appeal.
48. Have a dark shower room
Black in the bathroom needs to tread a fine line. Overdo it and you’re in danger of creating an austere room that drains energy rather than restores it. Do it well and discover a calming, contemplative oasis you’ll always look forward to spending time in.
This bathroom by Minale + Mann is a dramatic pause amid the neutral colors swept across the walls, ceiling and soft furnishings in the adjoining bedroom. Take inspiration from the warm wooden floor that runs throughout the bedroom and bathroom, creating a cohesive space.
49. Create a cool contrast
The clean aesthetic of a digital shower complements this dramatic bathroom, where the formal pairing of black and white lends a strong graphic element to the space. Concrete gray has been thrown into the mix to soften the severity.
Hexagonal tiles contrast beautifully with the smooth concrete-effect floor.
50. Go for a distressed look
The industrial interior design effect — functional and hard-working designs that combine practicality with edgy good looks — works in all kinds of spaces, not just converted factories and urban lofts. The raison d’être of this trend is to shine a spotlight on imperfection, rather than hide it — think distressed metals and burnished brass. Our lives aren’t perfect and there’s no reason our homes should strive to be.
This shower room blends the best of the past with the demands of modern living. Floor-to-ceiling tiles have an authentic weathered appearance and the shower has a beautiful aged brass patina.
51. Fashion a Crittall-style partition
Crittall-style windows are enjoying a moment. In fact, the metal-framed windows — first invented in the 19th century — are so popular, their comeback includes doors and partitions too. Elevate a monochrome scheme with a metal-framed shower panel.
Here, it pairs well with the vanity unit. What its basin lacks in depth, it makes up for in width, extending into the shower to create a handy shelf.
Dimensions:: 15.5" W x 12.5" D x 7" H
Price: $79
Dimensions: 18.5"D x 36"W x 34.5"H
Price: $289
52. Go for a bespoke shower room enclosure
Crittall style translates well in the bathroom, where creating a stylish space that feels both light and open but retains an element of separation is a key objective. Work an industrial aesthetic with classic metro tiles or ramp up the luxe with marble. The industrial aesthetic of this shower enclosure speaks volumes about the 1892 Manhattan warehouse it calls home.
If you have an unusual-shaped bathroom like this one, go for a custom-made enclosure. If you’re worried about the bathroom looking too industrial, team a natural material like marble with the steel frames to give it a spa vibe.
53. Or a grid look
When choosing a shower panel, glass is available in different thicknesses, which is reflected in the price. Cheaper panels are generally made from 4-6mm glass, while more robust models, including this one by Aston Matthews, often use 8-10mm glass.
Thicker panels allow for minimal framing, helping the room to feel more spacious.
