43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (2024)

Room Design

Bathroom Design

By

Kristin Hohenadel

43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (1)

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Updated on 05/31/24

43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (2)

Walk-in showers save space in a small wet room or make a spacious primary bathroom feel more updated and luxurious. A walk-in shower can replace a bathtub if space is at a premium, or be installed in tandem with a soaking tub in a larger bathroom.

While some walk-in showers are accessed by a step or include a ledge to contain water, true walk-in showers are level with the floor and have no barriers to access or extra parts to trip over. The universal design of a seamless walk-in shower makes it accessible to all regardless of age or mobility issues. In a forever home, installing a walk-in shower is a smart move that may help you age in place in future years.

Check out these seamless walk-in shower ideas in a range of sizes, styles, and layouts to help you plan your bathroom install or renovation.

  • 01 of 43

    Build a Tiny Wet Room

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (3)

    If you're designing a tiny bathroom, consider making it a wet room with the addition of a walk-in shower. This small Swedish apartment wet room from Fantastic Frank includes a walk-in shower whose streamlined design makes the compact room functional and sleek.

  • 02 of 43

    Build a Giant Wet Room

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (4)

    Turn a larger bathroom into a minimalist wet room with a walk-in shower and bathtub. The Home Consultant used neutral tones in this Southern California space, with a roomy walk-in shower, large soaking garden tub, and a central skylight that brings in natural light.

  • 03 of 43

    Get Creative With Layout

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (5)

    A walk-in shower can be positioned anywhere in the bathroom depending on your layout. Cathie Hong Interiors floated a walk-in shower between the bathtub and the sink, adding function without taking up a lot of extra room.

  • 04 of 43

    Add a Freestanding Bench

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (6)

    Maximize functionality in a spacious walk-in shower with a freestanding bench. Interior designer Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions paired small teak bench with a wood tile accent wall in this spacious shower, but this idea can be adapted to smaller spaces, too.

    Continue to 5 of 43 below

  • 05 of 43

    Build in Bench Seating

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (7)

    Upgrade your walk-in shower with integrated bench seating. This earth-toned walk-in shower from Paris interior design firm Space Factory has sandy textured walls and a built-in bench that adds functionality and a spa-like feel in the compact space.

  • 06 of 43

    Unify Flooring

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (8)

    Create a seamless transition between your main bathroom and your walk-in shower by using the same floor tile throughout the space. The Home Consultant energized this bathroom with black-and-white tile for a graphic punch.

  • 07 of 43

    Install a Half-Wall

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (9)

    Install a pony wall to provide partial privacy without blocking light. Michelle Berwick Design added a half-wall to separate the walk-in shower while adding privacy to the toilet in the corner. A glass partition that hugs the shape of the combination built-in bench and shower niche acts as a splash guard.

  • 08 of 43

    Make It a Double Shower

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (10)

    Install a double walk-in shower to optimize the layout in a primary bathroom. House 9 Interiors created a double-walk in shower at the far end of this spacious bathroom that is accessed by a wide opening and includes metal-and-glass partitions on either side.

    Continue to 9 of 43 below

  • 09 of 43

    Combine With a Bathtub

    Save space in a smaller bathroom with a combination walk-in shower and bathtub. This Southern California walk-in shower from Home Consultant is located next to the soaking tub with a view of the outdoor space that floods it with natural light.

  • 10 of 43

    Try a Frameless Glass Wall

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (12)

    Create a seamless feel with a frameless glass partition. White Sands installed a frameless glass panel that separates this walk-in shower from the adjacent toilet, to prevent splashes without compromising the transparent open feel of the layout.

  • 11 of 43

    Backlight the Niche

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (13)

    Installing good lighting is especially important in a bathroom lacking in natural light. In this bathroom from interior designer Rhianna Jones of Tidal Interiors, LED backlighting adds a glamorous touch to a sleek built-in wall-to-wall walk-in shower niche.

    Call a Professional

    If attempting to add light to a shower, be sure to enlist a professional who can ensure that it's safely installed, up to code, and 100% waterproof.

  • 12 of 43

    Include a Privacy Wall

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (14)

    Add privacy to a walk-in shower by combining a solid wall with a glass door. This midcentury modern-inspired bathroom from Hub of the House Studio is covered with burnt orange tile on the inside and outside of the walk-in shower and terrazzo tile flooring.

    Continue to 13 of 43 below

  • 13 of 43

    Install a Rain Showerhead

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (15)

    Install a large rain showerhead to give a compact walk-in shower a luxurious feel. Space Factory paired black fixtures with taupe tiles and a concrete sink in this streamlined Parisian bathroom.

  • 14 of 43

    Box It in With Glass

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (16)

    Use a glass box enclosure to separate any size walk-in shower from the rest of the room in a seamless way, like this space from Michelle Berwick Design. The glass enclosure allows natural light from the shower window to flow throughout the space.

  • 15 of 43

    Match Floor and Wall Tile

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (17)

    Give your walk-in shower an integrated feel by covering both walls and floor in the same tile. Cathie Hong Interiors gave this large bathroom a slightly industrial feel with concrete-effect large-scale tiles on the walls and floor.

  • 16 of 43

    Try a Textured Wall Finish

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (18)

    Use a textured, earth-toned finish on the walls to create a warm feel in a smaller walk-in shower. Space Factory separated this small walk-in shower from the sink with a glass partition, and positioned an arched mirror over the sink that reflects light and views from the hallway.

    Continue to 17 of 43 below

  • 17 of 43

    Add Double Showerheads

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (19)

    In a smaller walk-in shower, position a fixed showerhead on one wall and a hand-held showerhead on the other. Cathie Hong Interiors laid out white subway tile in different directions to create subtle pattern and texture that isn't obvious at first glance in this walk-in shower finished with aged brass fixtures and terrazzo flooring in muted shades of pink.

  • 18 of 43

    Mix and Match Tile

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (20)

    Define a walk-in shower with tile. The Home Consultant used the same neutral geometric floor throughout this bathroom but defined the shower with wall tiles in a solid color to differentiate it from white painted walls.

  • 19 of 43

    Use White Door Hardware

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (21)

    Michelle Berwick Design installed a full glass wall and door that runs from floor to ceiling outside of this spacious all-white walk-in shower. White hardware on the arched custom glass enclosure and matching plumbing fixtures soften the look.

  • 20 of 43

    Pair With a Double Vanity

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (22)

    Make room for a double vanity in a smaller primary bathroom with a space-saving walk-in shower. Caroline Andreoni Interior Design hung pendant lighting from the ceiling to add ambiance to this modern space.

    Continue to 21 of 43 below

  • 21 of 43

    Keep It Black and White

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (23)

    Give your walk-in shower a seamless feel by sticking to a black-and-white palette. The Home Consultant used a mix of white and black geometric tiles on the floor and shower walls of this spacious walk-in shower that give the space a crisp feel. A wooden sink vanity with leather pulls adds warmth.

  • 22 of 43

    Try an Opaque Glass Panel

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (24)

    Separate your walk-in shower from the rest of the bathroom with a frosted or opaque glass panel. Interior designer Brittany Farinas of House of One installed a black-framed panel in this neutral bathroom to add partial privacy without blocking light.

  • 23 of 43

    Create a Galley Layout

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (25)

    Create a galley-style layout in a narrow or pass-through bathroom with a narrow walk-in shower on one side, and a floating vanity on the other. The Home Consultant used a concrete finish on the vanity, flooring, and ceiling for an industrial feel.

  • 24 of 43

    Tile the Ceiling

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (26)

    Give a deep, narrow walk-in shower a finished feel by tiling every surface. Living with Lolo tiled the walls of this all-white space in slabs of quartz, and used the same white hex tiles on the floor and ceiling for a cohesive feel.

    Continue to 25 of 43 below

  • 25 of 43

    Jazz Up the Floor

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (27)

    De-emphasize your walk-in shower by tiling it in simple white subway tiles and create a focal point with colorful or patterned tile flooring. A patterned tile floor creates movement and visual interest in this light-flooded walk-in shower from The Home Consultant.

  • 26 of 43

    Match Wall and Ceiling Tile

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (28)

    Finish the walls and ceiling in the same tile to define the walk-in shower. Kate Marker Interiors paired pale gray zellige tile with silver hardware to add subtle texture, and finished the bathroom with soft pink half-curtains and a bathroom rug.

  • 27 of 43

    Mix in Midcentury Touches

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (29)

    Add character to a neutral bathroom with a midcentury modern vanity. Space Factory paired the vintage piece with modern square sinks, round brass-framed mirrors, and an industrial glass and metal partition in this Paris bathroom.

  • 28 of 43

    Optimize Space

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (30)

    Interior designer Jenn Bannister of Flourish Interior Design created a wet room that houses the shower and tub positioned against the right hand wall, a space-saving and efficient design that works well in a railway-style bathroom with enough width.

    Continue to 29 of 43 below

  • 29 of 43

    Try Black Hardware

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (31)

    Black accents bring this spacious walk-in shower from Cathie Hong Interiors into focus, from a leaning ladder for towels and house plants to black shower hardware. A pair of transom windows bring in natural light while preserving unwanted views from the outside.

  • 30 of 43

    Add a Bonus Curtain

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (32)

    While most walk-in showers skip the shower curtain, in this small Swedish bathroom from Fantastic Frank, a shower curtain can be drawn when desired and helps to soften the feel of the industrial space.

  • 31 of 43

    Use Saturated Shower Tile

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (33)

    Add saturated color to define a walk-in shower in an all-white space. Jessica Nelson Design added blue-green shower wall tile that creates a deep water feel in this small walk-in shower.

  • 32 of 43

    Accent with Gold

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (34)

    Warm up glass walk-in shower doors with gold-toned hardware. Cathie Hong Interiors used the same shiny brass on doors and plumbing fixtures for a cohesive feel.

    Continue to 33 of 43 below

  • 33 of 43

    Use a Streamlined Design

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (35)

    If your primary bathroom is visible from the bedroom, keep finishes as streamlined and neutral as the rest of the en suite, like this space from Michelle Berwick Design.

  • 34 of 43

    Try a Prefab Shower Box

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (36)

    Make life easy by choosing a prefab shower box for a small walk-in shower. Sage green paint on the walls and ceiling give this walk-in shower from Fantastic Frank a serene feel.

  • 35 of 43

    Maximize Natural Light

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (37)

    A walk-in shower with a glass enclosure will keep natural light flowing in a bathroom with windows on adjacent walls. A pair of highly-placed corner shower windows flood this walk-in shower from Jessica Nelson Design with natural light while maintaining privacy.

  • 36 of 43

    Optimize a Quirky Layout

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (38)

    A walk-in shower can help you create flow in a home with an atypical layout. This Parisian walk-in shower from Space Factory is placed under the eaves of a top-floor apartment, lit by a skylight, and rendered in black and white to complement the painted beams.

    Continue to 37 of 43 below

  • 37 of 43

    Add Aged Brass Accents

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (39)

    It's a clear path from the door to the walk-in shower of this bathroom from Folding Chair Design Co., covered in heavily veined marble-effect tiles and accented with aged brass fixtures and decor.

  • 38 of 43

    Define With Floor Tile

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (40)

    Rather than using the same floor tile throughout, define a walk-in shower with another finish. House 9 Interiors mixed neutral tiles in a range of patterns to add subtle variation in this compact space.

  • 39 of 43

    Add an Arched Niche

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (41)

    Paris-based Caroline Andreoni Interior Design added an arched combination shower bench and storage niche in this walk-in shower that adds architectural interest to the black-and-white space. Black metal detailing around the glass shower panel and on the plumbing fixtures adds a touch of industrial edge to the timeless design.

  • 40 of 43

    Use All-White Finishes

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (42)

    Use all-white finishes and matching plumbing fixtures to make your walk-in shower disappear against the walls. Space Factory mixed textures and shades of soft white—from the zellige tile backsplash to the penny tile floor and wall paint—to give this Parisian attic bathroom an ethereal feel.

    Continue to 41 of 43 below

  • 41 of 43

    Create a Room Within a Room

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (43)

    Create a room-within-a-room feel by enclosing your walk-in shower with a glass and metal panel that includes an integrated door. Lisa Gilmore Design mixed styles in this eclectic bathroom, mixing the industrial-style walk-in shower enclosure with decorative finishes such as patterned tile flooring and floral wallpaper.

  • 42 of 43

    Define with Black Tile

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (44)

    Define a walk-in shower with glossy black tile for a modern feel. Folding Chair Design Co. used glossy black tile on the walls and floor of this walk-in shower that defines the space and adds drama to the black-and-white design.

  • 43 of 43

    Make It Moody

    43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (45)

    This moody walk-in shower from Brophy Interiors is covered in dark gray concrete-style tile on the walls, floors, and built-in bench in the walk-in shower, making the bright white adjacent soaking tub stand out.

FAQ

  • How much does it cost to put in a walk-in shower?

    The cost of installing a walk-in shower will depend on many factors including the size of your bathroom, your choice of finishes and fixtures, and the cost of materials and labor where you live. According to Angi, the cost of installing a walk-in shower ranges from $700 to $14,000, with the average homeowner spending $6,700.

  • Can a walk-in shower add value to your home?

    According to HomeAdvisor, a new walk-in shower can boost resale value. This is because it appeals to the increasing number of buyers who are looking to age at home, as well as those with disabilities or mobility needs. Keep in mind that you should have at least one bathtub in a family home if you are looking to appeal to a wide range of buyers, such as those with young children.

  • What are the cons of a walk-in shower?

    Walk-in showers can be drafty depending on their size and location in the bathroom. Not having a shower curtain might result in water splashes in unwanted areas from walk-in showers that do not include glass panels or optional glass doors. Pooled extra water may make walk-in showers more prone to be slippery after use.

43 Walk-in Shower Ideas That Are Sleek and Accessible (2024)

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