What Features Should I Look For in a Walk-In Shower?

In a recent study, it was found that installing a curbless shower as a part of a bathroom remodel can recover over 62.5% of the costs. That's a decent ROI. 

The walk in shower has gained plenty of traction in recent years, not only because of its aesthetic appeal but because a home with a universal design also lends itself to a wider demographic, in particular anyone with limited mobility who needs more accessible living spaces yet doesn't want to give up style.

With the influx of walk in shower designs, it can be a tough decision to know which one to opt for, what functions to include, and how it will fit in seamlessly with the rest of your bathroom design.

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about shopping for a walk in shower. Read on to find out what features to look for as well as plenty of inspirational walk-in shower ideas.

What To Look For In A Walk In Shower

If you're looking at purchasing a walk in shower, there will be numerous things to think about. In this section, we break down all the features you will want to consider before buying.

Unlike a wet room, a walk in shower works brilliantly regardless of the size of your bathroom. If you're limited by space or have a strange-shaped room, they can be a great space-saving solution because they can be tucked into an awkward corner utilizing potentially an unused space.

In bigger bathrooms, you could consider a walk through shower that's positioned centrally. With an entrance from either end, this is akin to something you may find in a high-end boutique hotel.

Functionality

Different people will have different needs, so when it comes to choosing a walk in shower, evaluate its functionality of it. If you have mobility issues you may find it easier to use a trayless design. Other types of walk in showers have a small low-level tray.

Also, the positioning of the shower may govern the design you opt for. Ask yourself if it will be installed in a corner, alcove, or centrally on a wall.

Shower Heads

Another feature to take note of when you're designing your walk in shower is the type of shower head. Are you using just one, or multiple shower heads? There are three main types of shower heads to choose from.

• The fixed shower head is the main shower fixture and is usually connected to the ceiling, they range from standard to rainfall and massaging flow
• Hand showers are the secondary fixture and the one with the most adjustability with the holder mounted on an adjustable slide bar on the wall
• Body sprayers are rows of small sprayer heads mounted on the walls and are directed at the body

Walk In Shower With Seat

If you struggle standing up and showering, then one feature to consider will be a walk in shower with a seat. These can be molded into the shower unit itself, or if the bathroom is shared with people who don't need a sit while they shower, then you might want to go for a fold-out seat.

Built-in Storage

When you're designing your walk in shower, take into consideration how things like shampoo and soap will be stored. It will want to be within arm's reach but also look unobtrusive, be part of the design, and be uncluttered.

If you're renovating your whole bathroom and building out stud walls so your shower can be accommodated, then adding in things like niches is a smart way to make use of the empty void behind the tiles. It also helps make the overall design look slicker compared to protruding shelves.

When you're planning this feature of your walk in shower, think about the positioning. Ideally, you won't want the shelf sat directly under the shower head, as your toiletries will be constantly sat in water. It's also a good idea to design the shelf with a slight gradient to encourage any water to easily drain off.

If you're wanting to create a boutique hotel or modern design, you can also add some waterproof downlighters to these niches to create atmospheric lights after dark.

Walk In Tub Shower

If you're limited by space and don't physically have the room to put a bathtub and a shower unit into your bathroom, then you could combine the two and use a walk in tub shower. These are a great solution for anyone who has mobility issues and offers a lot more versatility than just a stand-alone shower.

Installation Considerations

Naturally, there will probably be some constraints that you have to work within when it comes to designing your bathroom. The biggest one is the location and the size of the room the shower will be installed in.

Size

A feature you will need to take into consideration is how much space is available in the bathroom for the walk in shower.

You might want a doorless walk in shower for ease of moving in and out. However, if there is not enough space for a screen or partition wall to protect the rest of the room from shower spray, then you will want to consider some sort of door.

If you have a larger space and want a door, then your shower design could incorporate a door that swings open. When you're working out the dimensions of your shower, allow for room to be able to maneuver around the door.

If you're limited by space and want a door on the shower, then you may want to look into a shower design that has a sliding screen door instead.

Shape Of Space

Unless you're redesigning the whole of your bathroom and can knock through and rebuild walls, you will be limited by the space you have available. As we mentioned at the start, a walk in shower lends itself perfectly to unusually shaped rooms as you don't have the constraints of a fixed shower unit.

The standard building code recommends that a minimum of 30 inches of walking space is left between other fixtures in the bathroom. If you're not planning on moving other things in your bathroom, then you might be left with the usual shape to play with. Draw up a floor plan to work out a realistic size, the great thing about walk in showers is that they are adaptable to any space.

Aesthetics

You'll find beautiful walk in shower designs for every style imaginable. Although each design will differ slightly, the main components of a walk in shower are the floor, the screen, and the walls.

• Fixed glass panels are one way of creating doorless showers that work well with small bathrooms as it makes them look more spacious
• Feature walls can create a focal point in your bathroom, these work particularly well in a large bathroom

Materials

A great way to make your walk in shower a focal point in your bathroom is by playing about with materials. You can do this by using using either a combination of materials or different patterns and designs or shaped tiles and materials.

Tiles

Rather than sticking to a uniform design, and using the same tiles throughout your bathroom, try choosing either two contrasting colors or playing about with a mixture of patterned tiles dispersed with plain tiles to add visual interest and variation.

Another popular walk in shower tile idea is to play about with different shapes and size formats. Bring the design together by sticking to a similar color palette to stop it from looking too busy.

Natural Stone and Slate

These can work particularly well if you're wanting to create a more Mediterranean or spa-like feel. Natural stone or marble tiles are available in a large-scale format and using large slabs on the walls can look incredibly luxurious.

Metals

If you're opting for a more industrial look, you could use sheet metals as part of a feature wall. Brushed aluminum, stainless steel, and copper all work well and won't tarnish with the water. Twin this with bathroom fixtures in the same material for a sophisticated, boutique hotel look. 

Faux Timber

If you're wanting a traditional look to match a period-style home, then you might be tempted to use timber. The problem with wood is that it's not the best material to use in a damp environment with high humidity levels. This can lead to wood warping cracking and swelling. 

Timber has the advantage of making a room look cozy and with lots of character, so if you're after the aesthetics of wood, but without the issues, then opt for using faux timber.

Wood-effect tiles have the color and natural appearance of real wood, but instead, they are made from hard-wearing ceramic and are perfect for use in a shower area with no danger of water damage.

The tiles are not only slimline but give the appearance of tongue-and-groove cladding. This could be laid on the floor of your walk in shower area giving your bathroom a rustic, country vibe that would match a period property.

Need Help Choosing The Right Walk In Shower?

If you're thinking of installing a walk in shower, contact the team at Virginia Shower & Bath. We create custom-designed shower and bath solutions for your bathroom. Our knowledgeable team will work with you to create the shower of your dreams based on your specification or we can assist with helping you choose one of our walk In shower kits.

We offer peace of mind through our lifetime limited warranty as well as 100% financing options to fit any budget. Book an appointment today for a free consultation with our experienced team.

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