Posted by Adam Chard inInspiration| 1 year ago3 min read
Short on space, but simply can't be without your shower in the morning? We explore your options...
If you're one of those people who can't be without your shower, then you're certainly not alone. There has been an increasing trend towards replacing the slightly long-winded bath with a quick and invigorating shower, especially first thing in the morning.
As well as being a real time-saver, showers are certainly more eco-friendly, using far less water than a bath. Another thing that makes bathroom showers great, is that they don’t take up too much room, so if you are short on space there will always be the right shower to fit your exact dimensions.
So what are your options?
Electric shower
An electric shower is a great option, as it is simple to install and works straight from the cold water supply, so there is hardly any plumbing required. But, the really great thing about an electric shower is that it will still work even if the hot water tank fails, so you will always have hot water when and where you want it. An electric shower is great for saving energy and comes in a range of colour options including white and chrome.
At Victoria Plum, you'll find a wide range of options from the best electric shower manufacturers, including Aqualisa and Triton. Just make sure you employ a qualified professional for your electrical shower installation.
With a stylish brushed steel finish, the Triton Aspirante is one of the best showers for small bathrooms
Slider rail kit
A slider rail kit is again, easy to install and very flexible. The shower head can be adjusted along the rail to suit the height of the person in the shower. What is really great about this type of shower is, if your water pressure is good enough it can be simply used with a bath shower mixer tap and a bath screen to provide a very cost-effective shower.
A simple shower, like the aptly named Simple round sliding shower rail kit from Orchard Bathrooms, can be used to turn your bath into a multi-purpose shower bath
Space-saving shower enclosure
A quadrant or curved enclosure is the ideal type of shower if you are looking to maximise space. They fit snugly into the corner and can even have sliding doors - so they won’t open out into the room, giving you a little more space.
You can also find keyhole spacesaver enclosures. With a rounded end and straight entrance, these give you designer style but fit neatly into bathrooms where space is tight.
A quadrant enclosure with sliding door, like the 6mm two door quadrant shower enclosure from Orchard Bathrooms above, is ideal where space is tight
Overhead shower
An overhead shower head is one that comes out of the ceiling or wall. These are not only really stylish but it means you can position it directly above your head, providing a clean and minimalist look. Combine with a concealed valve and you have the minimum of pipework on display, ensuring more room for other things.
The Renzo square shower head isn't just super-stylish, it is also highly compact, available from just 200mm in width
More great shower ideas
Looking for further inspiration? There are plenty more great small bathroom ideas at Victoria Plum.
Shop showers
If you've been suitably inspired to buy a new shower for your small bathroom, why not browse our comprehensive range? Simply click on the image below, you're bound to find something that meets your needs.
FAQs
For smaller bathrooms, most experts recommend a shower enclosure no smaller than 36" x 36". To comfortably fit one adult, a shower measuring 48" x 36" should offer enough space for easy movement.
How to shower in a small bathroom? ›
If you have a small bathroom with a little more floor space, you should consider installing a walk-in shower with a glass partition. Rather than using a whole enclosure, this minimalist design will create the illusion of a larger space and allow light to pass through, making the bathroom feel more open and airy.
How do I maximize my shower space in a small bathroom? ›
Small Bathroom Shower Layout
Consider building the shower back into a wall to maximize floor space in the main area. If your shower is near the bathroom sink, opt for a partial wall that separates the shower from the vanity but still allows light in through the upper glass panel.
What shower door is best for a small bathroom? ›
Sliding shower doors are one of the most popular shower door designs for smaller bathrooms; since they slide open and close, you reduce how much space you'll need when entering and exiting your shower, and you still get all of the perks of a traditional shower door!
Is a 32 inch shower too small? ›
Typically, the smallest shower size is 32 inches wide by 32 inches deep. However, the International Residential Code (which regulates houses, duplexes, and townhouses) allows for showers as small as 30 inches x 30 inches. Measurements go up incrementally from there, usually to about 36 inches by 60 inches.
Can a small bathroom have a walk-in shower? ›
In small bathrooms with compact walk-in showers, strategic design choices can create the illusion of a bigger room. Utilise light-coloured tiles for walls and floors to reflect more light, or choose large-format or mosaic tiles for a seamless appearance.
Can you have a doorless shower in a small bathroom? ›
Doorless showers not only save space but also provide a feeling of openness and spaciousness that's perfect for small bathrooms. Of course, doorless showers are not for everyone, so be sure to consider the pros and cons before making a final decision.
How much space is needed for a small bathroom with shower? ›
In general, the smallest size is 15 square feet, which can fit a sink and a toilet. For a shower, to be installed, at least 30-36 square feet is required.
How to make a small shower feel luxurious? ›
In a narrow shower, build a wall-to-wall niche on the far wall that will make the space feel bigger, like this doorless space from Cathie Hong Interiors. Both small and larger rectangular wall tiles laid in a horizontal format make the narrow space appear wider.
Do curved shower rods make a bathroom look smaller? ›
Most curved shower rods can provide additional space in the bathroom. This is because their outward bulging design is up high, which allows them to maximize precious floor space.
The ideal range for a luxury shower width is generally between 48 to 72 inches. This range allows for a comfortable and luxurious showering experience for one person, providing enough space to include additional features such as multiple shower heads or integrated seating without the area feeling overcrowded.
Does a corner shower take up less space? ›
Pros of a Corner Shower
A corner shower will use all the space efficiently. Any Corner of the Bathroom Can Be Occupied: The best part about having a corner shower is that it can be installed in any corner of the bathroom. It can be round or rectangular, leaving more room for the toilet and bathroom sink when installed.
What is the easiest shower to fit? ›
Electric shower: Small, needs no hot water supply and is relatively easy to install. Mixer shower: Requires both hot and cold water supply, plus needs good water pressure to function.
What shower doors are easiest to keep clean? ›
A frosted shower door offers popular shower design choices, such as rain glass, textured glass, or even etched glass. Frosted doors are highly resistant to showing fingerprints and dirt, making them easy for homeowners to clean and maintain.
What is the best size for a doorless shower? ›
42x60" is the optimal size for one standing adult, not too big while still allowing good range of motion. 60x60" is optimal for a wheelchair user and leaves enough space for assistance should they need it. 72x72" is how big the sloped area should be if you want a completely open space with no barriers.
What is the smallest recommended size for a walk-in shower? ›
For a walk-in shower, professionals recommend no smaller than 36” by 36” to ensure there is ample space. Square shaped walk-in showers are often considered the most space-conscious. However, if you are looking to add a shower bench, a rectangular shower might be the better option for you.
Is a 700 shower too small? ›
Any size smaller than 900mm by 700mm will likely cause the water to splash everywhere and you probably wouldn't want that.
Is an 800 shower too small? ›
The majority of bathrooms can accommodate a typical standard shower size of 36′′ by 36′′ or 900mm x 900mm. This is a good choice for a standard family bathroom in the UK, which often measures 2000mm x 2000mm. Other standard shower sizes available are: 32″ x 32″ (800mm x 800mm)
How do I know what size shower I need? ›
Measure the available space
Start by measuring the height from floor to ceiling. This is to ensure that the height of the shower enclosure in your design will fit within the available height. Then measure the width and length of the room in which the shower is to be installed.
