A shower should be a sanctuary, a stress-reducing environment, somewhere you can easily relax and free yourself of a hard day’s work. But if your shower is beginning to feel outdated or is showing signs of wear, a shower renovation may be needed to breathe new life into your bathroom. Showers can come in many different shapes and sizes to fit the aesthetic of any bathroom, and even the smallest upgrade can go a long way in transforming your bathroom into the sanctuary you envision as your perfect escape.
If you’re planning a shower remodel and need inspiration – look no further. From showerheads to tile selection, take a look at these bathroom shower renovation ideas to help inspire your soon-to-be remodel.
Shower layouts are key in a remodel
Tub and shower combo
A tub and shower combo is ideal for homeowners who love to take baths and showers but don’t have the space to fit both in their bathrooms. This combo consists of a tub with a showerhead fixture and can have several configurations. For families with kids who need a secure place to bathe or older adults who cannot stand for long periods, this shower renovation option is a great choice to accommodate different needs.
Rectangular or square shower
A rectangular or square shower is the most common shower found in bathrooms. It’s versatile enough to fit any bathroom size yet spacious enough not to feel cramped. As the name suggests, this design consists of four corners on each side and is usually placed at the end or center of a bathroom. These types of showers give you more versatility in design and can be custom built to fit your bathroom’s dimensions.
Corner shower
A corner shower is a smart option for your shower renovation if you don’t have much space in your bathroom. These showers fit right in the corner and consist of two wall panels and two to three glass enclosures. Corner showers typically don’t require partitions and can fit next to a vanity or toilet.
Curved shower
Similar to corner showers, a curved shower is rounded as opposed to a square. This type of shower is a great option for bathrooms with odd dimensions and can even be offset if space allows.
Round shower
Round showers are similar to a curved shower, however, they typically don’t take up a corner and are shaped like a circle. These types of showers require more space, are usually free-standing, and are found in more modern designs.
Design ideas for your shower remodel
Build-in niches for more storage
If you’re looking for a solution to hide your shampoos, conditioners, and hair products, adding built-in wall niches when remodeling your shower provides a great dedicated space to house your products. These can take the place of soap dishes or shower shelves and can easily be hidden from sight if installed thoughtfully.
Maximize light
Having a window in or near your shower is a great way to bring in natural light, especially if you have ample space in your bathroom. If you live in a place that gets plenty of sun, such as Calgary, AB, or Flagstaff, AZ, installing a window can help increase ventilation and add design appeal. If privacy is a concern, there are many workarounds to secure your space, including vinyl blinds, shutters, tinted film, or frosted and textured glass. If your roof allows, installing a skylight is also a great way to bring in light from above.
Add a seat to your shower
Adding a seat into your shower is a simple luxury that can bring comfort and sleek design to your shower. For those who do not have the space for a tub, a shower seat for older adults or kids is a great alternative to help increase safety when bathing.
Raise the ceiling for better air circulation
One of the most critical features of a bathroom is air circulation. If your bathroom lacks windows or does not have proper ventilation, it can cause mold and mildew to grow on your walls due to increased humidity. More so, the air in your house may feel sticky and warm. To help assist with your bathroom’s ventilation, installing a shower below a higher ceiling or raising the ceiling can help steam travel more efficiently to where it will be properly ventilated outside your home.
Upgrade your tile for some added design
The tile you choose for your bathroom can bring your shower and the rest of the space together. When selecting what will look best, choose a tile color scheme that matches the theme and aesthetic of your vanity and cabinets. Also, use the Rule of Three when picking through your tile selections – no more than three tiles of the same color palate should be used in the space to limit distractions.
You’ll also want to consider different tile sizes. Mix and match between larger and smaller tiles between the backsplash and accent tiles to create interest. Tile shape is extremely important during a shower renovation. You’ll want to make sure that each tile flows well with the next based on the design you choose.
Lastly, make sure to choose tiles that fit your lifestyle. If you want a tile that’s easy to maintain, porcelain and ceramics are better options for cleaning and upkeep. For shower floors, avoid glass tiles because they tend to be slippery when wet.
Some tile options you can choose from include:
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Slate
- Polished Stone
- Granite
- Marble
- Travertine
- Limestone
Choose a shower door based on your layout
Sliding door
Also known as a bypass door, these doors consist of two to three panels that slide along a track for easy back and forth maneuvering. Sliding doors are typically used for tub and shower combos or smaller bathrooms.
Hinged door
Also known as pivot doors, these doors open from a single corner and are great for openings that are too narrow for a sliding door. Some models can even swing inward and outward.
Barrier-free door
While the name might be misleading, barrier-free doors consist of a fixed door panel instead of an actual door. A panel separates the shower space from the rest of the bathroom and prevents any water spray from escaping. This design can make a bathroom feel bigger and provide easy access.
Round shower door
Round shower doors are usually used for curved or round showers. They have a curved glass design with two smaller doors in the center that attach to the top and bottom for added stability.
Pick a shower head that’s best for you
Single spray
Single spray showerheads or contractor-grade shower heads are the most basic installation you can choose for your shower remodel. These showerheads are affordable, only have one spray function, and cannot be adjusted.
Adjustable
Adjustable showerheads are versatile and can have anywhere between 3 to 12 spray patterns depending on the model.
Handheld showerheads
Handheld showerheads detach from their holder to allow you to freely move the shower head around when bathing. This type of showerhead is also great for bathing children, dogs, and even when cleaning the shower as you can easily spray any part of the shower.
Dual showerheads
Dual shower heads typically include two shower heads – a handheld and a multiple spray option.
High pressure
High-pressure showerheads are a great option if you like a deep clean. Their high-pressure function makes it easy to get clean and can even feel like a massage in the shower.
Rainshower
Rainshower showerheads are an elegant option and can be installed in many different ways, such as on the ceiling or mounted to the wall. Rain Showers pour water straight down with a single low-pressure spray pattern.
Eco performance
Eco-performance showerheads are great for the environment and can use as little as 1.5 gallons per minute vs. the typical 2.5 gallons per minute.
Filtered shower heads
Filtered shower heads are becoming increasingly popular due to built-in filtration systems that softens water and removes impurities. This can be great for your hair and skin leaving the body feeling nourished and less dry.
LED showerheads
Incorporate an element of smart home tech into your shower renovation by adding LED showerheads. LED shower heads have multiple settings and can change colors based on temperature. You might have to pay extra, but the tradeoff is worth it.
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