How to Design a Shower Room 

Anyone who’s got a bathroom renovation ahead of them is probably wondering how to design a shower room. Your shower room is one of the most used rooms in your home and as such it needs to be suited to the needs of everyone in your household.  

You need to put a lot of thought into your wet room or shower design, so knowing where to start can be quite intimidating. 

So how to design a shower room? Here is our expert guide on the topic!

How to Design a Shower Room – Step By Step

Ready to design your own shower room? Follow these five steps!

Step 1 – Planning and Budgeting

The first step of shower room design is planning your project. Do you want to update the style of your bathroom? Maybe you want to improve functionality? Or there is a specific issue such as mould that needs to be addressed? Knowing why you’re remodelling your shower room will help you determine the scope of the project. 

When you design a shower room, it’s essential to set priorities at the very early stages of the process. Create a list of non-negotiable elements that you need in order to accommodate the room to your needs. 

At this stage you should also think about your budget. Do research on how much it costs to renovate a shower room to get an idea of the budget you need. Remember to consider not only the cost of materials but also labour. 

Step 2 – Select the Room Layout and Fixtures

Once you know your budget and the scope of your remodelling, it’s time to start designing. Take accurate measurements of all walls in your room so you know how much space you have. Look at your current layout and consider what exactly needs improvement. 

Go to Pinterest to gather inspiration and create a moodboard for your new shower room. Draw your room to scale on a piece of paper and try sketching out different layouts until you find one you’re happy with. If you’re struggling with ideas, arrange a consultation with a professional designer or visit a local bathroom showroom.  

When you have decided on a layout, it’s time to browse different fixtures and bathroom furniture to find a style that you like. If you’re going for a classic tiles 

Step 3 – Consider Your Electrical and Plumbing Needs

Before you start taking your bathroom apart, it’s important to determine whether the current plumbing and drainage is suitable for your needs. If you’re upgrading an old shower room you might need to replace the plumbing. 

Consider the electrical needs as well. Will any electricals such as the ventilation and lighting need to be moved? Make sure you consult with an electrician to assess your options.   

Step 4 – Arrange Installation

After all the planning is complete it’s time to think about who will be doing the work and when. Unless you’re a confident DIY-er it’s always best to hire a professional. Fixing an improper shower room installation will cost you more than getting someone who can get it right the first time. 

Go through the list of fixtures and materials you need to supply and make sure everything you want is in stock or you have an alternative if it’s not. 

Step 5 – Add the Finishing Touches

The final step is bringing your room to live with bathroom accessories. When choosing your accessories try to match the colour of your taps and radiators for a cohesive look. 

For a contemporary natural look add a few bathroom plants to truly brighten up the space. 

Tips and Tricks for Designing a Small Shower Room

Planning a small shower room can be particularly challenging, due to the space limitations. This doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on style, though. Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind, if you have to design a small shower room. 

• Use Light Colours and Reflective Surfaces

Light colours reflect more light, creating the illusion of space in a smaller room. Similarly reflective surfaces bounce the natural (or artificial light) around the room giving a sense of depth. 

Both of those tricks work wonders in a small room, making the space appear more open. When designing for a small space, you should also keep patterns to a minimum to avoid visual busyness. 

• Make Use of the Vertical Space

One of the best ways to optimise space in a smaller shower room is by utilising the wall space smartly. Use wall-mounted bathroom cabinets or shelves to keep clutter off the floor. 

When it comes to fixtures and accessories, choose ones that are tall and slim rather than wide. Finishing elements like slim towel rails or vertical mirrors will elongate the room and create a sense of height. 

• Opt for Space Saving Fixtures

Another golden rule for smaller shower rooms is selecting compact features such as a corner bathroom sink or a wall-hung toilet to make the most of the available floor space. Rather than a traditional quadrant shower enclosure opt for a walk-in enclosure that will save space and create a contemporary open feel. 

You should also try to incorporate multi-functional elements. For example, a mirror cabinet that offers storage while still serving as a mirror. Under-sink cabinets are another great way to utilise space.