8 Types of Showers That Will Inspire a Bathroom Refresh

The right shower can make all the difference in a bathroom, not only in terms of practicality, but also aesthetics. The choice of the type of shower must therefore be carefully considered.

From the layout of the space to the configuration of the shower stall, all of these choices will impact how you interact with the essential part of your space, and will also impact the overall design.

From walk-in showers to combination tubs, here are the options designers want you to know about.

1. Shower without rim

A bathroom with a walk-in shower

(Photo credit: William Duff Architects)

The easiest way to create a small bathroom with a shower is to opt for a curbless design. These are also called barrier-free or zero-entry showers. These are sometimes open spaces or spaces with a thin glass partition, all of which allow for easy access. Since these designs do not have a proper slope, there can be a risk of poor drainage and spills on the bathroom floor. That is why in such a feature, the entire floor should be sloped towards the shower drain so that the room does not get wet.

“This shower offers excellent accessibility for those with limited mobility, seniors, or wheelchair users due to the lack of a threshold,” says Lauren Lerner, CEO and founder of Living with Lolo. “It also offers a sleek, modern look, enhancing the aesthetics of the bathroom and creating a sense of space. However, proper drainage is essential to avoid water issues, which can lead to complex installation and additional costs. Careful planning and waterproofing are required for functionality and water management.”

A shower head

Delta 75527-CZ 10-Inch Rain Shower Head

Rain shower

Luxury Rain Shower System

LED shower

Color Changing LED Shower Head

2. Semi-enclosed shower

A bathroom with a half-partitioned frosted door

(Photo credit: Donna DuFresne Interior Design)

A semi-enclosed shower is usually square in shape with two walls and one or two sheets of glass that half enclose it. These are great additions to small bathrooms where the semi-enclosed shower creates a separate area for a shower while giving the illusion of a larger space. Typically, these designs use clear glass and frameless doors that allow light to bounce freely instead of being absorbed by solid walls that often feel confined. But in cases where privacy is needed, frosted glass works just as well.

“Semi-enclosed showers create a sense of space when there isn’t enough floor space,” says Donna DuFresne, founder of Donna DuFresne Interior Design. “It’s a great way to separate the space without completely closing it off. Etched satin glass was chosen to provide a level of privacy in the space.”

3. Fully enclosed showers

A bathroom with a tinted glass shower cubicle

(Photo credit: Makhno)

The fully enclosed style is a trendy idea for shower rooms. Whether the enclosure is designed in a sleek, elegant design that appeals to modern tastes or in a simple, understated design with a sleek, classic look, the “room within a room” look is instantly appealing.

When it comes to shower enclosure styles, there are plenty of options available. Glass panels encased in an aluminum frame look elegant, as do four etched glass panels. If you want a clean, sleek, and seamless bathroom, a frameless shower enclosure is the way to go.

You can also opt for colored glass that will add a touch of color to the room, as in the model shown in the photo. “The speaker is made from a special type of glass called ‘float glass’,” explains Serhii Makhno, founder of MAKHNO. The unique color is achieved thanks to a tinted film, which gives it this distinctive hue.

4. Built-in showers

A shower with black framed shower doors

(Photo credit: Studio Ganz)

A built-in shower is a type of shower enclosure that is built into a wall or niche. It consists of three solid walls and a glass front. The type of door can vary, but in this example it is a double door with a mullion design.

“We wanted a custom metal framed door (also known as a mullion shower), but without the cost and difficult maintenance of real divided iron doors,” says Sondra Ganz of Studio Ganz. “We opted for HMI Glass’ Vista Grid showers. The glass contains an internal black grid printed with special ceramic inks. Low-profile adhesive metal grid strips were then applied to the exterior glass to mimic the real divided look. The glass on the inside remains smooth for easy cleaning. It was the perfect nod to industrial and vintage style.”

5. Walk-in showers

A large walk-in shower

(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. Photo credit: Chad Mellon)

As the name suggests, this is a shower with curbs that sit 2 to 6 inches above the shower drain, so you have to climb up before you enter the space. These models are generally less expensive than other wet room styles.

“A walk-in shower and a walk-in shower differ primarily in their design and accessibility,” Lauren explains. “Walk-in showers are easily accessible, with no or very low thresholds, making them ideal for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users. They often have a modern look with glass doors, panels, or even an open design. The shower floor is level with the bathroom or slopes gently toward the drain, providing a spacious area. In contrast, walk-in showers have a raised threshold that you have to step over. They are usually a traditional design with a raised shower base. The shower floor is higher than the bathroom floor, requiring a step. While walk-in showers vary in size, they generally take up less space than walk-in showers.”

6. Shower-bathtub combination

Hazzlit Hotel Room and Bathroom

Retro meets contemporary

(Photo credit: Hazzlit’s Hotel)

A shower-bathtub combination means that even a small space can do double duty. This model can be integrated into a built-in bathtub or over a freestanding bathtub. It is worth noting the dimensions of the accessories for this model. The overhead shower must be placed in exactly the right place so that the water does not splash over the edges of the bathtub. And when you get up, you do not hit your head.

While this design is usually enclosed behind a glass enclosure, you can also simply hang a curtain above it to give the room a whimsical feel. “When selecting the best materials for shower curtains, I typically turn to linen curtains for a luxurious texture and timeless elegance,” says Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. “A beautiful shower curtain adds a sophisticated touch to any bathroom, especially when paired with a custom rod. Then, I add a shower liner inside to protect the fabric.”

7. Double showers

Dual Shower Heads

(Photo credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors)

In homes with multiple family members or a shared bathroom, having two or more shower heads is a great solution. This creates a luxurious bathroom feel while making the room multifunctional.

“In this New York home, we opted for functionality by installing two showerheads for maximum efficiency,” Marie says. “To honor the building’s prewar roots, we chose shower fixtures with exposed plumbing, staying true to the historic aesthetic.”

8. Outdoor showers

An outdoor shower made from natural materials

(Photo credit: NAINOA)

And finally, nothing says luxury like an outdoor shower. They make the mundane ritual of showering much more appealing, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and even the view around you. Plus, they come in a variety of designs, from contemporary freestanding tubs to built-in models in unique materials.

“The main material here is stucco, with locally sourced clay tiles on the floor,” says Javier Guevara of Nainoa. “We used antique brass for all the hardware. Since this is an outdoor shower, we kept the material combination as natural as possible.”

Green shower curtains

Host & Home Raindrop Striped Shower Curtain

How to Choose the Best Type of Shower for Your Bathroom?

There are several factors that can influence the type of shower you should choose. One of them is, of course, the budget. If you want a shower that is not too expensive, a good idea would be to opt for a corner shower without a curb.

Walk-in showers are space-saving because they eliminate the need for a bathtub and can fit into any size space. If you want to give your small bathroom a luxurious yet functional touch, you can opt for a shower-tub combination. Enclosed showers are ideal for larger bathrooms where you can easily separate the wet and dry areas, without making the room feel small.