Bathrooms With a Doorless Shower Are Trending. Are They Right For You?

One of the hottest trends in bathroom remodeling for the past few years, doorless walk-in showers are all the rage. It's easy to see why. They're spacious but can fit into limited space. They're luxurious, easy to keep clean if you use stain and moisture resistant tile. For homeowners choosing to age in place, they are a safe, accessible option, even for those with mobility issues.

In terms of design and functionality, you have a wide range of possibilities. Depending on your needs, you can equip them with anything from a rain shower head, to a steam shower, to a multi-head spa shower. Best of all, they can fit into any décor, design aesthetic or style, and in any bathroom in your home.

Many homeowners choose to add a doorless shower in the master suite when renovating. There are many different approaches you can take when designing a walk-in shower. Let's look at the pros and cons of including a doorless shower in your master bath remodel.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Doorless Showers

The Pros

A walk-in shower in the master suite offers several advantages over a traditional shower or tub/shower combo. They're incredibly versatile and can fit into even a small bathroom comfortably and look great. You don't need to struggle to create a layout. You build the shower to fit your space.

Another significant benefit is the ease of cleaning. Tile is easier to clean than the typical porcelain shower interior. It doesn't hold dirt and grime like porcelain, and because it's doorless, you'll never have to replace a moldy shower curtain again.

Today, there is a movement toward incorporating universal design into homes as older homeowners are choosing to age-in-place. Walk-in showers are the perfect solution. They are completely accessible by anyone, of any age and ability. They don't require stepping over a high ledge, and investing in a doorless shower can keep you living safely in your home as you age. A doorless walk-in shower can appeal to a broader range of potential buyers, should you decide to sell, and will add value to your home.

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Finally, from a design perspective, a walk-in shower can create a more harmonious look for your bathroom. Because it is “open,” it makes even a small bathroom appear more substantial, so you don't have to sacrifice functionality for aesthetics.

The Cons

There are many benefits to including a doorless shower in your remodel. There are some drawbacks to be aware of before making your decision. They include:

• Space Becomes an Issue

While a doorless shower can fit into almost any size space, you do need to consider your layout and its installation. The floor needs to be perfectly sloped, the drainage perfectly designed, and the showerhead placed properly. Even with everything correctly installed, there's still going to be a little splashing. To make sure that water doesn't end up where you don't want it to be, you will need proper space.

• Privacy

A clear glass door or shield can provide some privacy as the water will slightly obscure the view, and choosing a frosted glass option can take it a step further. However, since the point of a doorless shower is to keep things open, you will sacrifice privacy, every time you take a shower.

• It Can Be A Bit Cold

One of the benefits of having a shower enclosure or door is that it blocks airflow and traps the warmth in the shower. Open showers don't offer this benefit; in fact, an open shower can get a little chilly at times. If this is a concern, consider adding radiant floor heating to keep your bathroom comfortable.

While there are some drawbacks, the pros of including a doorless shower in your master bath remodel far outweigh the cons. With planning, except for lack of proper space, adding a frosted glass wall, and radiant floor heating can address many of the drawbacks.

The "Design Style" Question

One concern that we hear from some of our clients regards the design style of an open shower. Many are under the misconception that this type of shower is only at home in a modern or contemporary style. While the openness and sleek lines make it an excellent choice for a modern style, you can match your shower design to meet your aesthetic needs and the rest of your home's décor. It all comes down to your choice of tile, accessories and décor items, furniture, and fixtures.

Here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing.

Modern Style

We'll start here because it's the obvious style of choice. Walk-in showers fit perfectly into a modern or contemporary style home because of their openness, clean lines, and often geometric tile design. The lack of ledges and minimalist decoration make them perfect in a modern setting.

To emphasize the size and openness of the shower, use a neutral color tile. Contrasting shapes like circular shower heads against a straight, white subway tile can add visual interest

Traditional

If your style taste leans more toward traditional, a doorless shower can work if you think of it as a “wet room” like the communal shower in the gym. Traditional bathroom design is more likely to use glass, especially if it's a smaller space. Keeping your bathroom traditional with an open shower relies more upon the surrounding décor.

Think about traditional surroundings. Put in a sink with exposed pipes, use traditional hardware to create a classic style. Add retro items like posters, or use a clawfoot tub as a standalone soaking tub if you have space. Transfer your traditional decorating ideas in and around the shower, and you can make your walk-in shower fit right into your décor.

Industrial

The industrial style is open, raw, and revealing. You'll often find architectural details, lots of wood and metal, and often exposed HVAC and plumbing systems. It's no wonder that the walk-in shower is the choice of many industrial style lovers. Use industrial hardware and décor to emphasize your style. Rough around the edges is the way to define an industrial space, and a doorless shower fits in perfectly.

If you're considering adding a doorless shower to your master bath design, as you can see, there are many benefits. From the ease of cleaning to being able to fit into any design style, a doorless shower is not only aesthetically beautiful, but it's also a great way to add visual interest. If you're planning on aging-in-place, it's also a great way to stay safe in your home as you grow older.

If you're planning a master bathroom remodeling project in the greater Tuscaloosa area, give the design experts at Toulmin Kitchen & Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. Our award-winning designers will work closely with you to understand your needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic and then design the perfect dream bathroom to meet your needs and budget.