Which Shower Is Best For A Small Bathroom?

A small bathroom absolutely does not need to hold you back when you’re shopping for a new suite. While you may be a little more limited (perhaps no hot tub-sized bath for you), there are still plenty of beautiful products out there waiting to be discovered.

So what shower will work best for a bathroom with limited floor space? Lucky for you, there are plenty of options. In this guide, we’ll run through the best space-saving showers to help you maximise the space in your small bathroom and create a layout that works logically and practically.

Standard Shower Sizes Explained

Before we get into how you can choose a shower for small spaces, let’s talk sizes.

Generally, shower trays start at around 700mm by 700mm, though the most standard size is 800x800. You can find a list of available shower sizes below:

• 700x700
• 750x750
• 800x800
• 900x900
• 1000x1000
• 1200x1200

There are, of course, variations if you don’t want a square shower tray. Rectangular shower trays usually start at 800x700 or 760x900.

What Small Shower Sizes Are Available?

The absolute smallest shower tray size we recommend is 700x700. Any smaller, and you’ll feel very boxed in and find it tricky to move around. Believe us, you’ll just get frustrated when you knock your shampoo bottle over for the hundredth time.

800x800 is quite a good size, and 900x900 feels comfortable and practical.

The smallest size tray we’d recommend for a walk-in shower is 1200mm (length), purely because of the amount of splashback you get from these.

What Are The Best Types Of Showers For Small Bathrooms?

Quadrant (Corner) Showers

The quadrant (or corner) shower is one of the most popular choices for a small bathroom. As it fits neatly into a corner, it takes up less space than a square shower. This is even more the case when it has a sliding or bifold door rather than one that opens into the bathroom.

If you’re trying to save on space, this is going to be a big contender.

Quadrant showers come in a whole range of sizes, so first measure the space it’s going in and then have a look at our range (including shopping in-person at one of our UK bathroom showrooms) to find the one that’s the perfect size for you. The smallest quadrant shower size we do is 800x800

Sliding Door Showers

In a small bathroom, shower doors that swing out into the room can cause problems. If there are other things in the way, like a door or a sink unit, then you might find yourself squeezing into the shower through a small gap. And what about when you’re trying to do your makeup while your partner wants to get in the shower?

Avoid arguments with a sliding door shower instead. These doors slide across to allow you to get in and out, meaning you don’t need to account for extra space. The same also goes for bifold doors, so that’s another option for you to investigate

Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers can be a great option for a small bathroom if you’re happy to do without a bath. However, you should consider that the smallest tray size we recommend is 1200mm to account for the extra water spray. Our walk-in shower enclosures start at 1700mm, so you’ll really need to think hard about whether a walk-in is for you (and that you’re happy to sacrifice the bath for one of these beautiful showers)

A Shower Over The Bath

Many bathrooms aren’t big enough to house a separate shower and a bath, which is why lots of people choose to have the shower over the bath, instead.

This option can still be really beautiful and functional, particularly if you add a bath screen. Gone are the days of bath screens that look plain and boring. Now you can choose between gold or black, ribbed or smooth, pivot or hinged. There are screens for every design choice, so take the time to find the one you love

What Are The Best Shower Doors For Small Bathrooms?

When space is tight, the type of shower door you choose can make a bigger difference than you might think. And while looks are important, there are other factors to take into consideration, including how easily you can move around the room without bumping into things (or your partner).

Sliding Doors

As we’ve already mentioned, sliding doors are one of the best options for small bathrooms because you don’t need to account for clearance space around the shower. They don’t take up any extra space, besides the size of the shower itself, so you don’t need to worry about the door knocking into a toilet, sink or radiator.

Bifold Doors

Bifold doors are similar to a sliding door in that they don’t take up any extra room when the doors are open. They fold in on themselves, so they aren’t as disruptive as a traditional hinged door.

They’re particularly handy in really compact layouts where every centimetre counts. However, you should consider that if your shower tray is already quite small, bifold doors that open inwards can make it tricky to get in and out easily. You’ll find yourself having a fight with the doors, so do consider whether this is going to be a good option.

Consider Your Choice Of Glass Too

As an extra little tip, don’t forget the visual side of things. Clear glass will make the room feel open and uncluttered, whereas heavily framed or frosted options can sometimes make the space feel more closed in. Subtle framing in black or brushed brass can look stunning, though, so it’s all about finding that balance between style and practicality.