12 Small Wet Room Ideas for Compact Bathrooms
If you have a small bathroom, I know how challenging it can be to make the most of the space.
That’s why I think a wet room is a great solution! It’s a simple way to save space and still have a bathroom that looks stylish and works well.
In a wet room, the shower area is open, and the entire room is waterproofed, so there’s no need for bulky shower doors or a big stall.
It keeps everything looking clean and is super easy to maintain.
In this blog, I’ll share some of my favorite ideas for turning your small bathroom into a wet room that feels bigger and more modern.
Let’s make your small space work better for you!
What is a Wet Room?
A wet room is a bathroom where the entire space, including the shower area, is waterproofed.
Unlike a traditional shower that’s enclosed by a shower curtain or glass, a wet room has an open design.
The entire bathroom is designed to handle water, from the walls to the floor, which means you can shower without worrying about water spilling outside the shower area.
The key feature of a wet room is that it gives a seamless, open look, making the bathroom feel bigger and more modern.
Why I Chose a Wet Room
When designing my small bathroom, I wanted something that would maximize the available space.
The idea of a traditional shower with bulky doors or a tub just didn’t fit the space well.
I needed a solution that would save space and still allow me to have an efficient and stylish bathroom. A wet room seemed like the perfect choice.
The open layout works great in small spaces, and it gives the room a sleek, minimalist look.
And, with everything being waterproofed, I didn’t have to worry about water damage.
Wet Room Ideas for Small Bathrooms
1. Open Shower Design
One of the key features of a wet room is an open shower design.
Without the need for a shower stall or doors, you create a clean, sleek look that works perfectly in a small space.
The open design makes the room feel more spacious. You can use a glass divider or simply let the water flow throughout the room.
It’s an easy and stylish way to make the most of your small bathroom.
2. Use Large Tiles
To make a small wet room look even bigger, consider using large tiles for the walls and floor.
Larger tiles create fewer lines and give the illusion of more space. They also add a modern, clean look to the room.
Choose light-colored tiles like white or light gray to make the room feel open and bright.
3. Floor-to-ceiling Waterproofing
When designing a wet room, waterproofing is essential.
Instead of using just a shower area, go for floor-to-ceiling waterproofing.
This ensures that the entire bathroom is ready to handle water, and you won’t need to worry about damaging the walls or floor.
Waterproof paint and tiles are the most common choices, but there are also special waterproof wall panels available.
4. Add a Rain Showerhead
A rain showerhead can make a small bathroom feel luxurious. It’s not only functional but also adds a spa-like experience.
Rain showerheads come in different sizes, so you can pick one that suits your bathroom size.
They work well in a wet room because they distribute water evenly, making it feel more like an open shower.
5. Glass Shower Screen
If you still want a little separation between the shower area and the rest of the room, you can install a glass shower screen.
This allows the water to flow freely while still keeping things tidy.
A clear glass screen doesn’t take up much space and maintains the open feel of a wet room.
You can choose from a half or full-glass screen, depending on your preference.
6. Maximize Storage
In a small wet room, storage can be difficult.
But with the right planning, you can add plenty of storage without taking up too much space.
Install shelves or cabinets that fit snugly into the corners of the room. You can also use vertical space to add storage above the sink or along the walls.
Consider adding a wall-mounted towel rack to save space on the floor.
7. Use a Sliding Door
If you want to keep the wet room area separate but still need space-saving options, a sliding door is a good idea.
Traditional doors can take up valuable space, but sliding doors don’t swing open, so they won’t crowd your small bathroom.
Sliding doors also look sleek and modern, which works well with the clean lines of a wet room design.
8. Opt for a Small Bathtub
If you want both a bath and a shower in your wet room, consider a small bathtub.
There are compact bathtubs available that fit well into small spaces. A deep soak tub can still provide a relaxing experience without taking up too much room.
You can place it near the shower area to create a more open, airy feel in the bathroom.
9. Install Underfloor Heating
One of the biggest challenges of a wet room is keeping the floor warm, especially if you live in a cooler climate. Underfloor heating is a great solution.
It keeps the floor warm and comfortable while you shower or bathe.
And it adds a touch of luxury to your small bathroom without taking up any extra space.
10. Use Mirrors to Reflect Light
Mirrors are a great tool for making a small bathroom feel bigger.
By adding a large mirror to one wall, you can reflect light and make the space feel more open.
Mirrors also help brighten up the room by bouncing natural light around. Choose a simple, modern mirror to complement the sleek style of a wet room.
11. Keep the Colors Neutral
Using neutral colors is key to making a small wet room feel bigger.
Lighter shades like whites, light grays, and soft beiges can make the space feel open and airy.
You can add some contrast with darker accents, like a black shower screen or dark tiles, but keep the overall color palette soft and calming.
12. Go for a Minimalist Look
The simpler, the better when it comes to designing a wet room in a small bathroom.
A minimalist design helps you make the most of the space without overwhelming it.
Keep the bathroom decor simple with clean lines, functional furniture, and minimal accessories.
Avoid cluttering the space with too many items, and focus on keeping the design sleek and modern.
Wet Room Shower Prep
Before starting the wet room project, there are some important things to prepare for.
First, you’ll need to make sure your bathroom is properly waterproofed. This means choosing the right materials for the walls, floors, and shower area.
Most wet rooms use waterproof tiles, vinyl, or wall panels.
You’ll also need to install a drainage system to make sure water flows easily to the drain and doesn’t pool.
A small slope in the floor helps with drainage, so it’s essential to plan this out during the design phase.
Once your space is waterproofed and the drainage system is set up, the next step is to choose your shower features.
Consider things like the type of showerhead, whether you want a glass screen or an open design, and how you plan to organize the space for storage.
Proper planning and prep will help ensure that everything works smoothly when the wet room is finished.
How I Designed My Small Wet Room Shower
When I set out to design our wet room, I knew I needed to keep it simple and efficient.
Since the space was small, I decided on an open shower design to make the most of the room.
I used large, light-colored tiles on the walls and floor to make the space feel more open and bright.
To keep the water contained, I added a glass shower screen that didn’t take up too much space but still gave a little separation.
For the showerhead, I went with a rain shower style for a more luxurious feel. The large showerhead evenly spreads water and enhances the open design of the room.
I chose a wall-mounted sink to save space and added a slim, vertical cabinet to store towels and toiletries.
The key to my design was keeping things simple and functional.
I didn’t overcrowd the space with unnecessary items. Instead, I focused on making the room feel open and airy while still providing everything I needed.
Wet Room Design Tips for Small Spaces
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your small wet room:
Plan for Water Drainage
In a wet room, proper water drainage is essential.
Make sure the floor is slightly sloped toward the drain so that water flows correctly and doesn’t pool around the room.
This will keep your wet room functioning properly and ensure that water doesn’t cause damage.
Keep the Room Well-Ventilated
Since the room will be wet most of the time, good ventilation is key.
Install a powerful extractor fan to keep moisture from building up and causing problems like mold.
You can also open windows when possible to let fresh air in.
Choose Durable Materials
Because the wet room will be exposed to water regularly, it’s important to choose durable materials.
Opt for tiles, wall panels, and floors that are waterproof and can withstand moisture.
Materials like ceramic tiles, porcelain, and vinyl are great choices for a wet room.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
Lighting can make a huge difference in a small bathroom. A well-lit wet room feels larger and more inviting.
Consider installing recessed lighting in the ceiling or wall-mounted sconces to provide even light across the room.
You can also add mood lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere in the shower area.
How to Choose the Right Wet Room Features
When planning your small wet room, it’s important to choose the right features that fit your space and needs. Here’s a quick guide to help:
Select the Right Showerhead
A showerhead can make a big difference in your wet room experience.
For small spaces, a fixed showerhead or a rain showerhead might work best.
If you prefer a handheld shower, look for one with a slim, adjustable design that doesn’t take up too much space.
Consider a Frameless Shower Screen
If you want to separate the shower area but keep the open feel, a frameless shower screen is a great option.
It’s clear and unobtrusive, so it doesn’t block the flow of light or make the room feel cramped.
It’s also easier to clean than framed versions.
Look for Space-Saving Furniture
To keep your wet room from feeling overcrowded, opt for space-saving furniture.
Choose a narrow vanity or wall-mounted sink that doesn’t take up too much room.
Consider a corner unit or a small, slim storage cabinet to make the most of the space available.
Pros and Cons of a Wet Room
Wet rooms are a great choice for small bathrooms, but like anything, they come with their pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview:
Pros
- Maximizes space: The open layout makes a small bathroom feel larger.
- Easy to clean: With fewer walls and corners, cleaning is a breeze.
- Modern design: Wet rooms offer a sleek, contemporary look.
- Versatile: They can fit both a shower and a bathtub without taking up extra space.
Cons
- Requires waterproofing: The entire room needs to be waterproofed, which can be costly and time-consuming.
- Water drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to avoid water pooling in the room.
- Moisture buildup: Without good ventilation, moisture can lead to mold and mildew.
Conclusion
Designing a wet room for a small bathroom is a smart way to make the most of your space.
With the right planning and design, a wet room can help create an open, modern, and functional bathroom. T
The key is to keep things simple—use light colors, large tiles, and a clean, open shower design.
Adding features like a rain showerhead, glass screens, and space-saving storage will make the room feel more comfortable and stylish.
Don’t forget to plan for proper waterproofing and drainage to keep the room safe and easy to maintain.
While wet rooms have many benefits, such as saving space and offering a modern look, they also require careful attention to detail, like ventilation and waterproofing.
Overall, a wet room can transform your small bathroom into a beautiful and functional space that works well for your everyday needs.
With these ideas and tips, you can create the perfect wet room for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wet rooms suitable for small bathrooms?
Yes, wet rooms are perfect for small bathrooms. The open design makes the space feel larger, and it eliminates the need for bulky shower enclosures or bathtubs.
Do I need to waterproof the entire bathroom for a wet room?
Yes, waterproofing is essential in a wet room. The walls, floor, and even the ceiling, in some cases, must be treated to handle water and prevent damage.
Can I install a bathtub in a wet room?
Yes, you can install a small bathtub in a wet room. Compact tubs work well in small spaces and can be placed near the shower area to save room.
How do I handle water drainage in a wet room?
A properly sloped floor towards the drain ensures water flows efficiently. You’ll need a high-quality drainage system to avoid water pooling in the room.
Is underfloor heating a good idea for wet rooms?
Yes, underfloor heating works well in wet rooms. It keeps the floor warm and dry, making the space more comfortable, especially in colder weather.
