A walk-in shower: the perfect solution for a stylish modern bathroom
03.2022
Are you planning a walk-in shower for your bathroom? We list all the benefits of this elegant and practical design solution
What is a walk-in shower?
In recent times the simple shower has evolved significantly, as designers experiment with its shape and structure and move away from traditional approaches.
Among the many different types of bathroom solutions, one of the most popular recent design trends is the walk-in shower, which, simply put means that it is not closed in on all sides, à la the classic shower cabin or box. Essentially, there is no door, meaning you access it freely, which is why it is also sometimes described as “free entry” or “open space”.
Elegant and minimalist from a design point of view, a doorless shower is also extremely practical, so it is little wonder that it is a favourite client request when it comes to bathroom makeovers. In this article, we go into more depth about the many advantages of a walk-in shower and share 3 examples of how it can contribute to creating a truly stunning modern bathroom look.
The advantages of a walk-in shower
A walk-in shower is an innovative modern design element that has a number of benefits:
- Accessibility
- Easy to clean
- Easy and versatile to install
- Aesthetically pleasing
As we explained above, the key characteristic is that there is no door, making it easy to enter and leave, and also creating an extraordinary sense of freedom, as you don’t feel boxed in. You also don’t necessarily have a lip to step over or a narrow entrance and door action to negotiate, making it ideal for anyone with mobility issues.
Another advantage is that, compared to a traditional shower, cleaning is easier because you have fewer vertical surfaces, while the lack of a door also reduces installation time and costs. On the installation front, you also tend to have more versatility when it comes to design as you are not constricted by predetermined dimensions of shower boxes. Without a door, you are also less likely to have maintenance issues, so again, potential savings.
Last, but definitely not least, is the aesthetic aspect. The clean, minimalist design of a walk-in shower makes the entire bathroom look more harmonious, as well as increasing the sense of spaciousness. You also have far more freedom to choose tiles or a décor that reflects your style and ties in with the overall look of the space, so that you can create a truly elegant bathroom.
The 3 main types of walk-in shower
Generally, a walk-in shower leaves at least one side completely free. Depending on the layout of the bathroom, the walls may be in glass or in the material of the rest of the room. The transparency of glass can function as an elegant design element in itself, liberating the entire bathroom and creating a sensation of spaciousness and freedom.
This sense of continuity can be taken a step further by opting for a flush shower tray so that there is no change in level between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. Not only does this open up the entire space visually, it adds to the overall aesthetics of the room and, on the practical side, makes access even easier.
The beauty of a shower with no door is that there are very few restrictions when it comes to design, as it matches any décor style and you can create a bespoke walk-in, no matter what the size or shape of your bathroom. In general, however, there are 3 main types of walk-in shower:
- Corner
- Recessed
- Floating
Let’s take a look at an example of each of these, designed and decorated in Salvatori style.
Optimising space with a corner walk-in shower
As the name suggests, a corner walk-in shower occupies a corner, meaning it is flanked by two structural walls, leaving just one more to be installed. Here, the choice lies between a solid material or glass, and while the latter is the most popular choice for the sensation of space it brings, a less-transparent wall may be preferable if you want to create privacy, for example if you install a toilet beside it.
Corner showers are an ideal solution for small bathrooms as you can maximise every valuable centimetre, although this example here shows how they can also work in a larger space. The third wall of this roomy doorless shower, featuring a raised Filo tray, is made in thick glass that is, however, barely discernible at first glance. With the entire bathroom in the warm, sophisticated tones of Gris du Mariais® marble, the overall look is supremely stylish.
The intimacy and privacy of a recessed walk-in shower
Another solution for optimising available space, although generally in larger bathrooms, is a recessed or built-in walk-in shower, which means it is enclosed within three walls.
The idea here is that you save space and make smarter use of corners that would otherwise become dead space. This is an excellent idea if you want to create a less visible, intimate shower experience where you have easy access and no obstacles but you feel protected and cosseted.
Key to achieving this result is being able to access the shower without having to step up or over anything. Our Filo Flush shower tray fits the bill perfectly, as shown here in Gris du Marais® in our Cotone finish for a non-slip surface. Paired with walls in classic Bianco Carrara marble, it makes for a practical and elegant walk-in shower where you can wash away the stresses of the world in total peace and privacy.
Total transparency
Of all the walk-in shower options, perhaps the most innovative and contemporary is the floating variant, where a panel of glass is installed part way along the long side of the shower, leaving open space either side of it, allowing you to enter from either part.
This creates a sleek, modern look and completely opens up the space, as exemplified in this beautiful bathroom. Here, the flush shower tray combines seamlessly with the floor in Stone Parquet for a wonderfully uninhibited shower experience.
The absence of any solid screen optimises the natural light that floods in and reflects off the pale, elegant tones of Silk Georgette® and Crema d’Orcia. The result is an airy, spacious bathroom with a minimalist design that creates a feeling of warmth and total freedom.
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