5 Small Bathroom Ideas with Shower Only: Creative, practical small bathroom designs for shower-only spaces from a senior interior designerMira LangJan 21, 2026Table of Contents1. Walk-in wet room with glass partition2. Corner neo-angle shower to free floor space3. Curbless shower with linear drain4. Compact alcove shower with recessed shelving5. ‘Wet closet’ layout with pocket doorPractical tips & materialsTips 1FAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once designed a tiny bathroom where the client insisted on a rainforest shower and a full-length mirror — in a space barely larger than a closet. I almost laughed, then learned how limitations make you invent better solutions. Small bathrooms with shower-only layouts are the perfect playground for big ideas.1. Walk-in wet room with glass partitionTurning the whole bathroom into a wet room maximizes perceived space and gives a luxe hotel feel. A frameless glass partition keeps water contained while maintaining sightlines, so the room feels larger. The downside is you need good waterproofing and thoughtful drainage, but I’ve handled several projects where a subtle slope solved that without sacrificing style.save pin2. Corner neo-angle shower to free floor spaceNeo-angle corner showers tuck into unused corners and open up the center of the room for easier movement. They’re ideal when you want a compact shower but don’t want the door to swing into the main path. Installation can be a touch pricier due to custom fitting, but the payoff in usable floor area is worth it for tiny bathrooms.save pin3. Curbless shower with linear drainI love curbless showers for their seamless look and accessibility — great if you’re thinking long-term living or have family members with mobility needs. Pairing this with a linear drain along one edge keeps water under control while preserving a clean aesthetic. The challenge is precise slope planning; I always coordinate with the plumber early to avoid surprises.save pin4. Compact alcove shower with recessed shelvingAn alcove shower framed by walls can be the most efficient use of square footage. Recessed niches give storage without adding bulk, and a shower curtain or sliding door keeps things simple. It’s budget-friendly and flexible, though you might sacrifice some design drama — which I often compensate for with tile and fixtures.save pin5. ‘Wet closet’ layout with pocket doorIf your bathroom opens directly into a hallway, consider a pocket door and a minimalist shower area to avoid swing conflicts. A ‘wet closet’ — essentially a small room dominated by the shower — can feel surprisingly functional when fitted with wall-mounted fixtures and streamlined storage. Space is limited, but clever vertical storage and a mirrored cabinet do wonders.save pinPractical tips & materialsLight-colored large-format tiles reduce visual clutter, while vertical grout lines or vertical tile layout can make ceilings feel higher. I often use a clear glass panel for the shower and matte black fixtures for contrast — modern and forgiving. For quick planning, try a room planner to sketch layouts and test shower positions before committing.save pinTips 1:Budget note: neo-angle and curbless options may cost more up front but can add functionality and accessibility that buyers appreciate. Small wins like a recessed niche, heated towel rail, or a high-mounted skylight create a surprisingly big impact.save pinFAQQ: What is the best shower type for a very small bathroom with only shower space?A: A corner neo-angle or alcove shower is often best for saving floor area, while a curbless wet room maximizes openness if waterproofing is feasible.Q: How can I prevent water from splashing everywhere in a shower-only bathroom?A: Use a frameless glass partition or partial glass screen and ensure proper slope and drainage, like a linear drain, to direct water efficiently.Q: Are curbless showers suitable for older homes?A: Yes, but they require careful planning of floor structure and drainage; consult your contractor early to confirm the subfloor can be adapted.Q: What flooring is best for wet rooms?A: Non-slip porcelain or textured tiles with good waterproofing membrane are standard; heated floors are a nice comfort upgrade.Q: How do I get more storage in a tiny shower-only bathroom?A: Recessed niches, wall-mounted vanities, and mirrored cabinets save space. Vertical open shelving above the toilet or door uses otherwise wasted height.Q: Can I use a pocket door in a bathroom with a shower only?A: Yes, pocket doors free up swing space, but ensure the door materials tolerate humidity and the pocket frame is installed correctly.Q: How much does waterproofing add to a small bathroom project?A: Costs vary, but expect waterproofing to be a worthwhile investment; it protects structure and prevents costly future repairs. For technical standards, refer to the International Building Code (IBC) and local plumbing codes.Q: Where can I mock up different bathroom layouts quickly?A: I like using a 3D floor planner to visualize options and test circulation before final decisions.save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE