Today’s bathrooms and wetrooms are perfectly set up for walk-in showers. They’re sleek, spacious, doorless and easily accessible by everyone, including users with limited mobility.
The modern, contemporary design of a walk-in shower makes it a key feature of any new bathroom and wetroom project. But when it comes to choosing the correct size for a walk-in shower, how big (or small) does yours need to be?
What is the right size of a walk-in shower?
Bathrooms and wetrooms can be split into three main sizes – small, standard and large. The size of walk-in shower you need all depends on the space you have available, design choices and accessibility needs.
If you’re looking for exciting walk-in shower ideas, read on.
1. Small bathroom or wetroom
Where space is an issue, selecting the right walk-in shower dimensions can prove difficult. You’ll want to make the most of the available room without feeling restricted or cramped.
If your bathroom or wetroom is smaller than the standard 30 sq ft, the following dimensions indicate the ideal walk-in shower size:
Corner shower
A corner walk-in shower is a great way to maximise the space in a small bathroom or wetroom. Fitting snugly into the corner of the room, it also frees up valuable floor space for a toilet, sink and other features.
Depending on the layout, minimum walk-in shower dimensions range from 1100mm x 700mm to 1200mm x 900 mm, although bigger sizes go up to 1300mm x 800mm.
Niche/alcove shower
Walk-in showers can be squeezed into the tightest spaces, including an alcove or niche. This makes them ideal for smaller bathrooms that may be restricted by a sloped ceiling or other interesting features.
For instance, a space-saving walk-in shower measuring 900mm x 700mm could fit neatly into a recessed wall, and you’ll only need a front panel to contain the water spray. When you’ve chosen your optimum walk-in shower dimensions, you can then focus on other key factors, like small bathroom lighting.
2. Standard-size walk-in shower
A standard-size walk-in shower suits most UK bathrooms and wetrooms, which typically average 30 sq ft. This brings larger walk-in shower sizes into play, providing more freedom and space and a higher degree of accessibility.
Depending on your style preferences and the layout, there are three standard sizes of walk-in showers that comfortably fit into most households:
- 1400mm x 800mm
- 1500mm x 700mm
- 1600mm x 800mm
When selecting the best size for your bathroom or wetroom, always leave adequate room for other important fixtures including the toilet, sink or vanity unit.
3. Large bathroom walk-in shower sizes
The bigger the bathroom or wetroom, the more walk-in shower options you’re likely to have. Not only that, but large bathrooms offer more flexibility and choice to create your dream shower experience. The extra space also makes them a great option for users with restricted or limited mobility. Some popular options include:
Spa-like walk-in shower
One of the most luxurious bathroom or wetroom choices is a spa-like shower enclosure. You can maximise the extra space by incorporating a larger shower area, including 1700mm x 900mm options.
These types of walk-in designs also mean you can create a spa-like ambience in your bathroom or wetroom with plenty of space for extra features like multiple showerheads.
Double walk-in shower
Some bathrooms or wetrooms are big enough to accommodate a double walk-in shower, offering the ultimate shower experience. Minimum walk-in shower dimensions start at 1700mm x 800mm to 1800mm x 900mm or even larger where space allows.
A double walk-in shower can accommodate two people comfortably and offer enhanced functionality through dual showerheads as well as boosting accessibility and safety.
Walk-in shower with a bathtub
If you’re looking to combine a relaxing soak in a bathtub with a refreshing walk-in shower, you’ll need a large bathroom.
You can fit a bathtub inside the doorless enclosure to give you more bathing options. In this case, your walk-in shower dimensions are likely to range from 1700mm x 800mm to 1700mm x 900mm and even larger in some cases.
How to choose the right shower drain for your walk-in shower
Most modern walk-in showers require an effective wetroom drain to carry wastewater away and prevent water from escaping onto the floor.
Choosing the right type of shower drain has a major impact on the performance of your walk-in shower. Get this wrong and you can expect pools of water on the floor and mould growth, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
Wetroom drain technology has advanced in recent times, and you’ll now find options that are suitable for a variety of floors, including concrete floors, wooden floors and screed floors. No matter the size of your walk-in shower, you’re guaranteed to find a functional shower drain that meets your requirements and matches your style preference.
It’s important to remember that you’ll also need to waterproof your walk-in shower to make it fully watertight. This involves applying a membrane between the walls, floor and floor covering to maximise performance and longevity.
Do I need a shower tray for my walk-in shower?
Not necessarily, especially if you’ve already decided to go with a walk-in shower drain. But in some cases, you may prefer a shower tray if it suits the size of your walk-in shower.
Walk-in shower trays can be easier to install than shower drains, are typically cost-effective and offer efficient water management. Walk-in shower trays also have a lower profile than standard shower trays, making access easier for users with mobility challenges.
The shower tray you choose is likely to equal the size of your walk-in shower space. This usually ranges from:
| Small walk-in shower tray size | Standard walk-in shower tray size | Large walk-in shower tray size |
| 1100mm x 700mm to
1300mm x 700mm |
1400mm x 800mm to
1600mm x 800mm |
1400mm x 900mm to
1800mm x 900mm |
Shower trays come in a variety of styles and materials, including stone resin or acrylic. They can be a practical choice in some bathrooms where space and layout are an issue. There are also a number of ways to overcome common shower tray problems, such as leaks and cracks, to improve the longevity of your walk-in shower.
Need help selecting the right walk-in shower dimensions for your bathroom or wetroom?
At CCL Wetrooms, we’ll guide you through the process of bathroom or wetroom installation to help you choose the ideal size of walk-in shower for your available space. Contact us today and speak to one of our experts.
