skip to main content

What to do with a shower in the powder room

8 years ago

Hello. I have a shower in the powder room that is totally open to the rest of the bathroom. There is also a glass block window in the stall. I do not need a shower on the first floor, and I absolutely do not like the glass block. However, if I were to ever use it, I would need to install a glass panel or door to somehow contain the water. I got a quote for the glass panel and the cheapest one I am getting is around $900. Now, if I were to spend that kind of money on a shower that I do not need, does it make sense to convert it to something else? I was thinking of drywalling the whole thing and doing built-ins or buying a cabinet/storage. It is a nice amount of space that can be used for some other purpose and I would also cover up the glass block window. What do you guys think? Crazy idea?

Featured Answer

shappy22

8 years ago

\

You would be crazy to take out that shower.

"Now, if I were to spend that kind of money on a shower that I do not need"

Maybe you don't need that shower today, but there may come a day in which you or another family member (or future resident) will have difficulty climbing stairs.

When my big, healthy son tore his ACL last spring and had surgery, he came home to recuperate. That downstairs shower was worth it's weight in gold!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

writersblock (9b/10a)
8 years ago
Oops I had a double posted comment that said the same thing as shappy22, but it disappeared when I tried to delete the duplicate. I broke an ankle when I was in my 30s and I would for sure have been in serious trouble if there had been no way to shower on the ground floor.

A ground floor shower is an asset, not a liability!
Related Discussions
What do you think of this wallpaper for a powder room
Q
Comments (36)
The room is much larger than what I was picturing too, but I still think I'd like more than just one wall. Would not do the ceiling, but I would keep the chair rail and paper above it, paint below it. I'd think about a pair of larger mirrors on the sink wall and not break the far wall with the towel bar but come up with something more interesting for hand or fingertip towels. art of that depends on the scale of the paper though -- it might not be what I am picturing either.
...See More
What to do w/ powder room wall? gloss paint?
Q
Comments (17)
I believe that a small powder room is an opportunity to do something special, a little over the top. First off, the room has no window, right? So you always have to put the light on anyway when you go in. To me this just opens the door to dark/rich colors. Since the room is so tiny, you can also paint the ceiling the same color, maybe this would give you a feeling of endless walls. And as far as gloss goes, with a dark color--it just adds glam and makes it even more special. But, I would not go for semi-gloss, that would look like an accident to me (leftover paint, so I'll use this semi-gloss). High gloss, so the walls look wet, that is really cool. You should double check with your painter about how he will get the effect of high gloss, no roller marks. I'm currently struggling with this on my foyer ceiling. And I guess you should keep in mind that if the walls are not perfect, you will see every imperfection with the high gloss. Some people don't care, and others go crazy. Check out this article from House Beautiful! Here is a link that might be useful: Todd Klein- House Beautiful High Gloss Paint
...See More
Adding Shower to Powder Room: how to hide it!?
Q
Comments (5)
Like others, I am puzzled by why you would want to hide a shower. My guest bath is a 3/4 bath with a shower. I just remodeled and the shower is part of the design elements - frameless glass enclosure; tile which matches the rest of the tile work; marble dog bone pattern tiles on shower floor and bathroom floor and beautiful fixtures that match the fixtures of the sink. Lucky you that you have the space in the room for a shower. If
...See More
Ok to vent 1/2 bath (no shower) powder room exhaust fan into attic?
Q
Comments (7)
Even if there is a window and you have a fan installed it has to go to the outside. M1501.1 Outdoor Discharge The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system shall be discharged to the outdoors in accordance with Section M1506.3. Air shall not be exhausted into an attic, soffit, ridge vent or crawl space.
...See More
gkamilla
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for your responses! Definitely gives me another perspective. How, is it crazy to spend $900 on a 72h by 27w glass panel? Is that what they go for or is it "You live in the large city upcharge" ?
cpartist
8 years ago
Doesn't sound unreasonable to me. And if I weren't putting in an elevator into our retirement home, I too would have put a shower in our "powder" room.
shappy22
8 years ago
Is that for a frameless door? If it is, maybe a semi-frameless could be less. I would try yelping it and get some other bids. That seems high to me.
Errant_gw
8 years ago
Would a shower curtain work?
gkamilla
Original Author
8 years ago
It is actually not a door, but just a stationary panel, but yes, it is frameless. The discount for the one with the channel is only $50. In terms of shower curtain - I am really hoping to bring a bit of contemporary feel into the space, so I figured frameless glass would work nice. Just FYI - I can buy that same panel online for about $500, but then I would have to install it myself, which is not happening :)

Thank you everyone!
ck_squared
8 years ago
Just to cement your decisions now, I'd be keeping that shower. We have the same set-up and are actually using the shower now as we are remodeling the upstairs bedrooms/bathrooms. We are living on the main level where this "powder room" is located. The price for your fixed glass panel sounds reasonable. I think we paid approx. $1500 for a frameless shower door for the shower mentioned.
plan2remodel
8 years ago
I just added a shower to the powder room on my first floor! In order to accomplish that, I moved my laundry room to the 2nd floor, near the bedrooms.

This shower had been on my wish list for a long time - after a broken foot, foot surgery, and my son's knee surgery. Aging parents is another reason. My Mom stayed with me for two weeks when she was 97 - I wish I'd had this shower for her then as she could no longer manage the 13 steps to my 2nd floor.

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Yes, You Can Go Bold With Wallpaper in a Powder Room

By Becky Harris

The smallest room in the house can make the biggest design impact. Here are 10 of our favorite papered powder rooms

BATHROOM DESIGN Room of the Day: Basement Bathroom With Nautical Flair

By Annie Thornton

Coastal-inspired details and a one-of-a-kind tile floor tie together this Pennsylvania powder room and changing room

BATHROOM DESIGN Sensible Style for Your Holiday Powder Room

By Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC

Seasonal color and pretty, practical touches create a fun and functional powder room for the holidays

WALL TREATMENTS A Tiny Powder Room Gets a Map-tastic Look

By Becky Harris

Creative cartography adds cheer and personality to the walls of a compact half bath

BATHROOM DESIGN Key Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Clearances, codes and coordination are critical in small spaces such as a powder room. Here’s what you should know

BATHROOM DESIGN Make a Powder Room Accessible With Universal Design

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

Right-size doorways, lever handles and clearance around the sink and commode are a great start in making a powder room accessible to all

BATHROOM DESIGN 8 Bold Paint Colors for Your Powder Room

By Love Your Room LLC

Turn your powder room into a exclamation point with a bold shot of red, raspberry, hyacinth, rich brown or stormy blue

BATHROOM DESIGN Design Details: Powder Room Vanity Styles With Personality

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Powder rooms often get squeezed into tight spaces. You can use this design opportunity to express your style and delight your guests

BEFORE AND AFTERS See a DIY Powder Room Transformation for $1,100

By Mitchell Parker

Determination, DIY skill and a stunning tile feature wall helped make this formerly dark and gloomy powder room feel spacious

BATHROOM DESIGN Primp Your Powder Room on a Shoestring

By Lisa Frederick

Small budgets and small powder rooms are made for each other, with inexpensive mirrors, wall coverings and accessories that flatter

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

More Discussions

What are these countertop spots?

16

Bathroom countertop material

4

Shower curtain rod height

4

bathroom remodel fan placement

0

Is it possible to change a color of a granite countertop

2