skip to main content

Design Dilemma Bathrooms Building a Home

Walk-in Shower too big?

last year

This is a new construction, vacation house. Due to some unforeseen issues with the house exterior, my architect and I had to make some last minute changes to the size and layout of the bathroom windows (details are indicated in the attached picture). Currently, the construction is completed (including rough-in plumbing) and the interior work is starting.

One item that I didn’t think through was the impact of the above changes to the bathroom design. Originally, I planned a 40”x84” walk-in shower, with a glass door separating it from the rest of the bathroom. However, the window change is forcing me to extend the shower size to ~51”x84”. I’m afraid that the shower would be disproportionately big for this medium-sized master bath.

Also, if I keep the shower at the original size (40” long) that would mean the shower doors would be in the middle of the window (look very ugly).

I’m not sure if I’m fussing too much about this (and should I just go with the bigger shower) or if my concern is valid. If it is valid, does anyone have any better suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

worthy
last year
last modified: last year
Shower size is fine.

But opening a bathroom door to virtually a head-on view of the w.c. is considered a design faux pas. (Aside from public facilities.)
cpartist
last year
For me, that would be way too large. It would be cold and drafty for me.
Related Discussions
12.5x23.8 tile for bathtub/shower/bathroom too big? photos?
Q
Comments (10)
I think the tile you have selected sounds lovely. I am wrapping up a bathroom where I replaces 4x4 tiles with 12x12 tiles and I love the look. It minimizes grout lines and maximizes the focus on the tiles. I also agree that big tiles can make the space look larger by not breaking up the space quite so much. As long as the thinset properly bonds, there should be no concern of tiles falling. There are some tile experts on this site that might have suggestions on techniques and/or products. I believe your concern of cuts should be mostly resolved by a good tile setter. I would recommend specifically discussing this concern with your tile setter and asking him to share the layouts for your approval. I believe (from reading and minimal experience -- I'm not an actual expert) you want to try to avoid laying cut tiles that are smaller than half the size of the tile. I believe in most cases this should be possible, but it certainly takes some work up front to plan the layout.
...See More
Is this shower head too big?
Q
Comments (25)
I'm glad some people get me. The suggestion of 24x36 is good but it's not a size I've seen. It's 40x40 or 20x40. On the rare occasion I use the rain shower head I think 20x40 will let me escape. But like I said, this is more decorative than anything else. And it will be in my master bathroom which also has a traditional shower head. That is what I will use on a daily basis. I am not getting one with LED. If I could get one that would let me control the colors like regular rgbw light, I would consider it. But I think the temp-coded led lights are gimmicky. And when there are problems with these shower heads it is typically a problem with the led going out.
...See More
How big is your walk-in shower?
Q
Comments (82)
HU-418990949 Our shower is 6 x 5. It is not too big, nor too small. We built it to allow a small wheelchair, plus an extra body to fit in, should we if ever need help. There is a small lip to get in, and a 32" clearance with the door. Without the door, there is 35". Our contractor talked us out of a zero entry because he has seen problems arise with linear drains. There is a wide built-in bench in/under the half wall. We put in a bar that can easily be reached while standing under the shower head, or to help with getting up and down from the bench. We stay plenty warm enough in there even though the ceilings are 10'. The only downside of this shower is the cleaning. However, if the shower were smaller, we would still have about the same amount of wall tile to clean --- minus about a 2' vertical section. The floor space would be smaller, but that's the easy part. Cleaning those large tiles all the way to the ceiling requires a ladder!
...See More
Is 24"x24" tile too big for shower wall?
Q
Comments (9)
A lot depends on the tile you are using. Large format anything comes with unique specifications for installation. There is also the chance of lippage (not perfectly flat at the edges) caused by the tiles not being completely flat, or bowed) at that size. As far as the look, it is quite common to use large format on walls and mosaics on floor, but as stated above, it depends on the actual selection. Consult with your installer regarding lay-out, appropriateness for the application, and be certain they are experienced working with large format. Photos of the tiles themselves may illicit some more response here. We used large format on all of these shower walls, but they are each a different style:
...See More
Mindy Binder
last year
We have a 48 x 84 and it does feel big. We have 2 shower heads and an 18” bench. So think about how best to sue such a large space so it doesn’t look as oversized.

Re- comment above- our shower doesn’t get drafty - it’s quite cozy and heats up nicely with the hot water. It’s enclosed though- not open to above.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
last year
last modified: last year
Redesign the entire bathroom and think about grab bars for the toilet and where the toilet paper holder goes.
Mindy Binder
last year
Mark’s is a much nicer layout!
PRO
LilDesignWorks
last year
last modified: last year
Congrats on this beautiful house you are building. The shower is a bit oversized so if we are to be creative and you could still change the plumbing my first choice is as suggested above, to hide the toilet by the shower

It looks like you could have at least a 50x54 shower which is great.

Another choice is to go even a bit wider to add a bathtub at the end, still within the glass enclosure

You can get a soaker within 50-60 inches for a most luxurious spa like experience
kandrewspa
last year
If you don't change it as one of the commenters suggested, I would at least take advantage of the space by having two shower heads and/or a bench if you think you would use it. I had a bench in my previous master shower but didn't put one in my current bath as I never used it in the former bath. As long as the walls aren't closed up you can change the plumbing rough-ins. For a cost, of course. :-)
petape13
Original Author
last year
Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions! The main question is how big would the plumbing redo costs be? I’ll have to take it to the contractor and decide which bitter pill to swallow then. :)

Related Stories

NEW THIS WEEK 6 Small Bathrooms With Dramatic Walk-In Showers

By Mitchell Parker

In 65 square feet or less, these designers make big design statements using stylish tile and bold contrast

MOST POPULAR 10 Stylish Small Bathrooms With Walk-In Showers

By Bryan Anthony

Get inspired by this collection of compact bathrooms that make a splash with standout design details

BATHROOM DESIGN New This Week: 10 Bathrooms With Wonderful Walk-In Showers

By Mitchell Parker

See the features that make these inspiring spaces about more than just washing and rinsing

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Bathroom of the Week: Bold Blue Tile and a Walk-In Shower

By Gwendolyn Purdom

A designer helps a Texas couple flip their master suite layout for a better view and a bigger, more spirited bathroom

BATHROOM DESIGN New This Week: 3 Baths With Walk-in Showers and Stand-Alone Tubs

By Mitchell Parker

See how these spacious bathrooms celebrate elegant stand-alone bathtubs and luxurious walk-in showers

SHOWERS 5 Reasons to Choose a Walk-In Shower

By Louise O'Bryan

Curbless and low-barrier showers can be accessible, low-maintenance and attractive

BATHROOM DESIGN New This Week: 9 Bathrooms With Stylish Walk-In Showers

By Mitchell Parker

Pros use tile and color to create a cohesive feeling in rooms with curbless and low-barrier showers

SHOP HOUZZ 2022 Bath Trend: Wet Rooms and Walk-In Showers

Incorporate sleek fixtures to create an all-encompassing bath experience

0

BATHROOM DESIGN Shower Curtain or Shower Door?

By Lara Sargent

Find out which option is the ideal partner for your shower-bath combo

DREAM SPACES Room of the Day: Dreaming Big Inspires an Ultimate Bath of Luxury

By Mitchell Parker

Talk about a dream space. This bathroom has a heated lounge seat, fireplace, TV, steam shower and more

Sponsored

More Discussions

Roof Framing Looks Worrisome

12

Installation Floater Insurance question

7

Help me locate this tile manufacturer or where to find it please pleas

7

Foundation house plan

16

Which floor plan would you pick??

17