Look, I get it. You’re tired of stepping over that bathtub rim every morning, and your shower curtain has seen better days. Standing showers aren’t just a bathroom upgrade—they’re a whole vibe shift. And honestly? Once you go walk-in, you never go back.
I’ve been obsessed with standing showers ever since I renovated my own bathroom two years ago. The freedom, the space, the sheer luxury of not feeling like you’re showering in a phone booth… it’s transformative. So let me walk you through 15 ideas that’ll make you want to grab a sledgehammer and start demo-ing today (but maybe call a contractor first :)).
The Minimalist Glass Enclosure
Glass walls and zero drama—that’s the minimalist shower philosophy. I’m talking frameless glass panels that make your bathroom look twice its actual size.
The beauty here is in what you don’t see. No bulky frames, no shower curtains collecting mildew, just clean lines and pure transparency. I installed one of these bad boys in my guest bathroom, and people literally think the room got bigger. It didn’t. It just looks that way.
Key features to consider:
- 3/8-inch tempered glass (minimum)
- Chrome or brushed nickel hardware
- Floor-to-ceiling panels for that luxury hotel feel
Pro tip? Get treated glass. Your future self will thank you when you’re not scrubbing soap scum every weekend.
The Walk-In Wetroom Wonder
Ever wondered why European bathrooms feel so sophisticated? Wetrooms. The entire bathroom becomes the shower. Mind = blown.
This setup eliminates barriers completely. The floor slopes gently toward the drain, and you can literally walk straight into your shower without any threshold. It’s accessible, it’s modern, and IMO, it’s the future of bathroom design.
What You’ll Need:
- Proper waterproofing (non-negotiable)
- Linear drain installation
- Non-slip tile throughout
Fair warning: this isn’t a DIY weekend project. You need serious waterproofing expertise, or you’ll be dealing with leaks in your downstairs neighbor’s ceiling. Trust me on this one.
The Subway Tile Classic
Sometimes you can’t beat the classics. White subway tiles have been around forever, and there’s a reason they’re not going anywhere.
I know what you’re thinking—”Isn’t that boring?” Nope. The magic is in the details. You can run them vertically instead of horizontally. You can use contrasting grout (black grout with white tile? Chef’s kiss). You can even mix in a few accent tiles for personality.
Design variations:
- Herringbone pattern for visual interest
- Vertical stacking for height illusion
- Dark grout for a modern edge
The best part? Subway tiles are budget-friendly, timeless, and you can find them literally anywhere.
The Rainfall Showerhead Experience
Let me paint you a picture: water cascading from above like you’re standing under a gentle waterfall. That’s the rainfall showerhead life, and once you try it, regular showerheads feel like aggressive water guns.
These ceiling-mounted beauties transform your daily rinse into a spa experience. I installed a 12-inch square rainfall head in my primary bathroom, and my morning showers went from “get clean quickly” to “why am I late for work again?”
Popular configurations:
| Type | Mounting | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling-mounted | Fixed overhead | Luxe spa feel |
| Wall-mounted arm | Extended from wall | Easier installation |
| Dual system | Rainfall + handheld | Maximum flexibility |
FYI, these use more water than standard heads, so consider a flow-restrictor if you’re eco-conscious.
The Black Frame Statement
Bold. Dramatic. Unapologetically gorgeous. Black-framed shower enclosures are having a moment, and I’m here for it.
This trend works because it creates definition. The black frame acts like artwork—it draws your eye and anchors the entire bathroom design. I’ve seen this work in everything from ultra-modern spaces to farmhouse-chic bathrooms.
Pair it with white tile, and you’ve got instant contrast. Add some matte black fixtures, and suddenly you’re living in an Architectural Digest spread.The Pebble Floor Paradise
Remember walking on smooth river rocks? Now imagine that under your feet every morning. Pebble tile floors aren’t just Pinterest-pretty—they’re actually functional.
The textured surface provides natural slip resistance (goodbye, bath mats that never dry). Plus, the stones massage your feet while you shower. It’s like a reflexology session you didn’t pay extra for.
Installation tips:
- Seal them properly
- Choose smooth, rounded pebbles
- Expect higher installation costs
Yeah, they’re pricier than standard tile. But the feel-good factor? Totally worth it.
The Corner Unit Space-Saver
Small bathroom? No problem. Corner standing showers are the MVPs of compact spaces.
These units tuck into that awkward corner, freeing up valuable floor space. I helped my sister install one in her 5×7 bathroom, and we literally gained enough room for a proper vanity. The transformation was insane.
Modern corner units come in neo-angle designs (fancy talk for five sides) or curved glass for a softer look. Either way, you’re maximizing every square inch.
The Built-In Bench Luxury
Plot twist: shower benches aren’t just for old people. They’re for anyone who wants to shave their legs comfortably, enjoy a longer steam session, or just sit and contemplate life choices under hot water.
I added a tiled bench to my shower last year, and it’s become my favorite feature. It’s also perfect for setting down products instead of juggling seventeen bottles in a corner caddy.
Bench placement options:
- Along the back wall (classic)
- Corner L-shape (space-efficient)
- Floating design (modern and easy to clean)
Go for at least 15-17 inches deep for actual comfort. Those skinny 8-inch shelves masquerading as benches? Those aren’t it.
The Double Showerhead Setup
Why settle for one showerhead when you can have two? This isn’t excessive—it’s efficient.
Install a rainfall head overhead and a handheld on the wall, and you’ve covered all your bases. Quick rinse? Handheld. Full relaxation mode? Rainfall. Need to clean the shower itself? Handheld wins again.
Some people go completely wild with dual rainfall heads or his-and-hers setups. If you’ve got the water pressure and the budget, why not? 🙂
The Colorful Tile Accent Wall
Who said showers have to be boring? One accent wall in bold tile can transform your entire space from “nice bathroom” to “wow, did you hire a designer?”
I’ve seen this done with deep emerald green, navy subway tiles, geometric patterns, and even terrazzo. The key is committing to one wall while keeping the others neutral. This gives you visual impact without overwhelming the space.
Think of it like an accent wall in your living room, except wetter and with better acoustics for your shower singing.
The Niche Storage Solution
Recessed niches are the unsung heroes of shower design. They give you storage without eating into your shower space or adding clunky shelves.
I installed three stacked niches in my current shower, and it’s a game-changer. No more bottles on the floor, no more rusty caddies hanging from the showerhead. Everything has its place, and it all looks intentional.
Size considerations:
- Minimum 12 inches wide
- 3-4 inches deep
- Multiple niches at different heights
Light up the inside of your niche with LED strips, and suddenly you’ve got mood lighting. You’re welcome.
The Natural Stone Sanctuary
Want your shower to feel like a luxury spa? Natural stone delivers every single time.
Marble, travertine, slate—each brings its own vibe. Marble screams elegance (but also screams “seal me regularly”). Slate offers rugged texture and serious grip. Travertine splits the difference with earthy warmth.
I went with honed marble in my shower, and yeah, it requires maintenance. But the look? Absolutely worth the occasional resealing. Some people baby their cars; I baby my shower walls.
The Industrial Chic Design
Exposed pipes, concrete-look tiles, and matte black everything. Industrial style brings that edgy, loft-apartment energy to your bathroom.
This aesthetic works shockingly well in showers. The raw, unfinished look creates serious visual interest, and it’s actually pretty forgiving when it comes to wear and tear. Water spots on concrete-look tile? You can’t even see them.
Pair it with Edison bulb lighting and some greenery, and you’ve nailed the urban oasis vibe.
The Curbless Entry Freedom
Zero threshold. Zero barriers. All accessibility. Curbless showers are brilliant for so many reasons.
They’re easier to clean (no annoying curb to scrub around), they make your bathroom look more spacious, and they’re genuinely inclusive design. Whether you’re thinking long-term aging-in-place or you just want easier access, this is smart planning.
The floor needs to slope correctly for drainage, and you’ll want a longer shower area to prevent water escape. But the seamless look? So worth the extra planning.
The Vertical Subway Stack
Here’s a design trick that costs exactly zero extra dollars: stack your subway tiles vertically instead of the traditional horizontal brick pattern.
This simple change makes your ceilings look taller. Your shower appears more modern. And you’ve done something different without going too wild. I did this in my kid’s bathroom, and even they noticed it looked “cooler.”
It’s subtle enough that it won’t clash with any style, but distinct enough that people who know design will spot it immediately and respect your choices.
Final Thoughts
Standing showers have come a long way from those cramped fiberglass stalls your grandma had. Whether you’re working with a palatial primary bathroom or a compact powder room, there’s a standing shower design that’ll work for your space, your style, and your budget.
The real secret? Pick features that actually make sense for your life. That Instagram-worthy zellige tile might look amazing, but if you hate cleaning grout, maybe reconsider. The rainfall showerhead is dreamy until your water bill arrives.
Choose what you’ll actually enjoy using every single day, not just what photographs well. Though honestly, if you follow any of these ideas, your shower will probably look pretty fantastic on Pinterest anyway.
Now stop scrolling and start planning. Your dream shower isn’t going to build itself! 🚿