23 Bathroom Remodel Shower Ideas
Bathrooms are like backstage dressing rooms for our daily lives. The shower is the star performer, and when remodeled right, it can turn a rushed routine into a mini spa retreat.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, focusing on the shower design is one of the smartest investments you’ll make.
1. Walk-In Showers With Frameless Glass
A frameless glass shower isn’t just sleek—it’s like giving your bathroom a pair of designer glasses. Everything looks sharper, brighter, and more expansive. These showers are loved for creating the illusion of space, especially in smaller bathrooms.
The glass panels make cleaning easier compared to framed versions since there are fewer crevices for grime. Plus, according to real estate reports, bathrooms with frameless showers can boost resale value by up to 10%.
Personal note: when I swapped my old tub-shower combo for a frameless glass setup, the room instantly looked like it belonged in a boutique hotel.
2. Curbless Showers
Curbless or zero-threshold showers are not only modern—they’re practical. They remove the barrier between the bathroom floor and the shower, making the space more accessible for aging family members or anyone with mobility issues.
From a design standpoint, they create a seamless flow, especially when paired with large-format floor tiles. Waterproofing is critical here, so be prepared to invest a bit more during installation. The return? A sleek, safe, and universally appealing bathroom design.
3. Tile Accent Walls
Instead of tiling the entire shower in one pattern, make one wall the star. A tile accent wall draws the eye and transforms your shower into a statement piece. Popular choices include geometric tiles, herringbone patterns, or bold mosaics.
The beauty is that you don’t need to splurge on expensive tiles everywhere—just highlight one area. I once used navy subway tiles against white walls, and the shower became the dramatic focal point of the entire remodel.
4. Built-In Shower Niches
Say goodbye to clunky shower caddies. A built-in niche gives you a sleek, recessed shelf for shampoos, soaps, and razors. It’s both practical and stylish.
Designers recommend tiling the back of the niche in a contrasting color or pattern for a subtle pop of character. It’s one of those small details that makes guests say, “Wow, you thought of everything.”
5. Rainfall Showerheads
Few things feel more luxurious than standing under a rainfall showerhead. Mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall, these fixtures simulate the experience of standing in gentle rain.
They’re often paired with spa-like remodels, but modern versions are water-efficient. According to the EPA’s WaterSense program, switching to efficient showerheads can save a household 2,700 gallons of water per year. That’s both indulgence and eco-friendliness in one.
6. Black Framed Showers
Move over chrome—black metal frames are the new darling of bathroom design. They add an industrial-meets-modern vibe, almost like French doors leading into your shower.
Black-framed showers work especially well with white or neutral tiles, creating a striking contrast. I remember installing one for a client who was hesitant at first, but once complete, she admitted her shower was now her favorite “room” in the house.
7. Steam Showers
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your bathroom into a mini wellness retreat, a steam shower is the way to go. These showers trap steam, letting you enjoy spa-level relaxation right at home.
Health benefits? Studies show steam can help with respiratory health, circulation, and stress reduction. It does require a more complex setup with a steam generator, but if budget allows, this upgrade pays you back in daily rejuvenation.
8. Natural Stone Showers
Using natural stone like marble, slate, or travertine brings an organic, timeless beauty. Each slab tells a story with its unique veining or texture.
While stone does require sealing and maintenance, the payoff is undeniable luxury. Walking into a marble-tiled shower feels like stepping into a Roman bathhouse—a little dramatic, but true.
9. Double Showers
Why should showers be solo experiences? A double shower setup includes two showerheads, often on opposite walls. This is not only practical for couples with busy mornings but also adds value to your remodel.
Real estate agents often list dual showers as a premium feature. And on weekends, it feels like having a private spa built for two.
10. LED Lighting in Showers
Lighting changes everything. Installing LED lighting inside the shower—either in niches, along the ceiling, or even under floating benches—creates ambiance.
Colored LEDs can switch your shower mood: energizing blue in the morning, calming amber at night. It’s like turning your daily rinse into a light therapy session.
11. Open Shower Concepts
For large bathrooms, an open shower without doors or curtains feels airy and hotel-like. Water drains through carefully sloped floors, and the entire space looks unified.
This works best when paired with a wet-room layout, where the shower area and bathroom floor are continuous. It’s minimalist but practical when designed correctly.
12. Textured Shower Floors
Slippery showers are no fun. Installing textured flooring, such as small hexagonal tiles or pebble floors, solves both function and style.
Pebble floors, for instance, give a spa-like feel while providing natural grip. And if you’ve ever stepped on warm pebbles in a spa, you know how grounding it feels.
13. Shower Benches
Adding a built-in bench instantly transforms your shower into a more comfortable space. Whether you need it for shaving, sitting, or simply taking a break during a long rinse, benches are underrated luxuries.
Floating benches (attached only to the wall) are trendy right now, keeping the floor open and modern-looking.
14. Statement Hardware
The little details matter. Choosing statement hardware—like brushed brass, matte black, or even copper showerheads and handles—can redefine the entire shower look.
In one remodel I helped with, we swapped out basic chrome fixtures for brushed gold, and the shower suddenly looked like it belonged in a high-end penthouse.
15. Compact Corner Showers
If your bathroom is small, a corner shower makes the most of limited space. Neo-angle designs or rounded glass doors maximize square footage while still offering functionality.
These are especially practical for guest bathrooms or powder rooms. A study by Houzz showed that over 30% of homeowners renovating small bathrooms choose corner showers for better space utilization.
16. Floor-to-Ceiling Tile Showers
Tiling from floor to ceiling creates a polished, unified look that screams luxury. It also makes cleaning easier since you don’t have awkward wall transitions.
Using larger tiles reduces grout lines, which helps maintain a sleek appearance. The result? A shower that feels taller and more high-end.
17. Smart Showers
Technology has entered the bathroom. Smart showers let you control temperature, pressure, and even voice-activated settings. Some sync with apps so you can preheat your shower before stepping in.
According to a Statista report, the smart bathroom market is projected to hit $10.9 billion by 2026, and showers are a big part of that. If you love gadgets, this is your remodel upgrade.
18. Natural Light Showers
Nothing beats sunlight streaming into your shower. Adding a skylight or frosted window brings in natural light while maintaining privacy.
Not only does this save on electricity, but studies show exposure to natural light in the morning boosts your mood and energy levels. It’s like a free side of sunshine with your shower.
19. Half-Glass Partitions
Instead of enclosing the shower fully, try a half-glass partition. It blocks water while keeping the bathroom open and airy.
This design works especially well for narrow bathrooms where full enclosures might feel claustrophobic. It’s modern, functional, and visually light.
20. Bold Color Showers
Who says showers must be white or gray? Adding bold-colored tiles, like emerald green, cobalt blue, or even blush pink, injects personality.
I once saw a shower tiled entirely in forest green with brass accents, and it looked like stepping into a hidden garden. If you want your bathroom to have character, this is your ticket.
21. Shower-Tub Combos With Style
Yes, the shower-tub combo can still look chic. The key is upgrading materials: think frameless glass panels instead of plastic curtains, and designer tile around the tub.
This setup is perfect for families where baths are still essential, but you don’t want to compromise on modern design.
22. Industrial-Inspired Showers
Exposed pipes, concrete tiles, and steel frames create an industrial-style shower. It’s raw, bold, and surprisingly chic when balanced with softer bathroom elements.
These showers often feature matte black hardware and subway tiles, giving a trendy loft-like vibe even in suburban homes.
23. Spa-Inspired Showers With Aromatherapy
Finally, turn your remodel into a true spa escape by integrating aromatherapy features. Showerheads with built-in essential oil diffusers or nearby eucalyptus bundles transform your shower into a daily wellness ritual.
It’s not just about smell—scents like lavender can reduce stress, while peppermint boosts alertness. For me, hanging a eucalyptus bundle in the shower once made even Monday mornings bearable.
Conclusion
Remodeling your bathroom shower isn’t just about aesthetic upgrades—it’s about enhancing daily rituals.
From frameless glass enclosures that make small spaces look big, to spa-inspired steam showers that melt stress away, each of these ideas has the power to redefine how you start and end your day.
If budget is tight, even small changes like installing a built-in niche, upgrading to a rainfall showerhead, or adding statement hardware can make a big impact.
