When possible, Gaylord likes to place mixer controls toward the room side of the shower in lieu of centering them, or on the wall opposite the showerhead if it works with the design. Even a 3-foot-square space can work well, and “You don’t need to go wider than 42 inches,” says South Carolina designer Sandra Gaylord.Ĭonsidering a shower big enough for two? If you’ve got at least 60 inches in length, you may be able to put a showerhead at each end. One budget-wise and space-efficient solution for creating a nice-size shower is to take over a tub alcove, typically 3 by 5 feet. Shower fittings: Signature Hardware How Big Should Your Shower Be?įigure out the footprint. This double shower’s classic black-and-white tile and custom glass enclosure channel a Victorian-era aesthetic. Aaron LeitzĮven if all you are doing is rebuilding your old leaky shower in the same place but with better waterproofing and updated finishes, it pays to read up on best practices and product choices. “As with any renovation, an experienced GC can help you decide where to spend and where to save,” says architect Jerry Allan of Afton, MN, who adds that clients often come to him with photos found online and little idea of what is needed to achieve the look they are after. How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost?ĭo plan on making an investment: Baths in general cost more per square foot to renovate than other parts of the house, partly because running plumbing is pricey and making wet areas watertight, well lit, and ventilated requires a host of skills. If you’re craving something more special, consider body sprays set in the walls, a steam shower setup, and radiant floor heat to take the chill off all that tile. Thermostatic valves have done away with the shock of temperature swings, exposed shower risers have turned into design statements, and panels of frameless glass show off artfully tiled walls and invite in natural light.Īdd built-in niches for essentials, a handheld shower, and a built-in bench, if there’s room. That’s led to a new generation of showerheads designed to put less water to better use. No wonder showers account for 17 percent of a typical household’s water bill.

Steam shower with colored lights and piped-in playlists, anyone?

Invented as a way to wash off fast, showers have evolved into a prized source of relaxation, often with spa-like amenities.

Walk in tiled shower