Wet Room Ideas For Small Bathrooms

The Allure of Wet Rooms

Wet rooms are increasingly popular, especially for small bathrooms. They offer a sleek, modern aesthetic and a range of practical advantages. Unlike traditional bathrooms, where a separate shower enclosure is installed, a wet room seamlessly integrates the shower area with the rest of the bathroom floor, creating a spacious and visually appealing environment.

Wet Rooms and Small Bathrooms

The lack of a shower enclosure allows for a more open and uncluttered space, maximizing the feeling of spaciousness in smaller bathrooms. This open layout also provides a more efficient use of space, as every inch of the floor area can be utilized.

Wet Rooms: Advantages for Accessibility and Cleaning

Wet rooms are considered highly accessible, particularly for individuals with mobility issues. The absence of a shower tray or enclosure eliminates any potential tripping hazards, making it easier for wheelchair users to navigate the space. Additionally, the absence of grout lines in a wet room makes cleaning a breeze. This eliminates the need to scrub away dirt and grime trapped in the grout, making it a more hygienic and easier-to-maintain bathroom.

Space-Saving Strategies

A wet room can be a stylish and functional addition to any bathroom, but for smaller spaces, careful planning is essential to maximize space and avoid a cramped feel. This section explores space-saving techniques and clever storage solutions for wet room design in small bathrooms.

Wet Room Layout Design

A well-designed layout is crucial for a functional and spacious wet room, especially in smaller bathrooms. Here are some key considerations:

Walk-in Showers: Opt for a walk-in shower instead of a traditional shower enclosure to create an open and airy feel. This eliminates the need for a shower door, maximizing floor space.
Wall-Mounted Fixtures: Wall-mounted toilets, sinks, and vanities free up valuable floor space and create a sense of openness. This is especially helpful in smaller bathrooms.
Corner Showers: If space is at a premium, consider a corner shower enclosure. This design maximizes the use of corner space, leaving more floor area for other fixtures.
Multi-Functional Spaces: Design the wet room to serve multiple purposes, like a shower and a dressing area. This can be achieved by incorporating a bench seat or a small vanity unit.

Clever Storage Solutions

Maximizing storage space is crucial in a small bathroom. Here are some ideas for clever storage solutions:

Recessed Niches: Incorporate recessed niches into the walls for toiletries, towels, and other essentials. This provides discreet storage without taking up floor space.
Under-Sink Storage: Utilize the space under the sink with pull-out drawers, shelves, or a combination of both. This provides ample storage for cleaning supplies, towels, and other bathroom necessities.
Wall-Mounted Shelves: Install floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets to store toiletries, towels, and decorative items. This keeps items off the floor and maximizes floor space.
Ladder Shelves: A ladder shelf is a stylish and functional storage solution for smaller bathrooms. They can be used to store towels, toiletries, and even decorative items.

Mirrors and Light

Mirrors and light play a crucial role in creating an illusion of greater space. Here’s how:

Large Mirrors: Large mirrors, especially those placed opposite a window, reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. They also make the room appear brighter and more inviting.
Well-Placed Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for creating a spacious feel. Use a combination of ambient and task lighting to illuminate the space evenly and highlight features.
Mirror Tiles: Mirror tiles can be used to create a unique and visually appealing feature wall. They also reflect light and make the space feel larger.

Choosing the Right Materials

The materials you choose for your wet room will play a vital role in its longevity, aesthetics, and functionality. It’s crucial to select materials that are not only waterproof but also durable, easy to maintain, and aesthetically pleasing.

Waterproof Materials

The foundation of a successful wet room is a robust waterproof membrane. This barrier prevents water from seeping into the underlying structure, safeguarding your walls, floor, and even the building itself from potential damage. Popular choices for waterproof membranes include:

Tanking slurry: A liquid-based membrane that is applied to the walls and floor using a trowel. It’s a versatile option that can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including concrete, plaster, and even existing tiles.
Liquid membrane: This membrane is a more flexible option that is applied with a roller or brush. It’s ideal for surfaces with curves or complex shapes, and it can be applied over existing tiles.
Waterproof sheet membranes: These sheets are made from various materials, including PVC, EPDM, and butyl rubber. They are easy to install and offer excellent water resistance.

Flooring Options

The flooring in a wet room needs to be not only waterproof but also slip-resistant, easy to clean, and visually appealing. Here are some popular choices:

Tiles: Tiles are a classic choice for wet rooms, offering a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are particularly durable and waterproof. However, grout lines can be difficult to keep clean and can become mouldy over time.
Resin: Resin flooring is a seamless option that creates a smooth, watertight surface. It’s available in a wide range of colours and finishes, and it’s easy to clean. Resin flooring is also relatively durable, but it can be more expensive than tiles.
Concrete: Concrete is a durable and affordable flooring option that can be polished to create a smooth, waterproof surface. However, concrete can be difficult to install and may require specialist expertise.

Drainage and Ventilation

Proper drainage and ventilation are essential for a successful wet room. The drainage system must be able to effectively remove water from the floor, preventing puddles and potential water damage. Ventilation helps to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and mildew growth.

Drainage: A floor drain is essential for removing water from the wet room. Choose a drain that is large enough to handle the volume of water that will be generated. The drain should be positioned in the lowest point of the floor, and it should be properly sealed to prevent leaks.
Ventilation: A wet room needs adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. This can be achieved through a window, a fan, or a combination of both. The ventilation system should be able to effectively remove moisture from the air, ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment.

Creating a Stylish Wet Room

A wet room can be more than just a functional space. It can be a haven of style and sophistication, reflecting your personal taste and creating a truly luxurious bathroom experience. With careful planning and the right design choices, you can transform your wet room into a sanctuary of relaxation and elegance.

Wet Room Design Ideas

A wet room can be styled in various ways, depending on your preferences. Here are some design ideas to inspire you:

Minimalist Chic: Embrace a clean and uncluttered aesthetic with sleek, minimalist fixtures. Opt for a monochrome colour palette, such as black and white, with subtle grey accents. Use large, rectangular tiles in a neutral colour for the walls and floor, creating a spacious and airy feel. Integrate a statement showerhead and minimalist vanity unit to complete the look.
Industrial Edge: Embrace the raw beauty of exposed brick walls, metal accents, and industrial-style lighting. Choose dark, muted colours like charcoal grey, rusty brown, or deep navy blue. Incorporate exposed pipes and fittings as design elements, adding a touch of industrial chic. Opt for a rustic wooden vanity unit and distressed metal accents to complete the look.
Tropical Retreat: Escape to a tropical paradise with vibrant colours, natural textures, and lush greenery. Choose a warm colour palette, such as earthy browns, deep greens, and vibrant blues. Incorporate natural materials like bamboo, rattan, and stone. Add a touch of greenery with potted plants or a small indoor garden. Choose a showerhead with a rainforest setting to complete the tropical escape.
Modern Glamour: Create a luxurious and sophisticated space with sleek, modern fixtures and a touch of glamour. Opt for a neutral colour palette, such as white, grey, or black, with metallic accents. Choose a large, freestanding bathtub with a waterfall faucet. Incorporate a statement mirror with a sleek frame and incorporate statement lighting to enhance the glamour.

Wet Room Colour Palettes, Fixtures, and Accessories

The right colour palette, fixtures, and accessories can transform your wet room into a stylish and functional space. Here are some examples:

Colour Palette	Fixtures	Accessories
Monochrome (Black & White)	Sleek, chrome showerhead, minimalist vanity unit, black countertop	Large, rectangular mirror, black towel bars, black storage baskets
Industrial (Charcoal Grey, Rusty Brown)	Black, exposed showerhead, metal vanity unit, dark countertop	Industrial-style lighting, metal storage baskets, distressed metal towel rack
Tropical (Earthy Browns, Deep Greens, Vibrant Blues)	Bamboo showerhead, rattan vanity unit, stone countertop	Potted plants, bamboo storage baskets, woven mats
Modern Glamour (White, Grey, Black with Metallic Accents)	Sleek, chrome showerhead, freestanding bathtub, waterfall faucet, metallic vanity unit	Statement mirror with sleek frame, metallic towel bars, crystal storage baskets

Wet Room Design Features

Adding unique design features can elevate your wet room from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some examples:

Exposed Brick Walls: Create a rustic and industrial feel with exposed brick walls. This feature adds texture and warmth to the space. Consider painting the brick a dark colour for a more modern look.
Statement Lighting: Use statement lighting to create a focal point in the wet room. Choose a unique pendant light or a series of spotlights to illuminate the space beautifully. Consider incorporating dimmable lighting for a relaxing atmosphere.
Integrated Storage: Maximise space and create a clutter-free wet room by integrating storage solutions. Consider a vanity unit with built-in drawers and shelves or a niche in the wall for toiletries and towels.
Floating Vanity Unit: Create a sense of space and lightness with a floating vanity unit. This design element makes the wet room feel more spacious and contemporary.

Wet Room Essentials

Transforming your bathroom into a wet room requires careful consideration of the essential fixtures and accessories that will make it functional, stylish, and enjoyable. A wet room isn’t just about the shower, it’s about creating a seamless and watertight environment, and choosing the right elements will make all the difference.

Showerheads

The showerhead is the heart of any wet room, and choosing the right one is crucial for a satisfying showering experience. Wet rooms are often smaller spaces, so a powerful showerhead is essential to ensure a good flow of water and effective rinsing.

Rainfall Showerheads: These showerheads provide a wide, gentle spray that feels like a luxurious rain shower. They are ideal for creating a spa-like atmosphere and are particularly good for small wet rooms as they can make the space feel larger. However, they require higher water pressure to function effectively.
Handheld Showerheads: These offer flexibility and are great for rinsing off soap, washing hair, and even cleaning the shower area. They are also convenient for people with mobility issues. Handheld showerheads can be mounted on a slide bar for easy height adjustment.
Combination Showerheads: These offer the best of both worlds, combining a fixed showerhead with a handheld option. This provides versatility and allows you to choose between a relaxing rainfall shower or a more focused, powerful spray.

Wet Room Drains

The wet room drain is the unsung hero of the wet room, playing a vital role in ensuring that water is efficiently removed from the space. A well-designed drain is essential for preventing water pooling and creating a safe and hygienic environment.

Location: The drain should be positioned in the lowest point of the wet room floor, typically in a central location to facilitate even water flow.
Size and Capacity: The drain’s size and capacity must be sufficient to handle the water flow from the showerhead. A larger drain is generally better for a wet room, as it can handle higher volumes of water.
Type: There are several types of wet room drains available, including linear drains, point drains, and channel drains. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on the specific requirements of your wet room.

Budgeting for a Wet Room: Wet Room Ideas For Small Bathrooms

Planning a wet room can be a great way to upgrade your bathroom, but it’s important to create a realistic budget to avoid any nasty surprises. This will help you stay on track with your project and ensure that you don’t overspend.

To get started, consider the scope of your wet room project. Are you planning a complete overhaul, or just a few key upgrades? Do you need to move plumbing or electrical fixtures? Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can begin to estimate the costs involved.

Costs of Materials and Fixtures, Wet room ideas for small bathrooms

The cost of materials and fixtures will vary depending on your choices. Here’s a breakdown of some common components and their estimated costs:

Waterproof flooring: The most popular choices are vinyl tiles, which can cost around £20-£40 per square metre, or epoxy resin flooring, which can range from £50-£100 per square metre.
Waterproof walls: You can use waterproof plasterboard, which costs around £15-£25 per sheet, or tile your walls, which can range from £30-£80 per square metre depending on the tiles you choose.
Drainage system: A wet room drainage system typically costs around £100-£200, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
Shower screen or enclosure: A frameless shower screen can cost around £200-£500, while a fully enclosed shower unit can cost from £500-£1,000 or more.
Shower head and taps: You can find basic shower heads for around £20-£50, but high-end models can cost several hundred pounds. Taps can range from £50-£200 or more, depending on the style and features.
Other fixtures: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of other fixtures, such as towel rails, soap dishes, and storage units.

DIY Wet Room Construction

If you’re handy with tools and have some experience with DIY projects, you may be able to save money by constructing your wet room yourself. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. If you’re not confident in your skills, it’s always best to hire a professional.

“A DIY wet room project can save you money, but it’s essential to ensure that the construction is done properly to avoid leaks and other problems.”

If you decide to take on the DIY route, make sure to purchase high-quality materials and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You may also want to consider taking a course or watching instructional videos to learn the proper techniques for wet room construction.

Wet Room Inspiration

Let’s get inspired by some wet room design ideas, shall we? We’ll explore some different styles and see how these small spaces can be transformed into havens of luxury and practicality.

Wet Room Design Examples

To get those creative juices flowing, here are some examples of small wet room designs, showcasing a variety of styles and features:

Minimalist Wet Room: Imagine a wet room with sleek, clean lines and a muted colour palette. The walls and floor could be clad in large, smooth tiles, with minimal grout lines for a seamless look. A simple, overhead shower head provides a calming rainfall effect, while a concealed storage unit keeps toiletries out of sight. This wet room prioritises functionality and a sense of spaciousness, perfect for a small bathroom.
Industrial Wet Room: A wet room with exposed brickwork, metal fixtures, and a raw, industrial aesthetic. The floor could be finished with concrete or reclaimed wood, while the walls could be adorned with exposed pipes or vintage-inspired lighting. A large, rectangular showerhead adds a modern touch, while a rustic wooden bench provides a place to relax. This design creates a unique and edgy feel.
Tropical Wet Room: This wet room is all about creating a sense of escape and rejuvenation. Lush green plants, natural stone, and warm wood tones bring the outdoors in. A large, walk-in shower with a tropical rain shower head creates a spa-like experience. A small, decorative fountain adds a soothing sound, while a bamboo bench provides a place to unwind. This design creates a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

Wet Room Styles

Here’s a table showcasing different wet room styles, from minimalist to luxurious:

Wet Room Style	Image	Key Features
Minimalist	Imagine a wet room with a simple, white tiled floor and walls. A sleek, overhead shower head hangs from the ceiling, and a small, glass-walled enclosure surrounds the shower area. A minimalist vanity unit with a white countertop and a round mirror completes the look.	Clean lines, muted colours, simple fixtures, minimal clutter, and a focus on functionality.
Industrial	Imagine a wet room with exposed brick walls, a concrete floor, and a large, rectangular showerhead. A vintage-inspired light fixture hangs from the ceiling, and a rustic wooden bench sits in the corner.	Raw materials, exposed pipes and fixtures, vintage-inspired elements, and a focus on creating a unique and edgy feel.
Luxury	Imagine a wet room with a large, walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head. The walls and floor are clad in marble tiles, and a freestanding bathtub sits in the corner. A luxurious vanity unit with a marble countertop and a large, framed mirror completes the look.	High-end materials, luxurious fixtures, ample space, and a focus on creating a spa-like experience.