Bathroom Efficiency: Compact Shower Stall / Enclosure

We’re on a family vacation in Mammoth. The only one who doesn’t ski, I’m sitting in our cute cabin, mulling over the subject matter for my next blog post. I waited to get here, assuming that our master bathroom will prompt a good discussion. Well… Outdated or not, I can still ponder the efficiency of its compact shower stall or enclosure.

In a petite bathroom efficiency is key.

I am thinking of the project in Bridgehampton; it has tiny bathrooms. And now I’m wondering how to make them feel not only adequate but ample. Mirrors, of course, are a great way to make a compact space feel more open. A bold geometric tile pattern gives a small bathroom a sense of structure while also providing the illusion of additional length and width.

In addition, wall-hung fixtures make it feel bigger. Floating large pieces like the vanity and the toilet frees up the floor and fools the eye into thinking that the space is wide open.

For the sake of efficiency, I’ve only allowed room for 36 x 36 in. shower stalls. Should I specify a prefabricated or tiled shower enclosure? For aesthetic reasons, I vote for a custom option. However, that’s just me. This article discusses pros and cons of both.

Searching online, I find DreamLine™ shower kits on bathauthority.com and on Houzz. I would be ok purchasing a single threshold type shower base (also referred to as shower receptor, shower tray or shower floor) to use in a custom shower project. It features a slip-resistant textured floor pattern, integrated tile flanges and an opening ready for a standard compression fitting drain. Made of attractive high gloss Acrylic/ABS materials, the base is fiberglass reinforced for durability.

Aside from a compact shower stall, I would also purchase a glass shower door or shower enclosure.

I think it’s cleaner to separate wet and dry areas with glass. DreamLine offers a FLEX semi-frameless pivot shower door. It has up to three inches of adjustment and can be customized to fit precisely. I’m specifying the model size of 32 to 36 in. W x 72 in. H. The epitome of functionality and efficiency, FLEX has the following features:

• Wall profiles allow up to 1 in. (1/2 in. per side) adjustment for width or out-of-plumb (uneven walls)
• Reversible for right or left door opening installation
• Full length magnetic door latch for water tight closure
• Solid brass pivots for durability

OK! I am satisfied. I’ve given the concept of efficiency a lot of thought and am confident that, if it’s done well, a compact shower stall / enclosure is the answer. Instead of appearing skimpy, it has a potential to enhance a look and functionality of a tiny bathroom.