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 Well… Outdated or not, I can still ponder the efficiency of its compact shower stall or enclosure.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.
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Mia S Kazovsky
Cool! I think that a lot can be done with a small bathroom/shower and very minor things can make it feel ample and luxurious. It may seem funny, but the bathroom is one of my favorite rooms. In my studio apartment I think of my bathroom as a miniature spa, a little escape, the only space lucky enough to have a door! I think the size of the shower is less important than the water pressure! So long as I can turn around 360 degrees in the shower, it’s big enough for me! In my apartment I upgraded the outdated shower with a nice, powerful shower head. It makes all the difference. Aside from mirrors to give an illusion of a bigger space, a little window or two are delightful. A window in the bathroom obviously provides natural light, but it also invites the potential of plants! I have an obsession with plants in the bathroom. In my current bathroom, no such luck, but a nice smelling candle suffices. As far as separating “wet and dry areas with glass,” I couldn’t agree more that this is the cleanest, most elevated option. However, if you have no other choice than to use a shower curtain… don’t settle on a dinky vinyl one! There are so many cool, fun alternatives!
Alla DIY Ally
Mia! Thank you very much for your insightful comment! I agree with you, a window is essential! Another very good point is the importance of quality fixtures, especially the showerhead. I appreciate all of your thoughts and ideas. Also, I love hearing about your preferences and “obsessions.”