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Can I Have a Walk-In Shower in a Small Bathroom?
Date Updated: July 28, 2025
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Many modern walk-in shower designs have the dual purpose of safety and space-saving elements. For those with utility in mind, a walk-in shower may even save space in an otherwise crowded bathroom, eliminating clunky bathtub sides or bulky steps. Even the smallest bathrooms accommodate walk-in shower safety with some creative design elements.
Designed for Safe Use
A walk-in shower is a shower that is level with the floor, rather than one with a step leading up to it or as part of a bathtub combination. Walk-in shower designs are stylish, simple and safer for those at a higher risk of falling. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house when it comes to falling, so for some a walk-in shower is a necessity.
Solution for Small Spaces
The best design depends on personal taste and the practical aspects of the bathroom. Glass panels or a low boundary wall between the shower and the rest of the bathroom make a small walk-in shower appear spacious and bright. This is especially useful if the bathroom has windows to bring in natural sunlight. In some cases, a cabinet can be substituted for a small vanity or floating sink to make room for the shower. Removing the shower door also saves space. The shower itself does not need to be large. A few dozen square feet accommodate toiletries and a bench large enough for one person to sit on if needed.
For particularly tight spaces, one innovative solution is to turn the entire bathroom into a shower, or wet room, by installing a drain, slightly angling the bathroom tiles and then placing one or more shower heads against the wall.