Wet Room Tubs for Small Bathrooms and Compact Spaces

Author

Reads 1.2K

person taking bath
Credit: pexels.com, person taking bath

Wet room tubs are a great option for small bathrooms and compact spaces because they don't require a separate shower enclosure.

They can be installed in a corner or against a wall, making them ideal for bathrooms with limited floor space.

Wet room tubs are also often more affordable than traditional tubs and showers.

Their sleek design can help to create the illusion of a larger bathroom, making them a great choice for small spaces.

Types of Wet Room Tubs

Wet room tubs come in various shapes and sizes, but they can be broadly categorized into three main types: recessed tubs, free-standing tubs, and wall-mounted tubs.

Recessed tubs are built into the floor, creating a seamless look and feel. They're perfect for small bathrooms where space is limited.

Free-standing tubs, on the other hand, sit on the floor and can be easily installed in any bathroom. They're often preferred for their aesthetic appeal and ease of installation.

Wall-mounted tubs, as mentioned in the article, offer a sleek and modern look, and can be installed at any height to suit individual preferences.

See what others are reading: Enclosed Gazebos for Hot Tubs

Large with Built-in

Closeup of tender melancholic woman with makeup smeared touching wet face in tub of water
Credit: pexels.com, Closeup of tender melancholic woman with makeup smeared touching wet face in tub of water

A Large wet room with a built-in tub is a luxurious option that can make a statement in your bathroom. This design features a raised tub that serves as a focal point, often paired with a shower system installed on the other side of the wet room.

The raised tub can be a grand look, working well with traditional or transitional bathroom styles. In this design, a shower system is typically installed away from the steps on the other side of the wet room.

While this design is not as safe and accessible as other wet room designs, it can still provide a unique and spa-like experience.

Enclosed Shower

An enclosed shower is a great option for creating a wet room design. Glass shower doors can be used to keep a wet room with freestanding tub separate from the rest of your bathroom.

Using glass shower doors helps keep water away from the vanity area. This design is preferred by many homeowners who want to keep their bathroom functional and safe.

An enclosed wet room stays warmer than a doorless wet room. This is a practical consideration for bathrooms that are prone to cold drafts.

Clear tempered glass doors create a sleek and stylish look. A low curb entry also helps create an accessible wet room design.

Suggestion: Cold Room Design

Design Considerations

Credit: youtube.com, What Is A Wetroom? | Wetroom & Bathroom Design & Installation Expert | Gary Fullwood Designed Living

Designing a wet room tub requires careful consideration of several key factors. Opt for a space-saving bathtub, such as a deep soaking tub or a corner tub, to make the most of a small wet room.

A properly sloped floor and a central drain are essential to prevent water pooling, so ensure these are included in your design. This will keep the space safe and dry.

To maximize storage without cluttering the space, incorporate smart storage solutions like recessed shelves, wall niches, or floating vanities. This will keep the space feeling open and airy.

Consider using high-quality tiles, natural stone, or waterproof wall panels to ensure durability and withstand water exposure. This will help keep the space looking great for years to come.

A wet room tub can be a great space-saving solution for small bathrooms, but it's essential to choose the right materials and design to make the most of the space.

For another approach, see: Cold Storage Room

Luxury Rain Shower

Credit: youtube.com, The 10 Best Luxury Showers Heads Designs | Top Rain Mixer Best Shower 🚿

A luxury rain shower is a game-changer for any bathroom. It's a must-have feature in a luxury wet room, providing an immersive and rejuvenating experience.

The rainfall shower system is a key component of a luxury wet room, featuring a sleek and modern design that creates a spa-like ambiance. This system can be paired with a stand-alone soaking tub for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Natural light is essential to create a sense of openness and tranquility in a luxury wet room. Large windows or a skylight can be incorporated to let in natural light, making the space feel more spacious and inviting.

Chromotherapy lighting can also be used to enhance the ambiance of a luxury wet room, providing a range of colors and moods to suit different preferences. This feature can be especially beneficial for those who enjoy aromatherapy.

Smart glass shower doors that can switch between clear and opaque at the touch of a button can also be a convenient and luxurious feature in a wet room.

Japanese Style

Elegant bathroom with freestanding tub and glass shower enclosure.
Credit: pexels.com, Elegant bathroom with freestanding tub and glass shower enclosure.

Creating a Japanese-style wet room is all about embracing relaxation and tranquility. To achieve this ambiance, consider using natural materials like wood and stone.

In a traditional Japanese wet room, the shower is usually separate from the bathtub, with the shower outside the tub. This allows for a refreshing rinse before soaking in the tub.

For a deep soaking tub, the Ofuro tub is a great choice. Its round shape and deep design make it perfect for relaxation.

To create a sense of separation between the bathing/showering area and the rest of the bathroom, use a partition like a frameless glass panel or a short pony wall. A tiled half wall or pony wall can help achieve this without closing off the entire space.

A properly sloped floor and a central drain are essential to prevent water pooling in a wet room with a bathtub.

Here are some key considerations for designing a Japanese-style wet room:

Half Wall Partition

Shower in Elegant Bathroom
Credit: pexels.com, Shower in Elegant Bathroom

A half wall partition is a great way to create a sense of separation between the bathing/showering area and the rest of the bathroom.

Tiled half walls or pony walls can help create a subtle boundary between a wet room and other areas of a bathroom, providing some privacy and separation without closing off the entire space.

In open wet room designs, partitions like frameless glass panels or short pony walls are often used to create a sense of separation between the bathing/showering area and the rest of the bathroom.

A glass partition or half-wall can help contain splashes while keeping the space visually open, maintaining the modern wet room bathroom aesthetic.

This approach is particularly useful for smaller layouts where a more defined separation is needed.

By using a half wall partition, you can create a cozy yet efficient wet room design that still looks sleek and stylish.

Under-Mount for a Sleek Look

An under-mount tub is a great way to create a sleek look in a modern wet room bathroom. It's installed flush with the floor or slightly raised, blending seamlessly with the tile.

Flooded Abandoned Room
Credit: pexels.com, Flooded Abandoned Room

This type of bathtub for a wet room enhances the overall aesthetic of a minimalist bathroom. It's a space-saving design that provides a more updated and upscale look than a traditional alcove tub and shower combo.

In small en suite bathrooms, an undermount tub is a great way to maximize space. This approach is especially effective in small wet rooms where every inch counts.

A wet room can be designed to feature a bath, a shower, or any combination of the two. So, if you're eager for both systems, a wet room with enough space can manage both a shower and a bath.

A unique perspective: Small Space Ac Unit

Designing Small Spaces

Designing small spaces requires careful consideration of the layout and functionality. A compact small wet room can benefit from a corner bathtub, which optimizes space while still allowing for a full shower experience.

To make the most of a small wet room, choose a space-saving bathtub, such as a deep soaking tub or a corner tub. This will help create a cozy yet efficient space. A corner tub provides a great way to incorporate both a wet room shower and bathtub in a limited space.

Light contemporary bathroom with white bath and glass shower cabin with beige tiles
Credit: pexels.com, Light contemporary bathroom with white bath and glass shower cabin with beige tiles

Optimizing drainage is crucial in a small wet room. A properly sloped floor and a central drain are essential to prevent water pooling. This will help keep the space safe and dry.

Selecting the right materials is also important. Use high-quality tiles, natural stone, or waterproof wall panels to ensure durability. This will help the space withstand the humidity and water exposure.

Light-colored tiles can make a small space feel larger and brighter. This is a great way to create the illusion of more space. Consider incorporating underfloor heating to keep the bathroom dry and comfortable after use.

Here are some key design considerations for small spaces:

  • Choose a space-saving bathtub, such as a deep soaking tub or a corner tub.
  • Optimize drainage with a properly sloped floor and central drain.
  • Use high-quality waterproof materials, such as tiles or natural stone.
  • Incorporate smart storage solutions, like recessed shelves or wall niches.
  • Consider underfloor heating to keep the space dry and comfortable.
  • Use light-colored tiles to create the illusion of more space.

Pros and Cons

A wet room bathroom can be a great design choice for small spaces, as it eliminates the need for separate enclosures.

The modern and stylish design of a wet room bathroom is a major plus, with sleek and contemporary designs that incorporate high-end finishes.

Elegant modern bathroom featuring a bathtub with gold fixtures and a glass-enclosed shower with tiles.
Credit: pexels.com, Elegant modern bathroom featuring a bathtub with gold fixtures and a glass-enclosed shower with tiles.

With fewer barriers and surfaces, a wet room bathroom can be easier to maintain than traditional bathrooms.

A wet room with a tub and shower offers a curbless, step-free entry, making it great for aging-in-place or mobility-friendly designs.

The luxurious feel of a modern wet room bathroom can boost a home's appeal and increase its value.

Ideas

Wet rooms can be a game-changer for small bathrooms, maximizing every inch of space while creating a sleek, open-concept look.

Modern wet room bathroom styles are becoming increasingly popular, especially in smaller homes. In a wet room bathroom, the entire space, including the walls, floor, and even ceiling, can handle water exposure.

To achieve a spa-like ambiance, consider incorporating natural materials like wood and stone into your wet room design. A deep soaking tub, such as an Ofuro tub, positioned next to a shower area can create a relaxing atmosphere.

Feeling inspired yet? Browse our wetroom gallery for more inspiration, or contact us to find out how your design ideas could be brought to life.

Light and Layout Considerations

Credit: youtube.com, How to Choose Bathroom Lighting

Lighting in wet rooms should be bold and bright, incorporating both natural and synthetic light to create a spa-like ambiance.

Bold lighting can be achieved with digital fixtures and LEDs, which are easy to use and can be customized to create different moods.

Natural light is ideal, but be cautious of wooden window sills and other porous materials that can sustain water damage and harbor mold and mildew.

Wet rooms offer the opportunity to replicate a spa experience within your home, by consolidating the shower, freestanding tub, and steam system into a single enclosed space.

This layout maximizes convenience and delivers a luxurious experience, similar to that of a high-end spa.

What Is?

A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the bathtub and shower are integrated into the same open space without a traditional enclosure.

The entire space, including the walls, floor, and even ceiling, can handle water exposure, making it a great option for small bathrooms where every inch of space is maximized.

Credit: youtube.com, Design Considerations

Modern wet room bathroom styles are becoming increasingly popular, especially in smaller homes, as they create a sleek, open-concept look.

Wet rooms can be designed to feature a bath, a shower, or any combination of the two, making them a multipurpose space.

In fact, a wet room could be defined as a highly organized management of space, no matter how small the room appears.

A bathtub, a shower, or a combination of both can be installed in a wet room, making it a great option for those who want a different layout of their bathroom space.

Wet rooms offer a curbless, step-free entry, making them great for aging-in-place or mobility-friendly designs, and can also boost a home's appeal and increase its value.

For another approach, see: Do Roaches like Cold Rooms

Fixtures to Install

Wet rooms are delightfully customizable, depending on your budget, family needs, and available layout and space.

Consider installing a handheld showerhead in the shower for both personal grooming and cleaning. Dual heads, rain heads, and body sprays are terrific for accommodating multiple people and creating a truly luxurious experience.

Close-up of a chrome light fixture with bright white bulbs illuminating a blue wall indoors.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a chrome light fixture with bright white bulbs illuminating a blue wall indoors.

Bathtub options abound, ranging from soaking and air tubs to whirlpool tubs and even jacuzzis. Adequate access for cleaning and sufficient drainage to prevent water buildup and staining long term are must-haves.

Shaving, soap, and shampoo niches add to your home health and wellness spa feel and allure. Ample seating is essential around the wet room.

Toilets and vanities come in a wide range of wet room-appropriate varieties, including wall-mounted versions for convenience, maintenance, and space-saving. High tech touch-free appliances and fixtures enhance ease of use and safety for all family members.

Partition choices vary based on needs and taste, including simple glass partitions to prevent splashing and shower doors on rails that slide to enable steam showers.

Expand your knowledge: Hot Tubs Gazebos

Designing and Installing

Designing and installing a wet room tub can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, you can create a beautiful and functional space. To start, choose a space-saving bathtub, such as a deep soaking tub or a corner tub, to maximize the use of your wet room.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Build a Wetroom - Bathroom Remodel

Optimizing drainage is crucial in a wet room, so make sure to install a central drain and a properly sloped floor to prevent water pooling. This will help keep your wet room dry and comfortable after use.

Incorporating smart storage solutions, like recessed shelves or wall niches, can help keep your wet room clutter-free and maximize storage. Consider using light-colored tiles to make the space feel larger and brighter.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when designing and installing a wet room tub:

Freestanding Rainshower

A freestanding tub in a small wet room bathroom adds elegance while maintaining functionality. You can opt for a space-saving oval or round soaking tub to enhance comfort without overwhelming the room.

A wet room bathtub paired with a walk-in shower creates a seamless, luxurious look. The Venzi PietraStone 27 x 60 Man Made Stone Freestanding Bathtub is a great example of this style.

Credit: youtube.com, Freestanding Soaking Tub - Easiest Way to Install l PLAN LEARN BUILD

Opt for a space-saving oval or round soaking tub to enhance comfort without overwhelming the room. This type of tub is perfect for small wet room bathrooms.

A freestanding tub can be paired with a walk-in shower to create a seamless, luxurious look. This combination adds elegance and functionality to the bathroom.

Compact Small Corner

When designing a compact small corner wet room, choose a space-saving bathtub like a deep soaking tub or a corner tub to maximize space.

Opt for a corner tub to optimize space and still allow for a full shower experience.

A corner tub provides a cozy and efficient way to incorporate both a wet room shower and bathtub in a limited space.

In a compact small corner wet room, use high-quality tiles, natural stone, or waterproof wall panels to ensure durability and prevent water damage.

To prevent water pooling, a properly sloped floor and a central drain are essential.

Wide angle of interior of contemporary bathroom with shower cabin and large mirror above white clean sink at mosaic tiled wall
Credit: pexels.com, Wide angle of interior of contemporary bathroom with shower cabin and large mirror above white clean sink at mosaic tiled wall

Consider incorporating smart storage solutions like recessed shelves, wall niches, or floating vanities to maximize storage without cluttering the space.

A corner tub can be a great option for a compact small corner wet room, and it's worth considering underfloor heating to keep the bathroom dry and comfortable after use.

Incorporating light-colored tiles can make the space feel larger and brighter.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a corner bathtub:

Open with Half-Wall

An open wet room with a half-wall partition creates a subtle separation between the shower and tub while maintaining an airy, open feel.

This design works well for homeowners who want a bath and shower wet room without a completely open layout.

A half-wall partition can add a touch of elegance to your bathroom design, and it's perfect for those who want to separate the shower and tub without blocking the view.

In an open wet room with a half-wall, you can still enjoy the benefits of a spacious, airy bathroom while maintaining some level of separation between the shower and tub.

This design is ideal for homeowners who want to create a sense of flow in their bathroom while still having a functional and beautiful space.

Planning and Preparation

Credit: youtube.com, Building a WETROOM - Bathroom Renovation

Before installing a wet room tub, it's essential to plan carefully to ensure a successful outcome. Wet room tubs require a significant amount of water, so you'll need to consider your water supply and drainage system.

Choose a location for your wet room tub that is close to a water supply and drainage point, such as a bathroom or laundry room. This will make it easier to install the tub and connect to the necessary plumbing.

Worth a look: Room Temp of Water

Do I Have Enough Bathroom Space?

Having enough bathroom space is crucial when planning a wet room renovation. The ideal minimum size for a primary bathroom is 6' x 6'.

A small soaking tub requires at least 3' x 6' of space, while a standard or larger tub needs 4' x 7'. Consider the number of users and fixture placement when determining the adjacent shower floor space, aiming for a minimum of 3' x 6' total.

Don't forget to leave enough space around the tub for cleaning and drying. A tub must remain fully accessible for family members and whoever cleans it, and adequate sunlight and ventilation are essential to prevent mold growth.

Ensure My Is Waterproof

Credit: youtube.com, Basement Waterproofing

To ensure your wet room is waterproof, you'll want to focus on surface materials. Glass, stone, and tiling are great choices because they're resistant to water damage.

Proper water drainage is also vital, and a linear drain is the best option if space allows. If not, a standard 4” drain can work, but only if the tiled flooring is pitched in all directions toward the drain to enable gravity to do the work instead.

A soaking tub under-mounted into a solid surface or stone surround is a great idea, providing ease of access and no crevices for water to gather and mold to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the downsides of a wet room?

Wet rooms can be prone to water splashing outside the shower area, making it challenging to keep surrounding items dry. This can lead to moisture issues and require extra maintenance to prevent water damage

Can a wet room have a bath?

Yes, a wet room can have a bath, but it's not always the case. Wet rooms often feature showers, but can also include toilets, sinks, and baths.

Ella Paolini

Writer

Ella Paolini is a seasoned writer and blogger with a passion for sharing her expertise on various topics, from lifestyle to travel. With over five years of experience in the industry, she has honed her writing skills and developed a unique voice that resonates with readers. As an avid traveler, Ella has explored many parts of the world, immersing herself in new cultures and experiences.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.