From my experience over the years looking at home design, there is one update that delivers a massive impact when it comes to instantly transforming a bathroom, and that’s getting rid of the shower door.
It’s so interesting, because clients often know something feels “off” about their space but can’t quite put their finger on it. A lot of the time, it’s the enclosed, dated shower that’s closing everything in.
These ideas will show you just how freeing an open design can be!
1. Think Big
If you feel like a big shower is a luxury, then this bathroom is on a whole other level of extravagant. I love this so much! By putting a drain right into the floor, the whole room becomes one huge shower space.
They’ve also included built-in shelving on the wall, which is a perfect spot for storing toiletries. The oversized frosted glass windows are such a smart touch, letting light pour in while keeping things private.
2. Lavish and Luxurious Lavatory
You see Carrara marble in bathrooms all the time, but this spa-like room takes things up a notch with Calacatta marble.
While Carrara has that classic elegant look and is pretty affordable because it’s so common, Calacatta is a whole different story; it’s incredibly rare and feels so extravagant.
The gold chrome light fixtures and accessories here look absolutely beautiful against the smoky gray veins running through the floor and wall tiles. What a statement!
3. Contemporary Shower without Doors in Master Bathroom
When you have a small en suite, sometimes the best bet is to go with a classic tub and shower combo where everything is in one convenient unit. But if you have a little more room to work with, think about doing something like this!
Placing a freestanding tub inside the shower stall is such a creative idea. In this gorgeous alcove, one person can relax in the big soaking tub and enjoy the view, while their partner uses the shower. So smart!
4. Rustic Refinement
I am obsessed with the texture and character in this rustic shower. The rough, natural stone walls add so much to the space.
Using stacked stone ledger panels gives the room this intricate, three dimensional quality, but you’d be surprised how simple they are to install.
Since natural stone isn’t sealed like regular tile, getting the installation right is key. You’ll want to use an antimicrobial cement board, a waterproof sheet, and a polymer-modified thinset to keep mold and mildew away.
5. Graphic, Gold and Glam
This bathroom design is just fabulous. It creates such an opulent oasis using simple shapes and contrasting colors.
The white hexagonal tiles in the shower look so clean and crisp, while the black ones with gold grout have this high end appeal that I love. All the little details, like the round gold mirror and modern wall sconces, really enhance that premium feel.
6. Exotic Elegance
Wow, this patterned marble bathroom is absolutely stunning! It’s a sleek, modern space with a really extraordinary style.
The Turkish Olympic Grey marble is so notable for its graphic stripes, which almost look like a grayscale zebra pattern. I love how they used understated features like black natural stone tile and an oval soaking tub to really let this amazing marble stand out even more.
7. A (Wet) Room with A View
The reflective glass windows in this upscale city bathroom are such a brilliant idea. They let you enjoy a scenic view of the city without giving up any privacy.
Because a half-wall is the only barrier for this walk-in shower, it’s really important to waterproof the floors throughout the whole space. The water-resistant granite they chose lends such a polished and practical feel to this transitional room. So gorgeous!
8. Leverage Your Layout
This whole design is just so smart. The understated look in this gorgeous getaway really highlights the stunning mountain views you can see through the full sized windows.
The taupe ceramic tiles have this faux woodgrain effect that lines the floors, shower wall, and bathtub, giving it a neutral, nature inspired feel.
Placing the vanity against the shower maximizes the square footage, and the transparent glass panel at the top makes sure that amazing view isn’t blocked. I love it!
9. Marvelous Marble Shower
Floor to ceiling Carrara marble walls totally elevate this chic shower. The built-in bench feels so luxurious, and the recessed wall niche is the perfect spot for storing bath products.
I love how the gleaming silver chrome shower head and faucets play off the grey veining that runs through the crisp white marble. Because the faucets are set so far back in the shower, a door isn’t even necessary.
10. Bargain Bathroom Redo
This just goes to show you can make your bathroom beautiful even on a budget if you make thoughtful design choices. Simple decisions, like putting horizontal white tiles on one wall and vertical black tiles on the one next to it, can make such a surprisingly big impact.
And how cool is this? A midcentury modern buffet with caning on the front was upcycled into a super stylish bathroom vanity. Such a creative idea!
11. Beautiful Modern Bathroom
A floating vanity paired with bright white tiles on the floor and in the shower gives this contemporary bathroom such a light and airy feel.
I love the low-profile glass panel next to the shower head; it helps keep water from splashing out without ruining the doorless look.
The frameless mirror is a clever touch that echoes the glass partition. The hexagon floor tiles and rectangular wall tiles are finished with black grout, which really helps add texture to this otherwise minimalist space.
12. Decor To Make Your Pulse Race
When you have a piece of marble this striking, it absolutely deserves to be the focal point of the room. The spiky veining on the floor and walls is a major conversation starter!
A transparent glass divider and narrow rectangular windows really allow the marble to take center stage in this premium bathroom. It’s just breathtaking!
13. Concrete Jungle
I love the mix of materials here. Building materials like cement, metal, and glass give this room a modern sensibility.
At the same time, the wood paneled walls have a natural vibe that connects beautifully with the evergreen forest you can see outside that massive picture window. The sheer glass shower door just blends seamlessly into this understated space. So serene.
14. Room For Two
When you have a large bathroom, it can be tempting to enclose parts of it to create more separate spaces. But using a partition wall is such a clever way to create a visual distinction without interrupting the flow of the room.
In this space, a centered partition wall does so many things. First, it’s a home base for the dual pedestal sinks. Second, it creates a really interesting focal point.
And finally, it provides privacy for the huge double shower that’s tucked right behind it. Brilliant!
15. On The Up and Up
This simple steam shower has such an elevated elegance, and it’s all thanks to the unconventional tile layout. Usually, you see narrow rectangular ceramic tiles arranged horizontally, but here they’ve been installed vertically.
This setup really helps pull the eye upwards and makes the space feel longer. A wall niche offers a convenient place to display toiletries without giving up any style. I love this little trick!
16. Shield Your Shower
With those floor to ceiling windows, the bathroom in this high end high rise could feel a little exposed. A freestanding shower wrapped in tile that looks like black brick creates a really distinct, shielded area for rinsing off.
The shower is also positioned in a way that provides some privacy for the big soaking tub. Such a smart design for a tricky space.
17. The Shape of Water
I know what you’re thinking, wallpaper in a shower?! It may seem like the last place in the house where you should install it, but some companies have started making peel and stick wallpaper that is waterproof and totally shower safe.
Here, a patterned wallpaper adds such an intriguing geometric feature to this hip, contemporary room. How fun is that?
18. Make The Most Out of Your Space
This pocket sized powder room has so much style, even with its limited square footage. When you’re decorating a small room, it’s usually best to stick to a limited color palette, like this bold black and white, to avoid making the space feel too busy.
A metal and glass partition wall helps this cozy room feel more spacious while also adding an intriguing industrial element to the design. It’s a perfect example of smart small space design.
19. Revamp Your Bathroom
This bathroom with its walk in shower has such a charming retro feel. You can see it in the old fashioned touches like the vintage black hexagonal floor tiles and the antique pedestal sink.
At the same time, the industrial inspired upgrades give the space a fresh and modern perspective. The state of the art brushed metal shower panel has a luxurious rainfall showerhead, and a steel and glass divider helps the room feel so much airier.
20. Masculine Doorless Shower
The textured black floor and wall tiles in this dramatically decorated attic bathroom are just gorgeous, with chocolate brown swirls that add an earthy element.
The whitewashed wood planks on the slanted ceiling help lighten up the space, and so do the blonde wood floating vanity and matching mirror. If you prefer a closed shower over an open one, the curved shower rod lets you cordon off the space when you want to.
21. White on White
A mostly white color scheme helps this sizable space feel so light and airy. I love the large scale subway tile in the corner shower; it adds some subtle texture to the space.
The leaning floor mirror gives off a casual, bohemian vibe. And those lush potted plants are the perfect touch to tie in the greenery you can see through the square windows. So fresh and clean!
22. Water and Wood
I know, you don’t typically expect to see wood when you step into a shower! But when it’s treated properly, wood can hold up surprisingly well in damp and humid environments.
The trick is to pick a sturdy wood like teak and then apply multiple layers of sealant for protection. A wooden shower wall and floor, along with a coordinating vanity, give this space a really cool, rustic energy.
23. Grayscale and Glam
The gray veined Carrara marble in this washroom gives it an air of slick sophistication. While you might think all white cabinetry is the way to go in a smaller space, this large shower offers plenty of room.
The black double vanity and matching towel cabinet do a great job of anchoring the space. It’s a beautiful balance.
24. Chic Doorless Shower
This chic bathroom is absolutely packed with textured neutral tones. You can see it in the taupe and grey streaks in the porcelain tiles and the visible wood grain in the cool walnut vanity.
Adding a few bold black details really punches up the decor. The dual black metal framed mirrors mimic the glass divider separating the curbless shower, while modern black pendant lights and powder coated faucets complete the look. Gorgeous!
25. Boxed Out
The floor to ceiling windows in this modern cabin’s bathroom flood the space with sunshine. The shower itself is enclosed on three sides with these buttery ceramic tiles that also cover the floors and ceiling.
Glass partitions provide a sense of separation without blocking the natural light. I love how they added a narrow window niche in the tiled room to bring in even more light.
A large, ring shaped inset light fixture is the perfect finishing touch to soften the edges of this angular space.
26. Upscale and Urbane
If you live in a city, you know that bathroom square footage can be limited. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on features!
Converting this bathroom into a wet room allowed the owners to have both a bathtub and a shower in a pretty small space. A high window helps light up the rough-hewn gray stone walls. It’s such a great solution.
27. Master Bath with Rainfall Walk In Shower and Tub
This contemporary bathroom has such crisp and clean corners everywhere you look. From the wall tiles and glass panels to the windows and artwork, everything meets up in these sharp right angles.
But there are other features that soften the space, like the bowl shaped bathtub and gauzy curtains. Those touches give the room more of a relaxed, serene vibe.
28. Calm and Contemporary
This sophisticated sanctuary has so many modern elements, including charcoal colored slate tiles, a geometric globe pendant light, and a sleek soaking tub.
The gray tones in the laminate ash wood style flooring complement the more contemporary features, and they also tie in the lovely view you can see through the large picture window. It feels so calm and put together.
29. Intimate Industrial
We usually see industrial design in big, lofty rooms, but it translates really well into smaller spaces too! While traditional red brick walls might be too dark for a compact space like this, the patinaed marble subway tiles offer an upscale alternative to that look.
And the ribbed glass shower divider is a lighter, brighter take on the corrugated metal you would typically see in industrial decor. I love this interpretation.
30. Complementary Colors
When you’re designing any room, it’s so important to pay attention to how well certain colors coordinate with each other. The stain on this oversized floating teak double vanity has warm red and orange undertones.
If you look at a color wheel, seafoam green is right across from reddish orange hues. Pairing these two opposing shades gives these seafoam glass shower tiles a really lively, earthy quality. The color theory here is just perfect!
31. Hidden Haven
For a lot of people, just being able to kick back in a vintage clawfoot tub while enjoying an ocean view would be everything they need in a bathroom. But this fashionable space goes the extra mile with a really attractive shower alcove.
The chevron patterned brick ceiling adds a bit of flair to the neutral tones in the space. It’s such a cozy little spot.
32. Very Vintage
How adorable is this retro room? It is just full of charming vintage details, from the pedestal sink to the black polygonal shower tiles. A few contemporary additions have given the space a fresh new feel.
Things like black powder coated faucets, glass pendant lights, and an updated window put a contemporary spin on this old fashioned design. It’s the perfect mix.
33. Bring The Outdoors Inside
The people who designed this luxury log cabin clearly knew that the peaceful forest scenery was a major selling point. The wall to wall glass windows offer a stunning view of the tranquil surroundings.
They also incorporated natural elements like wood paneled ceilings and floors and large stone columns, which marries the gorgeous design with the exquisite environment outside. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
34. Industrious Interiors
Back in the early 2000s, a lot of urban areas were facing housing shortages. As a solution, people started converting old factories into open plan, loft style living spaces.
These homes often kept original architectural details like large windows, exposed pipes, and brick walls, which all became hallmarks of the industrial interior design style.
Industrial design has become so popular that people now incorporate elements of it into new construction. The corrugated metal panels lining this shower really demonstrate the enduring popularity of this design aesthetic.
35. Walk-In Washroom
This spacious shower room has more than enough space for two people. I love the vintage black and white patterned floor tile and the rose gold faucets and shower heads; they inject a bit of quirkiness into this gorgeous room.
Meanwhile, the chic white subway tile wraps around the walls and extends all the way up to blanket that attention grabbing barrel vaulted ceiling. Such a cool mix of styles!
36. Peaceful Pass-Through
This harmonious haven definitely draws inspiration from Japanese architecture to create a Zen like atmosphere. The walk through shower becomes a restful refuge when you stand under the trickling waterfall showerhead.
You can enjoy the greenery visible through the wood framed windows, or close the shoji sliders if you’d rather have more privacy. It feels so peaceful.
37. Embody European Elegance
Modern American architecture often gives a lot of square footage to bathrooms, but in older homes, that space often comes at a premium. If you have a compact bathroom, you can take inspiration from European urban areas, where even small spaces have superb style.
The white subway tiles and decorative vinyl flooring give this space a French country feel. The black metal and glass panel and rubbed bronze shower head introduce a more modern component to the look.
38. Get Right
This roomy restroom is cool from every angle. The corner vanity creates so much counter space while still leaving plenty of room to move around.
The L shaped counter is mimicked by the two intersecting glass panels that surround the hand painted mosaic and pebble flooring in the huge shower area. What a creative use of shapes!
39. Create Your Path
The pebbled floor in this narrow walk in shower makes me think of a meandering forest path. The mosaic wall that divides the shower from the rest of the bathroom features an inset niche with glass shelving, so you get a ton of storage space without cluttering up the already tiny space.
Using neutral shades like gray and taupe is a great way to help a cozy corner like this feel larger.
40. Beachy Keen
A pale blue and white color scheme, paired with high end finishes, gives this bathroom a really classy coastal feel.
The white marble and quartz tiles have a hint of sparkle, like you might see on white sand beaches, while a multicolored blue mosaic inset makes you think of the Caribbean sea.
Even the trellis print on the turquoise upholstered bench seat would feel right at home on a chaise lounge at an upscale seaside resort. I love a good theme!
41. Dazzling and Dreamy
The bright white paint and all that natural light give this master suite a luminous glow. I love how they used earthier elements like wood ceiling beams and a jute rug to help make the space feel a little more grounded.
The creamy ceramic tiles and speckled quartz slabs incorporate a subtle texture into the room. It’s such a dreamy space.
42. Attractive Accessibility
Walk in showers are great for more than just decoration; they also serve a really important functional purpose. This spacious shower is large enough for a waterproof wheelchair to roll right into.
For people who have mobility challenges but don’t use a wheelchair full time, a shower bench and grab bar also improve the accessibility of the space. It’s beautiful and practical.
43. Take A Shine To Design
The glossy glaze on these gray bath and shower tiles gives a high end feel to what is otherwise a pretty low key room.
A chrome geometric pendant light continues that gleam theme while incorporating a bit of modern industrial flair. Small wood accents, like the shower mat and bathtub tray, help the space feel a little homier. It’s all in the details!
44. Crisp Contrast
This minimalist steam shower is just the picture of sophisticated simplicity. The subtle veining in the marble floor and wall tiles is picked up in the dove gray accent wall.
I love how the large rectangular tiles mimic the shape of the low profile drawers on the white floating vanity. A few select black accents in the shower partition and faucets introduce some sharp and stylish decorative elements to the space.
45. Beautiful Curbless Shower Bathroom
A pane of frosted glass on top of a marble wrapped pony wall gives privacy to this curbless shower while still letting natural light filter through.
The deep gray veining in the large rectangular marble tiles continues in the smaller hexagonal floor tiles. The glossy navy blue subway tile helps the shower feel more distinct and separate, and it also provides a vibrant pop of color. So beautiful!
46. Labyrinthine Lavatory
A series of dividing walls helps to carve out distinct spaces in this mazelike master bath. The gray half wall that serves as a backdrop for the elegantly curved acrylic bathtub also marks the boundaries of a roomy curbless shower.
Running a mirrored strip along the perimeter of this boundary wall is a great trick to help open up the space and keep the room from feeling too segmented.
47. Something Old, Something New
I love the transitional style of interior design, where traditional and modern elements come together to create a one of a kind space.
So many historic details have been preserved in this beautiful Victorian home, from the intricate window molding to the hexagonal porcelain floor tiles and the crystal flush mount light fixture.
These period appropriate motifs are paired with more modern elements like a chic contemporary double vanity and an oversized walk in shower. It’s a perfect blend.
48. Restroom Refresh
The beige hued terracotta tiles with their coordinating mosaic insets could run the risk of feeling a little drab and dated.
But taking an enclosed shower stall down to half walls and then finishing the top with transparent glass panels gives these old fashioned finishes a totally fresh feel. Potted plants and a vase full of vibrant flowers add just the right pops of color to the space.
49. Bath Matte
These miniature matte black wall tiles give this restroom a really moody, masculine feel. With such a remarkable focal point, the rest of the design is kept pretty low key, which is a smart move.
The slim ledge that provides a perch for toiletries perfectly matches the boxy white bathtub. Mounting the faucets and showerhead directly on the wall and leaving the shower unenclosed maximizes the modern feel of that striking tile work.
50. Reinterpret Traditional Details
Wainscoting is a really common element in historic homes. Typically, it’s a type of wood paneling that extends halfway up the walls, and you usually find it in dining or living spaces where it protects walls from scuff marks from chairs.
Here, they’ve used marble wainscoting, which provides a really unique decorative detail. What a creative twist on a traditional feature!
51. Accessibility Is Key
Walk in showers are such an excellent option for people who have limited mobility. While this shower entrance isn’t quite 60 inches, which is the requirement to accommodate a wheelchair, it does have 36 inches of clearance.
That allows users to easily transfer from a wheelchair to a waterproof shower bench. The wide, wall mounted sink also has plenty of space under it for accessibility purposes. It’s both functional and beautiful.
52. Casual Doorless Walk In Shower with No Glass
I love the vibe here. A coastal vanity and palm printed wallpaper give this bathroom a tropical feel, while the more modern finishes like marble subway tiles and chrome faucets have a casual touch.
Leaving the door off the walk in shower is a great trick for making it feel a little more spacious. This space just feels so relaxing.
53. Minimal Bathroom and Doorless Shower
With its minimalist decor, this sleek, streamlined bathroom almost has a science fiction flair to it. The space is mostly made up of clean, crisp lines, from the floating white acrylic bathtub to the fully transparent shower.
Even though the room doesn’t get a lot of natural light, recessed lighting and a backlit mirror keep the space feeling bright and fresh.
54. Feminine Shower with No Door or Glass
This feminine bathroom with its doorless and glassless shower offers such a beautiful design. You’ve got gray quartz wall and floor tiles, a glossy angular sink, and spotlight style lighting.
The simple addition of a vase of pink peonies adds that perfect feminine flair and a touch of warmth to the whole room.
55. Modern Bungalow Bathroom
Even though the color palette in this midcentury modern bungalow bathroom is understated, the variety of patterns and textures creates so much visual interest.
The tiny square vintage wall tiles have a bit of a checkerboard feel, and that shape is continued on a larger scale in the frosted glass grid wall.
The rest of the space is also filled with geometric shapes, from the paned window to the slatted wood floor and that little sliver of brick wall. So cool!
56. Scandinavian-Influenced Spa
If you’d like to transform your restroom into a restful retreat, definitely look to the Scandinavian style of interior design for inspiration. Scandinavian decor draws so much from nature, which you can see here in elements like the honey wood new teak vanity and the potted monstera plant.
Even natural light becomes a decorative feature in Scandinavian style spaces. A minimalist clear glass divider really helps play up the daylight that streams in through the window.
57. Flip The Script
This mostly black and white bathroom gains a lot of visual interest thanks to some subtle but really smart styling choices. The white rectangular subway tiles on the wall are finished with black grout, while the black hexagonal floor tiles have white grout.
The contrasting shapes and colors are enhanced even more by the patterned boho style bath towels. A potted plant and a warm hued teak countertop introduce touches of nature to the space and break up the more graphic elements. It’s a great mix.
58. Dark and Dramatic
I am loving the drama here. Black tiles with a suede finish give this moody, masculine bathroom a refined and regal feel. A copper showerhead and faucets, along with a backlit mirror, augment that upscale vibe.
Even the wall mounted toilet fits seamlessly into the design. The concrete flooring lightens up the space a little bit and adds a rough, rugged touch.
59. Open Shower without Walls
It’s pretty common for homeowners to enclose a porch to create another living room, but this walled off patio was used to create a bathroom! A natural stone wall was built around a concrete slab for a rough and rustic indoor outdoor shower area.
The corrugated metal siding on the outside of the house becomes an interesting detail in the sink and storage areas of this low key lavatory.
And the glass paneled roof allows plenty of natural light to come in, preserving the natural vibe of the space. Such a unique project!
60. Enhance Your Half Bath
Upgrading a half bath is a fantastic way to add value to your home. While this petite powder room isn’t quite big enough to install a bathtub, it easily becomes a three quarter bath with the addition of a shower.
Leaving the doors off and extending it from wall to wall makes this narrow shower feel so much more substantial in size. It’s a huge improvement!
61. Rustic Industrial Bathroom
If you find yourself drawn to multiple design styles, mixing and matching elements can give your room its own distinct personality. The repurposed buffet used as a vanity has a weathered finish that offers a stylish rustic vibe.
While the chalk painted candle holders on the countertop are cute and rugged, the black metal light fixture and faucet are industrial all the way. It’s a beautiful combination.
