Bathroom shower ideas: Modern upgrades for a spa-like experience

Having a shower that embodies the right aesthetic can make all the difference in improving your quality of life. These clever shower ideas will help you do that, making your shower time a little more special.

Natural stone bathroom tiles are perfect for a modern and rustic shower. The tile shape offers a clean-cut industrial edge while the earthy, irregular stone colouring offers a more natural appearance. There are many options to choose from, but no two natural stone products are the same. Natural stone tiles are a great choice if you’re after a material that's both unique and classic to line your bathroom walls.

Related article: Natural stone: A guide to types, applications and more

Using black tapware instead of chrome can quickly elevate your bathroom design credentials. It's sleek yet unconventional, functioning as accented modern and elegant additions. Using tapware such as a black showerhead accompanied by black faucet handles will create bold accents that will draw the eye. It’s a great element to incorporate into your shower design without overpowering your primary colour palette or scheme. The common matte finish won’t leave fingerprints or dried droplet stains on your fittings either. Many people use black fittings throughout their kitchen and laundry areas for continuity, a method encouraged in interior design.

Related article: Are black taps a good or bad idea in the modern home?

Upgrade your shower experience with a rainfall showerhead, a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious, spa-like sensation in their bathroom. Designed to mimic the gentle flow of natural rain, these showerheads create a calming and soothing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. For a sleek, modern aesthetic, consider a ceiling-mounted rainfall showerhead that blends seamlessly into your bathroom design, giving the impression of rain falling directly from above.

Related article: How to choose the best shower head in Australia

If you're planning a large bathroom renovation, you can use your shower to optimise your bathroom furniture storage. This is especially important if it’s your master bathroom and a shower you share with the entire household. With everyone’s individual products, you can clutter a shower space, and additional storage eases that pressure. Carving out space in your shower walls is a great way to add storage space. This will allow you to store as many toiletries as you need without cluttering up any space within your shower. This is very important for walk-in showers with no ledges to place products. A less drastic idea is to use corner shelves, as most people don’t use this space in a shower, which makes for a great storage solution. You can also add multiple shower shelves for additional space.

Related article: 18 neat bathroom storage ideas for Australian homes

As simple as it sounds, a textured white shower curtain is a beautiful, versatile bathroom decorating option. It’s something that also works with a variety of bathroom designs in mind. Texture is important in a modern bathroom; without it, they can lack depth and character. Adding a little texture to a white curtain provides a greater degree of contrast, which can tie the whole room together. Busier bathroom designs will also benefit from the clean design of textured white shower curtains. They'll mellow out gorgeous, eccentric decor ideas such as patterned bathroom floor tiles and printed wallpaper.

The ambience of your shower is essential. After a long day at work, a nice warm shower does wonders to relax the muscles and relieve tension from the day. This can be enhanced with bathroom lighting. We suggest wall-mounted bathroom lighting for two reasons. One, it can provide extra lighting aside from your central ceiling lights. Two, it can evenly distribute a lovely glow across your bathroom and shower. Certain wall lights can function as a fantastic, regal accent that offers a soft, warm glow in an off-kilter way. In contrast, more conventional wall lights can be relatively inconspicuous and minimalistic while offering gorgeous illumination.

Related article: 13 bathroom lighting ideas for a quick refresh

Installing a skylight above your shower is a brilliant thing to consider. The natural light of the early morning or day will provide a glow that modern lights can’t replicate. Of course, this is only possible if the ceiling above your shower directly connects to the unobstructed outdoors. But if it does, then you've got the wonderful privilege of enjoying a free light source that offers a happier, more natural showering experience.

Want to incorporate some classic architecture? Then consider an arched shower entrance. Simply using this shape can add a lot of nobility to your bathroom design and give you a point of difference seldom seen in the bathroom environment. But to make the most of this idea, don't stop there. Make it truly pop by lining the arch with white subway tiles, mosaic tiles or even marble. It will create a stunning first impression for visitors and guests, giving you something that's personal and completely unique.

Related article: How much does it cost to tile a bathroom in Australia?

Turn your shower into a mini spa with a steam shower. This feature provides a relaxing steam environment that can improve circulation, reduce stress, and create a luxurious showering experience. It’s especially appealing during colder months or after a workout, offering soothing relief for tired muscles and joints. Moreover, showers can also enhance the ambience of your bathroom, particularly when paired with soft lighting, built-in seating, or aromatic essential oils for a touch of aromatherapy.

Opening up your bathroom space can be a challenge. But you can start doing so by choosing a walk-in shower. Keep in mind that this tip works best with showers with a lot of vertical space. You can incorporate a fixed glass panel instead of a shower door that opens and closes. Place it at the edge of the shower as you would with a shower door, but over the area where the showerhead is. That way, you won't have too much water splattering outside the shower's perimeter without a door. The walk-in shower creates one less barrier in a bathroom, making the rest of the bathroom seem more open and spacious. It’s also nice to walk into a shower without a glass door opening and closing, giving a spacious feeling when showering.

Related article: Walk-in shower dimensions, costs and other FAQs

Transforming your bathroom shower space can be an exciting and rewarding project. Whether you’re adding natural light with a skylight or opting for a walk-in shower to enhance spaciousness, there are countless ways to create your perfect shower area. These ideas are just a starting point — let your imagination guide you to design a bathroom shower that brings you daily joy and satisfaction.

This article was updated 21st, November 2024

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