Whether you are freshening up a cosy ensuite or giving your main bathroom a luxurious makeover, walk in showers can bring style, accessibility and practicality to any Glasgow home. In our experience, walk in showers streamline your morning routine, provide easier access and elevate the entire feel of your space. In this article, we share our top 5 tips for picking the right walk in shower for Glasgow homes. We will walk you through everything from measuring up your available space to selecting the right fixtures and finishes for your needs. By the end, you will have a clear idea of how to choose a walk in shower that feels like a natural extension of your home, suits your daily habits and stands the test of time.
Before we jump into the details, let us highlight why walk in showers are so popular in Glasgow. Many of our local homes feature older layouts, sometimes with awkward nooks or smaller bathrooms. A well-thought-out walk in shower can help open up a room visually, add to property value and boost comfort for various family members, whether they are older, have mobility concerns or just want more space. Below, we have compiled the five most essential considerations to guide you towards the best walk in shower decision for your next renovation.
Decide your main goal
The first step in choosing a walk in shower is pinning down your primary objective. Are you installing a new shower to create a sense of spaciousness? Is it about making your bathroom more accessible for family members of different ages? Perhaps you are simply upgrading the style to match a modern or minimalist theme. Defining your goal will help you focus on the right features and avoid investing in unnecessary extras.
Think about who will use it most
We always advise clients in Glasgow to consider who is going to be hopping under the hot water most often. If you have children or older adults in the home, factors such as slip resistance and easy entry become essential. On the other hand, if the shower is for a young professional couple, sleek lines, spa elements or rainfall showerheads might top their wishlist instead.
- If children share the bathroom, make sure the shower entry is wide and the floor surface is resistant to slips.
- If anyone has mobility concerns, look for low or zero-threshold designs, grab bars and seating options.
- For purely adult households, you might focus more on aesthetics or advanced tech features like digital temperature controls.
Consider frequency and water usage
Walk in showers are typically more open than enclosed ones, which can mean more steam escapes into the rest of the bathroom. This is easily managed with proper ventilation, but it is worth thinking about how often the shower will be in use and whether you have decent airflow. You will also want to explore water-saving fixtures and showerheads, especially if your household uses the shower many times a day. Those moisture and temperature demands can stack up in Scottish winters, so keep proper ventilation and insulation in mind before finalising your choice.
If you need a refresher on the broader planning process for a cost-conscious upgrade, you may find top 5 tips for planning a bathroom renovation in glasgow on a tight budget helpful.
Plan your space carefully
Once you have a clear objective, the next logical step is to confirm you have enough room. A big part of adding a walk in shower is making the space flow naturally, without feeling cramped or claustrophobic.
Measure your bathroom dimensions
We cannot overstate the importance of accurate measurements. Carefully measure the length, width and height of your bathroom, noting the placement of doors, windows and any awkward corners. In many Glasgow homes, especially traditional tenements, bathrooms can be long and narrow, or sometimes L-shaped. This makes thorough measuring absolutely vital.
- Mark out existing fixtures such as the toilet, basin and any existing bathtub.
- Allow for at least a small drying area in front of the shower to reduce slips.
- Remember to check the clearance for shower doors if you plan on including them, as they need enough room to swing open (or enough track space if you choose a sliding option).
Factor in drainage and plumbing
Walk in showers need suitably sloped flooring to ensure water drains correctly. Think about where the drain is positioned and confirm that your home’s plumbing can handle the relocation if you plan to move the shower to a different spot. Some older Glasgow properties may require updated pipework. If you would like more insights on preparing for potential pipework surprises, we have covered this in top 5 tips for upgrading old pipework in glasgow tenement bathrooms.
We also recommend double-checking your water pressure. If you are dissatisfied with your shower feeling weak or inconsistent, that is often a simple fix with the right plumbing adjustments or the addition of a suitable pump. Plan all of this ahead of time, rather than discovering halfway through the project that your floor gradient or pressure does not meet your expectations.
Explore partial vs full enclosure
There are different layouts to consider. If your space is tight, a partial enclosure could be enough to keep the water within a certain zone. This can be achieved with a glass panel or half-height wall, offering an airy, open feel. If you have a bit more room and you value containing heat, you might combine a low-level shower tray with floor-to-ceiling glass. Both options can be stylish but may suit different space constraints or personal design preferences.
Choose the right enclosure style
The hallmark of a walk in shower is its open, flowing design. However, there is more than one way to achieve this look. Enclosure style covers everything from the type of glass and the door mechanism you choose to whether you prefer a full wet-room design or a partial boundary.
Look into wet-room versus walk in
A wet room is a fully open shower space, often with no step at all, that merges seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom floor. In many wet rooms, the entire space is tiled from wall to floor, and drainage is carefully designed to ensure water does not pool anywhere it shouldn’t.
- Pros: Very accessible, minimal or no threshold, sleek modern aesthetic.
- Cons: Requires more thorough waterproofing, can be more expensive, and in small bathrooms the entire floor may get wet.
By contrast, the classic walk in shower uses a shallow tray or slightly lowered area, sometimes with a glass screen or half-height wall. The goal is the same spacious feel, but it typically keeps water contained in one zone.
- Pros: Clearly defined shower area, easier to manage water accumulation, can achieve an open look with fewer building modifications.
- Cons: Still requires careful waterproofing, though generally less extensive than a full wet-room arrangement.
If you are specifically interested in a step-free design that is easy to access and maintain, check out related ideas in top 5 tips for creating a mobility friendly bathroom in glasgow.
Pick your preferred glass and finish
Choosing high-quality glass can make a huge difference in terms of safety and appearance. Toughened or tempered safety glass is critical for walk in showers. It is strong, durable and resistant to shattering. You can also opt for coatings that help repel water stains and limescale, cutting down on cleaning time.
For a sleek, ultra-modern appearance, consider frameless or minimalist framing. If privacy is a higher priority, you could look into frosted or textured glass to reduce visibility. Either way, be sure the glass thickness aligns with recommended standards for a walk in shower, typically between 6 mm and 10 mm.
Sort out door options
One of the biggest appeals of walk in showers is the possibility of skipping the door entirely. That said, some people prefer an easy-in, easy-out style with a partial pivot door or sliding arrangement. If you choose to add a door, make sure the hinges and seals are top-notch to prevent leakage and to allow for easy cleaning. We often encounter glass pivot doors in these showers, particularly for bigger bathrooms, as they provide a feeling of openness even when closed.
Invest in quality fixtures and materials
A walk in shower is only as good as its fixtures and materials. From the showerhead down to the tray (if you choose one), picking high-quality components will help you avoid issues like rust, leaks and premature wear.
Select a reliable showerhead
The showerhead dictates the overall feel of your shower, so do not overlook its importance. Modern rainfall showerheads create a spa-like experience that many Glasgow homeowners love. Alternatively, handheld showerheads with adjustable spray settings can be more versatile and practical for families or those who need the flexibility to rinse or clean the enclosure easily.
Opt for stainless steel or brass fittings rather than cheaper plastic ones. These metal components generally last longer and resist corrosion, especially in a humid bathroom environment. Thermostatic shower valves can also be helpful, maintaining consistent water temperature even if someone flushes the toilet or runs a tap elsewhere in the home.
Prioritise slip-resistant flooring
While some walk in showers are created as wet-room style spaces, others feature a low-profile shower tray. If your floor tiles continue straight into the shower area, make sure they provide adequate slip resistance, as well as good drainage. The last thing you want is a glossy tile that gets dangerously slippery when wet. Tiles with a textured or matte finish often work best. If you go for a shower tray, choose one with an anti-slip coating or texture.
For more tips on choosing materials that are easy to maintain, we also recommend reading top 5 tips for choosing low maintenance bathroom materials in glasgow.
Ensure adequate ventilation
Because walk in showers are more open, there can be a misconception that you do not need extra ventilation. In reality, you might find steam escapes more widely into the bathroom, so a proper extractor fan is still crucial to prevent mould and moisture damage. This is especially important in Glasgow’s damp, cold winters. If your current extractor fan is basic or old, consider upgrading to a model with a humidity sensor for efficient moisture removal.
Balance style with practicality
A walk in shower can be a show-stopping feature, but it still needs to feel comfortable day in and day out. When balancing the aesthetic and functional sides of your new shower, bear in mind the following points.
Match the shower to your existing décor
Coordinate the shower enclosure with the broader theme of your bathroom. If your bathroom style is classic with ornate features, you might lean towards brass fixtures, traditional tiling or a slightly framed enclosure. If you are going contemporary, frameless glass, a modern rainfall showerhead and neutral tiles might be the way to go.
The size and shape of your bathroom can also influence your design choices. Smaller bathrooms in Glasgow tenements might benefit from large-format tiles that extend all the way into the shower enclosure, creating a sense of continuity. If you are uncertain about what style best suits your home, you may want to look at top 5 tips for choosing the perfect bathroom style for glasgow homes.
Consider lighting
A well-lit shower area makes the bathroom feel cheerful and welcoming. Recessed spotlights with a suitable IP (Ingress Protection) rating are often a good choice. If it is a more lavish upgrade, you could install LED strips around the shower niche for a softly illuminated area. Just ensure all electrical work is completed by a qualified professional.
Stick to your budget without cutting corners
We have seen that costs can run high if you choose extras such as body jets, heated seating or high-end smart features. These luxuries can be wonderful, but be sure they align with your overall plan and budget. Often, moderate upgrades to materials and fixtures pay off more than splashing out on every gadget you can find. Revisit your renovation priorities and decide which items add the most long-term value or daily enjoyment. Then invest accordingly to avoid overspending or sacrificing on basic quality.
If you need more guidance on keeping the project cost in check, you might find top 5 tips to keep your bathroom renovation on budget in glasgow a practical resource.
Conclusion and next steps
We hope these top 5 tips for picking the right walk in shower for Glasgow homes have given you a clear starting point. Walking through each tip — from clarifying your goals to making sure every component is top quality — will guide you towards a walk in shower that is functional, stylish and long-lasting. Whether you are drawn to the streamlined elegance of a wet-room design or a partial enclosure that helps contain water more effectively, the key to success lies in careful planning and attention to detail.
Remember to consider practicalities like drainage, water pressure and ventilation, along with aesthetic touches such as glass finishes and lighting. By striking the perfect balance, you can create a shower that enhances your daily routine and adds genuine value to your property. If you are feeling inspired and ready to explore your options, our team at Dream Bathrooms Glasgow is here to help. We specialise in tailoring walk in shower designs to suit each home’s layout, budget and style preference.
Take these ideas, consider which aligns best with your bathroom vision and start planning your next steps. If you would like personalised advice, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to share our expertise, schedule a consultation and guide you through every stage of your renovation. Here is to a walk in shower that transforms your Glasgow home for the better!
