Bathrooms aren’t just for function anymore. A shower can turn into a mini spa, a design statement, or even a daily mood booster.
When you think about remodeling your bathroom, the shower should be one of the first areas you give attention to—it’s where most people start and end their day.
1. Walk-In Showers With Frameless Glass
A frameless glass walk-in shower gives a bathroom that sleek, modern look while making the space feel bigger. Unlike traditional framed showers, frameless designs create the illusion of openness, and they’re surprisingly easy to clean since you don’t have metal tracks trapping soap scum.
When I remodeled my guest bathroom, I swapped the bulky tub-and-curtain combo for a frameless shower. The room instantly felt double its size. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, this is a game-changing idea.
Pro tip: Pair it with large format tiles (like 12×24 or bigger) to minimize grout lines and make it feel seamless.
2. Rainfall Showerheads
There’s something incredibly relaxing about standing under a rainfall showerhead. Instead of the sharp spray from standard heads, rainfall showers distribute water gently, almost like standing under a summer drizzle.
According to Houzz surveys, rainfall heads are one of the top upgrades homeowners choose when remodeling their showers. And trust me, once you try one, you won’t go back.
Tip from experience: Go for a ceiling-mounted rainfall head rather than a wall-mounted one—it feels more natural and spa-like.
3. Dual Showerheads
If you share your shower space, or just like options, dual showerheads are worth every penny. These usually combine a fixed head with a handheld sprayer, giving you flexibility.
I installed one in my master bath remodel, and it turned out to be the unsung hero. The handheld makes cleaning the shower much easier, and it’s great for rinsing hair thoroughly. Plus, for families with kids or pets, it’s a lifesaver.
4. Black Fixtures for Modern Contrast
Swapping chrome or nickel for matte black shower fixtures instantly modernizes your bathroom. They add bold contrast against white tiles and pair beautifully with wood or natural stone.
One thing to keep in mind: black fixtures can show water spots more easily, so wipe them down after use. It’s a small price to pay for a statement piece that makes your shower feel custom-designed.
5. Curbless Showers for Accessibility
A curbless or zero-threshold shower isn’t just stylish—it’s also practical. These showers are flush with the bathroom floor, making them accessible for all ages and mobility levels.
Accessibility is becoming a huge trend in bathroom remodels. The National Kitchen & Bath Association reports a rise in homeowners opting for universal design features like this, ensuring the space works long-term.
When I helped my parents remodel, we added a curbless entry. It not only looked more high-end but also gave peace of mind knowing it would remain functional as they aged.
6. Subway Tile With a Twist
Subway tile is a classic, but you don’t have to stick to the standard white 3×6 running bond pattern. Try installing subway tiles vertically, in herringbone, or even with bold grout colors.
I once chose navy grout with white subway tiles, and guests couldn’t stop commenting on how much character it added. Sometimes it’s not about the tile itself, but how you lay it out.
7. Natural Stone Showers
If you want to bring the outdoors in, natural stone showers are the way to go. Slate, travertine, and marble not only add texture but also a feeling of timelessness.
Yes, stone requires sealing and a bit more maintenance, but the payoff is a shower that feels like a luxury retreat every single day. Think of it like having your own personal spa grotto.
8. LED Lighting in the Shower
Adding LED strip lighting or recessed lights inside your shower elevates the whole vibe. Dimmable lights can set a relaxing mood, while color-changing LEDs give you the option to energize your mornings with cool tones or wind down with warm hues.
I once stayed at a hotel that had a backlit shower niche—it looked like something straight out of a luxury design magazine. I immediately stole that idea for my remodel, and it became my favorite feature.
9. Built-In Shower Niches
Say goodbye to clunky shower caddies. Built-in niches are recessed storage spaces inside your shower wall for shampoo, soap, and razors.
Not only do they look neat, but they also free up floor space. Pro tip: line the inside of the niche with a contrasting tile to make it pop like a design feature.
10. Large Format Tiles for a Seamless Look
Using large tiles in your shower minimizes grout lines and makes cleaning easier. It also creates that seamless, spa-inspired appearance.
In one remodel I did, we used 24×48 tiles that stretched from floor to ceiling. The effect was jaw-dropping, and it made the bathroom look like something out of Architectural Digest.
11. Steam Showers
Want to turn your shower into a wellness retreat? Install a steam system. Steam showers help with relaxation, muscle recovery, and even skin health.
According to health experts, steam therapy can improve circulation and reduce stress. Yes, it’s a pricier remodel option, but if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, it’s worth every penny.
12. Industrial Style Showers
Exposed plumbing, black steel frames, and raw textures define industrial showers. Think loft-style living but in your bathroom.
Pair it with concrete-look tiles or reclaimed wood vanities, and you’ll have a bathroom that looks straight out of a trendy New York loft.
13. Textured Accent Walls
Sometimes all you need is one statement wall inside your shower. Whether it’s patterned tile, mosaic, or even fluted panels, a textured wall draws the eye and adds depth.
When I remodeled a small bathroom, I added a single accent wall with teal fish-scale tiles. It became the room’s personality, without overwhelming the space.
14. Frameless Corner Showers
For tiny bathrooms, frameless corner showers are a space-saving hero. They tuck neatly into a corner while keeping the room visually open.
If your bathroom feels cramped, this is one of the best ways to remodel without knocking down walls.
15. Wood-Look Tiles in Showers
Love the warmth of wood but worried about water damage? Porcelain wood-look tiles are the perfect solution. They mimic real wood but are waterproof and low-maintenance.
I used them in my shower remodel to create a spa-meets-sauna feel. The combination of warm tones and durable porcelain is unbeatable.
16. Multi-Jet Showers
For the ultimate luxury, add body jets. Multi-jet showers spray water from multiple angles, giving you that high-end spa treatment at home.
The installation cost is higher, and water pressure needs to be adjusted, but if you’re after a shower that feels indulgent, this is it.
17. Smart Showers
Yes, even showers are going smart. Digital showers allow you to control temperature, water flow, and even preset profiles via touch panels or smartphone apps.
Imagine saying, “Hey, start my shower at 102°F,” and stepping into perfectly heated water. That’s the future, and it’s already here.
18. Freestanding Glass Panels
Instead of a full enclosure, try a single freestanding glass panel for your shower. It’s minimalist, affordable, and gives your bathroom a sleek European vibe.
I’ve seen this done in both tiny and large bathrooms, and it always makes the room feel more open.
19. Bold Patterned Tiles
Sometimes safe design gets boring. Inject personality with patterned tiles—Moroccan, geometric, or floral designs can bring your shower to life.
If you’re nervous about going too bold, use them just on the floor or in a niche instead of all over. That way you still get the punch without overwhelming the eye.
20. Skylights Over Showers
Natural light transforms a shower. If possible, add a skylight directly above your shower. Not only does it save on electricity, but it also makes your morning shower feel like a nature retreat.
I once showered under a skylight in a mountain cabin, and it felt magical. Bringing that idea into your remodel will instantly make your bathroom stand out.
21. Curved Glass Showers
Straight lines dominate most bathrooms, so introducing a curved glass shower feels unique. These enclosures are stylish, save space, and soften the overall look of your bathroom.
They work especially well in tight corners or bathrooms where you want a more organic flow.
22. Bold Colored Fixtures
Step away from chrome and black for a moment—colored fixtures are making a comeback. Brushed gold, brass, and even copper can transform your shower into a design statement.
In one remodel, I paired brushed brass fixtures with emerald green tiles. The result? A shower that felt like stepping into a luxury boutique hotel.
23. Spa-Like Benches
Don’t overlook the power of a built-in shower bench. It’s not just for relaxation; it’s practical too. Great for shaving, storing items, or simply sitting back while enjoying your rainfall shower.
I added a quartz bench to my shower remodel, and it’s the one thing I didn’t know I needed until I had it. Now, I can’t imagine a shower without one.
Conclusion on 23 Bathroom Remodel Shower Ideas
Remodeling your shower isn’t just about choosing tiles or fixtures—it’s about creating an experience. Whether you go all-in with a steam shower and body jets or keep it simple with a frameless glass enclosure and rainfall head, the right remodel can completely transform how you start and end each day.
The key is to balance style, functionality, and your personal habits. Think about what would actually make your mornings smoother or your evenings more relaxing. That’s the secret to a remodel that doesn’t just look good but actually feels good to live with.
About James
James founded HomeUpgradeLab & was sharing his experiences to fix issues related to bathroom and toilet fixtures & fittings. Read to know more about James Hill & how he started this blog.