Designing a wet room in a small bathroom requires careful planning, practical layout ideas, and smart use of every inch of available space. Wet rooms offer a modern, accessible, and easy-to-maintain alternative to traditional bathrooms, bringing style and simplicity together in one clean design. For homeowners who want to maximise space and add a spa like atmosphere, the right wet room design can turn even the most limited room into a dream space.
This guide explores how to plan, style, and install a small wet room that looks elegant, functions beautifully, and stands the test of time. From waterproofing and tiles to lighting and ventilation, each detail plays a part in creating the perfect wet room for your own home.
Why Wet Rooms Are Ideal for Small Bathrooms
Wet rooms are becoming one of the most popular modern bathroom solutions. By removing bulky shower trays and enclosures, the entire room becomes a seamless wet area that’s easy to clean and maintain. For smaller bathrooms, this layout creates a more open feel and helps maximise space without compromising comfort.
A minimalist wet room suits both contemporary apartments and compact ensuite layouts. By keeping the design simple and functional, you can make even a small space feel like a luxury spa. Wet rooms offer improved accessibility, which makes them ideal for anyone facing mobility issues or mobility challenges.
Pros of Installing a Wet Room
- Easier to clean with fewer joints and seals
- Ideal for small bathrooms or smaller spaces
- Step-free shower area improves accessibility
- Adds a modern, minimalist design style
- Can increase property value
Cons to Keep in Mind
- Everything in the room can and usually will get wet
- Installation costs are higher due to proper waterproofing
- The entire room requires tanking before tiling
- Without good ventilation, excess water and damp can cause issues
- Some buyers still prefer traditional bathrooms with a bath
Planning and Layout: Making the Most of Limited Room
Before installing a wet room, take time for careful planning. Measure your space accurately and decide how the key elements, toilet, vanity unit, and shower area, will all fit together. When working with limited room, positioning fixtures against one wall can help define spaces while keeping the layout open.
If your project involves a small ensuite or a wet room upstairs, think about how drainage and waterproofing will affect the structure below. Lightweight shower trays with built-in gradients and high-quality shower drains help keep water contained and flowing efficiently.
A glass screen can be used to separate the wet area from the rest of the bathroom space while still keeping the layout open. Choose clear glass not frosted screens for a sleek finish that maintains the illusion of a larger bathroom.
The Walk-In Shower
No modern shower room is complete without a well-planned walk in shower. Walk in showers not only save space but also create a continuous, same level floor that’s easy to access and maintain. For smaller bathrooms, one large glass panel instead of a full enclosure helps the area feel open and airy.
A simple wet room design with a single shower screen and linear shower drain will keep the floor tidy and the excess water directed efficiently. Walk in showers can include large rainfall heads, body jets, or handheld attachments to enhance the bathing experience.
If you have enough space, a minimum width of 80cm and a length of 140cm is recommended for an open wet room shower. This prevents too much water from escaping into the dry zone.
Waterproofing and Flooring a Small Wet Room
Proper waterproofing is the foundation of every wet room. The whole room, including the floor, lower walls, and sometimes even the ceiling must be sealed properly before tiling begins. This ensures that water leaks never reach the subfloor. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
When selecting floor tiles, choose options that are fully waterproof and slip resistant. Avoid vinyl flooring or materials that are only water-resistant, as they can degrade over time. Porcelain, ceramic, or marble tiles are excellent choices for both the floor and walls, providing durability and a luxury appearance.
Matching your wall tiles with your floor tiles can create a sense of flow and make a small wet room look bigger. Using large format tiles reduces grout lines, creating a smooth, uninterrupted finish that gives the impression of a larger space.
Heating and Ventilation
Underfloor heating is a smart addition to any wet room. It speeds up drying time and keeps your feet warm, improving comfort in colder months. By removing radiators, you also free up valuable wall space for storage or mirrors.
Ventilation is equally important. Install a high-quality extractor fan to control all of the steam and prevent condensation build-up, which can turn into black mold. This protects both the structure and your finishes from long-term damage. For wet rooms upstairs or in windowless areas, continuous ventilation systems with humidity sensors are ideal.
Storage and Smart Details
Storage can be challenging in smaller bathrooms, but it’s essential for keeping a functional space clutter-free. Built-in shelving or a recessed shower niche is perfect for storing essentials within easy reach.
Floating cabinets or bespoke vanity units crafted from waterproof materials add elegance without taking up floor space. For a truly durable solution, porcelain or tiled furniture is ideal. QualiPorcelain, a Cornish company specialising in handmade tiled sinks and vanities, creates designs that blend durability with timeless style. Their porcelain furniture adds a spa like touch while remaining completely waterproof.
Space-Saving Design Ideas
For a compact space, focus on functionality without overcrowding.
- Opt for wall-mounted toilets to save space.
- Use built-in storage vanities wherever possible.
- Keep the design minimalist to avoid visual clutter.
- Consider a walk in shower instead of a bathtub to free up floor area.
- Choose clear glass screens that extend natural light across the full room.
These small touches make a small wet room appear bigger, brighter, and more cohesive.
Maintaining a Functional Wet Room
To keep your wet room looking fresh and hygienic, make maintenance part of your routine. Use high-quality grout and sealants designed for continuous wet conditions. Make sure the shower drain remains clear to avoid excess water pooling. If you’ve installed underfloor heating, this will also help the floors dry faster after use.
A minimalist design is easier to clean than traditional bathrooms. With fewer fittings and no shower trays to scrub, upkeep becomes simple.
Style and Personal Expression
Your wet room should reflect your personal style as much as your practical needs. From bold hues and marble tiles to neutral shades and natural materials, there’s freedom to create something distinctive.
For example, a new shower room can feature a simple palette of grey tiles and white walls, creating calm sophistication. Those who prefer a statement look might introduce a feature wall with patterned floor tiles or metallic fixtures.
Adding subtle gold accents or brushed brass finishes can elevate the space with warmth and luxury. Combining natural light, minimalist design, and a sleek finish helps transform smaller bathrooms into inspiring, functional spaces.
Final Thoughts
Installing a wet room in a small bathroom takes careful planning, but the results are worth it. With good layout design, proper waterproofing, and the right materials, you can achieve an amazing wet room that feels spacious and luxurious.
Wet rooms offer simplicity, style, and practicality in one package. By combining underfloor heating, efficient ventilation, large format tiles, and elegant glass screens, you can design a modern wet room that fits perfectly in your home.
With bespoke porcelain sinks, corner designs, and vanity units from QualiPorcelain, your new wet room can have both the craftsmanship and durability that define a truly timeless design. With thoughtful choices, even the most compact bathroom can become a spa like retreat filled with character, comfort, and lasting beauty. View our bespoke tiled sinks and vanity units perfect for any wet room installation!