Reddit's Best Small Shower Ideas

Mason Jul 20, 2026

The humble shower often takes a backseat in discussions about home design and renovations, but not on Reddit. The subreddit r/smallshower has gained significant traction, providing a platform for users to share their creative solutions and discuss the challenges of designing and living with small shower spaces. With close to 80,000 members and growing, it's clear that there's a wealth of insights and inspiration to be gained from this community. Let's dive in to explore some of the top tips and trends from this vibrant corner of the internet.

a bathroom with a sink, shower and wood flooring in the corner is shown
a bathroom with a sink, shower and wood flooring in the corner is shown

Firstly, it's essential to understand that-small doesn't have to mean cramped or boring. Reddit users have transformed their compact shower spaces into stylish, functional oases that defy their size. So, if you're planning a renovation or simply want to maximize your current shower, you're in the right place.

a bathroom with a purple circle over the toilet
a bathroom with a purple circle over the toilet

Designing for Small Showers

When it comes to small shower design, every square inch counts. r/smallshower users often emphasize the importance of efficient use of space and thoughtful layout.

a white toilet sitting next to a shower in a bathroom under a faucet
a white toilet sitting next to a shower in a bathroom under a faucet

One of the most popular design approaches is creating an illusion of a wider space. This could be through strategic placement of architectural elements, clever use of color, or clever installation of mirrors or glass.

Creating Illusions: Color and Light

Experience the future of bathing
Experience the future of bathing

Light colors and reflective surfaces can create the impression of a larger, brighter space. Many r/smallshower users recommend painting walls in light, neutral colors and using shiny subway tiles or glass doors to maximize reflection.

A unique technique is the use of illusionary art, such as a trompe l'oeil effect, to give the illusion of depth and dimension.

Maximizing Space: Strategic Layout

an empty shower stall in a bathroom under construction
an empty shower stall in a bathroom under construction

Strategic shower layout can greatly impact space perception. Installing Your fixtures, such as the toilet or sink, in a way that allows unimpeded flow through the bathroom can make it feel more spacious.

Many users also swear by the corridor shower layout, which runs fixtures down one wall, freeing up floor space.िं Gottlieb suggests, using a curtainless, seamless glass enclosure can open up the space visually.

Trending Shower Features for Small Spaces

a bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink in it's stall area is shown
a bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink in it's stall area is shown

Beyond hardcore design principles, r/smallshower members also share their favorite trends and features that they believe work best in small showers.

Some trends to note: the rise of compact, multifunctional shower trays, the increasing popularity of recipes which allow for easy, customizable upkeep, and the growing interest in trends that combine function and style, like built-in niches for shower essentials or undermount sink bowls for a seamless look.

a bathroom with a walk in shower next to a white toilet and counter top sink
a bathroom with a walk in shower next to a white toilet and counter top sink
a white toilet sitting next to a walk in shower
a white toilet sitting next to a walk in shower
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a bathroom with a toilet and shower in it
a bathroom with a toilet and shower in it
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the bathroom is being remodeled and ready to be used as a mud room for construction
the bathroom is being remodeled and ready to be used as a mud room for construction
an instagram photo of a shower with people in the shower and onlookers looking at it
an instagram photo of a shower with people in the shower and onlookers looking at it
a bathroom with a shower, toilet and shelves on the wall next to each other
a bathroom with a shower, toilet and shelves on the wall next to each other
a bathroom with green and white tiles on the shower wall, sink and vanity area
a bathroom with green and white tiles on the shower wall, sink and vanity area

Multifunctional Shower Tray

A multifunctional shower tray combines the drain and measures areas for multiple users, saving space. Some r/smallshower users even install extra-deep trays to create a makeshift soaking tub.

Shower trays offering drainage on both sides or incorporating built-in seating have also become popular, as they allow for flexible use and can accommodate users of different statures.

Recessed showers

Recessed or walk-in showers are in high demand among r/smallshower members, thanks to their various benefits. They allow for easy access, can accommodate storage with built-in niches, and, when upgraded with a seamless glass threshold, create a sleek, luxurious look.

Moreover, Niche design is a crucial element of a recreational shower, and can include built-in seating, risers for tram bows, or even steppers for easy access.

As the Reddit subculture of small shower design continues to grow, it's evident that exceptional design can and should be achievable regardless of the size of your space. Remember, it's not the size of the shower that matters - it's how you use it.