Wet rooms are as on-trend as they’ve ever been. They look modern, stylish, and can add value to your house just like that. If the cost of refreshing your bathroom has been putting you off so far, here are some DIY wet room ideas to help you get the look for a fraction of the price.
Advantages of a wet room
- They're stylish and modern, and give your bathroom that wow-factor
- They’re space saving, as they eliminate the need for bulky fixtures and fittings
- They're easy to clean as there are no frames
- They’re accessible, making them ideal for the elderly, families with young children or people with disabilities
- They’re very durable, as their waterproofing makes them extremely resistant to leaks and damp
- They’re easy to clean
Disadvantages of a wet room
- In small bathrooms, water can spray your towels, loo roll and toiletries
- Installing a wet room can be expensive when you factor in the cost of waterproofing, tiling your bathroom and the cost of professional installation
- Swapping your only bathroom for a wet room could devalue your home as buyers often want at least one bath in their home
If you have a small bathroom or a small budget, here are some alternative wet room designs you could consider instead.
Wet room ideas on a budget
If you want the best of both worlds – the statement finish of a wet room without the dent to your bank balance – a walk-in shower provides the perfect compromise.
What’s the difference between a wet room and a walk-in shower?
Quite simply, installing a wet room makes your bathroom entirely open plan, which is why tanking is required – the process of inserting a water resilient membrane beneath your tiles to lay the foundation for wet room flooring and to make your bathroom fully waterproof.
Walk-in showers, on the other hand, have a low-profile shower tray and at least one glass screen to stop the water spraying everywhere. The latter still gives you that luxury look, easy accessibility and minimal maintenance, but it removes the need for the expensive flooring renovation. Win, win!
What you need to create your DIY wet room
1. Shower enclosure
Before you get started with your DIY wet room, you need to decide on the look and feel of your shower enclosure. Shower enclosures come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and prices, so take the time to find one that fits your budget and your vision. Walk-in showers can be a great option for a wet room or alternatively, our hinged shower door is a luxurious alternative.
2. Shower tray
Next up is your shower tray. Square, rectangle, pentagon, or quadrant. White or slate. 25mm, 40mm or 90mm high. When it comes to your tray, there’s plenty of choice. We have recently introduced our new Mira Flight Level shower tray, which is also available in a slate effect finish. With a sleek and minimalist design that sits just 25mm high, it’s perfect for the wet room aesthetic.
3. Showerhead
If you’re revamping your shower, why not update your showerhead too to bring it in-line with your new luxury look?
You can get fittings for as little as £20, or if you have additional budget to play with, consider a digital shower for a truly modern and luxurious showering experience. A new showerhead can make all the difference to the end result.
Wet room design tips
1. Choose a warm colour palette
While a light and bright palette can help to make a room look bigger, too much white could make your wet room feel cold or clinical. Consider warmer, earthy tones instead, and you could even bring in wooden or stone accents for extra warmth.
2. Go for large tiles
Large tiles work well in a small wet room in particular, as fewer grout lines make the space feel bigger. Large tiles also make leaks less likely. Be sure to choose non-porous bathroom tiles like ceramic or porcelain, as porous materials like slate, marble and limestone need to be resealed every few months to prevent water damage.
3. Add houseplants
Houseplants are a cost-effective way to breathe life into your new wet room. Take care to choose species that thrive in warmth, humidity and low lighting.
Explore our full range of shower parts and accessories for inspiration for your DIY wet room. Or if budget is no barrier and you’ve got your heart set on building a proper wet room, check out our guide on how to fit a wet room.
