SMALL BATHROOM? WHY WALK IN SHOWERS ARE THE PERFECT SOLUTION

Flexi Showers
May 20
5 min read

Thinking about renovating your bathroom in Melbourne? You're about to discover why over bath shower screens are revolutionising Australian homes, and why they might be the perfect solution for your space.

Is your compact bathroom feeling a little too cramped? You are not alone. Many Melbourne homeowners struggle with limited bathroom space, especially in older properties. But a small footprint does not mean you have to sacrifice luxury or style.

The secret to making a compact bathroom feel spacious and modern is surprisingly simple. It all comes down to choosing the right shower layout.

In this guide, you will learn exactly why walk in showers are the ultimate choice for small bathrooms. We will explore how custom shower screens can completely open up your space, share expert design tips, and show you how Flexi Showers can bring your vision to life.

What is a Walk In Shower?

A walk in shower is a completely open or partially open shower space that lacks a traditional door or high step-in tray.

Instead of being fully enclosed, it typically uses a single fixed glass panel to separate the wet area from the rest of the bathroom. This creates a seamless, level transition from the bathroom floor directly into the shower.

Why Walk In Showers Are Perfect for Small Melbourne Bathrooms

If you are renovating a compact bathroom, space is your most valuable asset. Here are the top reasons why walk in showers are the smartest choice for Melbourne homes:

walk in shower Melbourne small bathroom design

Maximised Visual Space: Without bulky frames or hinged doors swinging outward, your bathroom instantly looks and feels larger. The eye glides continuously across the room.
Easy Accessibility: The lack of a high step or threshold makes these showers incredibly safe and easy to access. This is a brilliant feature for multi-generational living. Check out our blog about Accessible showers
Low Maintenance: Fewer hinges, tracks, and seals mean fewer places for mould and grime to hide. Cleaning becomes a quick, hassle-free task.
Showcase Your Tiles: A beautifully tiled wall deserves to be seen. Clear glass screens let your expensive feature tiles take centre stage.

(Pro Tip: Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Shower Screens Gallery )

How to Choose the Right Shower Screen for Your Walk In Shower

Getting the right glass screen is crucial for a successful walk in shower.

The screen keeps water contained while maintaining that open, airy feel. Here is a step-by-step process for choosing the perfect setup:

walk in shower Melbourne black framed single panel

1. Measure Your Space Accurately

Before choosing a style, understand your dimensions. You need enough walk-in clearance (usually around 600mm) and a long enough fixed panel to catch the water spray.

2. Select Your Glass Type

Clear Glass: The best option for making small bathrooms feel enormous. It allows natural light to bounce around the room freely.
Fluted Glass: Want a touch of Art Deco elegance? Fluted glass offers brilliant privacy while still letting light through. It also hides watermarks beautifully.
Tinted Glass: For a moody, contemporary vibe, grey or bronze tinted glass adds incredible depth to your bathroom design.

3. Choose Your Hardware Finish

The brackets and channels securing your screen should match your tapware. Popular choices in Melbourne right now include matte black, brushed brass, and classic chrome.

Want to discuss your specific dimensions? Contact the Flexi Showers team for a free measure and quote.

Walk In Showers vs Traditional Shower Screens

Wondering how walk in showers compare to standard cubicles? Here is a quick breakdown:

Space Required: Walk in showers need clever water management but use space more efficiently. Traditional showr screen enclosures need extra clearance for opening doors.
Aesthetic: Walk-in shower screens create a sleek, modern look reminiscent of a high-end hotel. They offer a spacious and open feel compared to more traditional shower enclosures.
Cleaning: Walk in showers win easily. A single glass panel is much faster to clean than a tradditional four sided shower screen with sliding tracks.
Cost: Because they use less hardware and glass, single-panel walk in shower screens can often be a highly cost-effective choice for your renovation.

Expert Tips for Planning Your Walk In Shower

Creating a flawless wet area requires a bit of smart planning. Keep these expert insights in mind:

Prioritise Drainage: Ensure your floor has a correct fall towards the drain. Linear drains positioned at the back of the shower look fantastic and work efficiently.
Consider Showerhead Placement: Position your showerhead so the water sprays away from the bathroom opening. Rainfall showerheads are excellent as the water drops straight down.
Use Quality Glass: Always insist on laminated and toughened safety glass that meets Australian Standards. At Flexi Showers, all our shower screens exceed these strict requirements.

Curious about our shower screen glass options? Read more on our Shower Screen Terminology Page

Why Choose Flexi Showers for Your Melbourne Home?

When it comes to crafting the perfect walk in shower, local expertise matters. Flexi Showers has been transforming Melbourne bathrooms for over 40 years.

We manufacture everything locally at our Campbellfield factory. This means your fixed panel shower screen is custom-made to fit your exact space, accounting for any out-of-square walls or unique ceiling heights.

Our professional shower screen installation team handles everything with precision. We leave your home spotless and your new shower looking spectacular, backed by a comprehensive 12-month warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walk In Showers (FAQs)

Do walk in showers make the bathroom cold? Because they are open, walk in showers can sometimes feel draftier than enclosed cubicles. You can easily fix this by installing a heat lamp directly outside the shower zone or choosing a slightly wider glass panel to block drafts.

How wide should a glass panel be for a walk in shower?

For the best water containment, your fixed glass panel should be at least 800mm to 900mm wide. However, we can custom-cut shower screens to perfectly match the unique proportions of your small bathroom.

Does water splash everywhere in a walk in shower?

If designed correctly, no. Proper floor grading, strategic showerhead placement, and an accurately measured glass shower screen will keep the water exactly where it belongs.

Can I put a walk in shower in a really small bathroom?

Absolutely. In fact, removing a bulky bath or standard shower cubicle and replacing it with a sleek walk in shower is the best way to make a tiny bathroom feel spacious.

For more on shower screens for small bathrooms

How much does a custom shower screen cost in Melbourne?

Costs vary depending on the size, glass type, and hardware finish. Because Flexi Showers manufactures locally, we offer highly competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

Ready to Transform Your Melbourne Bathroom?

You deserve a bathroom that feels like a relaxing sanctuary, no matter its size. A beautifully designed walk in shower is the perfect way to maximise your space, elevate your daily routine, and add significant value to your home.

Do not leave your bathroom renovation to chance. Trust the local experts who have been delivering exceptional quality to Melbourne homeowners for over four decades.

Are you ready to create the bathroom of your dreams?

Book a free measure and quote with our team today and discover how we can bring your bathroom vision to life.