If you’re on the hunt for wet room ideas, there’s a good chance you already know what one is. However, for anyone who has stumbled across these inspirational spaces during their search for bathroom designs, it’s best to clear up what exactly it's defined as.
In theory, a wet room refers to a bathroom that has been completely tanked, meaning the floors and walls are sealed with a waterproof membrane to ensure that water can’t leak into the rest of the house.
The shower is usually open and level with the floor, creating a walk-in shower that’s not only stylish and minimal but also ideal for small spaces, where an enclosure would be bulky and eat up too much valuable room. Sounds like the perfect solution for your bathroom? Then check out these wet room ideas for inspiration.
1. Ditch the shower screen in your wet room
The joy of a true wet room is that every area can be a wet zone, meaning you don’t necessarily need to worry about installing a shower enclosure or even a shower screen. It can help to create a streamlined, minimal feel in any space.
This can be a big benefit in awkwardly small ensuite bathrooms, for example, as it eliminates the hassle of opening and closing a shower enclosure and the claustrophobia that comes with it.
If you’re concerned about splashes and spills spreading onto your floor, you could pair a tanked wet room with underfloor heating to help keep the space dry.
2. Or go for a screen for a more practical wet room space
Having said that, if possible, a shower screen is a practical addition to a wet room, helping to keep water contained to one place – not because of worries about it seeping through the floors, but for practical reasons. If your partner has just used the shower, you don’t want to have to walk on a very wet floor to use the sink, for example.
This will also help stop your basin, WC, and towel rail from getting soaked every time you take a shower. Sleek, frameless screens are often chosen in wet rooms to highlight the lack of enclosure, but you could also opt for something stylish, like this Crittall-style screen in this bathroom designed by Day True.
If your goal is to avoid as much water leakage as possible into the rest of the room, a full-height fixed panel will be your best bet – but you might also want to consider a framed option with a return panel.
3. Patterned tiles are the perfect wet room flooring idea
Using a standard shower drain in a wet room is perfectly viable, but keep in mind that the shower area will need to incline slightly towards it in order for water to drain effectively. With a standard drain, this will mean your tiler will have to cut the tiles surrounding the drain and angle them towards it.
Get a tiler on board with experience doing this, and you can end up with an effective result; don’t, and this part can look messy. These patterned bathroom floor tiles from Ca’Pietra also do an effective job at hiding these cuts when installed correctly.
"Patterned tile floors work exceptionally well in wet rooms because they are both practical and forgiving. In spaces that are constantly exposed to water, patterned surfaces help disguise water marks, limescale, and everyday wear, which is something we see time and again with clients," says Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, Founder and Interior Designer at House Designer.
Shop these pretty wet room tiling picks
Made from high-quality porcelain, these Art Deco-style tiles feature an eye-catching geometric design.
Available in pink, blue, black, green, and grey, these chequered-print tiles look elegant and are water-resistant.
Suitable for both walls and floors, these olive geometric tiles help create the illusion of space in your wet room.
Samantha-Jane Agbontaen is the Founder and Interior Designer at House Designer, a London-based interior and garden design studio. She works closely with a team of designers, homeowners, and builders across the UK, focusing on creating well-planned, thoughtful spaces that balance aesthetics with everyday functionality. Her work is grounded in practical design experience, careful material selection, and close collaboration throughout the design and build process.
4. Choose a discreet shower drain in your wet room
Another option is to opt for a sleek inset shower drain, often either in a metallic finish or adapted with your chosen floor tile. In this instance, a slight, unnoticeable incline will be used across the shower area, meaning that the water naturally drains towards the drain.
Samantha-Jane Agbontaen says, "Discreet or concealed drains make a significant difference to the overall feel of a wet room. They allow tiles to run uninterrupted across the floor, which immediately elevates the space and gives it a cleaner, more architectural look.
"Functionally, these drains often perform better in fully open wet rooms, especially when water needs to be managed across a larger surface area. When specifying one, we always consider the floor build-up, the direction of falls, and the tile format. Close coordination with the builder and waterproofing contractor is essential, as these systems rely on precision and need to be planned early in the build process."
5. Mix and match tiles for a distinctive wet room
With a fully tanked wet room, using one tile throughout for the walls and floors can be a little intense. Add texture and break up the uniformity of the space with a mix of tile designs, and create a unique statement. We particularly love this combination of rustic metro tiles and marble-effect tiles from Mandarin Stone.
Samantha-Jane Agbontaen says, "The most successful wet room designs start with clarity. We always establish a lead tile that sets the tone for the space, whether that is a patterned floor or a feature wall. Supporting tiles are chosen to complement rather than compete, often within the same colour family but with a different finish or scale.
"Tile changes should happen at logical architectural points, such as within the shower zone or behind a vanity. We also limit the number of tile types used. Two or three is usually enough to add depth while keeping the space calm and cohesive"
6. Highlight the shower area with a bold scheme
As previously mentioned, the lack of a shower enclosure or tray can really streamline the visual clutter of a small bathroom, so why not draw attention to this sleek look with a statement tile design?
In the photo above, this design by Matki draws the eye through the room, with a feature floor and wall that perfectly complements the dimensions of the narrow bathroom.
“Bold tiles, colours and finishes can be eye catching in a wet room, but they are most effective when the tiles are concentrated in the area where the shower is. Colour drenching the shower area itself, consisting of tiling the walls and floors in a single hue or similar tones, allows the space to feel immersive without it feeling overwhelming," says Alex Woods, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing.
Alex Woods is a bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, a major online bathroom and kitchen retailer based in Merseyside, UK.
7. Consider a walk-through shower
You’ve heard of walk-in showers, but what about a walk-through shower? The nature of a wet room means you can free the shower from being firmly positioned in a corner of the room, and a walk-through shower screen offers a stylish way to make a feature of the shower in an unusual way within the space.
Alex Woods says, “When planning a walk-through wet room, consider that the design must be considered from the outset. Thoughtfully positioned drainage ensures the space functions as well as it looks. That said, the visual of the room is equally important.
"Frameless glass panels, minimal fittings and light-reflecting finishes help keep a sense of flow, preventing the room from feeling constrained. In smaller layouts, slip resistance, discreet storage and wall-hung fixtures all contribute to a space that feels slightly more open.”
8. Create a separate wet room in your bathroom
If the idea of a near seamless shower floats your boat, but you still want an enclosure, why not try an idea like this from XUL Architecture for creating a wet room within your family bathroom design?
Built into a recess in the space and separated with doors, this spacious design has room to sit and dual showers, while retaining the visual simplicity of a level floor throughout the bathroom space.
Comfortable and stylish, this wet room idea creates a spa-like feel in your own home while remaining a practical choice for the whole family – and keeping your towels dry at the same time!
9. Use unique plaster finishes for the walls
Tiles aren’t the only way to provide a waterproof surface, especially for walls. Bathroom panels are growing in popularity for use in wet zones, but you could also consider waterproof polished plaster, such as Tadelakt, or microcement.
Samantha-Jane Agbontaen says, "Colourful plaster finishes are increasingly popular with clients who want something softer and more tactile than full tiling. When used correctly, specialist plaster systems designed for wet areas can add warmth and depth without compromising performance.
"We tend to favour muted, earthy tones that bring a sense of calm and reflect light gently. These finishes work particularly well when paired with stone or ceramic tiles, creating contrast between smooth and textured surfaces. As with all wet room finishes, proper specification and sealing are essential, and this is something we always review closely with builders and suppliers."
10. Don't rule out shower curtains in your wet room
When you think of a shower curtain, a dated, run-down bathroom might spring to mind – but don’t let this stereotype put you off, as there are plenty of stylish options that could look great in your wet room.
While a glass screen is our top choice for minimising water spray and complementing an ultra-modern bathroom design, curtains come in a range of styles, colours and patterns that can liven up your scheme.
Not only can they offer design appeal, but they are also a lot cheaper in comparison, with prices starting at just £5, and can be moved around flexibly.
The shower curtains we're loving
Add a splash of colour to your wet room with this funky curtain that features a unique scalloped trim.
Made from 100% organic cotton, this botanical shower curtain brings life to your wet room.
We're obsessed with the dainty lace trim on this pretty textured shower curtain.
11. Soften your wet room design with elegant arches
If space allows, incorporating curves and arches into your wet room design will instantly make the space feel more elevated and luxurious. Unlike generic straight lines and edges, which can feel boring and lifeless, curves create a sense of flow and provide a visual point of interest.
Samantha-Jane Agbontaen says, "Wet rooms often rely on clean lines and minimal detailing, which can sometimes make them feel stark. Introducing an arched form, whether in a shower opening, niche, or mirror, helps soften those hard edges and adds a sense of flow.
"Arches also break up rigid geometry and make spaces feel more welcoming, particularly in compact wet rooms. We often use them subtly, echoing the curve in other details so the design feels cohesive rather than decorative. It is a simple architectural gesture that adds warmth and character without impacting functionality."
12. Zone your wet room using clever tiling
“Tiling is really important in a wet room, as even subtle changes in tile direction, format, or tone can gently signal transitions between areas," says Alex Woods.
So, if you like the idea of a wet room but still want to distinguish different zones within the space, tiling can be a subtle – and inexpensive – way to do so.
"Larger tiles might run through the main space, while smaller mosaics around basins or windows add definition to those areas. Aligning grout lines across these transitions helps the space feel cohesive.”
No matter the size of your space or your personal style, there are countless ways to experiment with a wet room design and tailor it to your individual needs.
Before you get started on your new shower space, it's worth reading our guide on what a wet room is and how to install a wet room with a professional finish.
