A wet room bathroom is a sleek and contemporary alternative to traditional bathrooms, where the shower space is seamlessly integrated into the rest of the room, without the need for a cubicle or bath. This open-plan layout not only creates a sense of spaciousness but also makes your bathroom more accessible and easier to clean.
Here are tips for planning a wet room bathroom, covering the wet room layout and even the shower trays, to ensure you create a bathroom that is both stylish and functional.
1. Understanding the Wet Room Concept
At its core, a wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom with a walk-in shower area that blends into the rest of the space. There are no bulky enclosures or raised trays, just a gently sloping floor that channels water into a central or linear drain.
This layout is perfect for:
- Small bathrooms where space is at a premium
- Creating a minimalist, contemporary feel
- Improving accessibility for elderly users or those with limited mobility
With no doors or steps, wet rooms are low-maintenance, stylish and inclusive.
2. Choosing the Right Location for Your Wet Room
Location is everything when it comes to installing a wet room. Ideally, choose a bathroom space where it’s straightforward to adapt the drainage and waterproofing.
Key considerations include:
- Floor structure: Can the floor support the necessary gradient toward the drain? Timber floors often need additional work to ensure proper waterproofing.
- Plumbing access: Will adapting your existing plumbing add time or cost? The easier it is to run waste pipes, the smoother your project will go.
- Ventilation: A wet room produces more moisture than a standard bathroom. Installing an extractor fan is essential to avoid damp and mould issues and to keep the space well-ventilated.
3. Wet Room Layout: Balancing Style with Function
The layout of your wet room plays a crucial role in both functionality and comfort.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Drainage slope: The floor should gently slope towards the drain. Pre-formed sloping trays can make this easier to achieve.
- Shower positioning: Position the shower in a corner or against a wall to contain splash zones.
- Walk-in access: Keep entry step-free to improve accessibility.
- Clean lines: Minimise visual clutter and keep fixtures sleek and contemporary.
4. Choosing the Right Wet Room Shower Tray
Although wet rooms can be entirely open-plan, many homeowners choose to install a wet room shower tray for easier waterproofing and drainage.
When selecting a tray, consider:
- Waterproofing: The tray must form a watertight seal with the floor and walls.
- Pre-sloped design: This ensures water flows smoothly into the drain without pooling.
- Drain location: Choose from central, linear or corner drain placements depending on your layout.
- Custom sizing: Shower trays come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them adaptable for almost any space.
- Ease of installation: Many trays now come with integrated membranes for faster fitting and long-term durability.
5. Waterproofing: A Non-Negotiable Step
Waterproofing or “tanking” is one of the most important aspects of any wet room design. It involves applying a waterproof membrane to floors and walls to stop leaks and protect your home from water damage.
Focus on:
- Covering all surfaces, not just the shower area
- Reinforcing corners and joints where leaks are most likely
- Using high-quality sealing systems around fixtures and fittings
6. Fixtures and Finishes: Form Meets Function
Once your structure is sound, it’s time to add some style.
Choose finishes that are:
- Waterproof and easy to clean (e.g., porcelain tiles, natural stone or waterproof paints)
- Visually cohesive with the rest of your home
- Resistant to wear from moisture and frequent use
Large-format tiles and neutral tones can enhance the feeling of space and give your wet room a luxurious, spa-like feel.
7. Final Touches: Lighting and Ventilation
Lighting and ventilation are the final, essential touches for any wet room.
- Lighting: Use recessed, waterproof LED fixtures to maintain a clean ceiling line and ensure your bathroom feels bright and open.
- Ventilation: A powerful, quiet extractor fan will help control humidity and reduce the risk of mould or mildew.
With the right planning, a wet room bathroom can be a stylish and practical upgrade that transforms your space. From the slope of the floor to the layout of your shower tray, every detail contributes to the functionality and visual appeal of your design.
Want help bringing your wet room vision to life? Post your project on Design for Me to connect with talented architects and bathroom designers near you, completely free.
Emily
