Can I Install a Wet Room in a Small Bathroom?
Wet rooms have become increasingly popular in modern home design, thanks to their sleek, minimalist look and practical benefits. While traditionally associated with spacious, luxury bathrooms, wet rooms can also be an excellent choice for smaller spaces. But can you really install a wet room in a small bathroom? The short answer is yes! With the right planning, materials, and expertise, even a compact bathroom can be transformed into a stylish and functional wet room. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a wet room is, its advantages, the considerations for installing one in a small space, and whether it's the right choice for your home.
What is a Wet Room?
A wet room is essentially an open-plan, fully waterproofed (or “tanked”) bathroom where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor. Unlike traditional bathrooms, wet rooms eliminate the need for a shower tray or enclosed shower cubicle. Instead, the entire room is designed to be water-resistant, with a subtle gradient in the floor to ensure proper drainage.
The result is a streamlined, modern space that looks and feels more spacious than a traditional bathroom, even if the actual square footage is the same. Wet rooms are a popular choice for creating a spa-like atmosphere and are especially valued for their accessibility and ease of cleaning.
Advantages of a Wet Room in a Small Bathroom
1. Maximises Space One of the most significant advantages of installing a wet room in a small bathroom is that it maximises the available space. Traditional shower enclosures, bathtubs, or even bulky shower trays can take up valuable floor space, making a small bathroom feel cramped. By eliminating these barriers, a wet room creates a more open and streamlined appearance. This can make even the smallest of bathrooms feel more spacious and less cluttered.
2. Easy to Clean Wet rooms are often easier to clean compared to traditional bathrooms. Without the presence of shower trays, curtains, or doors, there are fewer areas for grime, soap scum, and mildew to accumulate. The water-resistant walls and floors can be wiped down easily, and the open-plan layout makes the entire room accessible for cleaning.
3. Accessible for All Ages Wet rooms are highly accessible and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The level flooring eliminates the need for stepping over a shower tray or bathtub edge, making wet rooms an ideal choice for people with mobility issues or families with young children. They are also often recommended for elderly homeowners who want to future-proof their homes.
4. Aesthetic Appeal A wet room adds a contemporary, high-end feel to a bathroom. The minimalist design can enhance the overall aesthetic, giving the room a sleek and modern vibe. With carefully chosen tiles and finishes, even a small wet room can become a beautiful feature in your home.
5. Increases Property Value While wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular, they are still seen as a luxurious addition to many homes. Installing one can increase the value of your property, especially if it’s well-designed and built to last. Buyers looking for modern, low-maintenance bathrooms may see a wet room as a major selling point.
Considerations for Installing a Wet Room in a Small Bathroom
While wet rooms offer many benefits, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to install one in a small bathroom. Proper planning and execution are key to ensuring that the space functions well and doesn’t cause any issues down the line.
1. Waterproofing and Drainage One of the most important aspects of a wet room is waterproofing, also known as "tanking." In a small space, ensuring that the entire room is fully waterproof is critical to prevent water damage to walls, floors, and surrounding areas. Special waterproof membranes and materials must be used during installation to create a watertight seal.
Drainage is another key consideration. The floor of a wet room needs to be slightly sloped towards the drain to ensure that water flows away properly. In small bathrooms, this can be more challenging to achieve, but it is essential to avoid puddling and water damage.
2. Ventilation Due to the high levels of moisture in a wet room, proper ventilation is crucial. Small bathrooms are particularly prone to humidity and condensation, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Installing a powerful extractor fan will help maintain airflow and reduce moisture levels in the room, ensuring that your wet room remains fresh and dry.
3. Tile Choice The choice of tiles is especially important in a small wet room. Porcelain or non-slip ceramic tiles are often recommended for wet room floors, as they are both waterproof and durable. Since the floor will be wet frequently, it’s essential to choose tiles with a slip-resistant finish to reduce the risk of accidents.
For the walls, you have more flexibility in terms of design, but keep in mind that using the same tiles for both the floor and walls can create a more cohesive, seamless look, which can help make a small space feel larger.
4. Layout and Design When designing a wet room in a small bathroom, every inch of space matters. Consider the placement of the showerhead, toilet, and basin carefully to maximise the available space and avoid overcrowding. In smaller wet rooms, it’s also worth considering installing wall-mounted fixtures, such as basins, toilets, or shelving, to free up floor space and create a more open, uncluttered appearance.
Glass screens or partitions can be used to subtly separate the shower area from the rest of the room without closing off the space, providing a functional yet open-plan feel.
Are Wet Rooms Suitable for Small Bathrooms?
The answer is yes, wet rooms can be an excellent option for small bathrooms, but they require careful planning and professional installation. A small bathroom’s space constraints don’t have to be a barrier to installing a wet room, especially when designed with functionality in mind.
Here are some key tips for ensuring that a wet room works well in a small bathroom:
Optimise the layout: Plan the layout of your wet room to make the most of the available space. Keep the showerhead away from the bathroom door and other fittings to minimise splashing.
Choose the right materials: Use waterproof, non-slip tiles and high-quality finishes to ensure your wet room is durable and easy to maintain.
Focus on drainage: Proper drainage and a slight slope in the floor are essential for preventing water pooling.
Don’t forget ventilation: Install a high-powered extractor fan to manage moisture levels and prevent dampness.
Conclusion: Is a Wet Room Right for Your Small Bathroom?
Wet rooms can transform small bathrooms into modern, stylish, and highly functional spaces. With the right design, materials, and professional installation, you can enjoy the many benefits of a wet room, including easy cleaning, increased accessibility, and a contemporary aesthetic. While there are important considerations—such as waterproofing, drainage, and ventilation—when done correctly, a wet room can add value and luxury to even the smallest of bathrooms.
At Bridgwater Bathrooms, we specialise in designing and installing wet rooms tailored to your needs and space. Whether you have a compact bathroom or are considering a complete renovation, our expert team can help you create the perfect wet room for your home. Contact us today to discuss your project and get a personalised quote.
