Wet room design ideas and inspiration
by
Checkatrade

If you’re looking to redesign your bathroom, you might be considering the idea of creating a wet room. This modern style of bathroom features waterproof surfaces from floor to wall, which helps to prevent water damage. In this article, we detail what you need to know about wet rooms and how to get the most from your design.

Are wet rooms a good idea?

Wet rooms offer a modern twist on the conventional bathroom but deliver more than just good looks. For one, wet rooms are far more accessible than other forms of bathrooms. Most wet rooms are designed with a slope to help remove any excess water, which means that shower trays usually are not needed. For those with a disability, removing a shower tray makes access to the shower far easier. Wet rooms are also more comfortable to maintain as the surfaces are far easier to clean than in traditional bathrooms.

As well as being easier to access and clean, wet rooms can also add value to your property. Unlike standard bathrooms, properly installed wet rooms are not susceptible to leaks. Most household leaks are often caused by a water issue related to the bathroom. Therefore, by waterproofing the area, you’re protecting the structure of your property. This doesn’t just affect leaks, but also the chance of damp forming. What’s more, as well as offering additional water protection, waterproof boarding is an excellent source of insulation. This means your wet room has a better chance of feeling warm on those cold winter mornings.

Can any bathroom be a wet room?

Yes, pretty much. With the right design, any existing bathroom can be turned into a wet room. Converting a traditional bathroom to a more modern wet room is an increasingly popular renovation job. However, it’s a task that’s best left to an expert, as it requires significant tiling and waterproofing. Arguably the biggest change is forming the slope in the wet room. There are several ways to do this, but the best way is to use a shower tray former. These formers are built into the floor and tiled over to create a seamless finish.

Can a wet room be installed upstairs?

Of course! It’s possible to build a wet room on any level of a building. In fact, most wet rooms are situated upstairs in a home. This is because many homeowners prefer to keep their downstairs toilet more traditional. If you’re considering making the switch, then it’s best to bring in an expert. Using a trusted tradesperson site like Checkatrade can help you to connect with a bathroom expert that has wet room experience. They will be able to talk you through your options and work with you to draw up a suitable design.

Can you have a wet room in a small bathroom?

Wet rooms are well-suited to smaller bathrooms as they help improve space usage. Most wet rooms have showers, but no baths, which helps to reduce the need for space. There’s also no need for other bulkier features like shower enclosures and doors. Instead, a wet room can be designed in a minimalistic manner, allowing you to take advantage of even the little space that you might have.  Read our article on how to best design a wet room in a small bathroom.

What are Checkatrade’s design tips for a wet room?

• Invest in a stand out shower head
Most wet rooms don’t feature a bath, so it’s important to get the design of your shower right. One of the best ways is to invest in a stand out shower head that makes a bold visual statement. In the last few years, bathroom suppliers have started to stock extended lines of showerheads. Have a look around, and with the right choice, you can create a wet room that wouldn’t look out of place in a swanky hotel!

• Choose a heated towel rack
As the name suggests; wet rooms can get pretty wet. That’s why it’s handy to have somewhere to hang your towel. If you want to keep it simple, just add a towel hook to the back of the bathroom door. However, if you’re going to go for something more ambitious, consider installing a wall-mounted towel rack. Not only do wall-mounted towel racks look great, but they’re also efficient. If you want to go even further, why not choose a heated towel rack, which will dry your items even quicker.

• Consider underfloor heating
There’s nothing worse than standing barefoot on a freezing bathroom floor on a cold winter morning. Unfortunately, this is still an issue in wet rooms, unless you install underfloor heating, which can help make wet rooms more comfortable.