After a long day of hiking the Seattle foot trails or taking in the sights (wherever you may live), there’s nothing quite like a hot shower to look forward to. But if you get home and have to cram yourself into a shower that’s too small or simply not aligned to your needs, suddenly, the feel of the hot water against your skin is not enough.
Every day, homeowners all over the U.S. decide to kick off a home remodel, and bathrooms are a high priority. And what is it that homeowners focus on in their bathrooms? For most, it starts with the tub and shower spaces. After all, you’ll spend a lot of time there throughout the years. In this article, we’ll walk you through the shower upgrades that will give you the most bang for your buck and the most enjoyment and functionality over the long term.
Popular Shower Remodel Trends Homeowners Are Loving
Flip on any home improvement show on television, and you’ll see builders and remodelers spending time thinking through the perfect shower space. Why? Because it is such a focal point in the room. Plus, if your shower isn’t well-designed, you’ll regret it not just down the road, but more likely, right away.
So, what are some of the trends that homeowners are focusing on today? You may be surprised by the answer. Many of today’s most popular updates aren’t about flashy extras or features that you might consider to be over-the-top. Instead, the focus is on smart, thoughtful shower upgrades that feel good to use every day and age well over time.
Here are the most popular shower remodel trends, according to general contractors and bathroom remodelers.
- Walk-in showers instead of fancy tubs that just aren’t used as much as they used to be
- Larger open layouts that make a bathroom feel roomier
- Clear, frosted, frameless, or semi-frameless glass
- Classic tile paired with matte black and brushed finishes
- Built-in niches for storage and benches for seating
Affordable Shower Upgrades That Still Feel High-End
We know what you’re thinking: aren’t these shower upgrades expensive? The truth is that these changes to your shower don’t have to be as pricey as you might expect. Many affordable shower upgrades focus on improving how the space looks and works without tearing everything apart.
Here are some things that homeowners can do to give their shower an overhaul without breaking the bank.
- Replacing old-school fixtures with modern styles
- Updating tile while keeping plumbing in place to control costs
- Adding a handheld shower head or dual controls for flexibility and comfort
- Replacing old glass doors or shower curtains with sleeker, updated options
- Create a zero-barrier entry that makes it easier to climb in and out (not just now, but later in life, too)
The thing to know is that affordable doesn’t mean temporary or flimsy. And when you work with the right bathroom remodeler, you can balance your budget while also increasing future resale value. Sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?
Shower and Tub Upgrades That Improve Daily Use
It would be remiss to suggest shower upgrades that focus just on looks and not on long-term use. The reality is that in most homes, the shower is used at least once a day, if not more. That means that whatever changes you make, you want them to last. And, you want to make sure that those changes are useful now as well as down the road.
So, what does that look like? It often comes down to thinking about how your household actually uses the space. For many homeowners, converting a tub-shower combo into a more open layout makes daily routines easier and less cramped. That said, keeping a tub can still make sense for families with young children or homes where resale flexibility matters.
Tub-to-shower conversions offer the most practical, and often the most economical middle ground, giving you the openness of a shower while working within the existing footprint. These kinds of shower and tub upgrades are especially popular in homes with limited square footage.
Common Shower Niche Mistakes
As you start thinking through your bathroom remodel and shower upgrades, be sure to keep emotion and excitement for just one thing drive your decision-making. Remember those television home improvement shows we talked about? Watching those shows can make it so easy for you to get your heart stuck on one thing while ignoring more important factors.
Here are some of the bathroom renovation blunders that we often see.
- Forgetting how the bathroom is actually used, including washing, toileting, and showering or bathing
- Letting one design feature drive every decision while overlooking function
- Not thinking a few years ahead, which can lead to another remodel sooner than expected
- Placing shower niches without considering reach, storage needs, or bottle sizes
- Overlooking lighting, especially inside the shower, which can make the space feel darker than planned
Small Shower Changes Can Have a Major Life Impact
So, what’s the message to take away from all of this? First, have fun with your bathroom and shower remodel. Don’t let it stress you out. And second? Think through not just what you enjoy and the trends you like, but what your needs are now and what they might be in the future.
This means things like accessibility and function, not just a bathroom that looks amazing. And the great news? With the right forward thinking and some thoughtful planning, you absolutely can achieve both.
