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Low-curb showers offer the safe, easy entry of a curbless shower while keeping water where it belongs, making them a practical choice for nearly any household. They can also open up a small bathroom visually and cost considerably less than going fully curbless. Browse this roundup for inspiration on built-in niches, bench configurations, tile choices and fixture finishes.
1. Soothing and Spacious
Design-build firm May Construction tripled the footprint of this low-curb shower in a San Jose, California, bathroom with a new, open layout. Clear tempered glass with satin brass hardware keeps the enclosure clean and modern, while 5-by-5-inch glossy ivory ceramic tiles with subtle tone variations wrap the walls and both sides of the pony wall. Brushed gold finishes unify the wall-mounted shower head and handheld fixture. Two niches — one tucked into the pony wall near the new smart bidet toilet, another inside the shower — add storage without disrupting the serene aesthetic.
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2. Glamorous En Suite Upgrade
When a California couple found Blythe Interiors on Houzz, they asked designers Lynn Siemer and Dani Pestka to breathe new life into their 100-square-foot en suite primary bathroom. The low-curb shower is one of the standout transformations. The upgraded enclosure is taller and frameless, with a built-in bench and a 1-by-6-inch beige porcelain tile floor that provides a nonslip surface. The same glossy white tiles used on the shower walls carry through to the wall surrounding the new freestanding tub and the back of an arched niche behind the new makeup vanity. Beige-and-white checkerboard flooring ties the room together elegantly.
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3. Borrowed Space, Big Payoff
Design-build pro Jamaal Siddiqui, who uses Houzz Pro software, borrowed 20 square feet from the primary bedroom to carve out space for a double vanity and this low-curb shower in a Bedford, Massachusetts, home. A pony wall topped with a custom tempered glass panel separates the vanity from the shower while keeping the space feeling light and open. A ceiling-mounted shower head, wall-mounted shower head, three body sprayers and a pressure-balanced valve have a brushed nickel finish. Honed marble tiles in a 3-by-12-inch format cover the walls and back of a double niche, coordinating with the fan-shaped marble mosaic on both the shower and main bathroom floors.
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4. Bold Blue Moment
Vivid blue shower wall tiles in a staggered brick pattern deliver an energetic pop of color in this Eagleville, Pennsylvania, hall bathroom by Custom Craft. A double niche (not shown) and generous corner shelf keep bath products organized. The fixture lineup includes a rain shower head, wall-mounted shower head, handheld sprayer and matching grab bar. A sliding glass door completes the look while visually opening up the space.
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5. Midcentury Made New
An extensive renovation of this Long Beach, California, midcentury modern home by BLuu Construction included a primary bathroom with a roomy low-curb shower. Handmade zellige tiles laid in a vertical staggered pattern add movement and emphasize the room’s ceiling height. A new transom window brings in light while maintaining privacy. A quartz ledge runs the length of the back wall. The shower door swings out to the left by design, letting homeowners turn on the water without getting wet and reach towels on the warmer from inside the shower.
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10 Tips for Designing the Perfect Shower
6. Bright With Boundaries
A pony wall, fixed frameless glass partition and frameless glass door strike the right balance between privacy and light in this new Huntersville, North Carolina, low-curb shower by CoCreative Interiors and Simple Solutions Home. Polished blue ceramic wall tiles create a serene backdrop that coordinates beautifully with the vibrant botanical wallpaper wrapping the room. Matte black hexagonal tiles in a 2-by-2-inch format on the shower floor add contrast and a nonslip surface.
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7. Serene Green
Removing an oversize bench and eliminating soffits opened up this low-curb shower in a Charlotte, North Carolina, bathroom by ReVision Design + Build. A glass enclosure now extends higher for an airier look. Creamy white limestone-look porcelain tiles in a 12-by-24-inch format line the shower walls and main floor, creating a cohesive, calming backdrop. Pale green penny tiles on the shower floor and in a niche coordinate with the earthy sage green of Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog used on the vanity, ceiling and mirror frame. A shower door handle that doubles as a towel bar is a small but smart finishing touch.
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8 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa
8. Classic Meets Moody
In this Fayette, Ohio, primary bathroom by Lange Custom Builders, a custom tempered glass enclosure keeps the expanded low-curb shower feeling light and airy despite its moody palette. Authentic zellige tiles — made from natural unrefined clay in a rich red-brown — line the shower walls, their tonal variation adding depth and texture. A fixed shower head and hand shower on a slide bar have a gold finish. Marble-look quartz unifies the custom niche, built-in bench and other shower details, tying in with the floating walnut vanity’s countertop for a cohesive look.
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9. Art-Inspired Overhaul
A smarter layout and the removal of an old built-in tub gave House of Norica room to add a larger low-curb shower and a freestanding tub in this London bathroom. Pipework behind the tub was boxed in to create a narrow shelf trimmed in brass, a detail that coordinates neatly with the trim on the shower’s glass enclosure. A painting above the tub inspired the pale blue zellige tile choice, which brings subtle texture and gentle color shifts to the space.
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10. Pattern and Purpose
A reworked layout in this Portland, Oregon, retreat by Amy Pearson Design made room for an expansive low-curb shower that spans the full width of the room. Trapezoidal Carrara marble mosaic tiles cover the bathroom and shower floors and wrap the shower curb, drawing the eye in and creating a sense of more space. Graphite geometric tiles line the side walls, while the same pattern in clean white opens up the back wall visually. A fixed shower head paired with a hand shower offers flexible bathing options. An operable transom window inside the shower adds natural light and ventilation.
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The homeowners wanted a bathroom that looked clean and bright with warm rustic touches for contrast. The vanity sets the tone with oak cabinetry, a white quartz countertop and matte black hardware and fixtures. “The wife really wanted brass but the husband didn’t,” Johnson says. “Mixing black and brass finishes was a good compromise that worked for both of them.”
A pair of mirrored medicine cabinets adds storage above the vanity. A ledge running along this wall extends the wood upward, creates a natural stopping point for the backsplash and provides a spot for everyday items and display.
The wife fell in love with the alabaster wall sconce, which introduces a touch of brass. Its oval shape, along with the rounded black mirror frames, softens the room’s strong straight lines.
Wall color: Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams
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After: The remodeling team replaced the cramped original addition with a much larger, light-filled living room that includes a modern fire feature and a TV. Wrapped in expansive windows and offering direct access to two new decks, the space finally capitalizes on the home’s scenic setting. “All these spaces connect now,” Jants says. “The kitchen is now centered between two entertaining areas. You can host and have separate conversation areas yet you’re still in the same space.”
At the end of the island, the structural support posts sit atop acrylic globes. “They’re different and an uncommon decorative element,” Jants says. “They’re like salt. They season the design.”
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Designer: Erica Lugbill of Lugbill Designs
Location: Winnetka, Illinois
Size: 300 square feet; (28 square meters) 15 by 20 feet
Location: Winnetka, Illinois
Size: 300 square feet; (28 square meters) 15 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The primary bedroom needed a refresh,” says designer Erica Lugbill. “What wasn’t working was a lack of architectural character and a sense that the room hadn’t quite been finished. The homeowners wanted something moodier and more layered, with real dimension on the walls and ceiling. The vision centered on bringing in darker accents, custom built-ins, thoughtful lighting and the kind of details — molding, paneling, upholstery — that make a bedroom provide a true sense of calm, rather than just a place to sleep.”
Layered details. “The layering in this room starts at the ceiling,” Lugbill says. “We introduced custom crown molding and painted the entire ceiling — molding included — in Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black, a warm black that anchors the space and draws the eye upward in an unexpected way. A complementary color — Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore — carries into the TV built-in, giving the cabinetry a moody, furniture-like quality.
“On the bed wall, a custom upholstered headboard and footboard are paired with proposed 2-inch fluted wall panels that add tactile depth and a quiet sophistication. The height of the headboard adds a dramatic focal point. The window treatments are a ripplefold drapery in a soft, light-blocking panel on a track that moves beautifully and keeps the palette calm and cohesive. Underfoot, the bedroom is grounded by a plush wool rug.”
Other special features. “Opal bedside pendants replace traditional table lamps, freeing up surface space and adding a sculptural lighting element on either side of the bed,” Lugbill says. “The ceiling fan was chosen for its sleek profile — functional without sacrificing the room’s elevated aesthetic. A dark navy faux Belgian linen dresser, a bedside table in charcoal gray oak with Bianco Lilac marble and a round side table in white-and-gray bone round out the furniture, each chosen to layer material and finish without competing.”
Designer tip. “Paint your ceiling dark and don’t stop at the crown molding,” Lugbill says. “One of the most impactful moves we made in this primary bedroom was painting the ceiling black. Homeowners often treat the ceiling as an afterthought, defaulting to white. But a dark ceiling creates intimacy, adds architectural drama and makes every other element in the room feel more grounded. It’s a commitment, but it’s one of those decisions that immediately elevates a space from pretty to truly designed. If you’re nervous, start with a small room, but once you see it you won’t look back.”
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The new tub can act as a cold plunge, thanks to a cooler on shelving tucked away to the right of the shower. Or it can be filled with hot water for a traditional steamy bath. Completing the spa look are a blue iron chandelier with handmade papier-mâché flowers and, against the back wall, an abstract artwork in cheerful, relaxing tones.
To the right of the tub, the water closet got an update with deep blue walls. The overall palette, a base of white with blue accents and the sauna’s light wood, creates a clean and airy look that’s just right for a relaxing retreat.
Tub: Brainpod 2.0, Polar Monkeys; tub filler: Purist, Kohler; chandelier: Terrell Swann, Stray Dog Designs; water closet paint: Bunglehouse Blue, Sherwin-Williams
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11. Warm and Welcoming
A new custom Eastern black walnut double vanity adds a generous dose of warmth in this updated California primary bathroom by designer Lori Wallick. The piece includes inset soft-close doors and drawers in two styles: Shaker for the doors and bottom two sets of drawers and flat-panel for the row of top drawers. The countertop and short backsplash are Taj Mahal quartzite, which complements the rest of the palette in the bathroom. Two earth-tone concrete sinks tie in with the concrete tub opposite the vanity. Sleek gold-finish widespread faucets join brushed pewter cabinet pulls and hand-hammered copper mirrors for a mixed-metals look.
Custom vanity: Oak Ridge Cabinets
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2. Include Natural Materials
Natural textures are key to this look. Wood, stone, jute, linen and wool will all provide a link to nature and work together to create a fuss-free scheme.
Go for clean-lined furniture shapes for a contemporary take. Choosing unpainted wood that allows the grain to show through and undyed fabrics in natural tones will help to create a tactile and earthy scheme that provides a link to the outdoors all year round.
Smaller elements, such as jute or seagrass baskets, can also help to introduce pleasing texture in a simple way.
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For this busy Minnesota couple with three teenage daughters, the original primary bathroom was cramped, dated and uninspiring. Designer Victoria Johnson transformed the space into a serene retreat with a freestanding soaking tub, a furniture-style white oak double vanity and a spa-worthy shower with integrated LED lighting. Soothing neutral tones, thoughtful storage and luxe finishes turned this once-boring bathroom into a peaceful, elevated haven perfect for recharging after a hectic day.
Before Photo
“After” photos by Jared Martin
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple — a CPA and an art teacher — with three teenage daughters
Location: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Size: 170 square feet (16 square meters)
Designer: M. Victoria Johnson Interiors
Before: The former bathroom, with powder blue walls and a basic beige tile floor, had an aging wood double vanity that offered little storage. “Storage was an issue for sure,” Johnson says. “Everything was just in need of an update and upgrade.”
A solid-surface countertop and row of Hollywood-style vanity lights dated the space. Nearby, a corner tub with deck ate up valuable square footage. The door at right leads to the primary bedroom; the other door reflected in the mirror opens to the couple’s closet.
After: Johnson removed the old double vanity, tub, tub deck, flooring and shower to make way for a fresh, open layout. The new furniture-style quartersawn white oak double vanity features inset cabinets and a custom dark stain that highlights the wood’s rich grain. Easy-access drawers have black button knobs. “There’s always the issue of getting around the plumbing, but I believe drawers are the best kind of storage under a sink in a bathroom,” Johnson says. “We went with slab fronts but added trim around the drawers to add more detail and depth.”
A tower cabinet with adjustable shelves provides storage for linens and essentials. Its metal-framed door with reeded glass lightens the vanity wall while hiding clutter. The large bottom drawer includes a built-in outlet and custom partition for hair tools.
The counter and backsplash are Fusion quartzite, a durable natural stone with dramatic patterning and swirling colors. “It’s stunning and definitely the wow factor of this bathroom,” Johnson says. Mitered edges give the countertop a substantial feel. Walls, ceiling and trim are painted a light greige (Gossamer Veil by Sherwin-Williams) with a limewash finish. “Limewash is good for spaces with moisture, and I also wanted to have texture but not do tile everywhere,” Johnson says. “I figured if we went with a finish that was good for a space with moisture we could solve that. It also adds texture to the space.”
The floor was upgraded to 12-by-24-inch large-format light gray matte porcelain tiles laid in a herringbone patter with matching grout for a clean, contemporary look.
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Above the vanity, two 18-by-27-inch mirrored medicine cabinets with black aluminum frames add sleek storage. “I love medicine cabinets so much,” Johnson says. “They offer a lot of storage. They’re not deep and sit at eye level, so things are easier to reach.”
A bold, extra-large black LED zigzag sconce mounted vertically between the mirrors adds modern flair. “I don’t like sconces above mirrors,” Johnson says. “I think when you have them next to the mirror you get better lighting. In this space I didn’t have the room to add them on each side, so I put one in the middle. This one in particular is more like a decorative piece or statement.” New recessed LED ceiling lights on dimmers provide overall illumination. (They were digitally removed by the photographer to showcase other design details.)
Sconce: Zig Zag, Visual Comfort; medicine cabinets: Infinity in black, CB2
Before and After: 4 Elevated Bathrooms in 170 to 180 Square Feet
The vanity’s two rectangular undermount sinks are paired with sleek two-handle faucets in brushed nickel. “I didn’t want black faucets — I think they look too heavy,” Johnson says. “I felt strongly the finish needed to be brushed. I felt this finish was lower-maintenance, and I like the warmth of the nickel. I think they look a little modern too.”
Faucet: Castia in brushed nickel, Kohler
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Before Photo
Before: The large corner tub with deck felt cramped and out of place. “I think they were just looking for something that looked modern and fresh, not so heavy,” Johnson says. The tub sat beneath a pair of corner windows with fixed frosted glass panels, which the homeowners wanted to keep.
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After: Johnson removed the bulky tub and deck and installed a white oval freestanding acrylic soaking tub with an integrated drain. “The clean lines were more than anything why we wanted that tub,” Johnson says.
A floor-mounted tub filler with hand shower head and diverter in vibrant brushed nickel matches the vanity faucets. Durable fabric drapes soften the existing windows and add warmth. Johnson mounted the drapery rod a few inches higher to visually lift the walls. She also removed the window trim and added a sheetrock detail for a cleaner, more modern look.
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Before Photo
Before: The standard stall shower with a short glass enclosure, beige tile and two cluttered corner shelves felt tight. A lone recessed can light offered minimal illumination. “The shower had two shower heads,” Johnson says. “It wasn’t like a rain shower and a regular shower head. It was two shower heads on separate walls in a small space and it didn’t make sense.”
The door next to the shower leads to the water closet, which the homeowners wanted to keep. “We changed the toilet, continued the tile into that space and painted the water closet,” Johnson says.
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After: The upgraded shower now feels spacious and polished with a custom tempered glass panel and matte porcelain tiles from the same collection as the main floor tile. In the shower, the midtone gray tiles cover the ceiling, walls and floor in a mosaic size that adds depth and interest. “These tiles look more blue in person,” Johnson says. “The mosaic size adds texture and we used a grout that’s kind of blue too. It turned out very nice.”
The new setup includes a fixed shower head, an 8-inch contemporary rain can, a hand shower and a pressure-balanced valve with diverter, all in vibrant brushed nickel. A long niche keeps products organized and off the floor, while an integrated LED lighting strip adds a modern glow. “I love the overall look and feel,” Johnson says. “It’s definitely not a basic bathroom anymore. The improved storage we gave them is great too.”
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The right wallcovering can take a basic bathroom from forgettable to fantastic. Color, pattern and texture instantly boost character, often for far less than a full tile job. And with today’s moisture-resistant, easy-clean wallpapers and other treatments, designers have more flexibility than ever to create standout spaces. See how pros used wallcoverings to dial up personality in these fashion-forward baths.
1. Puzzle Perfect
When designer Harmony Weihs of Design Harmony remodeled her Seattle home for her blended family, she turned a pandemic pastime into decor. Completed puzzles now top the walls of their simple powder room, sealed in Mod Podge, trimmed to fit and mounted with tiny brass nails. To keep the look from feeling overwhelming, moody millwork anchors the bottom, creating a striking contrast that balances whimsy with sophistication.
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2. Blooming With Style
In this Minneapolis-area bathroom for a retired couple, designer Jami Ludens of Studio M Interiors and contractor Ben Garvin of Garvin Homes brought personality to the walls with Thibaut’s Indian Flower Ceylon wallpaper in Spa Blue. The floral pattern ties together soft blues, creams, whites and grays, adding charm and cohesion to the serene, spa-inspired space.
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3. Marbled Magic
Kaitlin McQuaide of McQuaide Co. gave this coastal Nantucket, Massachusetts, powder room a moody, modern makeover with Rule of Three Studio’s hand-marbled Stone Plume wallpaper. Applied to the top half of the walls, the dramatic pattern pairs perfectly with trim, doors and wainscoting lacquered in Benjamin Moore’s North Sea Green, creating a striking, contemporary contrast.
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4. Whimsical Wings
Designer Christy Mancera of Cera Construction brought a fairy-tale vibe to this Henderson, Nevada, bathroom for two young girls with butterfly wallpaper (HappyWall’s Enchanting Dried Wildflowers Meadow 1). Paired with a pale pink double vanity, brass bow-shaped drawer pulls and a scalloped toekick, the space feels dreamy, playful and full of sweet, whimsical style.
Mancera and the rest of the design-build team used Houzz Pro software during the entire process, from the beginning of the design phase until construction was complete. “It helped us keep all the communication between the clients and all the team members organized and efficient,” Mancera says.
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6. Splash of Inspiration
In their Texas Hill Country vacation cottage, designer Lauren Lowry and her husband, Joel, used a playful fish wallpaper as the style springboard for the entire home. In this remodeled bathroom, the aquatic motif nods to nearby lakes and rivers while the vintage rustic pink sets the tone for a warm, welcoming vibe throughout the renovated cottage.
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9. Vintage Charm
Designer Tammara Stroud, discovered by the homeowner on Houzz, brought vintage flair to this 1904 Seattle bungalow powder room with a William Morris botanical wallpaper. Paired with glass-and-brass sconces, crystal hardware and a hammered brass mirror frame, the wallpaper amplifies the Craftsman-style charm while adding sophisticated, timeless style to the small space.
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House at a Glance
Who lives here: A retired couple
Location: Bronxville, New York
Size: 2,500 square feet (232 square meters); two bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
Designer: Curated Nest
Contractor: DTF Rosemount
The homeowners were happy with the condo’s open floor plan after having lived with smaller, more compartmentalized rooms in their previous Tudor-style home.
Galvao and Coren identified the couple’s style by visiting their house during a thorough design phase. This included sharing inspiration images, discussing their vision, understanding how they live and reviewing their art collection.
“They have the kind of art collection where they had picked up pieces on their travels and every piece had a story behind it,” Galvao says. “We were able to discern a lot about their style from their art collection.”
The well-traveled couple spend extended periods abroad for the husband’s job. He’s English and their time living in England gave the wife, a jazz composer with an Italian background, a deep appreciation for afternoon tea. The entry, seen here from the living room, includes a tea nook, coat closet and powder room.
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