When it comes to designing or upgrading your bathroom, the shower is often the centerpiece. It’s not just a functional feature—it’s where you start your mornings with a refreshing burst of energy or end your evenings in a soothing retreat. Because it’s such a central part of daily life, choosing the right type of shower is a decision that requires both practical and stylistic consideration. Among the most popular options are walk-in showers and enclosed indoor showers, each offering unique advantages, challenges, and design opportunities.
While both styles bring comfort and convenience, the choice between a sleek, open walk-in shower and a fully enclosed model often comes down to lifestyle, space, and personal preference. Understanding the strengths of each can help you design a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but also functions perfectly for your needs.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is defined by its open, doorless layout. Instead of a shower stall enclosed with doors or curtains, a walk-in uses a partial glass partition or low wall to contain the spray. The rest remains open, blending seamlessly with the bathroom. This style is especially popular in modern and minimalist designs, where openness, light, and clean lines are priorities.
The main appeal of a walk-in shower is its sense of space. Even in medium-sized bathrooms, the absence of doors makes the room feel larger and less cramped. It also creates an airy, spa-like atmosphere that homeowners love. Some walk-in showers feature luxurious add-ons such as rainfall showerheads, wall-mounted jets, built-in benches, and even niches for toiletries.
What Is an Enclosed Indoor Shower?
An enclosed indoor shower, in contrast, has doors that separate the bathing space from the rest of the bathroom. These doors can be sliding, hinged, or bi-fold, and they may be framed or frameless depending on the design. Enclosures may be simple prefabricated units or custom-built with glass, tile, or stone.
The advantage of an enclosed shower is containment. Because it fully separates the shower area, it keeps water and steam confined, making it especially practical in bathrooms where moisture control is essential. Enclosed showers also provide privacy, something walk-ins sometimes lack. Whether you want clear glass for an open feel or frosted glass for discretion, an enclosed shower offers more flexibility in tailoring the atmosphere.
Style and Aesthetic Considerations
Your shower choice will have a major impact on your bathroom’s overall design. Walk-in showers exude simplicity and elegance. Their open concept allows tilework, stone, or accent walls to be on full display without interruption. This makes them an excellent choice if you want your shower to double as a design statement. In homes where a spa-like environment is the goal, a walk-in shower often delivers that relaxing, uncluttered look.
Enclosed showers, meanwhile, provide more options for personalization. They can be sleek and modern with frameless glass doors, or more traditional with framed enclosures that highlight metal finishes like chrome, black, or brass. Frosted or patterned glass can add texture and visual interest, while the contained space can also feel cozier and more intimate compared to the openness of a walk-in.
Functionality and Daily Comfort
A big part of your decision will come down to how the shower fits into your daily routine. Walk-in showers are incredibly accessible because they eliminate thresholds, steps, or doors. For individuals with mobility challenges, children, or older adults, this makes showering much safer and easier. Additionally, the open concept provides more room for movement and doesn’t feel restrictive.
On the other hand, enclosed showers appeal to those who enjoy a steamy, contained environment. Because the doors trap in heat, they create a cocoon-like atmosphere that feels cozy—especially in colder months. The enclosed style also prevents splashing, which means less drying and cleanup outside the shower area. For people who like long, hot showers, an enclosed space may feel more relaxing than the open design of a walk-in.
Space and Layout Considerations
Bathroom size is often a deciding factor. Walk-in showers work best in medium or large bathrooms where there is enough room to accommodate proper drainage and splash control. A poorly planned walk-in can cause water to spread, so the design usually requires sloped flooring and strategic placement of drains.
In smaller bathrooms, enclosed showers tend to be more practical. They neatly contain water in a defined space, making them an efficient solution. Compact corner enclosures or curved doors are especially useful for maximizing floor space while still providing a comfortable shower experience.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning is another key consideration. Walk-in showers generally require less maintenance because they have fewer components. With minimal hardware and no doors, there are fewer places for grime, soap scum, or mildew to accumulate. Large tiles or solid-surface walls further reduce grout lines, making it easier to maintain a fresh, clean look.
Enclosed showers require more upkeep due to doors, seals, and tracks that can accumulate residue. Glass doors, in particular, may need regular cleaning to prevent water spots and streaks. The extra hardware, like hinges or rollers, also requires occasional maintenance. However, enclosed showers can be kept spotless with consistent care—daily squeegeeing, ventilation, and the use of water repellents all make the job easier.
Cost and Installation
Budget is another factor. Walk-in showers, especially custom designs, are often more expensive. Because they require precision in drainage and waterproofing, installation can be more complex and labour-intensive. High-end finishes such as frameless glass panels, natural stone, and built-in seating can add to the cost.
Enclosed showers generally offer more affordable options, particularly prefabricated models. These units are faster to install and typically cost less than custom walk-ins. Of course, luxury enclosed showers with frameless glass and premium finishes can also be expensive, but overall, enclosed designs offer more flexibility across budget ranges.
Lifestyle and Long-Term Value
When thinking long-term, it’s helpful to ask how each shower type aligns with your lifestyle. Walk-in showers often appeal to homeowners who value modern aesthetics, accessibility, and easy maintenance. They’re particularly attractive for people planning to age in place, since their barrier-free design remains functional over time.
Enclosed showers, on the other hand, may be better suited to households where privacy, heat retention, and water containment are top priorities. Families with children often find enclosed showers more practical, while individuals who enjoy the traditional feel of a cozy shower space may also prefer this style.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
There is no universal “better” option—only what works best for your needs. A walk-in shower is a perfect choice if you want a sleek, spacious bathroom that feels modern and luxurious. An enclosed indoor shower is ideal if you prefer privacy, warmth, and practicality, especially in smaller spaces. The right decision will depend on your bathroom’s size, your daily habits, and your long-term goals for comfort and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do walk-in showers cause water to splash outside the shower area?
Yes, walk-in showers can sometimes allow water to splash out, especially if the design lacks proper drainage or barriers. Installing a sloped floor and using a strategically placed glass panel helps contain water effectively.
Are walk-in showers more expensive than enclosed showers?
Generally, yes. Walk-in showers often require custom designs, tiling, and waterproofing systems, which add to the cost. Enclosed showers, especially prefabricated versions, are more budget-friendly and faster to install.
How do I keep glass shower doors free of water spots?
The best method is daily maintenance. Wipe the doors with a squeegee after each use, and occasionally clean with a vinegar-water solution. Using water-repellent sprays also helps reduce streaks and buildup.
Can I convert my existing enclosed shower into a walk-in?
Yes, many homeowners choose to remodel enclosed showers into walk-ins. This usually involves removing doors, reframing the space, and adjusting the drainage system. Professional installation ensures proper waterproofing and durability.
