Closet space or bigger shower

11 years ago

Hi! I'm in the urgent need of some advice. I am contemplating an "on the fly" design change. See the picture below. Basically, what would you recommend: a wider shower or more closet space?

The differences are small, but when I stood in the shower, it felt a little narrow. On the other hand, I know people tell me closet space is important. I'll be losing about 1 foot of closet space split between the two closets.

Any advice would be swell.

Featured Answer

PRO

Expressive Interiors

11 years ago

It really does depend on your needs. I think the amount are so small that if you prefer the larger shower then you should go for it. There are so many ways to maximize the space in your closet that you can make up for the loss of space using good organizational installations. Go for the larger shower!!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

jennyrf
11 years ago
its ultimately what works best for you. are those your only clothes closets for your bedroom? do you have a lot of clothes? consider double rods- top rod, and bottom rod, it will double your hanging space. 6 inches will make the shower feel a bit bigger, but you are losing 1 foot in the closets
David Kan
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks Jenny. There is another smallish closet in the bedroom room. About 3ft wide. I should mention that before the remodel, I had 7'10" of closet space. So I'll be going down about 10" from where I was. It was more than enough but I'm a single guy with simple fashion needs.
Related Professionals
New Orleans Interior Designers & Decorators · Laredo Interior Designers & Decorators · Amarillo Interior Designers & Decorators · Birmingham Architects & Building Designers · Natchez Architects & Building Designers · Jacksonville Architects & Building Designers · Lafayette Architects & Building Designers · Los Angeles Architects & Building Designers · Orange County Architects & Building Designers · Yuba City Architects & Building Designers · Kankakee Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Beatrice Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Newport Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Superior Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Carlsbad Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
PRO
Antonio Martins Interior Design
11 years ago
Agree with all the above comments but a larger shower is the way to go. You would be surprised how this 4 " will make a difference ! We are completing a shower now in SF where we faced the same issue and it make a HUGE difference. Good luck
David Kan thanked Antonio Martins Interior Design
PRO
SoCal Contractor
11 years ago
You should enlarge the shower. It seems to be the best option what you personally want. You'll only be in the closet to briefly grab some clothes, but you'll have to spend more time in the shower so its important that you are comfortable during that time.
David Kan thanked SoCal Contractor
David Kan
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks! One part of the consideration I didn't mention is that I'd have to pay extra since the plumbing is already in for the narrower-shower design. It would be "a couple of thousand" for material and labor. Any opinions on that? (My contractor has been trustworthy.)
User
11 years ago
It's only 4 inches. Imo, it's not worth a couple thousand for 4 inches, when 36 inches is enough width for a shower. If you were starting with a much smaller size like 26 inches, that would be a different story.
David Kan thanked User
jennyrf
11 years ago
ya a couple thousand dollars for a couple inches changes things. depends on your budget!
David Kan thanked jennyrf
David Kan
Original Author
11 years ago
One other note: the 36'' reduces to 33'' when the sheetrock and tile get in there, unfortunately...
User
11 years ago
That's true. My shower is 30-33" and I was concerned when we redid it. Thankfully it turned out big enough, but if I could have knocked down walls, I would have made it wider. So, if you can afford to change it, then make it wider. If you can't, then there's your answer.
David Kan thanked User
David Kan
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks everybody. I decided to switch things around and go with the 40'' shower. The contractor said that because I'm using a linear drain (or trench drain), he won't have to move that part so it might even be easier (and less expensive) than he thought.