6 New Small Bathrooms With a Luxurious Low-Curb Shower
See how this feature can help visually expand a small space while providing a safe entry and exit point
A low-curb shower offers several advantages. It provides an easy entry point while preventing water from getting outside of the shower and creating a potential slipping hazard. It creates a natural demarcation line to change up flooring materials. It makes for a sturdy base to affix a shower glass panel or door. It also creates an open and airy feel, helping to visually expand a small space. Here, design and construction pros share the details in six bathrooms that feature a low-curb shower.
2. Full of Character
Designer: Taylor Harrison of Streamline Construction
Location: Yorba Linda, California
Size: 45 square feet (4.2 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “We started from scratch with this space because the original layout had just one bathroom downstairs,” designer Taylor Harrison says. “Since the homeowners love to entertain, they wanted to add a second bathroom that could double as a stylish guest spot. Our goal was to bring the wow factor with a bold splash of color. As the main guest bathroom downstairs, it had to be playful, eye-catching and full of personality from the moment you walk in.”
Low-curb shower details. “We chose a low shower curb to keep the space open and seamless, letting the other design details shine,” Harrison says. “A quartz slab matching the countertop creates a stunning transition from the hardwood floors into the shower pan tile, tying everything together beautifully.”
Other special features. “We knew we wanted this bathroom to have a fun monochromatic look, so we kicked things off by choosing the vibrant green tile for the shower walls. Then we matched it perfectly with Sherwin-Williams’ Retreat for the paint on the applied molding.”
Designer tip. “Sometimes less is more — but not in this bathroom,” Harrison says. “We packed as much personality as possible into just 45 square feet. From bold green tones and applied molding to playful countertops, floral wallpaper and rich green tile, every inch of this space was designed to make a statement.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Lining up applied molding in a small space can be tricky,” Harrison says. “You’re working around mirrors, lighting, outlets and switches, which makes the layout a bit of a puzzle. But with careful planning and the right spacing, it all comes together beautifully and is totally worth the effort.”
Shower wall tile: Passion in Verde, 3 by 8 inches, Emser; wallpaper: Pure Honeysuckle & Tulip, Lulu and Georgia
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Designer: Taylor Harrison of Streamline Construction
Location: Yorba Linda, California
Size: 45 square feet (4.2 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “We started from scratch with this space because the original layout had just one bathroom downstairs,” designer Taylor Harrison says. “Since the homeowners love to entertain, they wanted to add a second bathroom that could double as a stylish guest spot. Our goal was to bring the wow factor with a bold splash of color. As the main guest bathroom downstairs, it had to be playful, eye-catching and full of personality from the moment you walk in.”
Low-curb shower details. “We chose a low shower curb to keep the space open and seamless, letting the other design details shine,” Harrison says. “A quartz slab matching the countertop creates a stunning transition from the hardwood floors into the shower pan tile, tying everything together beautifully.”
Other special features. “We knew we wanted this bathroom to have a fun monochromatic look, so we kicked things off by choosing the vibrant green tile for the shower walls. Then we matched it perfectly with Sherwin-Williams’ Retreat for the paint on the applied molding.”
Designer tip. “Sometimes less is more — but not in this bathroom,” Harrison says. “We packed as much personality as possible into just 45 square feet. From bold green tones and applied molding to playful countertops, floral wallpaper and rich green tile, every inch of this space was designed to make a statement.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Lining up applied molding in a small space can be tricky,” Harrison says. “You’re working around mirrors, lighting, outlets and switches, which makes the layout a bit of a puzzle. But with careful planning and the right spacing, it all comes together beautifully and is totally worth the effort.”
Shower wall tile: Passion in Verde, 3 by 8 inches, Emser; wallpaper: Pure Honeysuckle & Tulip, Lulu and Georgia
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3. Breath of Fresh Air
Designer: Heather McGregor Redeux Decor
General contractor: Mountainwood Construction
Location: Ketchum, Idaho
Size: 50 square feet (4.7 square meters); 5 by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The vision for this room was to provide as much character through design as possible for such a small space,” designer Heather McGregor says.
Low-curb shower details. “The idea behind the low-curb shower was space,” McGregor says. “The limited space didn’t allow for a curbless design. Also, we liked the low curb providing a break in the shower and floor tiles.”
Other special features. “The pendant lights and brass elements bring a lot of character to the small bathroom,” McGregor says. “Also, the Bedrosian Cloe tile wraps all the way behind the vanity, floor to ceiling, and provides light and depth to this bathroom.”
Designer tip. “Using a floating vanity allows the space to feel bigger but still functional,” McGregor says.
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Designer: Heather McGregor Redeux Decor
General contractor: Mountainwood Construction
Location: Ketchum, Idaho
Size: 50 square feet (4.7 square meters); 5 by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The vision for this room was to provide as much character through design as possible for such a small space,” designer Heather McGregor says.
Low-curb shower details. “The idea behind the low-curb shower was space,” McGregor says. “The limited space didn’t allow for a curbless design. Also, we liked the low curb providing a break in the shower and floor tiles.”
Other special features. “The pendant lights and brass elements bring a lot of character to the small bathroom,” McGregor says. “Also, the Bedrosian Cloe tile wraps all the way behind the vanity, floor to ceiling, and provides light and depth to this bathroom.”
Designer tip. “Using a floating vanity allows the space to feel bigger but still functional,” McGregor says.
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4. Airy and Artful
Designer: SuzAnn Kletzien Design
Location: Chicago
Size: 75 square feet (7 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted to transform the bathroom from a simple hall bath to a shower-with-a-bath combo,” says designer SuzAnn Kletzien, who uses Houzz Pro software. “The bedroom just next to it was very large and so they were willing to take some of that square footage to use for the bathtub space, making it a wet room by passing through the shower area into the tub space.”
Low-curb shower details. Dark green subway tile. Mosaic tile flooring. Gridded black shower glass.
Other special features. Custom walnut vanity with black-stained frame. Brass finishes.
11 Ways to Age-Proof Your Bathroom
Designer: SuzAnn Kletzien Design
Location: Chicago
Size: 75 square feet (7 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted to transform the bathroom from a simple hall bath to a shower-with-a-bath combo,” says designer SuzAnn Kletzien, who uses Houzz Pro software. “The bedroom just next to it was very large and so they were willing to take some of that square footage to use for the bathtub space, making it a wet room by passing through the shower area into the tub space.”
Low-curb shower details. Dark green subway tile. Mosaic tile flooring. Gridded black shower glass.
Other special features. Custom walnut vanity with black-stained frame. Brass finishes.
11 Ways to Age-Proof Your Bathroom
5. Pretty and Practical
Designer: Elizabeth Walther of Design Studio
Location: Covington, Louisiana
Size: 63 square feet (5.9 square meters); 5¼ by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This bathroom serves a dual purpose due to its location in the home,” designer Elizabeth Walther says. “Positioned near the kitchen and keeping room, it functions as a convenient powder room for guests. At the same time, it also serves as a pool bath, hence the inclusion of a shower.”
Low-curb shower details. “While curbless showers are popular for their seamless look and accessibility, they aren’t always ideal in smaller layouts,” Walther says. “In this case, a low curb was necessary to help contain water within the shower area. One drawback of fully curbless showers is that water can more easily escape onto the bathroom floor, increasing the risk of slipping. In smaller spaces, a low curb provides a practical balance between accessibility and water control.”
Walther uses Houzz Pro software to help manage her design projects.
Other special features. “Since this was a powder room with an adjoining closet, storage wasn’t a primary concern,” Walther says. “We selected a vanity with brass legs to keep the design feeling light and open, which visually enlarges the space. A glass shower door and sidelight further enhance the sense of openness while contributing to the overall design aesthetic. For added functionality, we recommend a double-acting shower door, making it easy to reach in and turn on the water without stepping inside.”
Designer tip. “The wallcovering pattern sets the tone for the space, adding visual interest and depth,” Walther says. “A complementary tile selection reinforces the overall design and brings cohesion to the room. We painted the ceiling a rich, deep blue to highlight the crown molding and create a luxurious ambiance. Ceilings are often overlooked, yet they are typically the largest uninterrupted surface in a room, making them a powerful design opportunity.”
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Designer: Elizabeth Walther of Design Studio
Location: Covington, Louisiana
Size: 63 square feet (5.9 square meters); 5¼ by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This bathroom serves a dual purpose due to its location in the home,” designer Elizabeth Walther says. “Positioned near the kitchen and keeping room, it functions as a convenient powder room for guests. At the same time, it also serves as a pool bath, hence the inclusion of a shower.”
Low-curb shower details. “While curbless showers are popular for their seamless look and accessibility, they aren’t always ideal in smaller layouts,” Walther says. “In this case, a low curb was necessary to help contain water within the shower area. One drawback of fully curbless showers is that water can more easily escape onto the bathroom floor, increasing the risk of slipping. In smaller spaces, a low curb provides a practical balance between accessibility and water control.”
Walther uses Houzz Pro software to help manage her design projects.
Other special features. “Since this was a powder room with an adjoining closet, storage wasn’t a primary concern,” Walther says. “We selected a vanity with brass legs to keep the design feeling light and open, which visually enlarges the space. A glass shower door and sidelight further enhance the sense of openness while contributing to the overall design aesthetic. For added functionality, we recommend a double-acting shower door, making it easy to reach in and turn on the water without stepping inside.”
Designer tip. “The wallcovering pattern sets the tone for the space, adding visual interest and depth,” Walther says. “A complementary tile selection reinforces the overall design and brings cohesion to the room. We painted the ceiling a rich, deep blue to highlight the crown molding and create a luxurious ambiance. Ceilings are often overlooked, yet they are typically the largest uninterrupted surface in a room, making them a powerful design opportunity.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Pool Bath Cool
Designer: Karsyn Yost of Highland Homes
Location: Boise, Idaho
Size: 45 square feet (4.2 square meters); 5¾ by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted a bathroom that could serve double duty: a playful, durable space for their kids and a practical spot for guests and family members to rinse off after using the outdoor pool,” designer Karsyn Yost says. “Functionality and fun were equally important. I focused on bold, youthful design elements that could grow with the family while still being stylish enough for guests.”
Low-curb shower details. “Since the bathroom will primarily be used by kids going in and out of the pool, we wanted a curb to keep the water centralized and from going all over the floor,” Yost says. “Wrapping the curb in the wall tile gave the shower a framed-out look.”
Other special features. “For the striped floor, I used two different colors of penny tiles to create the pattern and add to the overall blue theme of the bathroom,” Yost says. “Because the bathroom is for kids and for post-pool and -hot tub use, I wanted to bring in the blue colors to represent water. The use of natural materials — mirror frame, natural fibers on the pendant light and the stained cabinet — connects the bathroom to a beach/lake/outdoorsy setting. The bathroom will serve indoor-outdoor living and I wanted the design to reflect that.”
Designer tip. “Instead of just using tiles and countertops to implement a vision, utilize the supporting materials as well,” Yost says. “For example, mirrors, hardware, hooks, light position and sizing, mix of metals, etc. I think when the smaller items contribute to the design it is better executed. Small details matter.”
Shower wall tile: Passion in Azul, 3 by 8 inches, Emser; wall paint: Alabaster, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Karsyn Yost of Highland Homes
Location: Boise, Idaho
Size: 45 square feet (4.2 square meters); 5¾ by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted a bathroom that could serve double duty: a playful, durable space for their kids and a practical spot for guests and family members to rinse off after using the outdoor pool,” designer Karsyn Yost says. “Functionality and fun were equally important. I focused on bold, youthful design elements that could grow with the family while still being stylish enough for guests.”
Low-curb shower details. “Since the bathroom will primarily be used by kids going in and out of the pool, we wanted a curb to keep the water centralized and from going all over the floor,” Yost says. “Wrapping the curb in the wall tile gave the shower a framed-out look.”
Other special features. “For the striped floor, I used two different colors of penny tiles to create the pattern and add to the overall blue theme of the bathroom,” Yost says. “Because the bathroom is for kids and for post-pool and -hot tub use, I wanted to bring in the blue colors to represent water. The use of natural materials — mirror frame, natural fibers on the pendant light and the stained cabinet — connects the bathroom to a beach/lake/outdoorsy setting. The bathroom will serve indoor-outdoor living and I wanted the design to reflect that.”
Designer tip. “Instead of just using tiles and countertops to implement a vision, utilize the supporting materials as well,” Yost says. “For example, mirrors, hardware, hooks, light position and sizing, mix of metals, etc. I think when the smaller items contribute to the design it is better executed. Small details matter.”
Shower wall tile: Passion in Azul, 3 by 8 inches, Emser; wall paint: Alabaster, Sherwin-Williams
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Browse bathroom photos
Find a bathroom remodeler
Shop for your bathroom
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Designer: Chris Chumbley of USI Design & Remodeling
Location: Southlake, Texas
Size: 52 square feet (4.8 square meters); 5½ by 9½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners’ primary vision for this bathroom was to transform it from a basic, outdated tub-shower combo into a more refined and functional full-time shower that could better serve both guests and daily use,” designer Chris Chumbley says. “As this bathroom is frequently used by visitors and functions as the main bath for the household, the goal was to elevate it from a utilitarian space to one that feels thoughtfully designed, modern and spa-like.”
Low-curb shower details. Chumbley says the 4-inch curb creates a relatively easy threshold for someone to step over, “even for older guests or anyone with mobility considerations.” The curb also helps contain water within the shower.
“To minimize visual disruption, the low curb was topped with the same quartz used on the vanity countertop, creating continuity and cohesion,” Chumbley says. “The choice of a frameless glass shower door helped keep the space feeling open and airy, allowing the shower to blend seamlessly into the rest of the room rather than feeling closed off or segmented. The entry footprint is consistent with that of modern walk-in enclosures, providing ample space while maintaining a clean, minimal look. An integrated bench seat was added for both comfort and functionality, enhancing the spa-like feel while offering practical seating.”
Chumbley uses Houzz Pro software and its marketing tools “to differentiate our brand and target regional audiences,” he says. “We embrace evolving technologies like AI to continue innovating how we serve our clients.”
Other special features. “Soft, tonal colors — warm whites, soft grays — helped the shower blend seamlessly into the rest of the room, giving it a spa-like calmness rather than a high-contrast focal point,” Chumbley says. “A classic brick pattern in Iceberg marble surrounds the shower interior.” The vanity is maple.
Designer tip. “We introduced a Madison Dolomite polished marble mosaic on the focal wall to act as a visual statement,” Chumbley says. “This draws the eye in and gives the room a sense of depth and design intention.”
Tile: Iceberg honed marble, 3 by 6 inches (shower wall) and 12 by 24 inches (main floor), and Madison Dolomite polished marble mosaic tile (vanity wall), Floor & Decor
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