Functional Details to Consider When Updating Your Shower
When updating a bathroom, it's easy to get caught up in tile samples, paint colors, and the latest vanity styles. But beyond the aesthetics, functionality is what truly defines a successful bathroom design. When space planning for family homes, I always guide my clients to focus first on how a space works—because if it doesn’t function, it doesn’t flow. Here are four often-overlooked yet important functional details to consider in your shower during a bathroom update:
1. Smart Handle Placement
One small decision that makes a big difference is the placement of your shower taps and handles. Too often, they’re installed directly beneath the shower head—meaning you have to step into cold water just to turn it on. Instead, consider placing the controls closer to the entry point of the shower. This allows you to turn on the water and adjust the temperature before stepping in, making for a more comfortable (and dry!) experience. This small shift in placement is a game-changer for both convenience and comfort.
2. Niche Location: Keep It Out of Sight
A built-in shower niche is a practical and popular storage solution—but its placement matters more than you might think. While it’s tempting to center the niche on the front wall for symmetry, this makes your shampoo bottles and body wash the focal point of the shower. If possible, position the niche on a side wall where it’s still easily accessible but doesn’t take center stage. This keeps your shower looking clean and uncluttered, and allows the beauty of your tilework to shine without being interrupted by everyday items.
3. Ease of Cleaning: The Case for Shower Wands
Even if you don’t use a handheld shower wand regularly while bathing, installing one can dramatically improve the ease of cleaning your shower and tub. A fixed showerhead doesn’t allow you to rinse down walls or corners effectively, which means soap scum and grime can build up over time. A detachable wand, on the other hand, makes it simple to spray down surfaces after use or during weekly cleans. It’s a functional add-on that helps maintain your bathroom’s fresh, polished look with minimal effort.
4. Mind the Grout
Tile grout may seem like a minor detail, but it plays a major role in long-term maintenance. Grout is porous, meaning it can absorb moisture and discolor over time, especially in a damp environment like a bathroom. To reduce upkeep, opt for larger format tiles to minimize the amount of grout used. Alternatively, choosing a darker grout color can help mask any discoloration and reduce the appearance of stains between deep cleans. Both choices contribute to a bathroom that not only looks good on day one but continues to look great with regular use.
Function First, Style Second (But Not Forgotten)
As a designer, I always aim to blend form and function seamlessly—but function leads the way. A bathroom can be beautiful, but if it’s frustrating to use or difficult to maintain, it quickly loses its charm. That’s why thoughtful space planning is key. From the way you interact with your shower to how easy it is to clean the space, every detail matters.
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, I’d love to help you design a space that’s not only stylish but also deeply functional—one that works perfectly for your daily routine and stands the test of time. Check out the Connect page to reach out to book your discovery call today.
