BUYING GUIDE

Wet Room Ideas

BUYING GUIDE

Wet Room Ideas for the Ultimate Spa-Inspired Bathroom

Wet rooms are a timeless design that instantly creates a spa-like bathroom reflecting the opulence of some of the world’s most lavish hotels. Functional, accessible and elegant, wet rooms eliminate the need to step into a bath or an enclosure, making your bathroom feel open and expansive while offering convenience. 

This guide will inspire your wet room ideas, including materials, layouts, styling and practical planning advice. Explore Lusso’s collection of wet rooms available in a range of finishes to pair with your bathroom style and colour palette seamlessly.

What is a Wet Room?

A wet room is a bathroom that’s fully waterproofed or a shower space where water falls directly onto the floor, rather than being positioned within a traditional shower tray.

There are three main types of wet room to choose from:

  1. A fully tanked wet room with the entire room professionally waterproofed, which offers an open shower. 
  2. A wet room-style shower area, which is a designated space of the bathroom that is waterproofed to accommodate an open shower without taking up the entire bathroom.
  3. A traditional walk-in shower, complemented by a fixed glass panel to contain water. This design offers an open, minimalist appeal but provides distinct separation between the rest of the bathroom. 

What are the Benefits of a Wet Room?

Wet rooms are ideal for achieving a clean, contemporary and minimal aesthetic that is synonymous with a spa-like feel. With no traditional shower tray, the floor is easier to clean and provides level access, making it a practical option for those with reduced mobility. 

However, achieving this finish requires specialist waterproofing and drainage, meaning installation is more complex than a standard shower enclosure and requires careful planning. 

Wet rooms can be designed from scratch as part of a new bathroom or created by converting an existing space, provided the structure, drainage and waterproofing requirements can be accommodated.

Designing Your Wet Room

To achieve a spa-like wet room, follow the wet room ideas and inspiration provided below. 


Consider the Layout

Although the shower is the main feature of a wet room, it’s important to consider the layout and other fixtures when planning. 

  • Position the shower away from the door, as this can help minimise water escaping into dry areas and create a more defined wet zone. 
  • Keep towels and toiletries outside the main area exposed to water by separating with a glass shower screen. 
  • Allow sufficient space around each fixture to move comfortably around the wet room. 
  • Work with existing plumbing where possible by positioning the shower and other fixtures close to the plumbing to simplify installation. 
  • Create separate bathing zones in a larger bathroom by adding a freestanding bath to complement the spa-inspired bathroom design.


Create a Statement Shower Area

Allow your shower to become the striking centrepiece of your wet room by using simple steps including thoughtful positioning, luxury finishes and shower type. 

  • A rainfall or ceiling-mounted shower can create a spa-inspired focal point, adding to the opulence, ambience and overall aesthetic of your wet room. 
  • Coordinating your shower tray and rainfall head with existing finishes, details, materials and overall style, such as your shower set, creates a cohesive and seamless look.
  • Luxury accents in brushed gold, matte black or chrome introduce distinct character and elevate the finishing touch to your wet room design.
  • An open shower creates a seamless, minimalist look, while a glass screen helps control splashing without visually closing off the room. 
  • Frameless glass designs enhance the sense of space and complement a minimal, spa-like aesthetic. While textured and fluted shower screens are ideal for privacy and visual interest.


Add Depth with Materials and Textures

Combine high-quality materials with distinctive textures to create a luxury space that showcases depth, warmth and character. 

Make use of walls and floors by adding intricate tiles in organic materials including marble and travertine. These natural stone tiles instantly create a serene sanctuary feel and a sense of character. 

Add brushed finishes for a soft, understated appearance, or contrast with polished finishes to provide a reflective surface that creates a brighter aesthetic.


Use Wet Room Tiles for a Seamless Finish

Porcelain tiles are a practical and elegant way to enhance your wet room and ensure it is functional and safe. Lusso’s porcelain tiles replicate the textures of natural stone, marble and travertine while offering exceptional durability, strength and moisture resistance. 

Our porcelain tiles are expertly crafted with premium TECHGRIP® technology to ensure enhanced slip resistance and anti-stain protection, making them ideal for wet rooms. 

Available in a range of colours, textures and sizes, use the same tile across your walls and floor to create a seamless space and tranquil ambience. Alternatively, define different zones by creating statement feature walls around your shower area.


Choose a Cohesive Colour Scheme

A serene, neutral colour palette is the hallmark of spa-like interiors. Choosing soft, earthy hues inspired by nature creates a relaxing retreat. A consistent colour scheme – featuring soft neutrals such as warm beige, pale blues and muted greens – adds a luxury touch, while distinctive tones of charcoal and grey feel minimalist. 

Once you have your chosen colour palette, incorporate metallic finishes through taps, accessories and hardware for a luxurious finishing touch. Mirrors also provide a reflective sheen, creating a brighter and more open space, bringing your bathroom design together.


Add Warmth with Layered Lighting

Bathroom lighting is designed to enhance space with a sense of calm and tranquillity defined by softness and balance. Layered lighting plays a significant role in both the function and the ambience. 

Style multiple pendant lights from the ceiling or an illuminated mirror above a vanity unit for a dramatic effect. For a more serene mood, opt for concealed niche lighting or bathroom lighting beneath a wall-mounted vanity unit. 


Maximise Space with Smart Storage 

Storage features are essential for creating a wet room that feels open, uncluttered and maintains a spa-like aesthetic. 

Feature a wall-hung vanity unit as a complementary focal point, designed with a built-in basin, internal drawers and compartments to organise and conceal essentials. 

Floating shelves outside of the splash zone are ideal to create a refined, luxury appeal. Within the wet room, recessed shower niches create a clean and contemporary aesthetic. 


Small Wet Room Ideas

For small bathrooms, a wet room is the ideal option to maximise space. With a fully waterproofed area and sloped flooring for drainage, the layout feels open, modern, and easily accessible while creating the illusion of a larger space. 

For small wet room ideas, add space-saving fixtures to your bathroom to create a larger and more open space. Wall-hung vanity units and basins free up floor space, provide generous storage to neatly organise essentials and are available in a variety of sizes, including compact cloakroom and corner designs. 

Further wet room ideas for small bathrooms include:

  • Frameless glass screens with minimal hardware
  • Allowing light to pass through, making your wet room feel brighter and more spacious. 
  • Styling your floor and wall tiles consistently for a seamless look that feels tranquil 
  • Using a soft, neutral colour palette that opens up your space.

Practical Considerations for a Wet Room

When planning your wet room, there are practical elements to consider such as waterproofing, ventilation, measurements and plumbing options. 

  • A wet room relies on effective waterproofing to prevent water from penetrating walls and floors. 
  • With water exposed throughout a wet room, quality ventilation is essential for reducing humidity, condensation and the risk of mould.
  • Take accurate measurements of the entire room, as this will help ensure fixtures, screens and storage fit comfortably. 
  • Before finalising the layout, identify where the existing water and waste connections are positioned. Keeping fixtures close to these points can simplify installation. 

Creating a Wet Room with LUSSO

Create a spa-like wet room in the comfort of your own home that feels tranquil, opulent and modern with Lusso’s wet room collection. From walk-in shower ideas to choosing complementary fixtures and finishes, create a space that feels luxurious and functional. 

Complete your wet room with a shower set in one of our signature brass finishes of brushed gold, matte black or stainless to seamlessly pair with your wet room kit. When choosing a shower screen, consider how the style and layout will complement your space while helping to control splashing without compromising its open, spacious feel.

Enhance your wet room further with a basin or vanity unit in marble, stone or natural wood materials, creating a cohesive scheme with a sophisticated, spa-inspired feel. 

If you're considering a renovation, our guide to wet room shower kits can help you understand the essential components and choose the right solution for your space.

You can also explore our full range of buying guides for more practical advice, or visit Our World – LUSSO’s design and inspiration hub.

Wet Room Ideas FAQs

Can a wet room work in a small bathroom?

A wet room works well in small bathrooms, as it’s a fully waterproofed area that feels open and easily accessible. It can be paired with wall-hung basins or vanity units to maximise space further and create the illusion of a larger bathroom.

What is the difference between a wet room and a walk-in shower?

When exploring wet room ideas, it’s important to understand how a walk-in shower differs from a wet room. While both offer a sleek, open-plan aesthetic, a wet room is fully waterproofed throughout, whereas a walk-in shower typically features a designated showering area with a screen or enclosure.

What tiles are best for a wet room?

Porcelain tiles are a practical and elegant option for a wet room bathroom. Our porcelain tiles replicate the textures of natural stone and are crafted with premium TECHGRIP® technology that ensures enhanced slip resistance, anti-stain protection, durability and moisture resistance.

Do you need a shower screen in a wet room?

Shower screens aren’t essential in wet rooms, but they help to contain water and define the splash zone while maintaining an open, spacious feel. Wet rooms are designed to eliminate the need to step into a bath or an enclosure, so a shower screen is not always necessary.

How can you make a wet room feel more luxurious?

Create a statement feature wall using premium porcelain tiles that are crafted with a natural marble or stone effect and complement this with sophisticated metallic accents such as a brushed gold rainfall shower set. Shower niches can create a contemporary and clean look, styling essentials and luxury accessories.

SHOP WET ROOMS