If you’re planning a new luxury bathroom, you may be wondering whether a wet room or walk-in shower would be the best choice for your home.
Although they can look very similar, a wet room and a walk-in shower are designed in different ways. Both can provide a stylish, modern and accessible showering solution, but there are important differences when it comes to installation, drainage, waterproofing, cost and everyday practicality.
So, which should you choose?
In this guide, Royalty Bathrooms explains the difference between a wet room and a walk-in shower, including the advantages of each option and what you should consider before making your decision.
What Is a Wet Room?
A wet room is a bathroom where the shower area is completely open, without a traditional shower tray or enclosed shower cubicle.
Instead, the bathroom floor is specially prepared and waterproofed to allow water to flow safely towards a suitable drainage system. The shower area effectively becomes part of the bathroom floor.
A typical wet room may include a fixed glass shower screen, although some designs can be completely open.
A professionally designed wet room usually incorporates:
- A waterproofed, tanked shower area
- A suitable drainage system
- A correctly sloped floor to direct water towards the drain
- A walk-in shower
- A fixed glass screen where required
- Waterproof wall and floor finishes
- Concealed shower controls and modern shower fittings
One of the biggest advantages of a wet room is its clean, minimalist appearance. With no conventional shower tray, the uninterrupted floor can make a bathroom appear larger and more spacious.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is a showering area designed to provide easy access without the need to step over a traditional high-sided shower tray or bath.
Unlike a fully open wet room, a walk-in shower generally has a dedicated shower tray, often positioned at a low or almost flush level, combined with a glass shower screen.
Walk-in showers are available in a huge range of sizes and designs, making them suitable for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes.
A modern walk-in shower can include:
- Low-level or flush shower trays
- Frameless or semi-frameless glass screens
- Concealed shower valves
- Rainfall showerheads
- Hand showers
- Built-in shower niches
- Designer tiles
- Thermostatic shower systems
A large glass screen combined with a low-level tray can create a luxurious, open feel while still providing a clearly defined showering area.
Wet Room vs Walk-In Shower: What Is the Difference?
The main difference between a wet room and a walk-in shower is how the shower area is constructed and how water is contained and drained.
In a wet room, the shower area forms part of the bathroom floor. The floor is waterproofed and designed with the appropriate gradient so that water flows towards the drain.
With a walk-in shower, there is normally a dedicated shower tray underneath the showering area. The tray directs water towards the waste, while the glass screen helps prevent water from spreading throughout the rest of the bathroom.
Put simply:
Wet room: The bathroom floor becomes the shower floor.
Walk-in shower: A dedicated shower area is created using a shower tray and glass screen.
Both options can look extremely stylish, so the choice often comes down to the practical requirements of your bathroom and the appearance you want to achieve.
The Benefits of a Wet Room
A contemporary, minimalist appearance
Wet rooms are an increasingly popular choice for modern bathrooms because of their sleek and seamless appearance.
The lack of a conventional shower tray can create clean lines and make the bathroom feel more open.
Excellent accessibility
With no traditional shower tray to step over, a wet room can provide excellent access for people who may find conventional showers difficult to use.
This can make wet rooms particularly appealing when creating an accessible or future-proof bathroom.
Can work well in smaller bathrooms
A carefully designed wet room can make excellent use of the available space.
Because the shower doesn’t necessarily require a large enclosure, the room can feel less visually cluttered.
Flexible layout options
A wet room can provide greater flexibility when planning the position and size of the shower area.
This can be particularly useful when working with an unusual bathroom layout.
Easy to clean
A minimalist wet room design can have fewer frames, doors and moving components than a traditional shower enclosure.
Combined with large-format tiles and quality glass, this can make the finished bathroom relatively straightforward to maintain.
The Benefits of a Walk-In Shower
Excellent combination of style and practicality
A walk-in shower can provide the open appearance associated with modern bathroom design while keeping the showering area clearly defined.
Better water containment
The shower tray and glass screen help keep water within the showering area.
This can be particularly useful in family bathrooms where you want to minimise water reaching the toilet, vanity unit and other bathroom furniture.
Huge choice of designs
Walk-in showers are available in many different sizes, configurations and finishes.
Whether you have a compact bathroom or a large master ensuite, there are options to suit the space.
Easy access
A low-level or flush shower tray can provide much easier access than a conventional raised shower tray or bath.
Ideal for luxury bathrooms
A large frameless glass screen, rainfall shower, concealed controls and high-quality tiles can turn a walk-in shower into a stunning centrepiece for a luxury bathroom.
Is a Wet Room More Expensive Than a Walk-In Shower?
The cost of a wet room or walk-in shower can vary considerably depending on the size of the room, the existing plumbing and drainage, the products chosen and the complexity of the installation.
A wet room can sometimes have a higher installation cost because the floor and relevant walls need to be properly waterproofed and the drainage and floor gradient need to be carefully planned.
A walk-in shower may be more straightforward to install, particularly where an appropriate shower tray can be incorporated into the existing bathroom layout.
However, it’s important not to choose a bathroom solution based purely on initial cost.
The quality of the installation, waterproofing, drainage and materials can have a significant impact on the long-term performance of your bathroom.
At Royalty Bathrooms, we believe your bathroom should be designed around how you use the space, as well as how you want it to look.
Which Is Better for a Small Bathroom?
Both a wet room and a walk-in shower can work exceptionally well in a small bathroom.
A wet room can create a particularly open appearance because the shower area doesn’t need to be separated by a traditional enclosure.
However, a walk-in shower can offer better control over where water goes, which can be an advantage in a compact space.
The layout is therefore extremely important.
The position of the toilet, basin, shower, door and drainage all need to be considered together to make sure the finished bathroom feels spacious while remaining practical.
Which Is Better for Accessibility?
Both options can provide excellent accessibility when properly designed.
A wet room can offer particularly easy access because there is no shower tray to step over.
A walk-in shower with a low-level or flush tray can also provide excellent accessibility while giving you a clearly defined showering area.
If accessibility is an important consideration, it is worth discussing your requirements with a professional bathroom designer before deciding which option is best.
Which Is Easier to Clean and Maintain?
Both wet rooms and walk-in showers can be easy to clean when they are properly designed.
A walk-in shower benefits from having a defined showering area, with the tray helping to direct water towards the waste.
A wet room can have a very minimalist design with fewer components, but because water can reach more of the bathroom floor, good drainage and regular cleaning are important.
Choosing quality bathroom materials can also make a difference.
Large-format tiles, quality shower glass and well-designed storage can help reduce maintenance and keep your bathroom looking its best.
Wet Room or Walk-In Shower: Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, there isn’t a single answer to the question of whether a wet room or walk-in shower is better.
It depends on your bathroom, your lifestyle, the available space and the look you want to achieve.
A wet room could be ideal if you want:
- A seamless, contemporary bathroom
- Excellent accessibility
- A minimalist appearance
- Greater flexibility with the shower layout
- An open and spacious feel
- A modern alternative to a traditional bathroom
A walk-in shower could be ideal if you want:
- A defined showering area
- Excellent water containment
- Easy access
- A wide choice of shower trays and glass screens
- A luxurious and contemporary appearance
- A practical solution for everyday use
Whichever option you choose, professional design and installation are essential to achieving a bathroom that looks fantastic and performs properly for years to come.
Create Your Perfect Bathroom with Royalty Bathrooms
Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious wet room, walk-in shower or complete bathroom renovation, Royalty Bathrooms can help you create a space that combines beautiful design with everyday practicality.
From choosing the perfect bathroom layout and shower system to selecting tiles, furniture, sanitaryware and finishing touches, every detail can be carefully considered to create a bathroom that’s right for your home.
Not sure whether a wet room or walk-in shower is right for you?
Get in touch with Royalty Bathrooms today to discuss your ideas and discover what’s possible in your space.
Your dream bathroom starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wet room the same as a walk-in shower?
No. Although they can look similar, a wet room generally has a fully waterproofed shower area with integrated drainage, while a walk-in shower normally uses a dedicated shower tray and glass screen.
Is a wet room better than a walk-in shower?
Neither option is automatically better. A wet room can provide a seamless and highly accessible design, while a walk-in shower can offer excellent water containment and a clearly defined showering area.
Are wet rooms suitable for small bathrooms?
Yes. A well-designed wet room can make a small bathroom feel more open and spacious. However, careful consideration needs to be given to drainage, waterproofing and the overall layout.
Can a walk-in shower be installed in an existing bathroom?
In many cases, yes. The suitability will depend on the existing bathroom layout, plumbing, drainage and available space.
Which is easier to clean, a wet room or walk-in shower?
Both can be relatively easy to clean. A wet room can have fewer shower enclosure components, while a walk-in shower provides a dedicated showering area that helps contain water.
Does a wet room add value to a property?
A professionally designed wet room can be an attractive feature for potential buyers, particularly where modern design and accessibility are priorities. However, the effect on property value will vary depending on the property and local market.
Can Royalty Bathrooms design and install a wet room or walk-in shower?
Yes. Royalty Bathrooms can help you plan your bathroom around your available space, preferred style and practical requirements, whether you’re considering a wet room, walk-in shower or complete bathroom renovation.
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