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You’ve picked the tiles, chosen the fittings and found the perfect shower head. But where the shower goes, and how the door opens, can make or break the entire room. It’s one of the most overlooked parts of bathroom design, and it can have a big impact on how well the space works day to day.
Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager for Plumbing World, says layout decisions are just as important as product choices. The most common issue? Not thinking about how the shower door opens. “Is it going to hit the vanity? Is it going to hit the toilet?” she says. These small practical details affect everything from cleaning to comfort.
If your space is tight, a sliding shower door can be a great alternative to a hinged one. It stays within the footprint of the shower, so there’s no need to plan for extra clearance. Corner showers with rounded doors are another option for bathrooms where every centimetre counts.
Don’t forget splash zones. If the shower door opens out into the room, make sure there’s enough space and the floor is protected. And if you’re going for a walk-in or open shower, check that the water won’t spray directly onto other fixtures or cabinetry. Good drainage and thoughtful layout will go a long way.
The shape of the shower also plays a part. Square or rectangular showers tend to look more modern and can make better use of wall space. Round or curved enclosures soften the look and are ideal for compact rooms, but they offer slightly less internal space.
Before locking in your layout, talk to a consultant and walk through the plan. Thinking about swing, splash and clearance early on will help your new bathroom work just as well as it looks.
If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying put in your home, buying or selling, Join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Search similar articles
You’ve picked the tiles, chosen the fittings and found the perfect shower head. But where the shower goes, and how the door opens, can make or break the entire room. It’s one of the most overlooked parts of bathroom design, and it can have a big impact on how well the space works day to day.
Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager for Plumbing World, says layout decisions are just as important as product choices. The most common issue? Not thinking about how the shower door opens. “Is it going to hit the vanity? Is it going to hit the toilet?” she says. These small practical details affect everything from cleaning to comfort.
If your space is tight, a sliding shower door can be a great alternative to a hinged one. It stays within the footprint of the shower, so there’s no need to plan for extra clearance. Corner showers with rounded doors are another option for bathrooms where every centimetre counts.
Don’t forget splash zones. If the shower door opens out into the room, make sure there’s enough space and the floor is protected. And if you’re going for a walk-in or open shower, check that the water won’t spray directly onto other fixtures or cabinetry. Good drainage and thoughtful layout will go a long way.
The shape of the shower also plays a part. Square or rectangular showers tend to look more modern and can make better use of wall space. Round or curved enclosures soften the look and are ideal for compact rooms, but they offer slightly less internal space.
Before locking in your layout, talk to a consultant and walk through the plan. Thinking about swing, splash and clearance early on will help your new bathroom work just as well as it looks.
If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying put in your home, buying or selling, Join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Search similar articles
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Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Mastercraft was the brainchild of Murray Belz, a Chief’s supporter with an eye for design, a tonne of ideas and a passion for excellence.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Kitchen Things
Kitchen Things is a 100% locally owned and operated family business that pioneered European cooking in 1986. We specialise in high quality, premium European cooking appliances and our cooking range is complemented with dishwashing, refrigeration, laundry, sinks, taps and small appliances.