DESKTOP

MOBILE

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.

 

View more from


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.

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub
View GuideJoin MyTrends

Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.

View GuideJoin MyTrends

Making a Mark on the World with Your New Home

Watch Now

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Jarrod Angove, General Manager of Landmark Homes North Shore and Rodney to unpack everything you need to know about designing and building a new home in New Zealand. With over 14 years at Landmark and decades of combined experience in construction and client relationships, Jarrod is on a mission to make the home-building process transparent, enjoyable, and tailored to each client’s lifestyle.

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.

 

View more from


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.

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub
View GuideJoin MyTrends

Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.

View GuideJoin MyTrends

Making a Mark on the World with Your New Home

Watch Now

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Jarrod Angove, General Manager of Landmark Homes North Shore and Rodney to unpack everything you need to know about designing and building a new home in New Zealand. With over 14 years at Landmark and decades of combined experience in construction and client relationships, Jarrod is on a mission to make the home-building process transparent, enjoyable, and tailored to each client’s lifestyle.

Related Articles

Twice as nice – the double vanity provides his and her basins and a wealth of storage below.

Natural selection

Weathered tiles in a natural tone set the scene for this nature-accented bathroom with a wood-finished double vanity – the wet zone includes a brass rainhead shower and sculptural tub

Portfolios

View Industry Specialists