How to Enclose an Open-Design Shower

Install a clear shower door in a small bathroom to keep the space from feeling claustrophobic and like it is smaller than it really is. A clear glass shower door will enclose the space physically while adding depth and architectural interest to the space.

Use a frosted glass shower door for more privacy without making the bathroom feel too enclosed. If the bathroom is small, stay away from large frosted glass blocks, as large patterns will actually make the room feel smaller. Instead, choose a shower door with smaller frosted glass tiles.

Build a wall on one or two sides of the shower to add privacy to the bathroom without fully enclosing it. To make the room a bit more open, consider using a half or three-quarters height wall instead of one that goes all the way to the ceiling. If you opt for a taller wall that will give you more coverage, consider putting a decorative piece of art on the wall or breaking it up with something colorful like a stencil or painted pattern for more visual interest.

Use sheet metal or brushed chrome patina walls for ultra-contemporary designs. If you can’t afford the fairly high cost of metal or don’t want to deal with the regular maintenance involved in keeping metal surfaces clean in a bathroom where water and steam can damage the finish, consider hiring a painter to faux-finish a regular wall to look like metal. You can use a full enclosure or build a half or three-quarters height wall depending on your personal style and need for privacy.

Build an enclosure made of natural stone on two or three sides for a more traditional or eclectic design. Natural stone can be used with many different types of decor. In general, highly polished stone is used in more contemporary settings, and more natural looking stone is used in traditional and transitional settings.