Why Wet Rooms Are the Future of Modern Home Bathrooms

AI Designed in DecorMatters

Wet rooms have taken over modern home bathrooms in recent years, delivering a sleek, minimalist appearance for a spa-like aesthetic. As more people embrace stylish accessibility and functionality, experts predict these seamless bathroom designs will last in the long term. 

Wet Rooms: A Rising Trend in Modern Home Bathrooms

AI Designed in DecorMatters

The open floor plan remains popular among 51.2% of Americans despite a growing interest in traditional layouts. These concepts are easier to move around in and make more efficient use of the space. As such, more homeowners have opted for wet room bathrooms, removing shower doors, leveling floors and adding entirely water-safe surfaces. 

Traditional bathrooms can feel cramped due to the awkward placement of the vanity, shower, toilet and tub. With a wet room, there are more possibilities to reconfigure a flexible layout. Today’s homeowners may especially appreciate how they make smaller bathrooms appear bigger.

Some people install a glass partition to separate the toilet and sink from the bathing station, while others leave the area completely open. However, one thing is for sure — wet rooms with luxurious finishes are becoming a staple in modern homes. 

These designs aren’t exactly new. Japan has long leaned into bathrooms without barriers, as bathing is ritualistic in their culture. It is also common in universal design, which delivers accessible layouts for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or disability. For those wanting to age in place or move an older adult into the home, wet rooms enhance their comfort and safety.

Why Install a Wet Room?

AI Designed in DecorMatters

There are many reasons why homeowners may want to install a wet room during a bathroom remodel, such as the following

• Showers without frames, doors or curtains allow more light to enter the space.
• Mold and mildew growth is less likely without shower doors trapping humidity.
• There is plenty of room for wheelchairs, walkers, accessibility bars and benches for people with mobility issues.

Deep cleaning is time-consuming and draining in a traditional bathroom. Shower doors may leave streaks and water drops, no matter how often they’re cleaned. Soap scum and grime can also build up in the door track, forcing homeowners to bend with a toothbrush to remove it thoroughly. With a wet room, it’s easier to stick to a quicker weekly or bi-weekly cleaning schedule due to having fewer obstructions.

Overall, wet rooms are a unique and elegant upgrade for a primary suite, but homeowners can actually turn just about any bathroom into one on any floor.

Considerations for the Wet Room Bath Design

AI Designed in DecorMatters

According to Angi, homeowners spend an average of $9,000 to install a wet room, although the actual range is usually $4,000-$15,000. The price depends on several factors, including materials, square footage, plumbing and electrical. Typically, labor accounts for most of the expense

Renovators should consider a few details when designing a wet bathroom. For one, the designated shower area should slope inward for water to drain correctly. Additionally, it matters to install tiles and paint capable of withstanding a splash zone. All bathroom tiles should be slip-resistant throughout to prevent injury. 

Although a frameless shower has a lower chance of mold growth, an exhaust fan is still essential in a wet room. Exhaust fans pull moisture and odors out of the bathroom, leaving it drier and less musty.

Are Wet Rooms the Future of Modern Living?

AI Designed in DecorMatters

Wet rooms are timeless, and designers believe the bathroom design will stick around. The ability to age in place is a significant factor in its continuing trend. 

According to Generations United, one in four Americans live in multigenerational homes — about 34% do so for the caregiving needs of older adults. The number of multigenerational households will likely increase in the future, requiring safer accessibility in frequently used spaces.

Global market forecasts also show an upward direction for wet room products in the coming years as more people demand luxurious home upgrades. Wet rooms have already proven to be visually stunning places for relaxation and pampering. By 2028, experts predict a 5.4% compounded annual growth rate, from $6.4 billion in 2023 to $8.3 billion.

Embracing a Seamless Bathroom Design for Years to Come

AI Designed in DecorMatters

There are plenty of reasons to get excited about wet rooms in modern home bathrooms. Aside from their functionality, they make a stunning space for relaxation and self-care. Homeowners might consider joining the trend when planning their bathroom renovations.

As wet rooms continue to redefine modern bathrooms, there’s no better time to explore how this trend can transform your home. With the DecorMatters app, you can bring your vision to life—whether it’s designing a sleek wet room or creating a space tailored to your unique style. Download the app today and start visualizing your perfect bathroom, all from the comfort of your home.

This article was written exclusively for DecorMatters by Evelyn Long. Evelyn is a writer passionate about simplifying interior design for homeowners and renters alike. She is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine where she shares her expertise on interiors.