Size Up Your Corner Shower Without Measuring

Installing a corner shower can help maximize precious bathroom space. But failing to properly size your new corner shower can lead to comfort and functionality issues down the line. Follow our handy guide to size up your perfect corner shower oasis without ever breaking out the measuring tape.

First, set your budget range and identify any special accessibility needs. This will establish key parameters that impact corner shower dimensions. Next, mentally map out the existing shower area or visualize your ideal layout. Browse corner shower photos for size inspiration and talk to retailers about standard sizing. Lastly, ensure adequate room for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Determine Your Budget and Design Priorities Upfront

Every corner shower project starts with setting realistic budget expectations. Budget heavily influences the overall scale and features your new shower can accommodate. For a basic shower makeover, allow $2,000-4,000. Custom luxury designs with special finishes or accessories run $5,000-10,000+. Identify must-have design elements like specific tile patterns, door styles, or specialty fixtures you'll pay extra for.

Accessibility is another major priority affecting corner shower dimensions. If anyone using your shower space has limited mobility or other physical needs, plan for ADA compliant sizes, grab bars, benches, and easy entry thresholds.

Visually Map Out Your Corner Shower Area

Mentally deconstruct your existing tub or shower layout if this is a replacement project. Note plumbing locations and imagine rerouting supplies to the new corner configuration. Consider demolition challenges like removing adjacent walls or the tub.

If installing a brand new corner shower, walk through the bathroom space and realistically assess if you have the depth and perimeter space needed. Pay attention to window locations or heating elements that further limit layout options. Think about the ideal corner shower location for optimized natural light exposure or privacy.

Carefully Consider Traffic Flow and Clearances

Ensure adequate clearance between your planned corner shower layout and other bathroom elements like the vanity or doorways. Per industry standards, allow for at least 21" clearance in front of shower doors for ease of entry and exit. Wide walking paths enhance functionality and safety, especially in master bathrooms where two people may navigate the space simultaneously.

Account for Necessary Plumbing and Drainage

Consider existing plumbing infrastructure when estimating corner shower size and placement. Shower drains connect below the floor to main drainage lines. Plumb water supplies typically tap off from nearby sink fixture locations. This underground infrastructure is difficult to reposition, so take advantage of efficient routing opportunities.

Get Familiar with Standard Corner Shower Dimensions

While custom corner showers allow near endless possibilities, reputable plumbing manufacturers follow general interior size guidelines to meet most residential needs. Standard depths range 30-42", widths 48-60", and heights 78-96". Measure your available space to compare.

Door openings are typically 22-24" wide per ADA standards. This allows for easy wheelchair maneuverability. Out-swinging doors require more exterior clearance than sliding doors. Again, reference your unique space constraints.

Understand Variability Across Corner Shower Models

Be aware that specific interior dimensions can deviate across the myriad of corner shower models on the market from leading brands like Kohler and American Standard. Luxury corner shower enclosures tend to offer more generous proportions overall.

Knowing general size parameters helps narrow suitable products for your available space during selection. Always carefully verify exact product dimensions don't exceed your anticipated layout.

Seek Design Inspiration from Corner Shower Photo Galleries

One of the best visual sizing references comes from browsing actual installed corner showers rather than relying solely on product spec sheets. Search terms like "small corner shower ideas" or "large corner shower pictures" return images you can quickly scan for scale.

Make note if a certain enclosure depth or overall footprint looks uncomfortably cramped or excessively cavernous. This helps frame realistic spatial constraints to inform product selection down the line without requiring precise measurements.

Spark Creative Layout Ideas for Your Own Space

While casually browsing photos, jot down any standout corner shower design details that catch your eye. This builds a decor wish list to reference against practical spatial limitations unique to your bath. Photos also showcase creative niche storage solutions to maximize unused negative space common around plumbing wall penetrations.

Consult Local Shower Product Retailers

Big box home improvement warehouses like Home Depot display various shower enclosures onsite you can walk through to assess snugness. Plumbing showrooms likewise showcase sample corner shower vignettes highlighting popular coordinated product bundles. Discuss your general bathroom footprint and layout goals with knowledgeable store associates.

Get Valuable Corner Shower Recommendations

Describe any existing plumbing or site constraints you identified when visually mapping out the shower area. Store experts can then suggest standard corner shower dimensions likely to best suit your needs. This narrows suitable products to simplify selection. Ask about any flexible sizing adjustment options available.

See and Feel Corner Shower Sample Products Firsthand

While still not exact, browsing corner shower displays in person provides helpful dimensional context missing from online spec sheets alone. Step inside various samples to gauge comfortable proportions relative to your height, arm span and spatial perception strengths.

A cramped corner shower looks gorgeous in photos but quickly loses appeal when struggling to scrub every last inch or haul in heavy buckets for seasonal deep cleaning. Ensure at least 21" clearance in front of doors and near built-in storage nooks.

Walls, floors and specialized showerheads must have adequate space for you to comfortably bend and reach from multiple angles armed with your brush. Avoid overly minimized dimensions that look tidy but hinder real-world functionality.

Properly sizing your corner shower without precise measurements takes a thoughtful design process. But the payoff is well worth it when you complete installation of a perfectly tailored and breathtaking new shower sanctuary.