21 Inspiring Outdoor Shower Ideas for Every Style
Bathing outside is a luxurious experience. At-home outdoor shower ideas are endless, and an outdoor shower with patinated stone can connect you to nature. By adjusting for indoor-outdoor use with doors or windows, it elevates the room. We’ve rounded up 21 of the best examples from the Architectural Digest archive, from rustic stone-backed features to jewellike glass-and-steel versions. No shower curtain needed!
Create cohesion with your materials
In Calistoga, California, a stone wall encloses an outdoor shower designed by Rela Gleason, giving off a Mediterranean ambiance. The same type of stone is used in the interior of the house and as a feature of the front fence, providing a pleasing sense of continuity throughout the entire property.
Use a balcony
This primary bathroom, designed by Richard Mishaan, features an open-air shower on the balcony. The shower provides a view of Cartagena’s terra-cotta rooftops, and the laser-cut vinyl floor mat is by Arzu Firuz, adding to the overall aesthetic.
Go full throttle on relaxation
The architect Bill Bensley told us that the most significant idea behind this house was to work with the gorgeous natural site. The primary suite at Thailand’s Four Seasons Koh Samui boasts one of the best outdoor shower designs, accompanied by a one-person-size hot tub which could be used for a cold-water plunge.
Put it in a courtyard
In a minimalist home in Los Angeles by John Pawson, a Waterworks tub with Dornbracht fittings overlooks a courtyard featuring an outdoor shower, hot tub, and fire pit.
Add a wood wall
The primary bathroom of Kelly Klein’s Palm Beach home, designed by David Piscuskas of 1100 Architect, features a Corian double sink and teak-framed glass doors that lead to an outdoor shower. The wood walls provide privacy and draw the eye upwards to the open sky.
Go for an all-white shower area
This primary bath in Los Angeles, created in collaboration between Lehrer Architects and Unique Custom Interiors, offers stunning views of the indoor-outdoor shower. The shower is surfaced in honed limestone and marble and features Hansgrohe heads, Dornbracht controls, and Kohler WaterTile sprayers.
Add a wall of window
The addition of a wall of windows transforms a regular indoor shower into a restorative haven. In this Napa Valley home designed by architect Howard J. Backen and interior designer Nicole Hollis, the neutral limestone hues on the wall and terra-cotta floor tiles link the secluded indoor-outdoor shower space with the path outside. Bonus points for year-round use regardless of climate.
Use contrasting materials
In Wolfgang Ludes’s spacious primary bath, the shower features a travertine floor and Balinese slate tile walls that draw the eye to the lush garden it faces. The residence, located in St. Barts, was designed by Ludes and architect Johannes Zingerle.
Use a beam to hang the showerhead
In this outdoor shower designed by Madeline Stuart & Assoc., the style is a blend of Los Angeles and the Cotswolds. To create a centered setup, the showerhead is hung from a beam in the middle of the shower, which is enclosed by two structures or walls.
Use pavers
This marble-clad primary bath, designed by Steven Ehrlich and Takashi Yanai of Ehrlich Architects, features a Poliform vanity with a Caesarstone top and adjoins an outdoor shower with Dornbracht fittings. The outdoor shower is surrounded by pavers and pebbles, and a teak shower mat adds comfort to the showering experience.
Put it in the poolhouse
At Mike D’s Malibu home, an outdoor shower is located in the poolhouse for convenient post-beach wash-downs. The shower features blue Granada tiles that match the blue accents inside the house. The musician designed the house with architect Barbara Bestor.
Keep it simple
In the terrace of Naeem Khan’s Miami penthouse, Grohe fittings power an outdoor shower. The space is designed for simplicity and relaxation and furnished with Richard Schultz chaise longues by Knoll.
Add glass sliders
That sounds like a beautiful design! Glass sliders can be a great way to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of slate for the shower wall, in combination with a waterfall design, creates a natural and tranquil feel that is perfectly complemented by the Dornbracht fittings. The Indonesian low stool from Archeo Gallery adds a touch of organic warmth to the space.
Add greenery
That sounds like a lovely addition to the primary bath! Incorporating plants and greenery can definitely add a calming and rejuvenating touch to any shower space.
Add wood slats
That sounds like a great design choice for an outdoor shower in a sunny location like Hill Country, Texas!
Add skylights
Adding skylights not only creates a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces but also adds natural light to the bathroom.
Add a bench or shower seat
That sounds like a great idea! Adding seating to an outdoor shower can definitely enhance the relaxation experience.
Go for unusual shower fittings
Another idea for a DIY outdoor shower is to repurpose an old galvanized tub or a large bucket as the shower basin and attach a showerhead to a garden hose. This can be a simple and affordable option for those who don’t want to invest in a permanent outdoor shower.
Use natural elements to define the space
That sounds like a great idea! Incorporating natural elements like rocks or wood can really help your outdoor shower blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. You could also consider using plants or greenery to create a natural enclosure around the shower.
Add a pergola
A pergola can also provide a structure for climbing plants, creating a natural and beautiful enclosure.
Use etched glass
That sounds like a really cool design idea! The etched glass and internal lighting would definitely create a unique and modern atmosphere for the outdoor shower.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an outdoor shower is a great addition to any home, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience while allowing you to connect with nature. The 21 inspiring outdoor shower ideas presented in this article offer a range of styles and designs to suit different preferences and settings. From rustic and natural to modern and sleek, there is an outdoor shower for every taste.
Outdoor showers are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, adding a unique and eye-catching feature to your outdoor space. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, an outdoor shower can be customized to fit your space and budget. With the right materials, plumbing, and design elements, you can create an outdoor shower that is both functional and stylish, providing a refreshing and rejuvenating experience year-round.
