Walk-in shower: pros and cons explained by Novellini

Walk-in showers are among the most elegant, functional and requested solutions for bathroom furniture. Their success is the result of precise elements: the evolution of housing needs, combined with the growing interest in minimalist design and more accessible home environments, has led to the birth of new trends in which practicality and aesthetics blend perfectly. Featuring direct, barrier-free access, walk-in showers completely eliminate the need for bulky doors, frames and structures, creating a continuous, open and visually harmonious space.

One of the most common beliefs is that walk-in showers are only suitable for large and spacious bathrooms. In fact, thanks to the evolution of modular systems and tailor-made solutions offered by companies such as Novellini, it is now possible to install a walk-in even in small environments. Indeed, in small bathrooms, this type of shower can make the difference: the absence of bulky elements and the transparency of the glass panels help to give a feeling of greater openness, visually expanding the space and improving the overall functionality of the room. 

Before proceeding with the installation it is important to know in detail the pros and cons of this type of shower, and carefully evaluate different aspects to transform the bathroom into a space not only beautiful to look at, but also comfortable, safe and durable over time.

What is a walk-in shower and how it works

The walk-in shower, also known as "open shower", is distinguished by the absence of doors and fixed barriers: it allows you to enter directly into the shower area without having to open or close anything. Its particular open structure makes it possible to eliminate traditional elements such as sliding or swing doors, improving the usability of the space and ensuring greater comfort, especially for those with mobility difficulties or who want simplified access.

Structurally, a walk-in shower is composed of one or more tempered glass panels, which act as a barrier to contain water splashes, while leaving the environment visually open. The panels are fixed to the wall or floor by means of minimal profiles and can be installed in different configurations: linear, corner, niche, or with a completely open side. This guarantees great design flexibility, adaptable to both large spaces and smaller bathrooms.

In modern walk-ins, the shower tray is usually ultra slim or floor level, made of resistant and non-slip materials, with a slight internal slope to facilitate the correct flow of water to the drain, avoiding stagnation or leakage. A further distinctive element of walk-in showers is the total absence of obstructions: no hinges, frames, swing or sliding doors. This results in a visual cleanliness that gives brightness and continuity to the space, making the bathroom not only more beautiful, but also more spacious and airy. 

The most innovative solutions, like those proposed by Novellini, also offer additional options such as multifunctional shower columns, rain showers and wellness accessories, to transform a simple shower into a sensory and regenerating experience.

Advantages of a walk-in shower

Opting for a walk-in shower means choosing a solution that perfectly combines functionality, comfort and aesthetics. This type of shower is appreciated not only for its minimal elegance, but also for the many practical advantages it offers. By analysing the benefits in detail, it is easy to understand why it has become one of the most sought-after choices in contemporary bathroom design.

The main advantages of walk-in showers include: 

easy accessibility and safety: one of the most appreciated features is the complete absence of physical barriers. There are no steps to cross or doors to open: you enter directly into the shower, making this solution perfect for elderly people, people with reduced mobility or children. The floor-level shower tray, combined with non-slip surfaces and accessories such as handles or integrated seats, guarantees a safe and comfortable experience for everyone;

 

modern and clean design: from an aesthetic point of view, the walk-in shower is the quintessence of minimalist design. Transparent, satin or decorated glass panels, thin profiles and essential lines give the room a neat and refined look. This solution integrates perfectly in any stylistic context, adding a touch of modernity even to the most traditional bathrooms. The visual perception of space increases, making the room seem wider and brighter;

 

ease of cleaning and low maintenance: the essential structure of walk-ins, without hidden corners or complex closing mechanisms, allows a quick and effective cleaning. Limestone-treated glass panels and smooth shower trays can facilitate the removal of dirt and prevent the formation of mold or bacteria. In addition, the absence of sliding doors eliminates problems related to track wear or blockage, thus reducing the need for maintenance; 

 

design flexibility and customization: walk-in showers easily adapt to any type of environment, thanks to the possibility of customizing dimensions, configurations and materials. You can choose between different panel heights, glass types, profile finishes and shower trays in various colors and textures. Companies such as Novellini offer tailor-made solutions, able to satisfy even the most specific needs, from small to larger bathrooms, from service to luxury ones; 

 

optimization of space: contrary to what you might think, walk-in showers are also perfect for small bathrooms. The transparency of the glass and the visual continuity create the illusion of a wider environment, while the absence of doors or bulky structures free up useful space. In addition, the corner or single wall models allow a perfect integration with the existing furniture, without having to give up functionality.

Possible disadvantages of a walk-in shower

Despite the many advantages of walk-in showers, it is important to consider some potentially critical aspects that are often perceived as disadvantages. However, it is essential to emphasize right away that these are mostly problems related to an inaccurate design, which can be easily overcome thanks to well-designed technical solutions and quality products.

One of the most common doubts concerns the possible leakage of water from the shower area. In an open configuration, the water is not contained by doors or complete barriers, which could lead to wetting of the surrounding floor. However, this inconvenience can be easily avoided by adopting some design precautions: for example, choosing a shower tray with a correct slope and a high-flow linear drainage system, or installing additional glass enclosures that protect the most exposed areas. 

Another aspect often mentioned is the lower capacity to retain heat than a closed cabin. In a walk-in, steam tends to disperse more quickly into the environment, especially in large or poorly heated bathrooms. This, too, does not represent a limit: it is enough to opt for a configuration with two closed sides or install additional glass walls that delimit the area more. In addition, the choice of a centrally positioned rain shower head and the provision for ventilation systems or floor heating can help maintain ideal thermal comfort during showering.

Finally, you might think that an open shower requires more space to be installed properly. It is true that a well-done installation must comply with some minimum measures to ensure functionality and comfort, but this does not mean that it is reserved only for large bathrooms. On the contrary, thanks to the modular flexibility of the components and the possibility of creating tailor-made solutions, modern walk-ins can be perfectly adapted even to small or irregular spaces, making use of every available centimeter.

Relying on experienced professionals and specialized brands such as Novellini allows not only to prevent any problems, but also to better enhance the bathroom environment, obtaining the maximum in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.

How to prevent water on the bathroom floor of a walk-in shower

As we have seen, one of the most common concerns related to walk-in showers is the possible leakage of water from the shower area, especially in those fully open configurations. With a careful design and the use of appropriate technical solutions it is possible to eliminate this problem, keeping intact the aesthetics and functionality of the shower. There are in fact numerous practical devices that allow you to fully enjoy the benefits of a walk-in shower, without the risk of unpleasant water spills.

First of all, the choice of shower tray is crucial. To avoid water dispersion, it is essential to opt for plates with well-calibrated internal slope and equipped with high capacity central or linear discharge. This inclination allows the water to drain quickly, without accumulating or exceeding the edge. Novellini shower trays are designed with this logic in mind, and feature non-slip solutions that improve the safety and functionality of the entire system.

Another effective strategy is the installation of additional panels or mobile doors that delimit the shower area without compromising its visual opening. Novellini offers a series of products designed to improve the water tightness, while keeping the structure open and light. Kuadra H shower wall configurations with Kuadra HL fixed door or Kuadra HFA and HFB movable doors, for example, are equipped with special enclosures that integrate perfectly with the fixed shower panels, acting as an additional protection against water splashes and offering a discreet but effective barrier, especially in configurations where the shower head is lateral or very powerful.

Novellini also offers models with sliding doors, such as the H STYLE shower. This solution represents the perfect compromise between opening and protection: the door can be opened or closed according to the needs, retaining heat and humidity during the shower, and leaving the box completely open in the rest of the time. The sliding system is fluid, silent and non-invasive, ideal for those looking for a versatile but highly functional solution.

Discover the best Novellini solutions for your bathroom!

Novellini walk-in showers are real furnishing and design elements designed to enhance the bathroom environment, combining essential shapes and materials of excellence with technologies designed to improve daily comfort.

Each collection is created to fit naturally into the most modern bathrooms, giving rise to tailor-made projects that can be fully customised in terms of finishes and accessories, even in small rooms with a contemporary taste. Walk-in showers can be configured with great compositional freedom: fixed panels, movable doors, large crystals and minimal profiles combine to create solutions with a strong visual impact, without sacrificing functionality.

Among the most iconic models we find Giada H, available in both fixed wall and swivel version, perfect to ensure greater protection without compromising the aesthetic cleanliness of the structure. This model stands out for its essential lines and great versatility, perfectly adapting to both classic and modern bathrooms. The transparent glass surfaces, or with satin bands, and the elegant finishes make it a refined choice for any type of environment. Large format glass panels create a visually continuous surface with the flooring, enhancing the open plan effect and brightness of the room.

The H Style and Rose PHB solutions are the expression of design applied to domestic wellness. Both are characterized by their sophisticated design, with a fixed wall and a free sliding door. They are designed for those who want a shower space that is also a unique and above all versatile architectural element.

For more sophisticated environments that speak of the personality of those who live and live there, in the Novellini range there are the refined H ART shower walls. In the HP ART full panel and HC ART versions with a central composition of decorated glass, these walk-in solutions are available in various sophisticated glass proposals, and in a wide range of profiles, which can be combined with Novellini accessories from the FRAME collection and furniture from the SIDE series.

Discover all the models and configurations available to give shape to your bathroom, as an authentic expression of your style and way of life!