Walk-in shower areas with wetroom trays are quickly becoming a popular choice for anyone planning a bathroom upgrade—simple to maintain, stylish to look at, and built for everyday use.
It’s a solution that fits into real, lived-in spaces. Not everyone has the time or budget for a full wetroom build, and not every bathroom has the space. A walk-in area with a wetroom tray offers a balance—it works well in compact homes and busy households, and you still get that streamlined look people love.
This shift in preference comes down to more than looks. It’s partly about function, comfort, and how the space feels when you’re using it every day.
So, What’s Different About a Walk-In Shower Area?
Think of a walk-in shower area as an open-plan shower space—no door, no high step. Just a flat, tiled floor and a glass screen if needed to keep splashes in check. A slimline tray is fitted into the floor to create a gentle slope for drainage, and everything above that can be tailored to your style.
It’s often confused with a wetroom, but they’re not quite the same. A wetroom typically means waterproofing the entire room, sloping the full floor, and running the shower without defined borders. A walk-in area, on the other hand, keeps things contained while still feeling open. It’s simpler to install, and often more practical for day-to-day life.
Wetroom Trays: The Clever Bit You Don’t See
Wetroom trays have changed the game. They’re fitted flush with the floor and gently sloped towards the drain—no raised edge, no awkward step, and no visual clutter.
The tray is what allows a walk-in shower area to function like a wetroom—without needing to waterproof the entire room. It sits just below the tiled surface and directs water smoothly to the drain.
At Odyssey Bathrooms, we often recommend them for new bathrooms—whether it’s part of a new build or a full bathroom renovation. They’re neat, reliable, and work with just about any tile style you like.
Why People Are Making the Switch
There are a few good reasons more homeowners are going for this setup—and it’s not just about how it looks (though that’s definitely part of it).
1. More Space, or at Least the Feeling of It
Removing doors and bulky trays opens up the room visually. Even in a small bathroom, a walk-in area with a glass screen can make everything feel less cramped.
It’s a clever way to make use of tight corners or long, narrow spaces that don’t quite suit a standard cubicle.
2. Easier to Clean
No hinges, no runners, no awkward ledges. Just flat surfaces and a simple screen. That means less scrubbing and fewer places for grime to build up.
3. Ideal for All Ages
The low-profile entry (or flush floor, depending on the setup) makes it safer and easier to access, especially for older users or anyone with mobility issues. It also future-proofs the bathroom without making it feel clinical.
4. Design That Adapts to You
Maybe you prefer warm, neutral tiles. Maybe you like bold patterns. Either way, you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all unit. Wetroom trays come in plenty of dimensions and can be matched with screens in various finishes. You’ve got the freedom to make it yours, without needing a full custom build.
Walk-In vs. Traditional Shower Enclosure
Older enclosed units usually take up a fixed corner or alcove and rely on doors, seals, and a deep tray. They work fine—but they’re not always the best use of space, and they can make a bathroom feel a bit boxed in.
Walk-in shower areas, by contrast, bring a more open feel. The tray is low and subtle, the screen minimal, and the design much more streamlined. You’re not dealing with door handles, step-in lips, or stiff runners. Just walk in and turn the water on.
For anyone doing a full renovation, especially in a master or main bathroom, switching to a walk-in area is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make.
Works in Big and Small Bathrooms
You don’t need a massive space to make this work. In fact, smaller bathrooms often benefit most from ditching the enclosure and opening things up.
With the right layout, a wetroom tray can be installed in place of a traditional shower, and the rest of the room can flow around it. A slimline glass panel helps contain splashes without cutting off light or creating visual barriers.
And in larger bathrooms? You can go bold with a bigger tray, a wider opening, or even a twin-shower setup. The key is finding the right balance between open space and functionality.
What It All Comes Down To
There’s a reason more people are asking for walk-in shower areas—it’s that sweet spot between form and function. Wetroom trays allow you to create a modern, minimal look without the complexity of a full wetroom build. They’re flexible, clean, safe, and suit a wide range of spaces.
Whether you’re updating a tired bathroom or planning a fresh layout from scratch, it’s well worth considering this kind of setup.
Thinking about updating your shower area?
Get in touch with our team at Odyssey Bathrooms to chat through your options. We can help you find a layout that suits your space, style, and budget—without overcomplicating things. You can also learn more about our wetroom installations if you’re considering a fully tanked setup.
