Walk-In Showers: A Beautiful, Accessible Bathroom Upgrade for St. Louis Homes
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to keep your existing bathtub or replace it with a walk-in shower. For many homeowners throughout the St. Louis area, a walk-in shower offers the perfect combination of modern style, everyday comfort, and long-term practicality.
Today’s walk-in showers are much more than a design trend. They create open, functional spaces that can be customized to match your lifestyle while improving accessibility, simplifying maintenance, and adding lasting value to your home.
At Thompson Price Kitchens, Baths & Home, we believe a successful bathroom remodel starts by understanding how you use your space. Whether you’re creating a luxurious primary bathroom, updating a guest bathroom, or planning a home that will serve you well for years to come, a custom walk-in shower can become one of the most valuable features in your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of walk-in showers, important design considerations, accessibility features, and how to decide whether one is the right choice for your next bathroom remodel.
Why Homeowners Are Choosing Walk-In Showers
Bathrooms have changed dramatically over the past decade. Instead of simply replacing old fixtures, homeowners are creating spaces that are easier to use, easier to maintain, and more enjoyable every day.
For many families, the traditional bathtub becomes one of the least-used fixtures in the home. Replacing it with a spacious walk-in shower can make the bathroom feel larger while creating a more comfortable daily routine.
Some of the most common reasons homeowners choose walk-in showers include:
- A cleaner, more modern appearance
- Easier cleaning and maintenance
- Improved accessibility
- Better use of available space
- Custom design options
- Greater everyday comfort
- Increased appeal for future buyers
Rather than being limited to a standard tub and shower combination, a walk-in shower allows you to design a space that fits both your home and your lifestyle.
Is a Walk-In Shower Right for Your Bathroom?
Walk-in showers are incredibly versatile and can work well in bathrooms of almost any size.
Smaller Bathrooms
Replacing a bulky bathtub with a walk-in shower often creates a more open appearance. Frameless glass enclosures allow natural and artificial light to travel throughout the room, helping even compact bathrooms feel brighter and larger.
Primary Bathrooms
Primary bathrooms offer even more opportunities for customization. Larger showers can include dual shower heads, built-in benches, recessed storage niches, rainfall shower systems, and beautiful tile or wall panel finishes that transform the bathroom into a relaxing retreat.
Guest Bathrooms
Guest bathrooms can also benefit from a walk-in shower, especially when another bathtub is available elsewhere in the home. Many homeowners choose this approach to improve everyday functionality while maintaining flexibility for guests and family members.
The best solution always depends on your home’s layout, your family’s needs, and how you plan to use the space for years to come.
Designing a Walk-In Shower That Fits Your Style
One of the biggest advantages of a custom walk-in shower is the ability to personalize every detail.
Instead of choosing from a handful of standard options, you can create a shower that complements the overall design of your bathroom while matching your preferences for maintenance, comfort, and appearance.
Popular design options include:
1. Tile or Shower Wall Panels
Tile offers nearly unlimited design possibilities with countless colors, textures, and patterns. For homeowners looking for a lower-maintenance option, modern shower wall panels provide a sleek appearance with fewer grout lines to clean.
2. Frameless Glass
Frameless glass creates a clean, open feel while allowing beautiful tile work and fixtures to become part of the room’s overall design.
3. Built-In Storage
Recessed niches provide convenient storage for shampoo, soap, and other essentials without cluttering the shower.
4. Comfortable Seating
Built-in benches offer a comfortable place to relax while also making everyday tasks easier. They can be incorporated into nearly any shower design without sacrificing style.
5. Premium Fixtures
From rainfall shower heads and handheld sprayers to body sprays and thermostatic controls, today’s fixtures allow homeowners to customize their daily shower experience while enhancing comfort and convenience.
Beautiful Solution for Accessibility and Aging in Place
Accessibility has become an increasingly important consideration for homeowners—not only for those with mobility challenges today, but also for those planning to remain in their homes for many years.
The good news is that accessible design no longer means sacrificing style.
Today’s walk-in showers can seamlessly incorporate features that improve safety while maintaining a clean, modern appearance.
These features may include:
- Curbless shower entrances
- Slip-resistant flooring
- Built-in seating
- Handheld shower heads
- Wider shower openings
- Strategically placed grab bars
- Easy-to-reach controls
- Improved lighting
Many homeowners choose to include these features during a planned remodel because they’re easier and more cost-effective to incorporate during construction than as future modifications.
Even if accessibility isn’t a current concern, thoughtful planning today can make your bathroom more comfortable and functional for years to come.
Should You Replace Your Bathtub?
One of the most common questions we hear is whether it’s a good idea to replace an existing bathtub with a walk-in shower.
The answer depends on your family’s lifestyle.
A walk-in shower may be an excellent choice if you rarely use your bathtub, want a more open bathroom, or are looking for easier accessibility and maintenance.
However, if your home only has one bathtub and you have young children—or anticipate selling to buyers who may expect one—it may be worth keeping at least one bathtub elsewhere in the home.
The right decision isn’t simply about following current trends. It’s about creating a bathroom that works well for your family both now and in the future.
What Does a Walk-In Shower Cost?
One of the first questions homeowners ask is, “How much does a walk-in shower cost?” The answer depends on the scope of your project and the selections you make throughout the design process.
Several factors can influence the overall investment, including:
- Shower size and layout
- Tile or shower wall panel selection
- Glass enclosure style
- Plumbing fixture upgrades
- Built-in benches or storage niches
- Lighting improvements
- Drain relocation or plumbing modifications
- Accessibility features
Because every bathroom is different, the best way to understand pricing is through a personalized consultation. If you’re planning a complete bathroom renovation, it’s also a good opportunity to coordinate your walk-in shower with new flooring, vanities, countertops, lighting, and fixtures for a cohesive design.
For a more detailed breakdown of remodeling costs, explore our Bathroom Remodel Cost resource.
Why Professional Planning Matters
A beautiful walk-in shower is about much more than selecting finishes.
Proper waterproofing, drainage, ventilation, and material selection all play a critical role in how your shower performs over time. Thoughtful planning also ensures the space is comfortable, functional, and easy to maintain for years to come.
During the design process, it’s important to consider questions like:
- Will the shower be comfortable to use every day?
- Is there enough storage for toiletries?
- Will lighting provide good visibility?
- Are the selected materials appropriate for the space?
- Does the layout support your long-term needs?
Addressing these details before construction begins helps prevent costly changes later and results in a bathroom that feels intentionally designed rather than simply updated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While every bathroom is unique, there are a few mistakes homeowners can avoid with proper planning.
Choosing Style Without Considering Function
An attractive shower should also be practical. Think about storage, maintenance, lighting, and how you’ll use the space every day.
Forgetting About Future Needs
Even if accessibility isn’t a priority today, features like curbless entries or reinforced walls for future grab bars can provide long-term flexibility with very little additional work during a remodel.
Overlooking Storage
Built-in niches and benches help keep everyday items organized without adding clutter to the shower.
Selecting Materials Based Only on Appearance
Every material has different maintenance requirements. Understanding the pros and cons of tile, grout, glass, and wall panels helps ensure your new shower fits your lifestyle as well as your design preferences.
Is a Walk-In Shower Right for You?
A walk-in shower may be an excellent choice if you:
- Rarely use your bathtub.
- Want a more open, modern bathroom.
- Prefer easier cleaning and maintenance.
- Are planning to stay in your home long-term.
- Want to improve accessibility.
- Are remodeling your primary bathroom.
You may want to keep at least one bathtub if:
- Your home only has a single bathroom.
- You have young children.
- You regularly enjoy taking baths.
- You believe a bathtub will better fit your family’s future needs.
Every home is different, which is why professional guidance can help you weigh the benefits of each option before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walk-In Showers in St. Louis
Are walk-in showers worth it?
For many homeowners, yes. Walk-in showers combine modern design, improved functionality, easier maintenance, and customizable features that enhance everyday comfort.
Can a walk-in shower fit in a small bathroom?
Absolutely. In many cases, replacing a traditional tub with a walk-in shower makes a smaller bathroom feel more open and spacious.
Are walk-in showers easier to clean?
Many homeowners find them easier to maintain, especially when using shower wall panels, larger-format tile, and frameless glass enclosures.
Can I replace my bathtub with a walk-in shower?
In most cases, yes. The best solution depends on your family's needs, your home's layout, and whether another bathtub is available.
Are walk-in showers good for aging in place?
Yes. Features such as curbless entries, built-in seating, handheld shower heads, and slip-resistant flooring make walk-in showers one of the most popular choices for homeowners planning to remain in their homes for years to come.
Transform Your Bathroom with Custom Walk-In Showers
A walk-in shower is more than a stylish upgrade—it’s an investment in comfort, functionality, and the long-term enjoyment of your home. Whether you’re looking to create a spa-inspired retreat, improve accessibility, or simply modernize an outdated bathroom, a thoughtfully designed walk-in shower can dramatically enhance your daily routine.
At Thompson Price Kitchens, Baths & Home, we’ve helped homeowners throughout the St. Louis area transform ordinary bathrooms into beautiful, functional spaces tailored to their lifestyles. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the remodeling process, from design and material selection to professional installation.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact Thompson Price today to schedule your complimentary bathroom remodeling consultation and discover how a custom walk-in shower can bring lasting beauty, comfort, and value to your home.