September 18, 2025 •Brian Hogan
A curbless shower, also known as a barrier-free shower, provides a seamless entry to the shower space. This type of walk-in shower doesn't have the traditional raised threshold that you have to step over when entering.
Curbless showers represent a significant investment in design and installation, but they can transform a bathroom into a space that is more functional, accessible, and visually appealing.
The barrier-free entrance reduces the risk of trips and falls, and curbless showers are also easier to clean and maintain than traditional tub showers. And from a design standpoint, installing a curbless shower also creates a sense of open space.
The ability to make the room feel larger means that curbless showers are a good choice for small bathrooms while still offering versatility for larger, more luxurious, or spa-like bathrooms.
Another benefit of the open design is the ability to show off impressive tilework. In this post, I'll give examples from our portfolio that reveal the design potential of curbless showers. I hope this inspires you to imagine your own ideas for how to make the most of a curbless shower and showcase the tile in your bathroom.
#1: Fully Open Concept, Curbless Shower Design
In this accessible remodel, our client wanted a wide-open, modern space with a seamless entrance to the shower. We developed this spacious shower concept, which includes showerheads on two shower walls and an extra-wide shower door.
The frameless glass gives the space an airy feeling and makes all the tile visible. In this case, we installed white hexagonal tiles with different tones of gray and white to give the shower a sense of movement and dynamism. Thin, white grout lines provide a small pop of color with the overall tile pattern.
Even though this shower is optimized for accessibility, the bathroom also includes an elegant freestanding tub, reflecting the ability of a curbless shower to fit in all kinds of bathroom designs.
#2 Barrier-Free Shower with Bold Bathroom Floor Tile
For this project, the homeowner wanted a unique design as well as a bathroom that enhanced accessibility and would be easy to clean and maintain.
We installed a curbless shower with a frameless glass door and a built-in shower seat where a person with limited strength or mobility can sit and rest while bathing. The entire bathroom floor, including the shower, has the same small tiles, which feature multiple colors and tones. A dark blue accent wall complements the color palette of the tile, while the other walls match the look of the countertops.
The tile creates a sense of movement and vitality throughout the space and reflects the client's bold interior design sensibility. While this exact look might not be for everyone, it demonstrates how curbless showers can be customized with various waterproof tile options to fit any design scheme.
#3 Layered Wall and Shower Floor Tile
This homeowner wanted a sleek and stunning master suite, which we designed with both a curbless shower and a freestanding tub.
The shower space features multiple types of tile that create layered color and give the entire area a distinct visual appeal. It starts with the shower floor, which has different tile than the surrounding bathroom floor, even though there is no curb or barrier.
Inside the shower, there's a built-in shelf, and the wall features different colors of tile above and below that shelf. A large niche with darker tile stands out from the wall just below the shelf. Integrated storage solutions like built-in niches in the shower wall help keep the space organized and clutter-free.
The end result is a master bath that looks both elegant and contemporary. This type of innovative design can also be supplemented with heated floors that enhance the comfort of curbless showers by combating coldness. Another add-on possibility is smart technology features like voice-controlled shower systems and smart mirrors with built-in LED lighting.
To achieve a high-end curbless shower like this, thoughtful attention to detail and expert installation are crucial. For example, installing one requires a sloped floor and a linear drain to ensure water drains effectively and stays away from the rest of the bathroom floor.
#4 Walk-In Shower with Its Own Window
In this remodel, we created a walk-in shower with a window built into one of the shower walls. Although this home didn't require a fully barrier-free shower space, this approach can be adapted to a curbless design.
The window in the shower creates a connection between the tub and shower areas and also prevents the shower from feeling too dark or cramped. The added light and view into the shower also offer a clearer view of the classic dark tilework.
One issue to keep in mind is that privacy can be a concern with curbless showers due to their open concept design. This is especially true in a bathroom like this one with a large exterior window. Choosing the right window treatments can resolve privacy concerns and add another point of visual interest in the bathroom's interior design.
Curbless Shower and Bathroom Design for Your Remodel
Whether you are thinking about future-proofing your home for accessibility or simply appreciate the style of an open and spacious design, a curbless shower can be an ideal choice for your bathroom remodel.
While most remodelers have experience with walk-in showers, not nearly as many know all the ins and outs of installing a curbless shower. Proper design and installation require experience, skill, and careful attention—three things that we pride ourselves on at Hogan Design & Construction.
We are a custom home remodeler that has been serving the greater Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin region for 25 years. Our in-house designers work hand-in-hand with clients to develop compelling project plans, and our expert construction team knows how to effectively bring those plans to life.
We've seen first-hand just how much a remodeled bathroom can upgrade our clients' day-to-day lives and increase their satisfaction with their home. On top of that, a well-executed curbless shower can increase a home's resale value thanks to its desirable modern and accessible design.
If you're thinking about a curbless shower or any other bathroom remodel, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation. We also invite you to learn more about our team and our process, and see more examples of our work in our online portfolio.