15 Outdoor Shower Ideas to Consider For Your Custom Home

July 2, 2024

If you plan on spending a lot of time outside by the pool, an outdoor shower is a luxurious and practical addition. Outdoor showers can eliminate dirt from getting into your home or your pool. They’re also a great way to rinse off dogs or kids quickly without a full shower inside. Here are a few outdoor shower ideas to consider for your custom home:

1. Enclosed Wall Shower

If you want some privacy, ask for an enclosed outdoor shower. If you have a retaining wall, you can use this as part of the structure and build a half-wall shower. Adding a wooden door gives you the feel of a private oasis. A rainfall showerhead can make you feel like you’re showering in a rainstorm while plants can add to the landscape.

Upgrading the shower and adding a touch of nature are bathroom design trends that you can use to design a functional and relaxing outdoor shower. Don’t forget to add a few hooks to your design. These are great for hanging towels during your shower and for drying later.

2. Indoor-Outdoor Shower

If you like the idea of an outdoor shower, but desire more privacy, try an indoor wet room bathroom with half doors that open up to the outdoors. This allows you to enjoy the landscape while still retaining some privacy in an indoor shower. This outdoor shower idea probably will work best in warmer climates, but you can just close it up during cold months if you still want to implement this idea.

3. Mediterranean-Inspired Shower

For a dreamy outdoor shower, take some inspiration from the Mediterranean design style. Try using materials like terra-cotta and turquoise. These colors are popular pool tile ideas and work in a Mediterranean-inspired outdoor shower.

Try an airy design that includes a few rooms complete with Mediterranean-inspired tiles and brass or gold shower fixtures. For a wow factor, add a luxurious outdoor soaking tub. If you have a pool house or even a guest house, this layout is ideal. The ample bathing area offers enough space for a few people to use at the same time.

4. Outdoor Bathroom

Don’t worry, this is no primitive outhouse. Design a rustic but modern shower and bathroom that eliminates the need for family or guests to enter your home while dripping wet. Slats over a concrete base with a drain allow the floor to dry properly, avoiding mildew and mold buildup.

Adding a lot of native plants to your outdoor bathroom is a great way to incorporate some biophilic design into your home. However, be sure you’re choosing these plants intentionally rather than just haphazardly adding a lot of plants. Part of biophilic design is creating harmony between indoor and outdoor design. Since this outdoor bathroom is already outside, you just need to tie it all together

5. Minimalist Shower

An outdoor shower doesn’t need to be over the top with lots of extra features. Sometimes you just want an outdoor shower for functionality. To keep things minimal, pick a single showerhead in a design you love.

A showerhead in a brushed chrome or matte black finish will look sleek but still convey functionality and minimalism. Minimalism continues to be a popular design style and is found in a lot of summer decor trends.

6. Reclaimed Wood Outdoor Shower

If you want to give your shower area a rustic feel, try using reclaimed wood. Pick hardware in a matte or brushed metal finish to fit in with the reclaimed wood, making things flow together seamlessly. Using natural wood is a popular home design trend and allows your outdoor shower to blend into its environment.

7. Modern Farmhouse Outdoor Shower

If you have a home in the modern farmhouse design style, try matching your outdoor shower to your home. Black, white, and natural wood are popular modern farmhouse exterior design ideas so make sure the shower blends it into the siding of the home. Pick plumbing hardware that has an industrial look that is so popular with modern farmhouses. Add plenty of plants for a cozy and natural feel.

8. Weather-Friendly Shower

Something important to keep in mind is that an outdoor shower will encounter Mother Nature. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, utilize materials that will combat moisture and won’t rot. A good drainage system is good for any shower, but it’s even more necessary in an area that sees a lot of rain. For a shower that needs to withstand a lot of sun and heat, add a roof for some shade.

9. Add One to a Bathroom or Bedroom

For an extra special and private outdoor shower, think about adding an outdoor shower that’s only accessible from a bedroom or bathroom. Adding plants and even a standalone tub or hot tub makes this area your own private oasis and is a great idea for outdoor living spaces.

10. Double Outdoor Shower

If you have a bigger family or host a lot of pool parties, a double outdoor shower might be a practical choice. You can opt for separate stalls or keep everything open. A built-in bench nearby gives users a place to lay towels and coverups.

11. Add a Pop of Color

Even if your outdoor shower is an extension of your home, that doesn’t mean it has to blend in seamlessly with your exterior. For an eye-catching shower, try a different shade of color. If you want an understated look, stay in the same color scheme as your exterior, just pick a bolder or lighter shade in the same color.

For a real contrast, try a complementary color. However, be sure to think about how much contrast you want. Some complementary colors are less of a contrast than others and you have the choice to get just the right amount of contrast that you’re looking for. Determining this level of contrast is a helpful tip when choosing exterior colors for your custom home.

12. Let the Ocean Inspire You

The ocean can offer lots of design inspiration. Look for materials that mimic designs found in or by the ocean. Tile can offer that softness and beautiful art found in sea glass while light concrete floors and walls can resemble sandy beaches.

You can even find ocean-scented shower steamers to use smell to help relax and create that coastal atmosphere when using the outdoor shower. These are great ways to incorporate coastal home decor into your custom home.

13. Build a Shower into a Gazebo

For a standout and spacious outdoor shower, think about using a gazebo as your starting point. Gazebos are common types of backyard structures and a gazebo can offer privacy. They can also give you plenty of room for a shower, changing room, as well as a bathroom, if desired. Proper drainage will be crucial, especially if you have a rainy season.

14. Well-Lit Shower

To make the most of your outdoor shower from morning to night, be sure you have plenty of lighting. Outdoor lighting is important, so don’t overlook it when designing your outdoor shower. You have plenty of options such as traditional mounted sconces or string lights. Using a few different types allows you to get just the right level or aesthetic.

15. Outdoor Mudroom

A mudroom can be a useful part of any home so why not add some of the features to an outdoor shower? This approach can provide several outdoor shower ideas. Think about adding a large industrial sink and plenty of storage. This is a great option if you have large dogs that tend to get dirty.

Adding a shower space for a dog ensures a clean dog enters your home, leaving their mud behind! An outdoor pet washing station is one of the pet-friendly custom home design ideas that works perfectly if you’re already planning on including an outdoor shower.

An outdoor shower can be a great feature in your home design and is one of the pool house ideas to consider as well. These are just a few outdoor shower ideas to consider for your home. One of the biggest benefits of designing your own custom home is that you get to make your home fit your exact needs and desires. If you’re ready to get started on your dream custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!