11 Outdoor Bathroom Ideas Perfect for Staying Poolside All Day

From dreamy outdoor showers to coastal-inspired cabana baths.

Whether you are lounging poolside, heading back from a day at the beach, or simply want a soak with a view, an outdoor bath, shower, or cabana bath might be for you. In addition to being a space that encourages you to have a little fun design-wise, these hardworking spaces can also be highly functional, keeping wet, sandy feet from trailing messes through the house. Of course, there’s also the perk of not wasting a single moment of outdoor time.

Here we’ve gathered outdoor shower, bath, and cabana bath inspiration to help you make the most of your outdoor bathroom goals.

Elevate the Space

This cabana bath features spa-like details that elevate the space to pure luxury. Patterned 3D tiles lend texture and interest to the space that also utilizes clean lines and crisp white details.

In a cabana bath, towel and sun-related product storage is key. A small shelf under the sink creates a tidy spot for grab-and-go items without adding bulk or clutter to the space. To keep the space looking in top shape, opt for simple pool or bath towels in white so you’ll never fear a mismatch—adding in a patterned hand towel is all the color pop you’ll need.

Make It Work

Have no fear of installing a true-blue outdoor shower smackdab on the side of the house, just make sure it has no problem blending with the surroundings. Here the home’s siding camouflages the beach-gear drop zone and helps sandy surfers rinse off before heading inside.

Creating a yard that works for you and your lifestyle is key when determining the right type of outdoor bathroom for you. A simple stall shower with elevated details can both add to the home’s aesthetic and create a more functional and seamless process from the outdoors and all its messy (but fun) activities to the inside retreat.

Fence It In

If you’ve always dreamed of an outdoor shower, consider tackling the DIY project on your own if you’re so inclined. Here a simple white fence creates the enclosure atop a raised, single-step platform. Exposed plumbing fixtures keep the handiwork on the minimal side.

For those who don’t have the knowledge to take on the plumbing-related tasks, you can hire out that portion of the project to give yourself some peace of mind while taking on the more aesthetic-focused handiwork on your own.

Skew the Lines

A garden bath doesn’t necessarily need full exposure to the elements. A sunroom, Florida room, or enclosed porch can be reimagined into the outdoor bath of your dreams.

Here a wall of windows and glass doors can open wide to the great outdoors when weather and privacy aren’t a concern. Otherwise, they close to create a fully enclosed space that can make for a dreamy spot to take in an evening rainstorm or gaze at the stars while soaking away the day.

Because the view is the focus, other elements within the space can be kept minimal. In this space, just a tub and a pendant light fixture are all the details needed to set the scene.

Consider the Surroundings

Cabana baths are one thing and garden baths are quite another. No beachy details are to be found in this space that opens to glorious green grounds beyond. Instead, it’s all rich wood tones and elevated finishes that will have its revelers basking in luxury.

Drapery panels strung from a rod atop the door allow plenty of light (and stunning views) when pulled aside. When privacy is called for, they cover the French doors while keeping with the bathroom’s traditional aesthetic. A large tub is positioned in such a way that the soaker can take in the view of the garden if they so choose.

Let Nature Sing

When creating an outdoor bath, details matter and, sometimes, less is more. This tucked-away tub is situated in an enclosure that still lets the true beauty of its location shine. Painted wood floors, rustic walls in a moody blue-gray, and antique-looking plumbing features lend a cozy cottage feel.

Just beyond the French doors, a lush yard and water views beckon, making this a tranquil little room with sightseeing benefits. While keeping things minimal can mean a pared-down color palette and less-is-more decor, don’t skimp on the essentials. A small stool near the tub allows space for bath products, a book or cup of tea, and a mat (here an outdoor style to fit with the surroundings) for stepping are non-negotiables.

Play With Color

If ever there was the time for a major splash of color, it’s in a pool house bath. Limewashed walls make the perfect backdrop for the bright pinks and greens of the space to shine.

When playing with color, shade undertones and variation is certainly something to consider. Get it wrong and you might end up setting a cacophonous scene. Here, the designer strikes the perfect balance with a lively lineup of hues and an interesting selection of prints that all live harmoniously within the tidy space.

The skirted sink is a true trick of the trade, effectively hiding storage and bringing a dose of softness and pattern to the space.

Select Surfaces With Care

When it comes to cabana baths, maintenance is key. But keeping surfaces hardworking doesn’t mean they can’t be pretty either.

Here, mini square tiles are given the design treatment as a way to add visual interest and color to the space. The small tiles provide a little more traction and less potential slippage than larger, slicker tiles, which matters when little and big feet alike are going from pool to bath. Once it gets wet, it’s also an easy surface to mop clean.

Instead of a large area rug, the patterned tile lends a similar effect. A simple bath mat can be pulled out when needed and thrown in the washing machine after use.

Bring the Charm

Don’t forsake your shiplap dreams—even if it is a cabana bath. Bringing in your aesthetic, no matter the style or space, is never a bad idea. Here shiplap walls, an antique-style light fixture, a towel rack, a pedestal sink, and mixed metals bring a farmhouse kind of charm that’s not often seen in cabana baths, but will reward the homeowner with years of enjoyment.

One of the key elements to selecting finishes that won’t lose favor when a trend’s moment has passed is sticking to an aesthetic and elements that you love. Find a style you love and it will stand the test of time.

Let Natural Materials Shine

This rustic bathroom connects to an outdoor porch with a soaking tub, but just inside the antique-style door is a treat in its own right. The natural materials mirror the landscape just beyond, pulling in soothing brown and gray tones, creating a truly rustic outdoor bath feel.

Make It a Double

Don’t let the weather get in the way of your outdoor shower dreams. Here a full glass wall and door separate the indoor shower from one on an enclosed porch. The outdoor unit is decidedly straightforward with a simple shower head, but inside things take a slightly more spa-like turn. The open design allows the bathroom to take in the full indoor-outdoor effect.

Read Next: What Garden Tubs Are—Plus 11 Inspirational Examples

Read the original article on The Spruce.