Wet Rooms: Does This Trend Hold Water — and Can It Increase Your Home’s Value?

Wet rooms have been quietly gaining traction in American homes, taking cues from European and Japanese design philosophies that prize minimalism, functionality and a spa-like experience. Even in the Twin Cities, more clients are asking if they should consider installing a wet room to increase their property value before selling, or whether a home with this sleek bathroom design is worth pursuing. 

If you’re curious about wet rooms or obsessed with the aesthetic you’ve seen on Instagram, let’s dive in and explore why this trend is making waves in home design. 

What Is a Wet Room?

A wet room is a fully waterproof, open-design bathroom. The shower stall is not enclosed but rather incorporated with the rest of the room. Instead of curbs and shower trays, the room is gently sloped toward a central drain, and everything, from the floors, walls, and sometimes even the ceiling, is fully tiled and made of materials that are designed to withstand moisture.

There’s no need for glass partitions or walls, although some people choose to include these elements for better delineation. It’s also up to you whether or not to have a toilet in the wet room. In typical Japanese wet rooms, which have directly inspired the U.S. trend, toilets are kept in their own designated areas, such as a separate water closet. However, many people prefer the functionality of having the tub, shower and toilet in the same space. 

So, who does a wet room appeal to? Luxury buyers who want a modern, spa-like aesthetic? Yep. Retirees who need a practical, barrier-free design without high curbs or shower trays? You betcha. Busy parents who value convenience and multi-purpose spaces? Absolutely. 

The appeal is clear, but what else is driving homeowners to consider this dramatic bathroom transformation?

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Why Wet Rooms Are Becoming More Popular

A significant aspect of the wet room trend is addressing real problems that traditional bathrooms create. Think about your current bathroom setup. That cramped shower stall that barely fits you and your shampoo bottles. The awkward step over the tub edge. The constant battle against mold, mildew and soap scum in those impossible-to-reach crevices. 

Wet rooms eliminate these everyday annoyances while delivering a genuinely luxurious experience. The open layout makes even modest bathrooms feel spacious and airy, while the seamless design is easier to maintain. Most fixtures, such as vanities or toilets, are wall-mounted to eliminate contact with the ground, and since the entire room is 100% waterproof, it can be easily hosed down for quick, efficient cleaning. 

Another major driving force is accessibility. 

As more people choose to “age in place” (rather than downsize or move to a retirement community), the barrier-free design of wet rooms offers practical benefits: fewer tripping hazards, easier to maneuver for those with mobility aids, and a completely flexible design that can be adapted to include grab rails, shower seats and more. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), wet rooms are one of the key home improvements you can make to promote independence in elderly or disabled individuals. 

Social media influence can't be ignored either. Pinterest and Instagram are flooded with stunning wet room transformations that make traditional bathrooms look dated and cramped by comparison. When you see those gorgeous, minimalist spaces with rainfall showers and seamless tile work, it's hard not to imagine what your own bathroom could become.

Other Reasons People Are Obsessed With Wet Rooms:

• The luxurious, spa-like aesthetic 
• Convenient and practical, especially for families with young kids
• Open floor plan maximizes the available space
• A well-designed wet room can increase property value
• Photograph extremely well for online listings

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So, What Are the Drawbacks of a Wet Room?

Like every trend, wet rooms do have some drawbacks.

More Labor Intensive
If you’re considering converting your bathroom to a wet room, whether to enjoy yourself or to increase the appeal of your home before it hits the market, let's be honest about what you're signing up for here. Creating a proper wet room isn't like retiling your kitchen backsplash. Everything needs careful planning: waterproofing, floor slope, drain placement, ventilation, and even the placement of fixtures such as the vanity, sink, shower, tub and toilet. This means installing a wet room is more expensive and labor intensive than your typical bathroom reno.

Can Be Drafty
One drawback of a wet room that many people don’t consider (but makes total sense once you think about it) is that they can be draftier than a traditional bathroom. Without any barriers to trap steam and heat, hot air can dissipate rapidly, and without proper insulation, the tiled surfaces can feel cold to the touch. In-floor heating or heated vent fans can solve this problem, but these solutions add to both installation complexity and ongoing energy costs. Some homeowners install infrared heat lamps or heated towel rails to maintain comfort levels.

Excess Moisture
Without a shower enclosure, water and humidity can spread throughout the room. Good ventilation and non-slip tiles are key to a safe, healthy wet room design. Strategic planning also plays a big role: many people choose rain showerheads that point downward, position sinks and vanities away from the shower, and incorporate glass partitions or pony walls to maintain an open feel while preventing everything else from getting too wet.

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What Wet Rooms Mean for Your Home's Value

From a market perspective, wet rooms occupy an interesting space. They're not quite mainstream enough to be expected, but they're trendy enough to catch buyers' attention. Think of them as a feature that can tip the scales in your favor if it’s done well. 

That said, it’s still a niche upgrade. Some buyers love the spa-like feel, while others may be unsure about the open layout or long-term maintenance. Because of that split, a wet room tends to add more value in neighborhoods where modern homes are already in demand. In those areas, it can strengthen your listing photos and help justify a higher asking price.

If you’re planning to sell soon, it’s worth speaking with a local agent before starting a full remodel. Market trends vary block by block, and a project that pays off in one Twin Cities neighborhood may not carry the same weight in another. But when wet rooms align with buyer expectations for your area, they can absolutely elevate your home’s appeal, especially online, where strong visuals drive interest and showings.

Ready to Find a Home That Fits Your Style?

Thinking about buying or selling, or are you weighing remodel decisions that could impact your home’s value? Our team is here to help you sort through the options and make confident choices. Golden Homes Group MN knows the Twin Cities market inside and out, and we’re always happy to offer guidance, even if you’re just starting to explore your next step. Let’s talk!

Sheri Wessel
Office: 651-379-5252
Mobile: 651-270-7157
Email: [email protected]    

Melaney Thelander
Office: 651-379-5252
Mobile: 651-500-8789​
Email: [email protected]   ​