Is there any greater luxury than bathing outdoors? You don’t need much more than a shower head and a modest enclosure (ideally one that offers a glimpse of the sea). We combed through the many outdoor showers we’ve come across over the years and selected the most memorable. Here’s our top 20:
Martha’s Vineyard Charm
Above: Everything you need for the ultimate outdoor shower experience. Photograph by Max Kim Bee, courtesy of Ellen Hamilton, from A Modest Beach Cottage on Martha’s Vineyard Goes from “Bad Seventies” to “Good Seventies.”
LA Luxe
Above: Designer Vanessa Alexander’s outdoor shower in Malibu, California. Photograph courtesy of Alexander Design.
Long Island Lavender
Above: An outdoor shower in Southhampton, New York by Maria Milans del Bosch. Photograph by Montse Zamorano, from Before & After: A Swimming Pool in the Hamptons, Inspired by Spain.
SoCal Lush
Above: For this minimal outdoor shower, the idea was to feel immersed in plant life. The shower is the Copper/Brass Outdoor Shower from ORCA. Photograph by Austin John for Finca Glenfeliz, from Before &After: A Modern Landscape Fit for a Finca in Los Angeles.
Mill Valley Lovely
Above: Gardenista founder Michelle Slatalla’s outdoor shower. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Gardenista.
Sun Valley Surprise
Above: Willow fencing provides privacy in this semi-open shower. Photograph courtesy of Ben Young Landscape Architecture, from Private Idaho: A Rustic Outdoor Shower in Sun Valley.
Cape Cod Classic
Above: An outdoor shower in a secluded corner of a Cape Cod garden needs no walls, doors, or curtains. Photograph by Justine Hand, from Secret Garden: At Home with Marnie on Cape Cod.
Berkshires Balance
Above: A pool house in the Berkshires in Massachusetts has an outdoor shower sided with white clapboard. Photograph by Michael Moran courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects, from Swimming Pool of the Week: Beautiful Views in the Berkshires.
Healdsburg Retreat
Above: An ipe wood pool shower. Photograph courtesy of Malcolm Davis, from Swimming Pool of the Week: A Rustic Family Campground—with a Lap Pool.
Pacific Palisades Pastoral
Above: For an outdoor shower, the choice of materials—water-worn pebbles underfoot and a board and batten shower enclosure—is an echo of the architecture of the house. Photograph by Art Gray, from Landscape Architect Visit: A Refined Family Garden in LA’s Pacific Palisades.
Easy-Breezy on Cape Cod
Above: Photograph by Matthew Williams. For more, see Architect Visit: A Kitchen Garden on Cape Cod.
Charleston Clapboard
Above: A shower and bathroom in a pool house in Charleston, SC, designed by architect Heather Wilson. See more at Remodelista’s Steal This Look: An Outdoor Pool Pavilion, Shower Included.
Calistoga Cool
Above: Just off of the master bathroom is a private outdoor shower, with half-walls, so “you can watch the neighboring horses graze,” says the designer. Photograph by Suzanne Scott, from Serenity Now: An Indoor/Outdoor Retreat in California Wine Country.
Fire Island Chic
Above: The towel hooks are galvanized dock cleats from Carolina Boat Outfitters. Photograph by Kate Sears, from A Chic Fixer-Upper on Fire Island, Budget Edition.
Napa Glamping
Above: Perched on a platform, a modern open-air bath in northern California’s Napa valley has a corrugated metal roof, teak-stained knotty pine paneling, and stainless steel interior walls. Photograph by Matthew Williams, from Gardenista Book Sneak Peek: Glamping in Napa.
Jamaican Oasis
Above: An outdoor shower on Jamaica. Photograph by Art Gray, from The Tropical Life: A Family Camp on Jamaica Designed by Sean Knibb.
Cape Cod Couple
Above: Side-by-side showers constructed of simple exposed plumbing parts. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Gardenista. For more, see our book, Gardenista: The Definitive Guide for Stylish Outdoor Living.
Shelter Island Scene
Above: A shower overlooking the shoreline of Shelter Island, NY, at a house designed by Suzanne Shaker and Tamarkin Co. Photograph by Bart Michiels, from Architect & Designer Visit: Cary Tamarkin and Suzanne Shaker in Shelter Island.
Key West Tropical
Above: A Pila Wall Mount Shower from Calazzo’s outdoor shower collection. Photograph by Tamara Alvarez, courtesy of Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture, from Key West Classic: A Vintage Beach House with Modern Curb Appeal.
Napa Vintage
Above: This Sonoma County outdoor shower features native grape vines peeking through. Photograph by Caitlin Atkinson, from The Four-Season Garden: An Enchanting Indoor/Outdoor Landscape in Sonoma County by Terremoto.
Considering installing an outdoor shower yourself? See:
See also:
- Object of Desire: An Elegant Brass & Copper Outdoor Shower by OR.CA
- 8 Favorites: Pop-Up Outdoor Showers
N.B.: This post has been updated with new images and links. It was first published May 2016.
