Thomas J. Story
Incorporate Storage
When building a wood slat shower like this open-air countryside version, take a moment to consider your storage needs. Here, an additional wood beam behind the pipes makes for a seamless shelf for propping shampoo. A tight row of hooks holds towels and a miniature staghorn fern for a little pop of greenery.
Thomas J. Story
Optimize for Comfort
An outdoor shower at set on a campsite-esque vacation property may call for some creativity. This custom wood structure shelters its occupants from the sun, which provides some cooling relief following a long day outdoors. The shower is smartly outfitted with an on-demand hot water heater, which runs off the site’s liquid propane tank. Hooks and swing-arm racks make accessing and drying towels a cinch.
Courtesy of Pack Design Group
Leverage a Corner
Make the most of a corner of a side yard by carving out a picture-perfect, post-saltwater shower niche with a simple wood slat design. The simple motif is repeated on the shower floor over a soft bed of gravel, which soaks up water and disguises the drain.
Thomas J. Story
Take It with You
Tired of bringing sand and dirt home with you? If so, just take your shower with you on the road. A roof rack-mounted solar shower is especially useful during a camping trip or surfing outings.
Thomas J. Story
Capitalize on a View
Whether or not your unspoiled perch is riverfront property, repurposing an outdoor tub can be an easy means to cool off during the hot season or to head outdoors for a steamy soak in colder months. Here, a pile of stones stabilizes the tub, and stumps act as natural catchalls for towels, shampoo, and the all-time kids’ bath essential of rubber duckies.
Kat Alves
Grow the Perfect Backdrop
Ivy-covered walls are so romantic (for reference: Paris). To add a lush element to an outdoor bathing space, place an antique cast iron tub against a wall of ivy or similar climbing vines. In lieu of a spot for wall hooks, simply add a folding stool to stack towels and washcloths.
Make It Convenient
Placing a tub on a deck just outside a master bedroom or bathroom makes stepping into an alfresco bathing situation all the easier. Use wood walls to create privacy where needed but, whenever possible, don’t dare obstruct the view.
Kat Alves for Gold Dust Collective
Carve Out Space
Define an outdoor bathing space with a circular river rock zone, and pair it with a couple of paver stones to function as smooth bath mats. Salvaged wood stumps make respectable side tables and a simple lantern will add the idyllic flicker of candlelight during evening soaks.
Courtesy of Dr. Bronners
Consider the Environment
It’s always a good idea to use biodegradable soap and shampoo, but especially important if your bath or shower water drains into your garden or outdoor space. A favorite is Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Eucalyptus Soap, which can also help clear congestion.