The rise of spa-style shower trays: Luxury aesthetics with reliable functionality

More design-led than ever before, the latest shower trays prioritise style, safety and practicality – Nicola Hanley talks to the experts to find out more about the latest products.

There’s no doubt about the popularity of showering among UK consumers. According to the 2025 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, 58% of homeowners focused on their shower during renovations by increasing its size, in many cases by more than 50%.

It’s a trend that shower tray manufacturers all comment on. “In terms of size, trays are getting larger as homeowners look to maximise showering space,” says Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager at Roca and Laufen. “Homeowners are increasingly prioritising larger, more comfortable showering areas over baths, which continues to fuel demand and keep the category performing well.”

Matki’s MD Nicholas Cunild also notes the move from bathtubs to shower trays, claiming that the trend for freestanding baths is ‘slowing down’. “Shower trays are excellent for optimising bathroom space, particularly when they're bespoke,” he says.

With shower areas becoming more spacious, shower trays are playing an ever bigger role in bathroom design - physically as well as stylistically. “Design expectations in the bathroom have changed. Consumers now view the shower enclosure as a style statement,” says Eileen Slattery, Merlyn’s marketing director. “Shower trays have evolved far beyond commodity status. They’re now central to the overall bathroom design, sometimes even setting the tone for the enclosure and floor layout. Ultra-low profiles, precision edges and colour-coordinated finishes make the tray a design feature.”

Matki’s Cunild agrees: “The sheer variety of sizes, colours, and surfaces now available perfectly matches the growing desire for individualised bathroom designs, moving away from standard, off-the-shelf options.”

Tanna Molyneux, product manager at Bathrooms to Love by PJH, also comments on how shower trays are evolving in line with the latest bathroom trends. “Stylish, minimalist looks are as important for trays as they are for all bathroom product categories,” she says.  “The latest shower tray trends centre around spa-like aesthetics combined with innovative and practical solutions for ease of use, safety, and easy installation.”

As a result, flush-fitting options are featuring in more installations as consumers look to future-proof their homes with seamless designs. “The preference is for shower trays that blend seamlessly into the floor, creating a more harmonious and fluid look that enhances the sense of space and relaxation,” continues Roca and Laufen’s Bird. Here discreet, hidden wastes are appealing to consumers who want to create a sleek, integrated look.

Roman’s MD David Osborne agrees. “Customers are increasingly drawn to ultra-low trays that enhance the sense of space in the bathroom,” he says. “The latest trends are clearly pointing towards luxury, high performance, and design-led functionality.”

Safety and accessibility are also becoming more important to consumers, Osborne continues, with demand for anti-slip finishes soaring. “We’ve definitely seen a growing demand for anti-slip shower trays amongst both consumers and specifiers,” he notes. “Our Anti-Slip trays feature a solid surface with a textured gel coat finish that meets the highest slip-resistance standards (DIN Class C). We’re increasingly seeing this favoured over add-on mats.”

At Lakes Showering Spaces, there is a notable trend for textured and patterned trays which offer aesthetic as well as safety benefits. “There are many anti-slip trays now available in different materials to offer customers a wider choice,” says MD Mike Gahir. “Stone-effect trays provide a more natural looking slip-resistant surface and are also favoured by specifiers and developers as they can be fitted level to the floor to offer an elevated level of safety.”

Neutral tones seem to be en vogue, in line with the biophillic and spa bathroom trends. Roca and Laufen’s Bird says Pearl and Beige are the current favourites. "These lighter shades help create a softer, more spacious feel in the bathroom and complement the growing popularity of brushed brass, stainless steel brassware and muted, earthy tile finishes.”

Looking ahead, RAK Ceramics’ MD Alvin Biggs, believes we’ll see more bespoke shower trays in the coming years. “Made to measure trays are likely to take on greater significance, as homeowners continue to carve out some bathroom space from their existing square metres and shower areas are formed from awkward corners etc,” he says. “It’s likely we will see more in the way of textured surfaces coming through too, incorporating the anti-slip requirement in a style-led way.”

Merlyn’s Slattery agrees. “The future of shower trays lies in personalisation and performance. Expect to see ultra-flush designs that blend into tiled floors, larger bespoke formats, and sustainable composite materials. Integrated anti-slip textures, hidden wastes and even smart drainage innovations will further elevate the humble shower tray.”

Echoing her sentiments, Matki’s Cunild says: “We anticipate even greater aesthetic individualisation in shower trays. There will also be continued focus on their environmental credentials and an increased emphasis on practicality and safety for an aging demographic.”