16 outdoor bathroom ideas to instantly elevate the style and function of your backyard

Nothing says luxury quite like an outdoor bathroom. It's a functional addition to your backyard, whether it sits poolside or becomes a tranquil spot to unwind on summer evenings, and will instantly elevate your outdoor space.

While designing for outdoors is slightly different from your indoor bathroom ideas, there's no reason you can't bring the same considered style and relaxing atmosphere to your backyard, too.

Not sure where to start? We've turned to designers who have shared their favorite outdoor bathroom designs to inspire your space, along with their best advice for a space that's as functional as it is luxurious.

16 outdoor bathroom ideas to elevate garden bathing

Designing an outdoor bathroom is more than just choosing pretty features. As much as choosing pretty outdoor shower tiles and a luxurious bathtub is key for an aesthetic space, the functional aspects are super important.

Like any water feature ideas, practical elements such as piping water to your outdoor bathroom and draining it away again must be considered from the outset, as well as the right place to place it for privacy and accessibility.

The good news? All these elements are covered in these expert-approved outdoor bathroom ideas. From layout and materials to color and tiles, you can create an idyllic garden escape that showcases your design style.

1. Create an outdoor bathroom in a greenhouse

For anyone who lives in a wetter or less predictable weather climate, the idea of an outdoor bathroom might not appeal. But there are ways to make one work, whatever the weather, especially if you pair it with your greenhouse ideas, like in this design.

An outdoor bathroom can be as simple or as layered as you like, a freestanding tub beneath the trees, a rainfall shower built into a garden wall, or a fully equipped bathing space complete with heating and lighting,' says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.

'The example here beautifully captures this spirit: a striking roll-top bath set within a lush greenhouse, surrounded by foliage. It’s a smart, soulful use of space and shows how greenhouses, traditionally used for growing, are now being embraced as wellness retreats in their own right. No rule says you can’t plant yourself in the tub instead.'

2. Save space with a compact design

Not everyone has the space – or need – for a full outdoor bathroom fit with a shower, bathtub, and all the accessories. So, if you have a small backyard and want a more space-saving solution, opting for a shower with a deep base gives you the best of both worlds.

This design is the perfect example. A simple shower fixture has been integrated into the wall, while a deep square base of the shower doubles up as a small outdoor bath. It's super stylish without taking up too much space.

3. Introduce a sculptural bath for interest

No luxury outdoor bathroom is complete without a show-stopping bathtub at the center. And if you want something a bit more elevated, choosing a design with a more sculptural silhouette will not only look striking, but it will also create a softer scheme, like in this design.

'A lot of bathroom trends are influenced by what luxury hotels and vacation homes do. This is the case for outdoor bathtubs. There is something very luxurious about bathing outdoors, most likely because it is different from the norm, and add in stunning views, and it can become quite magical,' says Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.

In this space, the curvaceous silhouette of the bath creates a beautiful focal point while also softening the overall look of the space. Surrounded by wood finishes and abundant greenery, it's the ultimate luxurious, tranquil spot.

4. Install a wall-to-wall outdoor bathtub

A simpler and more affordable way to create a tranquil outdoor bath nook is by installing it next to the wall of your home. Connecting an outdoor bathroom to indoor utilities, such as the existing hot water supply, will help keep installation costs down.

This simply executed outdoor bathroom in Puglia, Italy, is plumbed directly through the exterior wall of the property, so the hot water has less far to travel. From a style perspective, this wall-to-wall tub feels calm and tranquil, an idyllic space for relaxing during the warmer months.

‘Using seamless traditional finishes, such as pink-tinted cocciopesto plaster on the bath and lime-washed sandstone walls, achieves an outdoor bathing space that connects quietly with the home and its surroundings,’ says interior designer Andrew Trotter, the creator of this outdoor bathroom.

5. Integrate your outdoor bathroom with the natural surroundings

Wherever you choose to locate your outdoor bathroom, ensuring the materials you use feel in keeping with its natural surroundings will help create a cohesive scheme. With the right finishes and colors, your outdoor bathroom will feel right at home in your backyard space.

'Consider elements like natural stone, wood accents, and greenery to seamlessly blend the space with its environment. Opting for earthy tones and organic materials helps maintain a seamless connection to the outdoors,' says Harrison Greenslade, of West One Bathrooms.

6. Use nature as a privacy screen

Privacy is a key factor to consider when designing your outdoor bathroom. While some gardens have sheltered spots, not everyone benefits from private spaces, so introducing plants and greenery is a natural solution.

If you're not sure where to start, look to the best privacy hedges, best privacy shrubs, and careful selection of trees for privacy to create a natural privacy screen that doesn't feel out of place. And don't forget, it's not just about privacy within your yard, but privacy from neighboring spaces, too.

7. Find a space sheltered from the elements

An internal courtyard offers the perfect suntrap for an outdoor bathroom, protected from prevailing winds. Here, direct access to an indoor bathroom provides extra facilities and privacy when required.

‘The shower is outside the bathroom for enjoyment under the open sky, and the courtyard is designed to be kept open to the internal living spaces to allow free movement throughout,’ explains architect Adele McNab.

This bathroom layout not only creates ease of flow between your inside and outdoor bathroom, but the protection from the elements means you get much more use out of it throughout the year.

8. Sink a bathtub into a deck

If pool ideas are too vast for your space, how about a sunken bath, which channels a spa-style hot tub feel without the need for harsh chemicals? This not only helps your outdoor bathtub to feel more integrated, but it makes it much easier to hide the unsightly plumbing.

‘We love the luxury look of a sunken tub. Include a pull-out spray to make it easier to rinse the bath clean after use,’ suggests Louise. This scheme proves a sunken bath works wonders in a small yard, adding a sense of luxury to a bijou space. It's perfect for a courtyard garden, too.

9. Opt for a covered outdoor bathroom for year-round use

Whether you prefer extra protection from the elements or simply wish for extra privacy, a covered outdoor bathroom can aid a striking scheme. You can really get experimental with the decor, while an open side allows you to still enjoy the views and natural surroundings.

This covered outdoor bathroom is a chic example. Patterned tiles add a rustic bath that adds character to the space, and the open side of the cover boasts and encourages inside/outside living.

'Both practical and luxurious, outdoor showers and baths create a dedicated space to enjoy nature while relaxing. Our Green Alalpardo tiles blend well with a natural landscape while our reclaimed Monsaraz Tiles lean into the rustic feeling of the outdoors,” says Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May.

10. Make outdoor bath time a couples retreat

Installing two outdoor baths may seem extravagant, but it can prove a more hygienic way to enjoy the sociable benefits of a backyard hot tub, and open the opportunity to spend quality time with your partner.

‘This boat bath duo is the perfect set-up for watching the sunset with company, without having to squeeze into the same tub or share water,’ says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs.

In this space, tin bathtubs were chosen for their practical and aesthetic benefits. ‘Tin is a great material for outdoor baths – it retains heat well and can be left outdoors year-round,' Barrie adds.

11. Find space for an outdoor bathroom on the roof

Outdoor bathrooms are not reserved for homes with big yards – they can also work as part of your roof garden ideas. Installing an outdoor shower up high is a great way to mitigate the sense of feeling exposed, says architect Philip J Consalvo of PJC Architecture.

Here, the main bedroom has direct access to a private roof deck. ‘The owners can enjoy showering outside without worrying about being overlooked,’ he says.

12. Keep it simple with an outdoor shower

If you want to keep things simple, introducing a shower on a wooden platform offers a rustic aesthetic, which works perfectly in a backyard. It requires less space and plumbing than installing a full outdoor bathroom, but it's still super practical.

This outdoor shower idea is a great example – located next to an outhouse, there is privacy without feeling small and the wall has been utilized for towel hanging. Adding the tree stump fits the theme and offers a surface to place soaps and other shower essentials.

13. Add statement tiles

Just because outdoor bathrooms require a lot of practical considerations, it doesn't mean you have to compromise on style. Adding tiles can add interest and personality to your scheme, like in this outdoor bathroom.

'Tiling the surround is a practical surface solution, particularly when using waterproof cement tiles that are easy to maintain, but also encourage experimentation with color choice and design,' says Damla Turgut, founder and creative director at Otto Tiles.

'Chequerboard tiles have been popular indoors and out, allowing clients to introduce a single hue and dip their toe into brighter color palettes – we love how our yellow and white cement tiles have been used to create a serene outdoor bathing space at Aller Dorset,' she adds.

14. Build an outdoor bathroom on a private deck

Garden screening ideas don't have to just be created from foliage. Enclosing an outdoor bath on three sides will create a more intimate setting, without restricting the view above. This is a fitting choice if your space is smaller or greenery doesn't provide adequate privacy.

Here, at The Woods rental cabins in Victoria, Australia, owner Stephanie King has installed an antique bath with a shower on each private deck. 'We have added a linen curtain to seal off the space for privacy, so it’s not too risqué and our guests can fully relax while bathing under the 100-year-old gumtrees,’ adds Stephanie.

15. Choose the right location for your outdoor bathroom

This might seem obvious, but when designing your outdoor bathroom, location is key. For one, it's important the location has access to plumbing, but it's also about how much natural sunlight it gets and when.

‘Plumbing access is often the biggest influence on a practical level, but for enjoyment, you should think about what time of day you plan to use it. Consider where the sun will be in the sky and any shading you may require,’ advises Pierce Coyne, design manager at Kitchen Architecture.

‘The perfect spot shouldn’t be overlooked, or so far from the house that you’re put off making the trip,' he adds.

16. Create a functional outdoor bathroom layout

Whether your outdoor bathroom is big or small, ensure the layout of the space has an easy flow and doesn't feel too crowded. After all, this is a space you want to enjoy using.

'The layout of an outdoor bathroom should prioritize functionality and convenience. Consider the flow of the space, ensuring easy access to fixtures like the shower or bath. Adequate drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation, especially in outdoor environments prone to rainfall,' Harrison advises.

In this outdoor bathroom, the bathtub is the focal point of the space, and although it is placed in the center of the bathroom, there is ample space to walk around it to use the shower and pass by.

How much does it cost to build an outdoor bathroom?

Outdoor bathrooms can cost as little as a few hundred dollars at their simplest, but if you want to combine them, perhaps with your pool house ideas, including a roof and heating, you are more likely to spend $15,000 to $20,000.

The cost will also depend on plumbing – if you already have water access in your desired location, you won't have to worry about the costs of installing a water supply. However, if you don't already have plumbed water access, it will make the process more expensive.

For a more affordable option, you can opt for an outdoor shower installed to the side of your house, which is connected to your internal plumbing. You can also find examples that connect to your hose if you only want it out during peak summer.

Outdoor bathroom ideas range from small, rustic spaces to large, luxurious designs, proving every outdoor space can benefit from this design feature. Whether you opt for a simple shower or go all out with a freestanding bath, there's an idea here to inspire.