5 Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas with Tub and Shower: Creative, practical small bathroom remodel ideas that fit both a tub and a shower—real tips from a seasoned interior designerUncommon Author NameApr 05, 2026Table of Contents1. Combine tub and shower with a glass partition2. Use a shallow soaking tub and ceiling-mounted shower3. Recess niches and wall-mounted storage4. Bright tiles and vertical accents to elongate the room5. Sliding or pocket door to reclaim floor spaceTips 1FAQOnline Room PlannerStop Planning Around Furniture. Start Planning Your SpaceStart designing your room nowI once promised a client I could fit a full bathtub and a walk-in shower into a bathroom the size of a coat closet — and nearly paid for it with a very awkward plumbing redo. That tiny disaster taught me that small spaces force creativity, and the right tricks can make a compact bathroom feel spacious and luxe. In this article I’ll share five practical small bathroom remodel ideas with tub and shower based on real projects, so you can get the look without the heartache.1. Combine tub and shower with a glass partitionI often recommend using a tub with a partial glass partition instead of a full shower curtain. The glass keeps the water in, visually opens the room, and lets light flow—so the space feels larger. The upside is modern, easy-to-clean aesthetics; the challenge is ensuring a tight seal at the lower edge to avoid splashes. For best results, pick a frameless or semi-frameless panel and a shower head with a well-directed spray.save pin2. Use a shallow soaking tub and ceiling-mounted showerWhen depth is limited, a shallow soaking tub buys bathtub comfort without dominating the floor plan, and a ceiling-mounted or rain shower keeps fixtures out of the way. I used this combo in a rental conversion—guests loved the tub’s comfort and the shower’s dramatic feel. Downsides: shallow tubs aren’t ideal for long soaks, and ceiling plumbing can be pricier, so factor that into your budget.save pin3. Recess niches and wall-mounted storageEvery inch counts. I like carving recessed niches into the shower wall to hold shampoos and soaps instead of using external caddies that clutter the tub edge. Wall-mounted vanities and toilets free up floor space and simplify cleaning. The tradeoff is installation complexity: recessed niches need careful waterproofing, but the payoff is a cleaner, boutique look.save pin4. Bright tiles and vertical accents to elongate the roomLight, reflective tiles plus a vertical tile band or stacked mosaic make ceilings feel higher and walls taller. I once brightened a dim bathroom with glossy subway tiles and a slim vertical mosaic next to the tub—instant height and style. The pro: visually expanding the space; the con: glossy finishes show water spots sooner, so choose grout and cleaning methods accordingly.save pin5. Sliding or pocket door to reclaim floor spaceReplacing a swing door with a pocket or sliding barn door instantly frees up clearance for a tub-shower combo and makes moving towels in and out much easier. I’ve seen small bathrooms completely transformed by this swap. Watch out for wall framing limitations with pocket doors, and consider a soft-close hardware for quieter operation.save pinTips 1:Want to visualize layouts before demo day? Try a room planner to map plumbing and fixture placement and avoid surprises on-site. Another simple trick: keep warm tones for textiles and a single accent color for accessories to maintain visual calm. Lastly, always plan for adequate ventilation—small wet rooms need it to prevent mold and keep finishes fresh.save pinFAQQ: Can I really have both a tub and a shower in a very small bathroom?A: Yes, with smart choices like a shallow tub, combined tub/shower with a glass panel, or a wetroom-style arrangement, both functions can coexist comfortably.Q: What’s the most space-efficient tub style?A: Alcove tubs and shallow soaking tubs are the most space-efficient because they tuck against three walls and minimize length while keeping bathing comfort.Q: Are pocket doors suitable for all small bathrooms?A: They’re great for saving swing space but require modified wall framing; check for plumbing, electrical, or structural elements before choosing one.Q: How do I prevent water from splashing with a tub-and-shower combo?A: Use a frameless glass partition that extends low and, if needed, add a small threshold or linear drain to direct water—proper slope and waterproofing are essential.Q: What flooring works best for small wet bathrooms?A: Porcelain tiles and luxury vinyl planks with tight grout lines work well; they’re durable, water-resistant, and visually expand the room.Q: How much should I budget for a small bathroom remodel with tub and shower?A: Costs vary, but for a practical remodel expect to budget for fixtures, waterproofing, and plumbing updates; niche choices like ceiling showers or pocket doors can add to the cost.Q: Is it worth hiring a professional for layout planning?A: Definitely—an experienced designer or contractor reduces surprises, ensures code compliance, and often saves money by avoiding costly rework.Q: Where can I find authoritative guidance on bathroom ventilation and wet-area codes?A: Refer to local building codes and resources like the International Residential Code (IRC) for ventilation and wet-area requirements; the IRC offers precise, widely accepted standards (https://codes.iccsafe.org).save pinStart designing your room nowPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Online Room PlannerStop Planning Around Furniture. Start Planning Your SpaceStart designing your room now