Master Bathroom Remodel Ideas No Tub: 5 Fresh Plans: Small footprint, big impact — five no-tub master bathroom ideas from a pro designer

I once nearly convinced a client to keep a clawfoot tub in a master bathroom that was barely 7 feet wide — a decision that would have blocked the window and made towel-drying an Olympic sport. We stopped, drew a quicker option with a quick 3D mockup, and the room immediately felt calmer. Little digital sketches save a lot of sweat (and a contractor's raised eyebrow).

Small spaces really do spark big ideas. In this piece I’ll share 5 master bathroom remodel ideas no tub, each born from real projects I ran, plus the practical trade-offs and budget tips I learned the hard way.

1. Curbless walk-in shower with linear drain

I love curbless showers for that seamless, spa-like feel. A single slope to a linear drain makes the space accessible and visually bigger. The upside: accessibility, clean sightlines, and easy cleaning. The downside: waterproofing needs to be meticulous — I’ve reworked a job once because the pre-slope wasn't right.

2. Wet-room conversion with glass partition

Turning the whole bathroom into a wet room is bold but brilliant for a no-tub master. A frameless glass partition keeps water controlled while keeping sightlines open. It can be pricier up front for full waterproofing and slightly higher drainage capacity, but it gives you a luxurious, hotel-like vibe and extra headroom for niches and benches.

save pin

3. Double vanity with built-in storage tower

When you lose a tub, you gain real estate for storage. I often install a double vanity with a tall, slim storage tower between or beside sinks. It solves clutter and keeps daily items at arm’s reach. Space trade-off? The tower footprint must be planned so the room still feels airy — a shallow depth (12–15") often does the trick.

save pin

4. Shower bench and niche for ritual comfort

Skip the tub but don’t skip the rituals. A built-in shower bench and a recessed niche for products and a folded towel add comfort. I recommend tile-matched benches for continuity; the slight extra labor pays off in longevity and looks. Budget tip: tile the niche in an accent tile to make it a focal point without huge expense.

save pin

5. Heated floors, towel warmers, and layered lighting

Without a tub, invest in finishes that feel luxurious: radiant heated floors, a wall-mounted towel warmer, and layered lighting (vanity, ambient, and shower). These elements transform function into experience. They add to the budget, but clients often say they’re the features they miss least when traveling — and the ones they use daily.

If you want to quickly test a layout before committing, try a detailed layout preview to see how a vanity, shower, and storage play together in your exact footprint — it saved one of my clients months of doubt.

Practical notes from my projects: keep your ventilation robust when you remove a tub (more shower time = more humidity), plan storage vertically, and don’t skimp on waterproofing. For a creative nudge, I sometimes run AI-assisted concept studies to explore color and material combos quickly — yes, even old-school designers like me use shortcuts.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: Is removing a tub in the master bedroom a good resale move?

It depends on your market and buyers. In urban areas where space is at a premium, a luxurious no-tub master with a curbless shower can be a selling point. In family-heavy suburbs, at least one tub in the home may be preferred.

Q2: How much does a curbless shower cost compared to a standard shower?

Expect curbless to cost more because of the waterproofing and potential floor re-slope. A ballpark: add 10–25% over a typical shower install, depending on complexity and finishes.

Q3: Do I need to upgrade plumbing when I remove a tub?

Not always, but if you’re changing drain locations, adding a linear drain, or increasing shower size, plumbing changes are likely. Always consult your plumber early in planning.

Q4: What ventilation rate do bathrooms need?

Code varies, but a common guideline is at least 50 cubic feet per minute (CFM) for a typical bathroom with a shower. For larger wet rooms, higher CFM and timed fans are recommended. See EPA guidance on indoor air for more specifics: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq.

Q5: Are heated floors worth it in a remodel?

Heated floors are a high-value comfort upgrade — great for tile and morning routines. They’re relatively low maintenance and can be zoned to control costs.

Q6: How do I maximize storage without making the room feel cramped?

Go vertical: tall cabinets, recessed medicine cabinets, and niches. Use mirrored cabinet faces to reflect light and create depth. Slim-profile storage towers solve most clutter problems.

Q7: What tiles work best for wet rooms?

Porcelain tiles with a matte finish give grip and durability. Large-format tiles reduce grout lines and look cleaner, but slopes for drainage must be planned carefully.

Q8: How can I plan my layout before contractors start?

Start with quick sketches and then a precise floor plan. Using a visual preview or 3D mockup early prevents expensive changes later and helps you choose fixtures to scale correctly.

save pin