19 Ideas for Putting a Tub in a Shower for a Spa-Like Bathroom (2024)

Room Design

Bathroom Design

• 01 of 19

  Add Two Shower Heads

  

  You don't need a large bathroom to pull off a double shower situation. Even if your shower area is just the width of a bathtub, you might still have room to add two shower heads on opposite sides.

• 02 of 19

  Opt For an Arch

  

  You can make your wet room look like a cozy little nook by adding an arch over the opening. The arch will also draw your eye upward and can create the illusion of more visual space.

• 03 of 19

  See Also

  How to Shower and Bathe Properly: Steps and What Not to Do35 Beautiful Shower Ideas to Inspire Your Bathroom RemodelHow to Take a Shower (with Pictures) - wikiHowWhy You Might Want to Put Your Tub in the Shower

  Go With a Custom Built-In

  

  If you're extra cramped for space, consider looking into a narrow built-in tub. You might just find that you can fit both a shower and a bathtub into a small corner if you're willing to sacrifice just a few inches of room on each.

• 04 of 19

  Make a Statement Wall

  

  A freestanding bathtub inside a shower already commands your attention when you walk into a wet room. To really embrace this area as your focal point, you can make the wall behind the tub an accent wall. Choose a tile with a beautiful hue or geometric print (or even both) to make a beautiful design statement.

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• 05 of 19

  Use a Rainfall Showerhead

  

  A shower under a large rainfall showerhead will make you feel like you started or ended your day at the spa. Since this feature can go on the ceiling, you should be able to fit one in next to your traditional shower head and bathtub.

• 06 of 19

  Frame It With Two Curtains

  

  A tub in a shower can be a beautiful design statement, so why not set the stage and lean into the drama with two shower curtain panels instead of one? We love how Logan Killen Interiors used curtain drawbacks with fringe to part the panels in this wet room. This works best with a rainfall showerhead that might not spray as much water everywhere.

• 07 of 19

  Choose a Clear Shower Door

  

  You definitely won't want to hide a beautiful wet room setup. Show off your beautiful freestanding tub and thoughtfully chosen fixtures with a glass shower door.

• 08 of 19

  Build In Shower Niches

  

  If you're going with a side-by-side shower and bathtub setup, you'll want to make sure to include a place for your shower gel and shampoo where you can access it from both spots. This may require adding in two niches or one strategically placed niche.

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• 09 of 19

  Continue the Tile

  

  Want to know one perk of a small bathroom? It's more attainable from a budget perspective to tile the entire room. You can use the same tile that lines your bathtub and shower area throughout your entire bathroom to make it look like one large wet room.

  See Also

  These Tub-Shower Combo Ideas Prove They Can Be Stylish and Functional

• 10 of 19

  Create Contrast With Tile

  

  One way to make a bathtub and shower look cohesive together is to opt for a tile that is either darker or lighter than the wall color. The contrast will make the two separate entities look like one unit.

• 11 of 19

  Apply Two Tile Types to the Walls

  

  It's obviously important to tile the entire area around your tub and shower to catch stray water droplets. Smaller tiles can cost a little extra to install per square foot, so one way to cut down the price is to combine it with a larger-sized tile. If you go with a larger-sized tile for your flooring, you can extend it up a few feet onto the walls and then opt for a smaller mosaic tile for the top half.

• 12 of 19

  Channel a Vintage Look

  

  Wet rooms are a modern concept, but there are ways to make yours match a period home. A clawfoot tub is always a beautiful addition to a historic abode, and you can opt for a shorter one to save on room.

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• 13 of 19

  Position Your Vanity Nearby

  

  If your bathroom features a long and narrow footprint, you may still be able to fit a double vanity next to your bathtub and shower. Building a small half wall next to your shower will allow you to position your vanity right next to it.

• 14 of 19

  Build It Next to a Closet

  

  In a new build or remodel, figuring out where to position a closet can be tricky. If you're left with a section of empty space next to your bathroom closet, you may consider utilizing it as a wet room.

• 15 of 19

  Carve Out a Skylight

  

  You can invite natural light into your wet room without sacrificing privacy by installing a skylight. Just think about how relaxing it would be to watch the clouds go by or raindrops falling from the comfort of your bath.

• 16 of 19

  Install Ceiling Lights

  

  While dim lighting may be nice for baths, you'll want to make sure you have adequate lighting to see during your showers. A few waterproof light fixtures should do the trick.

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• 17 of 19

  Tile the Ceiling

  

  It's pretty common to leave a ceiling bare in a wet room. However, tiling your ceiling may be more affordable than you'd think if your bathroom is relatively small. A tiled ceiling is a great option if you love taking steamy showers.

• 18 of 19

  Frost the Windows

  

  A shower curtain between your tub and shower head may ruin the aesthetics of your wet room. If there is a window in your bathroom and you want privacy from the outside world without a shower curtain, consider frosting the windows.

• 19 of 19

  Add a Horizontal Ledge

  

  One long horizontal ledge that runs from your shower area to your bath is the perfect place to place your soaps and shampoos. Store your bottles between the two fixtures so you can access them no matter which bathing option you choose for the day.