10 Standout Shower-tub Combos for Smaller Bathrooms
Have your shower and tub too with simple tricks to make them work in tighter bathrooms
It’s hard to resist a little pampering in the bathroom, and even in a small space there’s often enough room to squeeze in a decent-size tub. The trick is doing a double act – have the shower fitted above the tub. It’s nothing new and it’s a great option in a zone such as an en suite, second bathroom or a compact apartment bathroom. By taking into account the materials, colour palette, fittings and other design elements, there are various ways to make a shower-tub combo work very effectively. Here are just a few ideas I’ve come across…
2. Different levels
Predictability is out the window when it comes to this bathroom – the sunken shower-tub is a gentle nod to the classic Japanese bath. Mosaic tiles give the bathroom a shimmering effect, and the two colourways are both dramatic and functional – the light-coloured floor tiles are easy to see, even when steps are involved.
Predictability is out the window when it comes to this bathroom – the sunken shower-tub is a gentle nod to the classic Japanese bath. Mosaic tiles give the bathroom a shimmering effect, and the two colourways are both dramatic and functional – the light-coloured floor tiles are easy to see, even when steps are involved.
3. Natural lighting
Opting for louvred blinds above a tub will increase the light within the room while maintaining your privacy. Here, contemporary wall tiles work as an understated backdrop, allowing the rustic brickwork to be the star of the show. To make this work, both elements utilise the classic brick format – this similarity gives the bathroom natural cohesiveness.
Opting for louvred blinds above a tub will increase the light within the room while maintaining your privacy. Here, contemporary wall tiles work as an understated backdrop, allowing the rustic brickwork to be the star of the show. To make this work, both elements utilise the classic brick format – this similarity gives the bathroom natural cohesiveness.
4. Traditional twist
A claw-foot tub with traditional tapware adds old-world charm to this contemporary space. And instead of using an old-fashioned plastic shower curtain, the glass screen is stylish and easy to clean. Not only does it minimise the splashes in the bathroom, the glass complements the adjacent cabinet mirror above the sink.
A claw-foot tub with traditional tapware adds old-world charm to this contemporary space. And instead of using an old-fashioned plastic shower curtain, the glass screen is stylish and easy to clean. Not only does it minimise the splashes in the bathroom, the glass complements the adjacent cabinet mirror above the sink.
5. Shower set option
To keep everyone happy in the bathroom, it’s important to use a suitable shower option. Here, the twin rail system boasts an overhead shower as well as a hand shower – ideal for a long downpour at night, or a quick wash (without wetting the hair) before work.
See more photos of this bathroom
To keep everyone happy in the bathroom, it’s important to use a suitable shower option. Here, the twin rail system boasts an overhead shower as well as a hand shower – ideal for a long downpour at night, or a quick wash (without wetting the hair) before work.
See more photos of this bathroom
6. Boutique chic
When a bathroom layout is long and narrow, a shower-tub fills the space perfectly at one end. Here, the colour palette and tactile surfaces evoke a boutique hotel look, topped off by gentle illumination. Contemporary white edging – around the tub, basin and seating area – works as a strong design element, while the recessed niche in the shower zone is a handy place to store shampoos, shower soap and loofahs.
When a bathroom layout is long and narrow, a shower-tub fills the space perfectly at one end. Here, the colour palette and tactile surfaces evoke a boutique hotel look, topped off by gentle illumination. Contemporary white edging – around the tub, basin and seating area – works as a strong design element, while the recessed niche in the shower zone is a handy place to store shampoos, shower soap and loofahs.
8. Light and white
Remember, less is more in a bath space. A clean, uncluttered layout with compact storage will make your bathroom appear bigger than ever. As a cost-saving option, a shower curtain can be used rather than a glass screen. With such a blank canvas to work with, this is the chance to add your own personality – splashes of red and charcoal add real zing to this basic bathroom.
Remember, less is more in a bath space. A clean, uncluttered layout with compact storage will make your bathroom appear bigger than ever. As a cost-saving option, a shower curtain can be used rather than a glass screen. With such a blank canvas to work with, this is the chance to add your own personality – splashes of red and charcoal add real zing to this basic bathroom.
9. Colour burst
When renovating a bathroom, an easy way to minimise costs is to keep the shower-tub combo and basin fixtures in exactly the same place. Then add new tiles, fixtures and accessories to give the space a new lease on life. Here, the feature wall of red mosaics adds a pop of colour to the rather utilitarian zone. And the long recessed niche can be dotted with shampoos, shower soap and the like.
6 bathroom colour schemes that will stand the test of time
When renovating a bathroom, an easy way to minimise costs is to keep the shower-tub combo and basin fixtures in exactly the same place. Then add new tiles, fixtures and accessories to give the space a new lease on life. Here, the feature wall of red mosaics adds a pop of colour to the rather utilitarian zone. And the long recessed niche can be dotted with shampoos, shower soap and the like.
6 bathroom colour schemes that will stand the test of time
10. Privacy please
Bringing natural light into the bathroom is a priority, but privacy can be tricky when the tub is positioned directly under the window. Here, a mix of frosted and clear glass louvres solves the problem, and they can be easily angled as required. And when the sun goes down, the recessed lighting above the shower-tub provides gentle illumination.
TELL US
How do you feel about shower-tub combos? Dated or not? Let us know in the comments section.
Bringing natural light into the bathroom is a priority, but privacy can be tricky when the tub is positioned directly under the window. Here, a mix of frosted and clear glass louvres solves the problem, and they can be easily angled as required. And when the sun goes down, the recessed lighting above the shower-tub provides gentle illumination.
TELL US
How do you feel about shower-tub combos? Dated or not? Let us know in the comments section.
Even in a tiny bathroom, a decent tub is irresistible for adults, teens, tweens and toddlers. The minimum dimensions of an average-sized tub are roughly 1,525 millimetres long, 720 millimetres wide and 400 millimetres deep.
Even in a small space, design shouldn’t be ignored. This bathroom’s industrial-style lighting and subway wall tiles add an urban edge, while the penny round floor tiles are durable, easy to clean and – most importantly – safe when wet.