10 Bathrooms That Show Why This “Dated” Feature Isn’t Going Anywhere
It’s common to see bathrooms with a built-in bathtub with a showerhead at one end and a pull-across shower curtain. The bathtub and shower combination is a standard, practical setup that serves a dual purpose: the opportunity to take a shower or bath all in one space. However, in recent years, there’s been a trend to separate the two bathing areas, often featuring a walk-in shower and freestanding tub.
Despite the change in trends, the bathtub and shower combination isn’t necessarily becoming a thing of the past (it’s classic for so many good reasons!). If you want to spruce up the space and keep your combo, you’ve come to the right place.
Pros and Cons of a Tub-Shower Combo
The biggest benefit of a tub and shower combination is efficiency. Especially if you’re working with a small space, it’s a luxury to have two in one. However, because they’re usually best for smaller rooms, it can mean that there are cramped quarters.
Is a Tub and Shower Combo Outdated?
While a shower and tub combination might seem outdated to some, Ryan Norman, founder of Norman Builders in Massachusetts, explains there’s no need for concern. “Regarding the perception of tub-shower combos being outdated, I find that integrating modern accessories such as smart showerheads or thermostatic mixers can refresh their appeal,” he says.
How to Make a Tub-Shower Combination Look Better
One practical approach is optimizing storage solutions like built-in shelving or niches within the combo area, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality, Norman says. “I’ve seen how these additions can seamlessly blend with the design, enhancing the overall look while adding utility.”
What Is the Best Material for a Tub-Shower Combination?
Norman recommends sticking with the classic enameled cast iron for tub and shower combinations because of its durability and timeless appeal. For a walk-in shower and tub combo idea, consider subway tile or even penny tile for visual appeal (you’ll see a great example of this in the roundup below).
Does Replacing a Bathtub with a Shower Devalue a House?
Replacing a bathtub with a shower has varying impacts on home value, Norman says, noting that it depends largely on the market demographic. “Buyers with families often prefer homes with at least one bathtub, so understanding your market is key. In settings with multiple bathrooms, a mix of tub and shower-only spaces usually offers the best appeal,” he explains.
10 Bathtub and Shower Combo Ideas for Small Bathrooms
Below, you’ll find 10 bathrooms plucked right from Apartment Therapy house tours with bathtub and shower combos — each is unique and will inspire you to zhuzh yours up.
1. A Utilitarian Choice
This renovated Nashville home features a standard tub and shower combo with a shower curtain. If you can’t upgrade to something more modern, whether due to limited space or budget, an attractive shower curtain (and a clean, well-maintained tub and showerhead!) can elevate a basic bathroom. Incorporating trendy colors, like the quirky green option Amanda Oleri and Jason Staebler used in their bathroom, is a great way to add excitement to a small space.
Check out the rest of this wonderful house in the full home tour.
2. Success with Stripes
What do you do when the home you’ve purchased has an outdated, pea-green bathtub? You follow designer Anne Tu Quoc’s lead and surround it with chic stripes, of course! “I loved the challenge of turning this quirky avocado-green bathroom into something cool,” Anne shared at the time of the house tour. “All the installations were still in top shape even though they were already over 40 years old.”
In the primary bathroom of Anne’s colorful Switzerland home, she painted matching green stripes to alternate with the surrounding white tiles, and she managed to create a spa-like atmosphere full of organic touches, plenty of sunlight, and contrasting black accents for this dated-turned-modern tub and shower combination.
See how Anne filled the rest of her space with color in the full home tour.
3. Frosted Doors Add Privacy
The bathroom, like the rest of Eliot and Loredana’s Brussels rental, features plenty of pops of quirky colors and accents. But the tub and shower combo seen here is all business. You’ll find frosted glass doors that slide closed for privacy, allowing the couple to skip the shower curtain and maximize both space and light in their tub. This clever feature can work even in the smallest spaces, making it a versatile choice.
Explore the full home tour to see how this couple cleverly incorporates color into their space.
4. Clean and Modern
Angular lines and a clean, modern aesthetic are at the forefront of this New York City apartment. Alex and Margaret Ferrec envisioned “natural texture[s], organic modern, and folk decor with rich craftsman furniture, [and] clean white walls.” This extends into the stunning bathroom, which features handcrafted cabinetry and a modern tub and shower combo that keeps the minimalist vibe, thanks to the expansive glass doors, neutral colors, and contemporary faucets.
See how the rest of this stunning apartment incorporates these elements in the full home tour.
5. Cohesive Tiling
In yet another example of a bathroom that looks so similar to the rest of the home, Nate Klass’ bathroom in his colorful Washington, D.C., home was renovated with a maximalist vibe in mind. Deep blue tiling covers the walls and extends into the tub and shower combination, where a clear glass divider ensures the space flows perfectly from end to end. Nate’s choice of trendy tiling helps keep the tub and shower combo from feeling outdated in this chic, light-filled bathroom.
Check out the full home tour to see more of this ’70-inspired oasis.
6. An Add-on Showerhead
Kim White’s former bathroom in her previous Brooklyn studio apartment features a vintage freestanding tub with a showerhead that’s been added to create a tub and shower combo. Like she did with other challenging aspects of this small space, Kim embraced the setup, creating a calming, spa-like bathroom with a neutral color palette and plenty of natural light. If you find yourself in a small space without a standard-sized shower, this is a valuable bathtub and shower combo idea.
Visit the full home tour to see how Kim maximized her beautiful rental apartment.
7. Industrial Accents
Leela and Chris’ beautiful Brooklyn home features industrial accents, and the bathroom is no exception. The couple have cleverly created a tub and shower combo by retrofitting a shower attachment of exposed pipes to their elegant, freestanding white tub. It allows them to have a choice of showering or bathing in one space and serves as the centerpiece for their all-white bathroom with an organic look and feel.
Read more about this extensive renovation in the full home tour.
8. Pull-Around Shower Curtain
Aya Cash’s light-filled bathroom in her Hollywood Hills home has a tub and shower combination next to a wall of windows that open to let in the luxurious California breeze. That requires a pull-around shower curtain for privacy and protection from the wind. An all-white and neutral aesthetic allows the abundant nature outside the windows to take center stage.
Every aspect of this breezy Hollywood Hills space is a can’t-miss. See more in the full home tour.
9. A Tile-Covered Walk-In
If you’re looking for walk-in shower and tub combination ideas, Jan-Nicholas and Vincent’s exquisite tiled area should inspire you. With ample room for a soaking tub, a shower, and a toilet, this unique walk-in configuration is an attractive and convenient addition to this Montreal home.
See the rest of this classic but quirky home in the full home tour.
10. Showerhead Reimagined
Megan McCluskie’s coastal home in the United Kingdom features a handsome tiled tub and shower combination with a showerhead against the back wall instead of at the “front” of the tub. It’s a unique element — one of many sprinkled throughout this beautiful home. Large enough to not need a shower curtain, this tub features ample shelving and natural light.
Visit the full home tour to see more of this gorgeous space.
Further Reading
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
