When it comes to bathroom design, nothing beats the luxury of having both a tub and a shower in the same space. It’s the best of both worlds—you can soak away the stress of the week in a bubble bath or jump into a refreshing shower when you’re in a hurry.
The challenge, however, is finding creative ways to fit both without making the bathroom feel cramped or cluttered. Over the years, I’ve tested layouts, browsed endless catalogs, and even learned the hard way that one misplaced shower door can turn your bathroom into a slip ’n slide.
1. Classic Tub-and-Shower Combo
The most common option is the tub-shower combo, where a showerhead is installed above the tub. This is especially popular in smaller homes and apartments because it maximizes space. According to the National Association of Home Builders, around 65% of U.S. homes feature a tub-shower combo in at least one bathroom.
If you go this route, consider adding a curved shower rod for extra elbow room. I once swapped a straight rod for a curved one, and suddenly my shower felt twice as spacious. It’s like giving your bathroom a mini expansion without knocking down walls.
2. Frameless Glass Enclosure
For a modern upgrade, install a frameless glass enclosure around your tub and shower area. It eliminates the bulky curtain or metal frames, making your bathroom feel more open. Glass also reflects light, giving the illusion of a larger space.
Pro tip: Invest in glass with a water-repellent coating. Trust me, scrubbing soap scum every week is no fun—I learned that the hard way after installing plain glass panels in my first home.
3. Corner Tub With Walk-In Shower
If you’ve got an awkward bathroom layout, a corner tub paired with a separate walk-in shower can solve space issues. Corner tubs use otherwise wasted areas and free up wall space for a shower enclosure.
A friend of mine used this trick in her townhouse, and it turned a cramped, awkward bathroom into a spa-like retreat. Suddenly, her “impossible space” became functional and elegant.
4. Freestanding Tub Beside a Glass Shower
Nothing says luxury like a freestanding tub next to a glass-enclosed shower. This combo works best in larger bathrooms, creating a magazine-worthy look. The tub acts like a centerpiece, while the shower adds practicality.
If you’re going bold, place the freestanding tub under a window. Natural light + soaking tub = a daily escape without booking a spa.
5. Shower Niche Above the Tub
When you pair a tub with a shower, storage often becomes an afterthought. Adding a built-in niche in the shower wall above the tub keeps shampoo bottles from cluttering the edges.
I made this mistake once—stacking bottles along the tub rim until it looked like a mini drugstore. After installing a niche, my bathroom instantly looked tidier and more intentional.
6. Sliding Glass Doors for Tub-Shower
Skip the shower curtain and install sliding glass doors. They save space compared to swinging doors and keep water from escaping. Bonus: they make the bathroom look sleek.
Statistics show that glass doors can even increase resale value, as buyers often perceive them as more upscale than curtains.
7. Wet Room Style Bathroom
If you’re ready for something bold, try a wet room design where the shower and tub share the same waterproof space. This approach, popular in Europe, removes barriers and makes the bathroom feel expansive.
Yes, it requires careful waterproofing (don’t skimp here!), but the payoff is a luxurious, open-concept bathroom that feels straight out of a boutique hotel.
8. Alcove Tub With Shower Curtain
For small spaces, an alcove tub with a shower curtain is timeless. It’s practical, affordable, and customizable with endless curtain designs.
Think of it as the little black dress of bathrooms—simple but always stylish when accessorized right.
9. Spa-Inspired Double Shower + Tub
If you share your bathroom, consider a double showerhead setup paired with a tub. This allows two people to shower at the same time (no more morning traffic jams).
I stayed in a hotel once with this setup, and let me tell you, it made the whole bathroom routine smoother. At home, it can also be a selling point for couples.
10. Clawfoot Tub and Adjacent Shower
For a vintage touch, add a clawfoot tub beside a modern shower. The mix of old-world charm and sleek glass creates a balanced, eclectic design.
Fun fact: Clawfoot tubs date back to the 18th century and were originally considered luxury items for the wealthy. Adding one now instantly makes your bathroom feel timeless.
11. Minimalist White-on-White Design
Pairing a tub and shower in an all-white bathroom creates a clean, minimalist vibe. White tiles reflect light and make even small bathrooms feel airy.
If you worry about it looking too sterile, add warmth with wood accents—like a teak bath mat or floating shelves.
12. Tub With Overhead Rain Shower
One of my personal favorites is installing a rain showerhead above the tub. It turns a simple bath into a luxurious waterfall experience.
Be careful though: get one with adjustable pressure. The first rain shower I installed had weak water flow, and it felt like I was showering under a drizzle.
13. Compact Shower-Tub for Small Bathrooms
In bathrooms under 40 square feet, you can still fit a compact tub-shower combo. Look for shorter tubs (around 54 inches instead of 60) to save space without sacrificing functionality.
According to Houzz, about 35% of small-bathroom remodels use compact tubs to squeeze in both features.
14. Open Shower Beside Tub
Skip the enclosure altogether and have an open shower area next to the tub. This creates a seamless, spa-like layout where water drains into the same flooring system.
Pro tip: use large-format tiles to reduce grout lines and keep the space easy to clean.
15. Statement Tile Wall Behind Tub and Shower
Want your bathroom to pop? Add a statement tile wall behind both the tub and shower. It acts like a feature wall in a living room—instantly drawing the eye.
I once installed a bold navy tile behind my tub-shower combo, and visitors always commented on it. It gave a standard setup a designer flair.
16. Shower Curtain With Ceiling Track
Instead of a standard rod, mount a ceiling track curtain around your tub-shower combo. It creates a clean, hotel-like aesthetic while still being budget-friendly.
It also works well for bathrooms with unusual layouts where regular rods don’t fit.
17. Modern Black Fixtures
Pair your tub-shower setup with matte black fixtures for a bold, modern contrast. Black hardware is trending in 2025, showing up in bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor spaces.
According to design reports, black fixtures grew by 35% in popularity over the last five years. They’re edgy, elegant, and surprisingly easy to clean.
18. Freestanding Tub in Wet Zone
If space allows, place your freestanding tub inside the shower enclosure. This way, both tub and shower share the same waterproof zone.
It looks ultra-modern and solves the “splash problem.” I saw this design in a luxury Airbnb, and it instantly became my dream setup.
19. Rustic Wood and Stone Combo
Pair a tub and shower with rustic materials like stone walls and wood accents. Think mountain lodge vibes—but in your bathroom.
Add a stone tile shower wall behind a simple soaking tub for that earthy, grounded look. It feels cozy yet upscale.
20. Floating Vanity Between Tub and Shower
If your bathroom layout allows, place a floating vanity between the tub and shower. It creates separation while maximizing storage.
Floating vanities also keep the floor visible, making the bathroom feel larger.
21. Luxury Whirlpool Tub Beside Walk-In Shower
For a high-end touch, install a whirlpool tub next to a spacious walk-in shower. It’s like having your own personal spa at home.
Did you know hydrotherapy tubs have been shown to help with muscle relaxation and stress relief? Adding one is more than just luxury—it’s wellness.
22. Skylight Above Tub and Shower
Finally, if you can, add a skylight above your tub and shower area. Natural light makes the space feel open and refreshing, while also reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
In my last remodel, I added a small skylight, and the morning sunlight turned my bathroom into a place I actually enjoyed waking up in.
Conclusion
Designing a bathroom with both a tub and shower doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re working with a tiny city apartment or a sprawling suburban master suite, there’s a solution for every space and style. From practical alcove combos to jaw-dropping wet rooms, the key is balancing function and aesthetics.
If you’re short on space, lean on compact tubs, alcove setups, or sliding doors. If you’ve got room to play, go bold with freestanding tubs, statement tiles, or luxury whirlpool additions. And don’t underestimate the power of details like niches, black fixtures, or skylights—they can make a standard design feel custom.