A tub shower combo is a classic for a reason. This space-saving design makes the most out of limited square footage. Installing your bathtub and shower fixture in the same space also makes it easy to quickly shower off after a long soak in a bubble bath.
A tub shower combo is especially ideal for smaller bathrooms where there might not be enough space for a separate bathtub and shower. However, even a large spa-like bathroom can benefit from a combined tub and shower setup.
Pairing a soaking tub with a shower in one area of your bathroom is a timeless, functional design that can add value to your home. For your inspiration, we’ve curated a guide of tub shower combo ideas that look good and save valuable bathroom space.
One-Piece Tub Shower Combo
A one-piece tub shower combo is the most cost-effective way to add a shower and tub to a modest-sized bathroom. Made from fiberglass or acrylic, this one-piece unit is easy to clean and maintain. Because the bathtub and shower walls are molded as a single, continuous piece, there are no seams where leaks typically occur. However, some people find the look of a one-piece tub shower combo to be basic or utilitarian compared to more customized options. Single-piece units are also difficult to repair if large cracks eventually form. They can also be difficult to install due to their large size that can be tough to fit through a bathroom doorway. For smaller bathrooms, alcove tub and shower units are also available in multi-piece designs.
Standard Alcove Tub with Wall-Mounted Shower
A standard size alcove tub with wall-mounted shower is an inexpensive tub shower combo that’s easy to install in a three-wall bathroom alcove. However, this type of tub shower combo can easily look dated. For a more contemporary look, skip the fiberglass surround and tile the walls around your alcove tub instead. Large format porcelain or natural stone tiles, or modern stacked subway tiles, can elevate the look of a sleek rectangular alcove tub with a wall-mount shower system.
Tile Front Tub Shower Combo
A built-in tub and shower combo that features a tiled front provides a clean, contemporary aesthetic that’s increasingly popular with homeowners and designers. This look is typically achieved by installing a drop-in or undermount tub within a framed surround or platform and finishing the exposed front with porcelain tile or waterproof wood paneling. For a seamless, integrated appearance, use the same tile on the shower walls.
Freestanding Tub in Shower Wet Room
A wet room with a tub and shower is a modern alternative to a traditional alcove tub and shower combo. A freestanding tub can be placed in a shower wet room to create a luxurious, spa-like oasis at home. In this layout, a wall-mount or ceiling-mount showerhead is typically installed on a wall opposite the tub.
Tub Shower Combo with Glass Door
A sliding glass shower door helps a space-saving tub shower combo feel more open and modern. Tempered glass is non-porous and resists mold better than shower curtains, making it easier to clean and maintain.
Tub Shower Combo with Half Glass Wall
A half glass wall or fixed glass panel helps reduce water splashes in the tub shower area while maintaining an open, airy look that suits contemporary bathroom designs.
Deep Tub and Shower Combo
A deep tub and shower combo can be used to create a spa-like feel in your bathroom – without requiring a lot of space. However, a deep, tall or wide bathub is more difficult to enter and exit than a standard size alcove tub with shower.
Clawfoot Tub with Shower
A clawfoot tub shower conversion kit is an easy way to add a shower to a clawfoot tub. A clawfoot tub with shower ring and curtain provides a classic look that works well in traditional, transitional, and modern farmhouse bathrooms.
Clawfoot Tub in Shower Wet Room
A clawfoot tub can also be incorporated in a shower wet room for a classic-meets-contemporary look.
Walk In Tub with Shower Enclosure
A shower enclosure can be added to a walk-in tub to create a functional, compact shower tub combo that’s safer for seniors and people with limited mobility.
Additional Tub Shower Combo Ideas
There are many different tub and shower combinations that can add function and style to your bathroom. Whether you choose a standard alcove tub with wall-mounted shower or a more contemporary layout and design, such as a freestanding tub in a shower wet room, a tub shower combo can be as useful and aesthetically pleasing as a separate tub and shower.
To upgrade the look of a traditional tub shower combo, you can replace a plain shower curtain with a glass shower door or partition. A tiled tub apron can also add a more refined, custom look to your bathroom.
A tub shower combo is a practical investment that makes the most of limited bathroom space. For additional contemporary tub shower combo ideas, check out these articles:
Clawfoot Tub Shower Conversion Kit – Easily Add a Shower to your Bathtub
8 Wet Room with Tub Ideas
Soaking Tub Shower Combo Ideas
