Want to make the bathroom feel more open without making it look expansive? This remodel from a Reddit user ewins1222 Shows what happens when a tub and shower are combined instead of separate.
The footprint remained the same, but the layout was rearranged. In the original setup, the tub sits on a raised platform below the window, the shower is placed to the side, and a horizontal trim line is cut on the walls. Floor patterns also vary, adding another layer of distinction. Each element is defined as its own zone.
A wet room replaces two separate zones
The main change is to combine the tub and shower into one wet area along the back wall. This removes the separation between them and frees up the layout.
A glass enclosure keeps water in but does not block the room. You can see from the vanity to the window without interruption. A vaulted ceiling becomes more visible because nothing cuts across it.
A freestanding tub replaces a built-in base. It sits on the same level as the shower, which removes the raised platform and opens up the floor.
Continuous surfaces and fewer interruptions
Wall tile now runs full height without a trim band. This eliminates horizontal breaks and keeps the surface consistent.
The shower floor uses a small tile for grip, but the color stays close to the walls, so the transition isn’t strong. The fixture repeats the same brushed bronze finish throughout the room, avoiding contrasts between elements.
Storage is created by niches in the walls, and mirrors incorporate lighting and storage, keeping the vanity area clear.
There is a trade-off. The area around the tub is tighter, and cleaning behind it takes more effort. The owner noted that the water stays close to the drain and the glass helps keep heat inside the enclosure.
Previously, the tub, shower, and vanity were separated by curbs and walls. Then, the back wall acts as an area where the tub and shower share the same space, and the tile runs unimpeded. This eliminates boundaries and keeps the layout consistent throughout the room.
