A small bathroom can still give you that relaxing, spa-like soak—you just have to get a little strategic with your tub choice and layout.
Bathtub in a Converted Closet-Style Alcove
One of the most surprising projects I’ve done was turning a shallow closet into a snug bathtub alcove, and it looked like a boutique hotel when finished. It’s a bold move, but if you’re tight on space, relocating the small bathtub into an unexpected nook can be pure magic.
A few choices to try:
- Freestanding Soaking Bathtub: Transform your alcove space instantly with a deep, compact soaking tub designed for relaxation and space efficiency.
- Floor-Mounted Tub Filler: Add a touch of elegance to your nook with a sleek, gold finish floor-mounted faucet for easy access.
- Textured Area Rug: Complete the boutique hotel look by layering a soft, neutral area rug for warmth and visual texture.
Classic Alcove Tub With a Simple Surround
In my first studio, a small alcove tub tucked against three walls was the only way I could keep a clear walkway and still have a real bath. Keeping the surround clean and straight made the whole room feel less chopped up.
A few suggestions:
- Matte Black Shower Fixture Set: Upgrade your bath’s aesthetic with modern matte black hardware that contrasts beautifully against white tile.
- Potted Faux Greenery: Bring life to your tub corner with moisture-resistant faux plants that require absolutely no maintenance.
- White Subway Tile: Create a timeless, clean look in your small space with classic ceramic tiles that brighten the room.
Tub-Shower Combo With a Fixed Glass Panel
I swapped a clingy curtain for a glass panel once, and my tub-shower combo instantly felt bigger because you can see the whole space at once. It also kept water where it belonged without adding a bulky enclosure.
Items that may come in handy:
- Fixed Bathtub Glass Door Panel: Create an open, airy feel while effectively blocking splashes by installing a sleek, frameless glass bathtub panel.
- Matte Black Shower Fixture System: Upgrade your bath’s aesthetic with a modern matte black shower system that contrasts beautifully against white tile.
- Water-Resistant Window Treatments: Maintain privacy without sacrificing natural light by using moisture-resistant blinds designed specifically for humid bathroom environments.
Corner Bathtub to Use Dead Space
One of my clients had a weird corner that was basically wasted, and a corner bathtub turned it into the most-used spot in the bathroom. I loved how it freed up the longer wall for storage and towels.
Explore these options:
- Freestanding Soaking Bathtub: Maximize your bathroom’s layout with a sleek freestanding tub designed to fit perfectly into tight corner spaces.
- Floor Mounted Tub Filler Faucet: Complete your modern corner tub setup with a stylish freestanding faucet that adds elegance and functional reach.
- Wooden Bathtub Caddy Tray: Enhance your relaxation time by keeping essentials close at hand with a durable, water-resistant wooden bath caddy.
Deep Soaking Tub in a Shorter Footprint
In my 450 sq ft place, I realized I’d rather soak deep than stretch out, so a deep soaking tub was a total win. You get that cozy, spa feeling without needing a full-length tub.
A few relevant products:
- Freestanding Soaking Tub: Transform your small bathroom into a relaxing spa with a deep, compact freestanding tub perfect for soaking.
- Wooden Slatted Bath Mat: Add warmth and spa-like elegance to your floor while providing a safe, slip-resistant surface for wet feet.
- Natural Woven Storage Basket: Keep towels handy and organized while enhancing your bathroom’s rustic aesthetic with a textured woven storage basket.
Small Freestanding Tub for a Light, Airy Look
I used a small freestanding tub in a tight remodel and it surprised me how “uncluttered” the room felt without a big built-in deck. The key is keeping the shape simple so it reads like a clean silhouette.
You might give these a try:
- Acrylic Oval Freestanding Bathtub: Create a sleek, modern focal point in your bathroom with this minimalist tub’s clean lines.
- Floor-Mounted Tub Filler Faucet: Complete your freestanding setup with a floor-mounted faucet that adds elegance and functional reach.
- Woven Seagrass Side Stool: Add natural texture and a handy spot for bath essentials with this charming woven stool.
Wall-Mounted Faucet to Save Tub-Deck Space
The first time I specified a wall-mounted faucet, I gained a few precious inches that used to be wasted behind the tub. It also made cleaning around the bathtub rim so much easier in my own place.
Try these:
- Wall-Mounted Brass Bathtub Faucet: Upgrade your bath with this elegant fixture to free up rim space and simplify your cleaning routine.
- Compact Freestanding Bathtub: Maximize your small bathroom layout with a sleek, space-saving tub perfect for tight corners and cozy spaces.
- Rustic Wooden Bath Stool: Add functional charm next to your tub for holding towels or decor while enhancing the natural aesthetic.
Built-In Shower Niche Above the Tub
I’m a big fan of built-in niches because they replace those corner caddies that always feel messy over a small bathtub. In my bathroom, it was the easiest way to keep bottles off the tub edge.
These products might be useful:
- Prefabricated Arch Shower Niche: Instantly add architectural interest to your bathroom remodel by installing a ready-to-tile arched niche form for built-in storage.
- Amber Amber Glass Pump Bottles: Decant your shampoos and soaps into these uniform amber dispensers to instantly elevate the look of your display shelf.
- Waterproof Wood Bathtub Tray: Keep essentials within reach while bathing by adding a simple wooden tray that complements your new built-in storage area.
Floating Vanity Beside the Tub
When I installed a floating vanity next to a tub, the visible floor underneath made the entire bathroom feel less cramped. I also loved having that extra toe space when moving around the bathtub.
Some ideas to consider:
- Wall-Mounted Bathroom Vanity: Create the illusion of more space in your small bathroom with this sleek, modern wall-mounted storage solution.
- Natural Woven Storage Basket: Organize your towels and essentials neatly under your vanity to keep floor space looking open and tidy.
- Modern Vessel Sink Faucet: Upgrade your vanity area with a sophisticated single-handle faucet that pairs perfectly with modern sink designs.
White Tile Around the Tub to Bounce Light
I’ve tried darker surrounds, but in small bathrooms I keep coming back to white tile around the bathtub because it reflects every bit of light. In my own tiny space, it was the quickest way to get that fresh, open vibe.
You might like:
- White Subway Tile: Brighten your bathroom walls and reflect natural light for a more spacious feel with these classic tiles.
- Minimalist Freestanding Bathtub: Create a stunning focal point that maximizes floor space and complements bright, airy bathroom designs effortlessly.
- Small Wooden Stool: Add natural warmth and practical storage next to your tub without overcrowding your limited floor area.
Oversized Mirror to Double the Tub Area
A large mirror near the small bathtub is my favorite optical trick, and I’ve used it in multiple rentals with huge payoff. The reflection makes the tub zone feel like it has “breathing room,” even when it doesn’t.
Possibly handy products:
- Arched Full-Length Wood Mirror: Instantly expand your bathroom’s visual space and emulate this look with a large, warm-toned arched mirror.
- Natural Jute Storage Basket: Organize your bath essentials stylishly with a woven basket that adds natural texture and warmth.
- Dried Pampas Grass Décor: Bring an organic touch to your tub area with fluffy dried stems that soften hard surfaces.
Vertical Shelving at the Tub End
In my apartment, I added vertical storage right at the end of the tub and it held towels, bath salts, and backup toiletries without stealing floor space. Keeping storage tall and slim makes the bathtub feel like the star.
Products that could assist:
- Wooden Leaning Ladder Shelf: Maximize vertical space elegantly with a ladder shelf perfect for storing towels and organizing your daily toiletries.
- Woven Storage Basket: Keep laundry or extra necessities tidy and add natural texture to your bathroom floor with a woven basket.
- Amber Glass Pump Bottles: Decant your shampoo and soaps into matching amber bottles to create a cohesive, spa-like aesthetic on your shelves.
Tile to the Ceiling Around the Bathtub
I tiled all the way up in one small bathroom project, and the full-height tile made the bathtub wall feel taller and cleaner. It’s a visual stretch that makes compact rooms feel more intentional.
These products might help:
- Textured Vertical Tiles: Instantly stretch your bathroom’s height by installing these textured vertical tiles all the way to the ceiling.
- Freestanding Soaking Tub: Create a stunning focal point in your tiled nook with a simple, modern freestanding soaking bathtub.
- Floor-Mounted Bathtub Faucet: Complete the high-end look and keep wall space clean with a sleek, black floor-mounted tub filler.
Bathtub Tucked Under a Window
One of my favorite layouts ever was a small bathtub under a window, because the natural light made the whole routine feel calmer. I’ve done it in a tight space where that wall would’ve been wasted anyway.
Useful items to consider:
- Freestanding Acrylic Soaking Tub: Transform your bathroom instantly with a compact soaking tub that maximizes space without sacrificing style or comfort.
- Sheer White Linen Curtains: Soften the natural light coming through your window while maintaining privacy with these airy, elegant drapes.
- Rustic Wooden Ladder Shelf: Add vertical storage and warm texture by leaning a decorative ladder against your wall for towel display.
Wet Room Layout With a Shared Drain
I toured a tiny home that used a wet room where the bathtub and shower shared one waterproof zone, and it was shockingly efficient. It’s the kind of layout that feels luxe because everything is seamless.
A few things you might like:
- Freestanding Soaking Bathtub: Transform your bathroom into a modern spa retreat with a deep soaking tub that maximizes comfort and style.
- Floor Mounted Tub Filler: Complete your wet room aesthetic with a sleek, floor-mounted faucet that adds a touch of contemporary elegance.
- Minimalist Wooden Bath Stool: Add warmth and practical storage next to your bath with a simple, moisture-resistant wooden stool for towels.
One-Wall Bathroom Lineup With Tub at the End
In narrow bathrooms, I’ve had the best luck with a one-wall layout—sink, toilet, then bathtub—so you keep one clear path. I’ve lived with this setup, and it really does make the room feel less like an obstacle course.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub: Transform your narrow space with a compact freestanding tub that maximizes floor space and adds modern elegance.
- Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer: Save precious wall space while keeping towels toasty with a sleek, vertical towel warmer for cozy bathrooms.
- Compact Wall-Hung Vanity Sink: Open up your floor plan visually by installing a floating vanity designed specifically for tight, narrow layouts.
Half Wall to Give the Tub a Cozy Zone
I added a half wall beside a small bathtub in a remodel and it instantly created that “tucked-in” spa vibe without blocking light. Bonus: it gave us a handy ledge for a plant and a washcloth stack.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Freestanding Soaking Bathtub: Upgrade your bathroom with a sleek soaking tub that fits perfectly into compact, cozy nooks.
- Woven Seagrass Plant Basket: Add natural texture to your ledge or floor by styling greenery in a charming woven basket.
- Luxury White Cotton Towel Set: Keep a stack of plush, spa-quality towels ready on your new half-wall ledge for comfort.
Bathtub Under a Sloped Ceiling
In an attic conversion I worked on, the bathtub went right under the sloped ceiling where standing height didn’t matter. It felt like we discovered hidden square footage that was just waiting for a tub.
Check these products out:
- Freestanding Soaking Bathtub: Transform your attic space into a spa retreat with a simple, elegant tub designed for deep relaxation.
- Floor Mounted Tub Filler: Complete your freestanding tub setup with a stylish floor-mounted faucet that adds a modern industrial touch.
- Skylight Velux Shade: Control natural light and privacy in your attic bathroom easily with a custom-fit blind for your windows.
Built-In Steps With Hidden Storage for the Tub
I once designed storage steps up to a deeper tub, and my client loved having a place to stash extra towels and cleaning supplies. It’s such a smart way to make a small bathtub feel custom without adding cabinets.
A few helpful options:
- Wood Drawer Organizers: Keep new built-in storage tidy with these organizers, perfect for separating small toiletries and bath essentials.
- Luxury White Bath Towels: Stock your hidden drawers with plush, white towels to create a spa-like feel right at home.
- Decorative Glass Jars: Store soaps or salts near the tub in beautiful glass jars to maintain a clean, organized aesthetic.
