The Rise of Tub-in-Shower Design with Wet Room Style Inspiration
When designing a bathroom, balancing functionality, aesthetics, and practicality is key. A growing trend in modern bathroom design is the Tub-in-Shower Design, where a bathtub is integrated within a spacious shower enclosure.
This hybrid layout combines luxury and efficiency, offering a sleek, seamless look that maximizes space while creating a multifunctional bathing area. With its clean lines and minimalist appeal, the Tub-in-Shower Design is perfect for those seeking a spa-like experience at home.
According to Architectural Digest, innovative layouts like this are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting a shift toward more functional and design-forward bathroom spaces.
But is this innovative approach the right fit for your bathroom? Let’s explore the benefits, considerations, and why this design is making waves in modern interiors.
Standalone Tub vs. Tub-in-Shower Design: What’s the Difference?
A standalone tub is a freestanding or built-in bathtub that serves as its own distinct feature, separate from the shower. It’s often considered a luxurious statement piece, ideal for larger bathrooms or spaces where soaking in style is the main focus. These tubs come in a variety of shapes and designs, from classic clawfoot tubs to sleek modern silhouettes, making them a centerpiece in any bathroom.
In contrast, a Tub-in-Shower Design, often found in wet rooms, integrates the tub and shower within the same enclosed area. This hybrid layout combines functionality and style in a more compact and space-efficient setup. The open, multifunctional design maximizes the use of space, making it a popular choice for smaller bathrooms or for those seeking a modern, seamless aesthetic.
This modern bathroom features a Tub-in-Shower design, where a freestanding tub is seamlessly integrated within a spacious shower enclosure Designed by Arieli Custom Homes for a sleek and functional aesthetic
When to Choose a Tub-in-Shower Design
Space Limitations
For smaller bathrooms, fitting a separate tub and shower can be impractical. A Tub-in-Shower Design, based on wet room principles, is an excellent solution for maximizing functionality without compromising style. This layout combines the convenience of a shower and the luxury of a soaking tub in a single footprint, freeing up space for additional features like a larger vanity or storage.
The floor plans below illustrate how we tailored a bathroom design to better meet the needs of a specific client in a recent project:
Left: The client’s initial concept for the bathroom included a standalone tub, a small shower, a smaller vanity, and a separate water closet. They also desired a dedicated makeup area. However, this layout resulted in significant wasted space in the center of the room.
Right: By introducing a Tub-in-Shower Design, we optimized the layout to better suit the client’s needs.
Our redesign allowed us to:
Incorporate a spacious double vanity with a dedicated makeup area.
Design a larger, more luxurious shower area with a bench.
Eliminate wasted space and maximize functionality by combining the tub and shower into one cohesive design.
Resale Value
Including a tub is often a key consideration for resale value, especially for buyers with young children. A Tub-in-Shower Design ensures you meet this expectation while maintaining a modern and versatile layout.
According to the National Association of Realtors, having at least one bathtub in a home is important for resale, particularly for families with small children who may prefer traditional tubs for safety reasons. Additionally, Real Simple highlights that homes without bathtubs can struggle with market appeal, as bathtubs are essential for families and those who enjoy soaking.
For those who prefer not to include a tub in their bathroom, planning for future flexibility can be a smart compromise. For instance, in one of our new builds, the clients chose to use the space for other purposes but prepared the plumbing and layout to easily accommodate a tub later. This ensures that if they decide to sell the home, adding a tub would not require a major renovation.
In this bathroom, the space by the pony wall is prepared with plumbing to accommodate a future tub, ensuring flexibility for resale while meeting the client’s current needs.
Flexibility and Functionality
Tub-in-Shower Designs are practical for both small and larger bathrooms. They work well in guest or secondary bathrooms where flexibility for different user preferences is desired. Additionally, this design offers the unique benefit of rinsing off in the shower before soaking in the tub—a feature inspired by traditional Japanese bathing practices.
While some standalone tubs with handheld wands offer a rinsing option, a Tub-in-Shower Design provides a more seamless and thorough solution, making it ideal for those who value both cleanliness and convenience. This approach keeps bathwater clean while creating a relaxing, spa-like experience.
What Are the Additional Costs?
Choosing a Tub-in-Shower Design or wet room layout often comes with higher upfront costs compared to a standalone shower. Here are the key factors contributing to these costs:
Custom Drainage and Permitting
The design must be reflected in the architectural plans submitted for city permits. Seamless integration of the tub and shower in a wet room layout ensures effective drainage and minimizes costly modifications. However, any changes after submission can result in delays and added fees.
Waterproofing
To ensure the entire area is watertight, the tub’s drain must integrate seamlessly with the shower’s waterproofing system. Wet room designs require extra attention to sealing every surface. Reliable waterproofing systems include:
· Laticrete Hydro Ban: A liquid waterproofing membrane that provides a seamless, easy-to-apply solution for wet areas.
· Schluter-KERDI System: A waterproofing membrane and drainage system specifically designed for tiled showers and wet rooms, ensuring long-term durability.
While these costs can add up, investing in high-quality installation ensures durability and prevents expensive repairs in the future.
Tiling and Finishes
A Tub-in-Shower Design typically requires more tiling than a standalone tub and separate shower, as the entire larger enclosure must be waterproofed and tiled. Additionally, this sleek, modern design often involves high-quality finishes and bold tile choices, which can increase material and labor costs.
How to Make a Tub-in-Shower Design Look Great
Use Bold Tile
Define the shower and tub areas with striking tile patterns, or opt for seamless floor-to-wall tiling for a sleek, modern wet room aesthetic.
Incorporate Glass Enclosures
Frameless glass doors create a sense of openness while keeping water contained in the wet area. For smaller spaces, consider a doorless shower enclosure with a strategically angled showerhead to minimize water splash. This approach is particularly effective in wet room designs, where the entire space is waterproofed, offering a seamless and modern look.
Highlight the Tub
Select a sleek, modern tub that complements your overall bathroom design. A freestanding tub integrated within the shower area creates a spa-like atmosphere while offering the practicality of rinsing off before soaking.
Add Niches
Built-in shower niches provide functional storage and a polished aesthetic by eliminating clutter. For an extra touch, incorporate lighting inside one of the niches to enhance visibility and highlight the design.
Layer Lighting
Combine recessed lighting, wall sconces, and natural light to brighten the space and make it inviting. Thoughtful lighting enhances both functionality and ambiance.
Final Thoughts
A Tub-in-Shower Design, as a modern wet room solution, is a stylish and functional choice for bathrooms where space, flexibility, or resale value is a priority. By deciding early, planning for additional costs, and making thoughtful design choices, you can create a bathroom that feels both luxurious and practical.
Whether you’re building from scratch or remodeling an existing space, this hybrid solution offers the best of both worlds. With the right materials and design, a Tub-in-Shower Design can become a standout feature in your bathroom.
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