7 Bathtub to Shower Conversions Upgrade in Style

In smaller bathrooms, a bathtub to shower conversion saves space

tub to shower conversion with double showerheads

This bathroom refresh tops the wishlist

If you love walk-in showers, you’re not alone. A larger shower area, easy entry, and a streamlined look make walk-in showers an attractive choice. The decision to move forward on a bathtub to shower conversion is closely connected to lifestyle. For example, a family with small children may want to keep a bathtub if there is only one bathroom. Accessibility for limited mobility is another reason.

If you’re already planning an overall bathroom remodel, this is a good time to consider whether swapping the tub for a shower makes sense. Discuss with your contractor if your desired shower size will fit in your space. For a bathtub to shower conversion consider shower size, windows, lighting, exhaust fan, and the condition and location of plumbing. Find inspiration from these Sweeten homeowners who made the change.

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Gaining a more useful shower

Without a second bathroom in their Upper East Side co-op, Laura and Randy had to maximize their one bath. They removed the pretty, but impractical, bathtub. And they installed a modern walk-in shower—with three different shower heads and a seat.

white bathtub with white pedestal sink in a small bathroom with penny tiles before renovation

Replacing the bathtub with a glass shower opens the space and is more practical for homeowners

A new supercharged shower

Meg and Brett already had a spacious glass shower/tub combination in their loft apartment. However, by removing the tub, they added several more layers to create a luxurious experience. A low curb reveals a patterned floor tile for a two-person shower. Double shower heads, body sprays, and a rain shower complete the upgraded vista.

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tub to shower conversion with double showerheads

Accessibility with style

The primary reason for Mickey’s remodel was to build a bathroom shower. Looking towards retirement and possible limited mobility, he replaced the high-walled tub with a walk-in shower. His Sweeten contractor handled all of the paperwork for the co-op board approval so Mickey was able to focus on choosing materials.

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Removing an unwieldy fixture

Charon and Lex’s apartment bathtub took up too much space; it took up almost the whole room. The new shower with the glass door makes the room feel huge without the bulk. 

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Replacing a bathtub for a standing shower leaves this space feeling spacious and streamlined

A new layout with lots of personality

Inspired by her own parent’s accessibility updates, Megan and Zak decided to follow suit when renovating their guest bathroom. They converted the old bathtub to a standing shower and opted for no glass doors.

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Converting this bathtub to a shower created a more modern look and feel to this home bathroom

Setting bathroom priorities

Removing the small, pink tub in Giulia’s bath was the best way to get more space for a larger sink. She designed an open shower that was shorter than the original tub, making more room for a larger vanity and mirror.

white shower curtain over a pink bathtub and small bathroom with white toilet before renovation

After bathtub to shower conversion, this homeowner had room for an extra-large sink

Safety first

For Elaine, safety was paramount. When undergoing the bathtub to shower conversion, she tasked her Sweeten contractor with building a walk-in shower with accessible features: a hand bar and shower, plus a rough stone floor for traction.

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floating bathroom vanity with mirror and taupe walls and floor tiles and walk-in shower with glass wall and mosaic floor tiles after renovation

When you’re ready to get started on your bathroom or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days.

Popular questions asked

Are you converting a bathtub into a shower? A bathroom that’s in good condition can undergo a quick and basic tub to shower conversion starting around $1,500. An upgrade to a tile pan and walls increase the cost starting at $3,000+ for standard materials. If you make changes to the room size or add windows that require new framing, your costs will increase.

Before you order materials, talk with a contractor about your desired shower size to see if it will fit in the space. Make a plan that includes the finished shower size, location of new or existing windows, lighting, exhaust fan, and the condition and location of plumbing. If your shower drain will stay in the same location, the connection is simple and fast. If the drain must be moved, costs will rise, depending on how extensive the work is. The faucet and showerhead are the final pieces.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

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