13+ Clever Ideas for Small Bathrooms with a Tub

Designing a small bathroom with a tub can feel like solving a puzzle. With limited square footage, every inch must be planned carefully. The good news is that with the right design strategies, even the smallest bathroom can look stylish, feel spacious, and stay highly functional. Over the last 20 years of working with bathroom layouts, renovations, and client projects, I’ve seen countless ways to make small bathrooms shine without sacrificing comfort.

Below, I’ll share 13+ clever ideas that can transform your small bathroom with a tub into a practical, cozy, and beautiful space. Each idea digs deep into real solutions—not surface-level tricks—so you’ll walk away with inspiration you can actually use.

1. Opt for a Deep Soaking Tub

When space is limited, the length of a standard bathtub often takes up valuable square footage. Instead of forcing in a long tub, consider a Japanese-style soaking tub. These tubs are shorter in length but deeper, allowing you to sit upright while still enjoying a full soak. This design creates a spa-like feeling while freeing up extra room for storage, shelving, or a vanity. It also works beautifully for homeowners who prefer baths over showers but don’t have the luxury of a large footprint.

2. Choose a Shower-Tub Combo

A shower-tub combo is one of the smartest ways to maximize space in a small bathroom. Instead of dedicating separate areas for bathing and showering, one space serves both functions. Frameless glass panels instead of bulky curtains or sliding doors can keep the area feeling light and open. For extra style, choose vertical tile patterns that draw the eye upward, making the ceiling look taller.

3. Install Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Small bathrooms often feel cramped because floor space is eaten up by vanities, cabinets, and bulky storage. Swapping to wall-mounted fixtures, like a floating vanity or wall-mounted faucet, can instantly free up square footage and improve flow. The tub area itself also benefits from wall-mounted shelves or niches. Recessed shelving carved directly into the wall above the tub is especially useful for keeping shampoos, soaps, and decor without crowding the edges.

4. Use Glass Instead of Shower Curtains

Traditional shower curtains often create a visual barrier that makes a room feel closed off. By replacing them with clear or lightly frosted glass, the bathroom will feel larger and brighter. Glass doors or panels also allow your tile design to shine through, creating a cohesive look. Even in tiny bathrooms, this trick helps the space feel airy and clean rather than boxed in.

5. Go Vertical with Storage

Storage is usually the biggest challenge in small bathrooms with tubs. Instead of relying on under-sink cabinets, think vertically. Tall shelving units, ladder shelves, or even custom-built cabinets above the toilet or tub take advantage of unused wall space. Open shelving with woven baskets or glass jars also adds style while staying functional. This method reduces clutter on counters and edges, giving your bathroom a more open and organized feel.

6. Try a Corner Tub for Extra Floor Space

If your small bathroom feels too tight for a standard tub, a corner bathtub could be the answer. Corner tubs fit snugly against two walls, opening up floor space for movement or additional storage. Modern corner tubs come in sleek shapes that don’t feel dated, and pairing them with wall-mounted faucets helps reduce bulk further. This design is especially effective in bathrooms where every square inch must be carefully planned.

7. Light Up the Room with Smart Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in how large or small a bathroom feels. Recessed lighting above the tub can brighten the entire space without adding clutter. Sconces on either side of the mirror provide balanced illumination for grooming, while LED strips under floating vanities or shelves add depth. The brighter and more layered the lighting, the larger the room will feel. Always choose warm white light to keep the space inviting rather than harsh.

8. Stick with a Light and Neutral Color Scheme

Small bathrooms with tubs can feel closed in if the walls and tiles are dark. Light, neutral colors reflect more light and open up the space. Shades of white, cream, soft gray, and pale blue are timeless choices. If you want contrast, keep it minimal—perhaps a dark vanity paired with light walls and tile. To add interest without overpowering, consider textured subway tiles or a herringbone backsplash in neutral tones.

9. Create Visual Depth with Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the simplest ways to expand a small bathroom visually. A large mirror above the vanity can double the perception of space, while mirrored cabinet doors or a full-height mirror on one wall add depth. Placing a mirror opposite a window reflects natural light and makes the bathroom feel twice as bright. For extra elegance, frameless mirrors keep the look clean and seamless.

10. Add Built-In Niches Around the Tub

Instead of cluttering the tub edges with bottles and soaps, consider built-in niches directly into the wall. These recessed areas not only save space but also add a polished, custom look to your bathroom. By lining them with accent tiles, niches can become a stylish focal point. They also prevent accidents, since there’s no need to reach for items sitting precariously on the tub rim.

11. Use Sliding or Pocket Doors

Swinging doors eat up valuable square footage in a small bathroom. Replacing them with sliding barn doors or pocket doors can make a huge difference. These doors save space and allow better flow between rooms. If privacy is a concern, frosted glass or solid wood sliding doors can balance both function and design. This upgrade works especially well in studio apartments or small homes where every inch matters.

12. Add Greenery for a Fresh Look

A touch of greenery can make even the smallest bathroom feel welcoming. Hanging plants near the window, small succulents on floating shelves, or even a tall plant in an empty corner bring life to the space. Plants also help with air quality, which is important in a room where moisture builds up. Low-maintenance plants like pothos or snake plants thrive in humid environments, making them perfect for small bathrooms with tubs.

13. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture and Fixtures

In compact spaces, every element should serve more than one purpose. A vanity with hidden drawers doubles as storage, while a mirror with built-in lighting eliminates the need for separate fixtures. Some modern bathtubs even come with built-in shelving along the side. The more multi-functional each piece is, the less cluttered the space will feel. This approach ensures you don’t sacrifice comfort while still keeping everything practical.

14. Play with Patterns and Textures

While small bathrooms benefit from light, neutral colors, patterns and textures can be used carefully to add character. Vertical stripes on the wall can make ceilings appear taller, while mosaic tile accents create visual interest without overwhelming the room. Textured wall panels or patterned flooring can anchor the space while still keeping it cohesive. The key is balance—use one or two bold design elements while keeping the rest simple.