They Replaced the Old Tub Layout With a Wet Room and It Changed Everything
Want a bathroom to feel more open without expanding it? This remodel from Reddit user ewins1222 shows what happens when the tub and shower are combined instead of separated.
The footprint stayed the same, but the layout was reorganized. In the original setup, the tub sits on a raised platform under the window, the shower is placed to the side, and a horizontal trim line cuts across the walls. The floor pattern also shifts, which adds another layer of separation. Each element is defined as its own zone.
One wet room replaces two separate zones
The main change is combining the tub and shower into one wet area along the back wall. This removes the split between them and frees up the layout.
The glass enclosure keeps water inside but does not block the room. You can see from the vanity to the window without interruption. The arched ceiling becomes more visible because nothing cuts across it.
The freestanding tub replaces the built-in base. It sits on the same level as the shower, which removes the raised platform and opens the floor.
Continuous surfaces and fewer interruptions
The wall tile now runs full height without a trim band. This removes the horizontal break and keeps the surface consistent.
The shower floor uses smaller tile for grip, but the color stays close to the walls, so the transition is not strong. Fixtures repeat the same brushed bronze finish across the room, which avoids contrast between elements.
Storage is built into the walls through niches, and the mirrors include lighting and storage, which keeps the vanity area clear.
There are trade-offs. The space around the tub is tighter, and cleaning behind it takes more effort. The owner noted that water stays near the drain and the glass helps keep heat inside the enclosure.
Before, the tub, shower, and vanity are separated by edges and walls. After, the back wall works as one area where the tub and shower share the same space, and the tile runs without interruption. This removes boundaries and keeps the layout consistent across the room.