From Tub to Tile: 7 Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas with Stand Up Shower Conversions to Inspire You

That old bathtub might be the one thing standing between you and a bathroom that actually works. More homeowners are ditching the tub for stand-up shower conversions, and the results speak for themselves. Whether you want a sleek spa feel or smarter storage, these seven small bathroom remodel ideas with stand-up shower designs will spark some serious inspiration.

1. Go Frameless for an Instant Upgrade

A frameless glass enclosure is one of the most effective small bathroom remodel ideas with stand up shower setups. Without bulky metal frames chopping up your sightlines, even a compact shower feels open and airy. Pair with large-format tiles and a rain showerhead for a high-end finish. Budget around $4,000–$8,000 depending on glass and tile.

2. Embrace Bold Floor Tile

Your shower floor is a design opportunity, not an afterthought. You could use patterned cement tiles, black-and-white hexagons, or some shaped terracotta tile. Using one of these options will anchor the entire bathroom with personality. Use a neutral color palette to allow floor tiles to shine.

Here’s what makes bold floor tile work in small spaces:

• Scale matters: Smaller mosaic tiles visually expand tight footprints
• Contrast is king: Dark grout with light tile adds graphic punch without clutter
• Slip resistance: Textured tiles serve style and safety

3. Install a Niche for Smarter Storage

One reason homeowners love stand up shower conversions is the chance to rethink storage. A recessed wall niche eliminates the clunky shower caddy and keeps bottles neatly organized without stealing space. Install two stacked niches for couples sharing a shower, one at each person’s height.

4. Try a Wet Room Layout

If you really want to maximize a small bathroom, go full wet room. The entire floor becomes waterproofed and sloped toward a drain, with no shower enclosure at all. It’s a sleek, European-inspired look that makes even 40 square feet feel intentional. Wet rooms typically run $6,000–$12,000 but add serious resale value.

5. Mix Tiles for a Custom Look

Don’t feel locked into one tile for walls, floor, and accents. Mixing materials is one of the most creative small bathroom remodel ideas with stand up shower designs, and it’s easier than it sounds.

Popular combinations that work beautifully:

• Subway tile walls + penny tile floor: Classic meets textured
• Large-format slabs + mosaic niche accent: Calm meets detail
• Matte finish walls + glossy trim tile: Subtle contrast that feels intentional

Keep Proportions in Mind

Larger tiles on walls minimize grout lines and make small showers feel bigger. Reserve intricate patterns for one accent wall or the floor so the space doesn’t feel busy.

6. Add a Bench for Function and Style

A built-in shower bench does double duty; it’s practical for shaving or unwinding, and gives the shower a finished, custom feel. A cantilevered bench in matching tile looks seamlessly built-in without cramping floor space. Most built-in benches add $500–$1,500 to a conversion project.

7. Go Dark and Dramatic

Light and bright isn’t the only path to a beautiful bathroom. Deep charcoal, navy, or forest green tile can make a small shower feel like a moody retreat. A recessed ceiling fixture directly in the shower keeps dark tile from feeling cave-like.

Dark shower ideas worth stealing:

• Black matte fixtures against dark tile for a tonal, sophisticated look
• Warm Edison-style lighting to soften the drama
• A single white or cream accent (a niche, bench, or vanity) to keep contrast balanced

Your Next Bathroom Is Waiting

These seven small bathroom remodel ideas with stand up shower conversions prove that going tub-free opens up a world of design possibilities. Whether you love bold tile or sleek frameless glass, the right contractor makes all the difference. 

Visit Zicklin Contracting today and let’s bring your vision to life, one tile at a time.