If you’re considering a tub-to-shower conversion or remodel, you’re in for a game-changing upgrade. Showers are stylish, space-saving, and far more convenient for most homeowners than dated tub-shower combos. Whether you’re looking for sleek modern features, improved accessibility, or a just a change of atmosphere, there are plenty of creative ways to transform your bathroom. As one of Seattle’s top remodeling teams, Model Remodel has designed and built new bathrooms for over 22 years, and we love helping homeowners find the perfect design that fits their lifestyle and space. With our new Small Jobs Division, converting a tub to a shower (and many other small projects) has never been easier. The SJD offers a streamlined process at a more affordable price for swaps like this.
Whether its part of a larger bathroom remodel, or just a small “pull-and-put” shower swap, here are ten inspiring ideas to consider for your tub-to-shower conversion!
1. Curbless Walk-In Shower for Seamless Accessibility
Part of the latest Aging in Place movement
As we grow in our forever home, or have family with accessibility needs, we often look for ways to make the home easier to navigate and more accessible overall. A curbless, walk-in shower offers a smooth transition between bathroom floor and shower, making it an excellent option for accessibility renovations or simply creating a sleek, modern look. This design not only enhances safety but also makes the space feel larger and more open by bridging the gap between the two areas.
By making the bathroom a more accessible space, you open up the home to new possibilities of multi-generational living and aging in place.
This upgrade is often paired with a wet-room style bathroom, but it doesn’t have to be! You can still create a separation between the shower and the rest of the bathroom without having a threshold by using a top-sliding door, a shower door that swings open, or leaving the entryway partially open.
2. Frameless Glass Shower Door for a Modern, Open Look
Modern and minimal hardware brings a sleek look
A frameless glass shower enclosure eliminates bulky metal framing, giving your bathroom a clean and contemporary aesthetic. It maximizes light flow, making smaller bathrooms feel more spacious while showcasing beautiful tile work inside the shower. Details like this are something we always think about while designing new bathroom remodels, and we’re always trying to create a design that fits the homeowners needs while presenting options they might not have considered.
3. Wall Niches for Stylish and Practical Storage
Shower storage made easy
Tired of cluttered shower caddies, or crowding shampoo bottles in the corner? Built-in wall niches offer an easy solution for keeping bottles, soaps, and other essentials organized. These recessed storage spaces can be customized with accent tiles or lighting to add both function and style. Model Remodel has always been a big fan of built-in shower niches, and our clients love them for their convenient and minimal design.
No need for bulky plastic organizers when you have a sleek built-in wall niche.
4. Linear Drain for a Sleek, Contemporary Design
A modern drain for modern bathroom remodel
A linear drain is a small but impactful upgrade that makes a big difference in both aesthetics and function. Unlike traditional center drains, linear drains are installed along one edge of the shower floor, allowing for a more uniform slope and a seamless look—especially in curbless designs. Not only is the drain out of the way so you won’t have to step on it, it’s also hidden from view, usually beneath a strip of matching tile/flooring.
5. Bold Tile Patterns to Match Your Personality
It’s easy to bring your personality into a remodel
If you’re looking to add some charm and character to your bathroom, bold tile choices are an easy way to do it. Consider geometric patterns, colorful mosaics, or classic black-and-white designs to elevate the space. Unique tilework can turn an ordinary shower into a true work of art that elevates the mood and feel of the space. At Model Remodel, we love working with clients who want to add some creativity to their home, and tile is the perfect way to do it.
6. Natural Stone Accents for an Upscale Touch
Bringing natural elements into the home
For those who love an organic, luxurious feel, natural stone elements—such as marble, granite, or slate—bring timeless elegance to a shower space. Whether used for an entire wall or as an accent feature, stone textures add warmth and sophistication.
Natural stone can be a safe and sustainable choice for a shower build, but it requires consideration of its properties and maintenance. While materials like marble, granite, limestone, and travertine add timeless beauty and durability, they vary in porosity and slip resistance. More porous stones, such as marble and limestone, require regular sealing to prevent moisture absorption, staining, and mold growth, whereas denser options like granite offer greater resistance to water damage.
From a sustainability standpoint, responsibly sourced stone from quarries minimizes environmental impact, and its longevity reduces the need for replacements, making it a durable, long-term investment. Choosing reclaimed stone or remnants can further enhance sustainability by repurposing materials that might otherwise go to waste. While natural stone is a premium material requiring proper upkeep, it can offer a stunning, eco-conscious shower design when sourced and maintained responsibly.
7. Steam Shower Conversion for Ultimate Relaxation
Make your shower into an at-home spa
Why settle for an ordinary shower when you can have your own personal spa? A steam shower takes relaxation to the next level by creating a soothing, sauna-like experience right in your home. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to unwind after a long day while also benefiting from improved circulation and respiratory health.
A steam shower offers benefits such as improved breathing/circulation, muscle relaxation, and respiratory relief from the warm, moisture-rich air. It can also enhance home value and provide a soothing escape from daily stress. Installing a steam shower requires careful planning, including proper ventilation to prevent excess humidity, non-porous materials to minimize moisture absorption, and a dedicated steam generator with appropriate sizing for the space. Energy efficiency and water usage should also be considered, as steam showers use less water than traditional showers but require insulation and sealing to function effectively. With the right design and maintenance, a steam shower can be a long-term wellness investment in your home, and Model Remodel has the experience and expertise to properly design and install a steam shower in your bathroom remodel.
8. Heated Flooring for a Cozy Post-Shower Experience
Comfort and convenience all in one
Stepping out of a warm shower onto an ice-cold floor can be uncomfortable. Radiant heat under your tiles adds a touch of luxury and comfort, especially during colder months. It’s an often-overlooked detail that can make your bathroom feel like a five-star retreat every day.
Radiant heating is one of the most convenient and energy efficient heating systems available.
Radiant floor heating operates through either electric coils or hydronic tubing, distributing heat evenly without the need for forced air, which can stir up dust and allergens. This system increases comfort and energy efficiency by reducing heat loss and maintaining a steady temperature. However, installation requires careful planning, as it is best incorporated during a remodel when floors are being replaced. Upfront costs can be higher, especially for hydronic systems, but the long-term energy savings and added home value often make it a worthwhile investment.
9. Skylight or Solar Tube for Natural Lighting
Alternative lighting to brighten up your space
Skylights have the unique benefit of bringing in light to spaces where normal windows can’t reach. This makes them perfect for internal bathrooms! Model Remodel has always been a huge fan of adding skylights into a shower to make it brighter and more luxurious. There are a few options when it comes to skylights, but the majority fit within a specific size range, and should be easy to include in your remodel (so long as it’s on the top floor, with a vaulted ceiling).
A solar tube, also known as a sun tunnel or tubular skylight, is a cylindrical tube that captures natural sunlight from the roof and channels it into a room using reflective materials. It’s a great alternative to traditional skylights, especially for small or dark spaces. Solar tubes or Sun Tunnels can be more affordable and more versatile in terms of installation difficulty. They produce a more diffuse, lower intensity lights, through a similar method. Solar Tubes have the advantage of being better insulated, and may result in less heat loss/gain in certain scenarios.
10. Unique Lighting to Create the Perfect Ambience
Flooring to Match Your Aesthetic
Beyond skylights and solar tubes, Model Remodel is always a fan of including unique lighting options in our bathroom remodels. Lighting can transform a bathroom from a purely functional space into a personalized and relaxing space. One unique lighting option is backlit mirrors, which provide soft, ambient illumination while eliminating harsh shadows, making them perfect for doing makeup and other self-care tasks. Pendant lights, often reserved for kitchens and dining areas, add a defined elegance when suspended beside a vanity instead of traditional sconces.
For a dramatic effect, recessed LED lighting within shower niches or under floating vanities creates a subtle glow that creates a cinematic ambience. Smart lighting systems allow homeowners to adjust brightness and color temperature, setting the perfect mood for relaxation or morning routines. Statement chandeliers, once thought too extravagant for bathrooms, bring a touch of luxury, especially in larger spaces with high ceilings. The right lighting choices not only enhance functionality but also add character and atmosphere, making the bathroom feel like a truly personalized space.
Bathroom Remodeling in the Seattle Area
From Green Lake to Seward Park, Mercer Island and More
Dreaming of a fresh new bathroom that soothes the soul? From maximizing compact spaces to building your luxurious dream bathroom, Model Remodel can transform your vision into reality. With over 20 years in the business, we’ll guide you through every step, from eco-friendly material choices like recycled countertops and water-smart appliances to choosing the perfect tub that adds a pop of personality. Be sure to take a look at our portfolio for more bathroom remodeling inspiration.
Our design-build services let our expert designers and skilled builders breathe life into your bathroom, opening up spaces, embracing natural light, and creating a better connection to your home. Let’s build something great – contact Model Remodel today and unlock the full potential of your Seattle bathroom!
Bathroom Remodeling FAQs
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
The cost of a bathroom remodel can vary greatly depending on the project’s scope, the materials used, and the labor involved. A partial remodel can start in the $10,000+ range, while full luxury bathroom remodels can make their way up to $100,000.
How long does a bathroom remodel take
The timeline for a bathroom remodel can vary depending on the project’s size and scope, material availability, and other factors. On average, a bathroom remodel can take anywhere from one week to eight weeks or longer, depending on whether it’s a minor upgrade or whole bathroom renovation, and if it’s part of a larger remodel.
Do I need a building permit for a bathroom remodel?
In most cases, a building permit is required for a bathroom remodel, especially if you are making structural changes, such as moving plumbing or electrical fixtures or tearing out a wall. As a result, you should consult your local building department to determine your area’s specific requirements. Model Remodel has an in-house permitting specialist that can easily determine the appropriate course for your project.
How can I make my new bathroom more eco-friendly?
Several eco-friendly options are now available when planning a bathroom remodel, including low-flow toilets, water-saving faucets, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood and recycled glass. These sustainable choices can help reduce water and energy consumption and create a more environmentally friendly bathroom space. Model Remodel specializes in sustainable building and we would be happy to discuss your options for going green on your next remodel.
