15 ingenious ideas for showers and tubs

Acrylic alcove tub

An acrylic alcove bath with a front apron is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

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Freestanding tub

The freestanding tub is nicely framed by blue tile, wainscoting and a dark wood beam. A handheld shower head allows the tub to be used for both bathing and soaking.

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Standard alcove tub

Standard alcove tubs can be given a more custom look with the addition of a sliding glass shower door.

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Undermount tub

Placed under windows in a second-story bathroom, this undermount tub with a smooth stone surround and wood-paneled sides offers excellent views of the treetops. The center-mounted faucet allows two bathers to sit comfortably.

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Soaking tub

Inspired by a hotel in Bali, this spa bathroom features a soaking tub surrounded by windows that bring in the outdoors.

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Cast-iron tub

The cast-iron tub in this 1950s-era home was refinished during the bathroom remodel and looks as good as new surrounded by a wide band of blue glass tiles.

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Undermount whirlpool tub

A cross-handled deck-mount faucet in brushed chrome sits on one end of a narrow, undermount whirlpool tub.

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Walk-in tub

Walk-in tubs don’t take up much floor space. This model by Oceania features variable-speed air jets.

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Deck-mounted jetted tub

This deck-mounted tub has 47 air-massage jets around the bottom edge of the tub. You can order one with more jets along the floor for a stronger massage.

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Open shower

The open shower, with glass-tiled walls and slatted teak floor, is bathed in light. It features separate fixed and handheld wand-style shower heads that operate independently.

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Transparent shower

Dark tiles on a shower surround could make a space feel confining, but that’s certainly not the case in this large shower with a glass door and a top that’s open to the vaulted ceiling.

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Frosted glass-paneled shower

Frosted areas obscure the view through the glass shower panels in all the right places.

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Prefab shower with custom touches

Built-in ledges for toiletries and a bar for washcloths add a custom touch to this prefabricated shower unit.

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Well-ventilated shower

The glass panel above the shower door can be closed when the steam shower is in use or opened to let steam escape.

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