Small bath, big upgrade: the 5×8 layout that fits a real shower (with dimensions)

5×8 bathroom layout with shower: See dimensions, fixture spacing, and layout options for a real shower in a small bath. Get pro tips and start your upgrade today.

If your bathroom measures about 5 feet by 8 feet, you might think a true walk-in shower is out of reach. Good news. A 5×8 bathroom layout with shower can be comfortable, code compliant, and stylish when you follow smart dimensions and practical spacing rules. In this guide, Elite Improvements shares proven layouts, exact measurements, and upgrade tips so you can confidently plan your remodel in Southeast Wisconsin or beyond.

Why a 5×8 bathroom layout with shower works

A 5×8 footprint is one of the most common bathroom sizes in older homes and standard builds. Traditionally, these rooms hold a 60 inch tub, a small vanity, and a toilet in a single file line. Replace the tub with a right-sized shower and you unlock better accessibility, lower maintenance, and a modern look without needing an addition. When the shower, toilet, and vanity are placed with clearances in mind, a 5×8 space can feel bigger than it is. With Elite Improvements, careful planning and craftsmanship turn tight quarters into a functional, beautiful bath.

Standard dimensions and clearances that make the plan functional

Overall room size and orientation

A 5×8 bathroom can be oriented with the 5 foot wall as the back wall and the 8 foot dimension running left to right, or flipped depending on door and window locations. The most flexible layouts place the shower along the 5 foot wall or as a 36 by 48 inch unit at one end of the 8 foot length. Either approach leaves space for the toilet and vanity while keeping clear walking paths.

Shower sizes that fit in 5×8

You have more options than you might think. For a 5×8 bathroom layout with shower, these shower sizes work well:

• 60 by 32 inch shower in a standard alcove. This replaces a typical tub footprint and feels generous.
• 60 by 30 inch shower in an alcove. A common, space-savvy pick for older homes.
• 36 by 48 inch rectangular shower. Fits at one end of the room with glass on two sides.
• 34 by 48 inch shower. A small reduction that can ease door swings and clearances.
• 36 by 36 inch shower. Works with a corner layout and keeps the center floor open.

For comfort, many homeowners prefer a minimum interior width of 34 to 36 inches and a length of 48 to 60 inches. If you want barrier-free access, a curbless 60 by 32 inch shower with a linear drain along the back wall is a top choice in a 5×8 room.

Toilet clearances that feel right

Toilets need room to pass code and to feel comfortable. Aim for these clearances:

• 15 inches from the centerline of the toilet to each side wall minimum. 16 to 18 inches is more comfortable.
• 24 inches of clear floor space in front of the toilet minimum. 30 inches is better in a 5×8 layout.
• Typical toilet depth ranges from 27 to 30 inches. Round-front bowls save a few inches, while elongated bowls add comfort.

Vanity and sink sizing

A compact vanity keeps the walkway open. Good options include:

• 24 to 30 inch single vanity for most 5×8 baths.
• 36 inch vanity if you use a shallower depth cabinet and a smart shower layout.
• Standard depth is about 21 inches. Shallow vanities at 18 inches help tight plans.
• Allow 30 to 36 inches of walkway in front of the vanity for comfortable use.

Door types and swing clearances

Door planning can make or break a small bath. Consider these tips:

• Use a 28 to 32 inch wide door. A 30 inch door is a sweet spot for access.
• Choose an out-swing or pocket door to maximize interior clearance.
• Leave 30 to 36 inches of clear path from the door to the first fixture if possible.

Essential code and safety notes

Local codes vary, and Elite Improvements always builds to the latest standards. Plan for GFCI-protected receptacles near the vanity, proper exhaust ventilation sized to the room, and watertight shower assemblies with approved waterproofing behind tile. In Wisconsin, mechanical ventilation is required in bathrooms without adequate operable windows. Always confirm drain sizes, trap placements, and venting with your contractor or inspector before starting.

Three proven 5×8 bathroom layouts with a real shower

Layout 1: 60 by 32 inch alcove shower along the 5 foot wall

This layout replaces a standard tub with a full-length shower. It feels familiar and is excellent for families and aging in place when designed curbless. Typical arrangement from left to right along the 8 foot wall: vanity, toilet, shower at the end.

• Shower: 60 by 32 inches with a single glass panel and a swing or bypass door. Curb height 2 to 3 inches or curbless with a linear drain.
• Toilet: Centerline 15 to 18 inches from adjacent wall or vanity. Leave 30 inches minimum width for comfort.
• Vanity: 24 to 30 inches wide, 21 inches deep, with 30 to 36 inches of clear space in front.
• Door: Pocket or out-swing to keep floor space clear.
• Clearances: Target a 30 to 34 inch walkway from door to vanity and toilet front.

Pro tip from Elite Improvements: Use a recessed niche on the long shower wall and run the wall tile to the ceiling to stretch the room visually.

Layout 2: 36 by 48 inch shower at the far end with glass return

This plan places a rectangular shower at one end of the 8 foot wall, with glass on two sides to flood the room with light. Place the vanity near the door and the toilet between the vanity and shower.

• Shower: 36 by 48 inches with a hinged door or a stationary panel and a 24 inch opening.
• Toilet: Centered 18 inches from the shower glass for elbow room.
• Vanity: 30 to 36 inches wide, possibly with a shallow depth to preserve walkway.
• Clearances: 30 inches in front of the toilet, 34 to 36 inches between vanity edge and opposite wall.
• Advantages: Wider shower floor and easy access, great for decorative tile accents and built-in bench.

Pro tip: Use a low-iron glass panel to prevent green tint and keep finishes looking true.

Layout 3: Curbless wet-room style shower, 60 by 30 inches with linear drain

For contemporary style and barrier-free access, consider a wet-room inspired layout. The shower shares the main floor plane with a gentle slope toward a linear drain. A single fixed glass panel contains splash without boxing in the space.

• Shower: 60 by 30 inches with a 48 inch fixed panel and a 12 inch dry entry gap.
• Toilet: Leave 16 to 18 inches from centerline to side surfaces and 30 inches in front.
• Vanity: 24 to 30 inches wall-hung to increase visible floor area and simplify cleaning.
• Floor: Large-format porcelain tile, 2 inch mosaics in the shower zone for traction and slope.
• Drain: Linear unit along the back wall or at the entry edge for easy pitch.

Pro tip from Elite Improvements: Coordinate the floor slope and tile module early so grout joints align with the drain for a clean, custom look.

Fixture spacing cheat sheet for a 5×8 bathroom layout with shower

• Shower interior: 34 to 36 inches minimum width and 48 to 60 inches length for comfort.
• Toilet side clearance: 15 inches from centerline to each side minimum, 16 to 18 preferred.
• Front clear space: 24 inches minimum at toilet and vanity, 30 inches preferred.
• Vanity width: 24 to 36 inches for singles, with 21 inches typical depth and 18 inches shallow.
• Door width: 28 to 32 inches. Pocket or out-swing improves usability.
• Ceiling height: 80 inches minimum in shower by code, 84 to 96 inches creates an airy feel.
• Showerhead height: 78 to 84 inches depending on user height and ceiling.
• Grab bars: 33 to 36 inches above finished floor along the back and control walls as needed.
• Niche height: 42 to 48 inches to the bottom, or align with tile courses for symmetry.

Materials and features that stretch small-bath space

Glass, doors, and partitions

Clear glass panels or a frameless bypass door minimize visual clutter. If privacy is a concern, consider lightly frosted glass from 40 inches down while keeping the top portion clear. A single fixed panel with an open entry reduces hardware and cost compared to full doors.

Tile and waterproofing

Use light or mid-tone large-format porcelain on walls to reduce grout lines. Pair with a high-performance sheet membrane or liquid-applied waterproofing system to ensure a watertight shower. Carry the same floor tile size throughout the dry area for continuity. In the shower pan, switch to 2 inch mosaics to follow slopes safely. Elite Improvements uses proven systems that meet manufacturer specs for long-term performance.

Storage that does not crowd the room

Recessed niches, a mirrored medicine cabinet, and floating shelves keep essentials close without chewing up floor area. A drawer-based vanity stores more than doors alone. Consider a shallow tall cabinet, 12 inches deep, if you have a free wall section near the door.

Lighting and ventilation

Layered lighting makes a small bath feel big. Combine a dimmable vanity light at face height with a low-glare ceiling fixture and a wet-rated recessed light in the shower. Ventilation should provide at least 80 CFM for a 5×8, though 110 CFM is a smart upgrade. Look for quiet fans rated 1.0 sones or less. In cold climates like Wisconsin, an in-line fan helps reduce noise and improve airflow through longer ducts.

Cost ranges in Southeast Wisconsin

Every project is unique, but these broad ranges help set expectations for a 5×8 bathroom layout with shower in the Burlington and greater Milwaukee area:

• Cosmetic refresh with new vanity, toilet, and prefabricated shower kit: typically from 12,000 to 18,000 depending on finishes.
• Mid-range remodel with tiled shower, new plumbing fixtures, waterproofing, lighting, and ventilation: often 20,000 to 35,000.
• High-end renovation with curbless entry, custom glass, premium tile, heated floors, and upgraded electrical: 35,000 to 55,000 or more.

These are ballpark numbers. Site conditions, age of plumbing, structural adjustments for curbless entries, and custom cabinetry influence final cost. Elite Improvements provides detailed, line-item estimates so you can compare options with confidence.

Timeline and what to expect

1. Design and selections, 1 to 3 weeks: Measure, confirm the layout, choose tile, fixtures, and glass. Elite Improvements guides you through showrooms and samples.
2. Permitting and ordering, 1 to 3 weeks: Secure approvals and order lead time items like custom glass and specialty drains.
3. Demo and rough-ins, 1 week: Remove old finishes, repair framing, update plumbing and electrical to plan and code.
4. Shower pan and waterproofing, 2 to 4 days: Build pan or set shower base, install waterproofing, flood test as needed.
5. Tile and finishes, 1 to 2 weeks: Tile walls and floor, grout, paint, set vanity and toilet, trim carpentry.
6. Glass installation and punch list, 3 to 7 days: Install glass after tile cures, complete final details, clean, and walkthrough.

Many 5×8 projects finish in 3 to 6 weeks once materials are on site. Elite Improvements coordinates schedules to keep downtime low and communication clear.

Common mistakes to avoid in a 5×8 bathroom layout with shower

• Forgetting door swing impacts. An inward swinging door can block the toilet or vanity. Use a pocket or out-swing door.
• Undersizing the shower. Anything under 32 inches wide feels tight for daily use.
• Skipping waterproofing behind tile. Tile is not a waterproof layer. Use a complete system and follow cure times.
• Cramped toilet placement. Squeeze the toilet and the room feels smaller. Keep 30 inches full width if possible.
• Ignoring ventilation. Without proper exhaust, humidity damages paint and grout.
• Overloading with dark finishes. Dark tile everywhere can make a small bath feel closed in. Balance with lighter walls or ceilings.
• Not planning for future access. Consider blocking in walls for grab bars and a handheld shower on a slide bar.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 5×8 bathroom have a double vanity and a real shower?

In most cases, a double vanity is not ideal in a 5×8 room with a shower. Two sinks crowd the walkway and reduce storage. A 30 to 36 inch single vanity with smart drawers and a medicine cabinet delivers better function.

What is the best shower door for a 5×8 layout?

A frameless bypass door or a single fixed panel works well. If the room is tight, a fixed panel with an open entry removes the need for door swing clearance. In narrow rooms, a bypass is helpful because both panels stay inside the shower footprint.

Is a curbless shower possible without raising the bathroom floor?

Yes, but it depends on your joist depth and existing plumbing. Often, the shower area can be recessed between joists to create the necessary slope. Elite Improvements evaluates framing and provides structural solutions that keep transitions flush.

How big should the niche be?

A common size is about 12 by 24 inches, set to align with tile patterns. Deeper shampoo bottles may need 4 inches or more of depth. Place the niche on the wall opposite the showerhead to avoid direct spray when possible.

What is the easiest way to make the room feel larger?

Use a light, consistent color palette, a floating vanity, frameless glass, and continuous floor tile. Add a large wall mirror and keep lines clean. Good lighting at the face and from above helps the space read as open and bright.

Why choose Elite Improvements for your 5×8 bath upgrade

• Local, family-owned expertise. Based in Burlington, Wisconsin, Elite Improvements understands the homes and building practices of Southeast Wisconsin.
• Full-service remodeling. From design to punch list, the team handles bathrooms, kitchens, basements, additions, and exterior updates with the same attention to detail.
• Pro craftsmanship. Tidy job sites, precise tile work, and reliable schedules define their approach.
• Accredited and trusted. Elite Improvements is accredited by the BBB and Milwaukee NARI, reflecting ethical practices and verified quality.
• Clear communication. Expect transparent pricing, helpful guidance on selections, and regular project updates.

Whether you want a 60 by 32 inch alcove shower conversion or a sleek curbless entry with custom glass, Elite Improvements builds spaces that stand up to daily life while looking great for years.

Start your 5×8 bathroom layout with shower upgrade

Ready to trade a cramped tub for a real walk-in shower in your 5×8 bathroom? Elite Improvements can design and build a layout that fits your home, budget, and style. Call 262-716-6663 to schedule a consultation or visit eliteimproves.com to learn more about bathroom remodeling, additions, roofing, siding, and decks. With a thoughtful plan, durable materials, and a skilled team, your small bath can deliver a big upgrade.