This small primary bathroom remodel completely changed how the space feels and functions. The biggest transformation was removing a full shower wall and replacing it with a pony wall, which instantly made the room look larger and brighter. If you are considering a pony wall shower in a small bathroom, this guide walks through the entire renovation from planning to final cost.
Author’s Note: This bathroom remodel took place at our former home on Sutton Place in 2020. This post has been fully updated to combine all the planning, progress, and reveal details into one complete guide.
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Why We Renovated This Bathroom
This was our tiny primary bathroom. There was barely room for one person at a time. Over the years we made it work, but it was dated and overdue for improvement. The toilet was newer, so we kept it. Everything else was removed. Because we had just completed our hallway bathroom renovation, I reused many of the same finishes. That decision simplified the process and reduced design fatigue. Here’s what needed updating:
- Oak cabinetry
- Mismatched fixtures and lighting
- Pink ceramic shower tile
- Leaking shower door
- Laminate flooring
The Biggest Change: Installing a Pony Wall
The most dramatic improvement in this small primary bathroom was removing the full shower wall and bulkhead and replacing it with a pony wall.
What Is a Pony Wall?
A pony wall is a half wall that extends partway from floor to ceiling. It provides separation and structure without fully closing off the space. In our bathroom, the pony wall separates the shower from the vanity but keeps the ceiling line open. That visual openness is what makes the room feel significantly larger. If you are remodeling a small bathroom, this is one layout change that can completely alter the perception of size.
Pony Wall Shower Details
Finishing the pony wall correctly was important. We used cultured granite slabs to cap the shower curb, the top of the pony wall, and the vertical end of the pony wall. The granite provides a stable base for the frameless glass enclosure and creates a seamless look with the countertop. Using the same tile family as the hallway bathroom created consistency without making the rooms identical. The shower includes:
- A built-in seat
- A recessed niche above the seat
- Neutral 12 x 24 porcelain tile
- Ivory penny tile detail
- Mosaic trim border
The Navy Vanity
Just like the hallway bathroom, I used KraftMaid Lyndale cabinetry in Midnight. In this smaller layout, the vanity is scaled down but still makes an impact. To maximize counter space, I chose a single lever oil rubbed bronze faucet from the Moen Belfield line. The tall faucet draws the eye upward, and the double light fixture above the mirror helps elongate the wall visually. When working with small spaces, vertical emphasis matters.
Ceramic Tile Floor
The ceramic floor tile is the same size, color, and brand as the hallway bathroom, but in a different pattern. This was intentional. The coordinating tile keeps the two bathrooms connected while still allowing each to feel unique. The grout color is MAPEI Driftwood, which defines the pattern and hides wear well.
Storage in a Small Primary Bathroom
Storage was the one area where I had to compromise. Previously, I had a large over-the-toilet cabinet. Daily essentials fit easily, but bulk storage moved to the hallway bathroom. One of my favorite upgrades is the electrical outlet installed under the sink. It keeps my electric toothbrush off the counter and out of sight. Small improvements like that make everyday routines easier. In the new layout, storage is divided between under-sink cabinets, open shelving, and baskets.
How Much Did This Small Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Our primary bathroom remodel came in at approximately $15,000, including labor and materials. Bathroom remodel costs vary widely by region, labor rates, and material choices. In our case, the pony wall and custom granite details added to the investment, but they w ere worth it.Major cost categories included:
- Custom cabinetry
- Shower tile and installation
- Floor tile
- Cultured granite countertop and slabs
- Waterproofing system
- Custom frameless shower door (Brand name Basco. Purchased locally)
- Plumbing fixtures
- Lighting
- Shower fan
- Paint: Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Unexpected Expenses
- Granite slabs for the pony wall and seat
- Waterproofing systems
- Organizational items
- New shower fan
Is a Pony Wall a Good Idea in a Small Bathroom?
Yes, if your layout allows it, a pony wall can be a wonderful choice in a small bathroom. It opens sight lines, preserves the feeling of ceiling height, and allows natural light to flow more freely through the space. It also creates a custom look that feels intentional and thoughtfully designed. That said, it must be installed correctly and paired with proper waterproofing and a stable cap material if it will support glass. For us, it became the defining feature of this renovation and completely changed how the room feels.
Lessons Learned From Remodeling Two Bathrooms
We waited many years before taking on these renovations. We focused on raising our children and planning for retirement first. When the time came to renovate, I did not want to compromise on quality. Would I do it again? Yes. The pony wall alone changed the entire feel of the space. Because we renovated both bathrooms back to back, I learned a few important things:
- Reusing finishes reduces decision fatigue. (Which is a real thing!)
- Budget for at least 20 percent overages.
- Waterproofing systems are not optional.
- Small layout changes can have the biggest impact.
- Do not underestimate the cost of finishing details.
Coordinating Hallway Bathroom
If you’re planning multiple bathroom renovations, you may want to see our coordinating hallway small bathroom remodel. It uses many of the same finishes but in a slightly larger guest bath layout. Keeping materials consistent across rooms helped create a cohesive look throughout the upstairs of our home.
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Dear Ann, it is simply wonderful. We had an almost duplicate of the original in one of our homes of the past. I would have LOVED to have that bathroom as you remodeled it. As always, your choices are so well thought out and lovely. Like many others, I appreciate your real world approach to costs and overall family finances. I can only wish you lived down the street and not a state away. Thanks so much for sharing…and the photos are excellent. Do not worry about not being able to do an overall photo.
I love both bathrooms. So clean and crisp. Your taste is impeccable and will serve you for a long time. Enjoy !! Thank you for being so honest about the cost of both projects. Your contractors did a marvelous job. Now onto saving for your kitchen. 😚Been a long time fan of your blog and always love your decorating.😍
WOW! Everything looks so beautiful! You have excellent taste and your contractor did a fabulous job…I absolutely love it all!
Beautiful! Love it all! I have one question about your Turkish towels. Just bought my first one, love the look but I have to say it isn’t exactly very absorbent. Is there a trick tearing for them that will help?
Thanks and again BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
I think it turned out beautiful! Love how the pony wall opens it up. I like the open shelves and getting rid of the cabinet over the toilet. You might look for a hair dryer holder that you can install on the inside of the vanity door. Also, only suggestion I would make is to hang the hand towel to the left of the vanity and away from over the toilet. More convenient and sanitary. Other than that it’s perfect.
Your bathrooms are beautiful! I love where you put the outlet for you toothbrush.
I have put a hanging wire rack/basket on the inside of my cabinet door to hold my hairdryer and brushes. I bought it in the kitchen accessories. I think it was meant to hold foil, plastic wrap, etc.
Ann, both bathrooms came out perfect! They are lovely. Good for you. It’s sometimes hard to justify spending that kind of money but, at this stage of our lives, it feels so good to be able to (finally.) You are the first to count your blessings, and you will appreciate and enjoy those bathrooms for years.
Thanks for sharing your lovely remodeling results! We live in a 50s ranch and have only a very small hallway bathroom and a powder room off the kitchen. We had the hall bath redone a few years ago and are happy with the results. Your photos have given me some ideas for efficiently using the even smaller space on the powder room.
Your bathroom is lovely ! This pony wall made all the difference. Enjoy it ..
Great job. I especially like that you stayed within the original footprint of your master bath and made it work. It’s real design for real people. So many blogs and designers – like on Houzz – show these over the top renos that cost a small fortune and not within reach of us average people. We redid both bathrooms in our home when it was 18 years old. The main bathroom was actually done in stages – new tub, tiles, shower door, flooring and lighting done in year one. The next year we had a new granite countertop, under mount sink and faucet installed on the original 5 foot vanity. We have a large linen closet that I organized with all matching bins and baskets, and I purchased 12 new sets of towels. By doing this over a 10 month period I found it to be less stressful and I enjoyed “curating” every item.