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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Love it!! You did a LOT with that small space!
It’s beautiful! My husband and I just finished remodeling our guest bath and we had a pony wall installed, too. It’s a nice separation between the new shower and the toilet. I love how you styled your bath, too. As usual, your style has inspired mine. Thank you always for sharing.
Ann…great use of space…love all the colors and special touches. I too have a 3/4 master that we want to freshen up. You have given me some great ideas to consider. Love the shelves above the toliet.
Oh, Anne! Just so beautifully and tastefully done! You have impeccable taste in pulling all the perfect elements together to create a timeless space. I love the idea of the outlet in your cabinet! Genius!
Love it! Great job! Enjoy…enjoy! 😄
Very pretty! Love all the finishes. I think our “master” bath Istanbul the same size as yours. 😀
I do not know why my iPad typed Istanbul!
Good grief that made me laugh out loud! Istanbul!!
Perfect!
Ann—I LOVE this!! So beautiful, great solutions that are functional and stylish! Classic and non-trendy!! Will look beautiful for years to come! Enjoy!
Oh gosh, this is beautiful, Ann! And what you did with that small space is genius – the difference in the open feeling is amazing. Even though hard to photo, it comes through perfectly. 😍
Hopefully our main bath will be done soon, too – I can only wish it turns out as great as both yours did!
I love the way both bathrooms turned out. I appreciate your honesty about the cost and also about forgetting to include things in your initial estimate of the cost. I love that you are so open and real. It makes your blog my favorite.