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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Looks great. I especially like the clean lines. We are framing our bathroom today so seeing this post is timely. Can you share the height of your pony wall please? So many photos I’ve looked at show short pony walls, less than a foot taller than the vanity. We are looking at a 4.4″ to 4.6″ pony wall. Seems like your wall is similar height to what our plans are. Love to get your take on a taller wall. Thanks.
I love everything you chose, especially the blue vanity!
Ann,
I just found your blog post and so glad I did!!! I was reading your 2 bathroom remoldels and I want you to know i love both of them. The FLOORS are beautiful, just beautiful.. I love how you changed the linen closet with shelving and the pony wall for the master bath. You pat yourself and your husband’s backs for all the initial groundwork you have to put into a remoldel. It’s a nightmare and fun at the same time. Your choices are beautiful, the tile in the showers, ORB fixtures, brass hardware, mirrors are so nice, Everything. I just love everything you did. I sure hope you get to read this even thou it’s been a year and half since you did your remoldel; I’m glad I found you while I was on Pinterest, best place in the world to find anything. Again, give yourself a big hug for all the beautiful work ya’ll did. God Bless,
jean
Where does the toilet paper go? I see what looks likes extras under the sink.
When you are looking into the bathroom, the toilet paper holder is on the right. I don’t think it’s visible in any of the pictures. Thank you!
I know it’s the hardest thing to place in a bathroom and this is a beautiful bathroom. I just hate destroying a cabinet with a toilet paper roller.
Very Well Done !! & the electric outlet is genius
So pretty. I just love the look of blue and white. So happy that you were finally able to get these done. I know that the pandemic delayed projects for a lot of people.
For others looking to save money, you can use the same tile for the curb and the top of the shower bench. You don’t need to use granite slabs. I placed a 3M hook on the side of my vanity and hang my hair dryer there.
I love how bright and open your en suite is now.
It turned out beautiful ! I had the same issue with my blowdryer and found a hanger for it on amazon and mounted to the side of the cabinet. Your home is so pretty 😍
I love your site! I must’ve spent over an hour going through all the photos on your fb page!
Great job! You made wonderful decisions! Always so hard to decide ….so many options and it is a lot of money so you want to be smart about it. You nailed it!
I am very attracted to your shelves and brackets above the toilet….found the link for the brackets but what about the shelves? We’re they purchased or custom made?