Living in New Orleans means soaking in a city full of character, but it also means dealing with some of the smallest bathrooms in the South. If your shotgun house, Creole cottage, or mid-century ranch has a bathroom that feels more like a closet, you’re not alone. The good news? A well-planned bathtub remodel can transform even the tightest space into a bathroom you actually enjoy using.
Whether you’re in the Garden District, Uptown, or the Marigny, these seven remodel ideas are designed specifically for homeowners working with limited square footage and the unique challenges that come with New Orleans living.
One of the fastest ways to reclaim floor space in a small bathroom is to swap out a bulky, outdated tub for a modern alcove bathtub. Many older New Orleans homes were fitted with cast iron or steel tubs that take up more room than necessary. Today’s alcove tubs are slimmer, lighter, and available in compact sizes as small as 48 inches long.
Why it works for small NOLA bathrooms: Alcove tubs fit snugly between three walls, eliminating wasted space. They’re especially practical in shotgun homes where the bathroom was often an afterthought squeezed into a narrow hallway or added-on porch. A professional bathtub replacement ensures the new tub is properly sealed against New Orleans’ relentless humidity, preventing moisture damage behind the walls.
If your bathroom layout makes a standard alcove tub awkward, a corner bathtub can be the perfect solution. Corner tubs tuck into an unused angle of the room, freeing up the center of the bathroom and making the space feel significantly larger.
Why it works for small NOLA bathrooms: Many Creole cottages and camelback doubles have irregularly shaped rooms where standard fixtures don’t fit well. A corner tub works with these quirky floor plans instead of against them. Some models are as compact as 48 by 48 inches while still offering a comfortable soaking depth.
You don’t need a long tub to get a luxurious soak. Japanese-style deep soaking tubs are shorter in length but taller in depth, letting you submerge up to your shoulders without taking up half the bathroom. These tubs typically measure 40 to 48 inches long, compared to the standard 60 inches.
Why it works for small NOLA bathrooms: Deep soaking tubs are ideal for bathrooms where length is the biggest constraint. After a muggy New Orleans summer day, sinking into a deep, hot soak feels like a necessity rather than a luxury. These tubs pair well with the minimalist aesthetic that’s gaining popularity in renovated French Quarter apartments and Bywater bungalows.
When space is tight, a tub-shower combo gives you the best of both worlds. Pair it with a frameless glass panel or enclosure instead of a shower curtain, and the bathroom instantly feels more open. Glass lets light pass through and eliminates the visual barrier that fabric curtains create.
Why it works for small NOLA bathrooms: Most small bathrooms in New Orleans can only accommodate one wet fixture. A tub-shower combo means you don’t have to choose between bathing and showering. The glass enclosure is also a practical upgrade in our humid climate because it’s easier to clean and less prone to mold and mildew than a shower curtain. Check out our gallery to see tub-shower combo transformations we’ve completed for local homeowners.
If you or a family member has mobility concerns, a walk-in bathtub is one of the smartest remodel investments you can make. Walk-in tubs feature a low-threshold door, built-in grab bars, non-slip flooring, and optional hydrotherapy jets. They’re designed to fit in the same footprint as a standard tub, so they work in small bathrooms without requiring a layout change.
Why it works for small NOLA bathrooms: New Orleans has one of the highest rates of aging-in-place homeownership in the country. Many residents want to stay in the homes they love, from historic Uptown shotguns to Gentilly ranch houses, rather than move to a facility. A walk-in tub makes that possible safely. These tubs also add resale value by appealing to a broader range of buyers.
Sometimes the best remodel isn’t about replacing your tub at all. If your current bathtub is structurally sound but looks worn, stained, or dated, bathtub refinishing can make it look brand new at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement. Refinishing involves repairing surface damage, applying a new coating, and sealing the finish to resist chips and stains for years.
Why it works for small NOLA bathrooms: Refinishing keeps the existing tub in place, which means no demolition, no plumbing changes, and no construction mess in your tiny bathroom. It’s also the ideal approach for historic homes where the original claw foot tub is a design feature worth preserving. You get a fresh look without losing a single inch of floor space. Most refinishing jobs are completed in a single day.
A small bathroom feels even smaller when toiletries, towels, and products are scattered across every surface. When you remodel your bathtub area, take the opportunity to add built-in niches, recessed shelving, or a tiled ledge along the tub surround. These storage solutions are integrated into the wall, so they don’t eat into your available floor or counter space.
Why it works for small NOLA bathrooms: Older New Orleans homes rarely have built-in bathroom storage. The original designs simply didn’t account for modern needs. Adding recessed niches during a bathtub remodel is cost-effective because the walls are already open during construction. A couple of well-placed niches eliminate the need for clunky shower caddies and freestanding shelves that crowd an already small room.
No matter which remodel idea you choose, there are a few local factors that every New Orleans homeowner should keep in mind.
New Orleans averages around 75% relative humidity year-round. In a small bathroom with limited ventilation, that moisture has nowhere to go. Your remodel should include proper waterproofing behind the tub surround, a quality exhaust fan, and moisture-resistant materials like cement board rather than standard drywall. Cutting corners on moisture protection in this climate is a recipe for mold and structural damage.
Many homes in neighborhoods like the Irish Channel, Treme, and Mid-City still have original cast iron or galvanized steel pipes. A bathtub remodel is the perfect time to inspect and update your plumbing. If your home needs bathtub repairs or pipe upgrades, addressing them during the remodel saves you from tearing into finished walls later.
Shotgun houses, one of New Orleans’ most iconic architectural styles, were designed long before modern bathrooms existed. Bathrooms in these homes are often narrow additions or converted closets. Working with a contractor who understands these unique layouts is essential to getting the most out of your remodel.
At TurnKey Bathtubs, we specialize in making small bathrooms work harder. Our team has remodeled hundreds of bathrooms across the Greater New Orleans area, from tiny powder rooms in Uptown shotguns to compact guest baths in Lakeview ranches. Here’s what sets us apart:
We understand the unique challenges of working in New Orleans homes, and we tailor every project to your space, your budget, and your vision.
Visit our testimonials page to read what our customers have to say, or learn more about our team and the experience we bring to every job.
Most small bathroom bathtub remodels in New Orleans range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the scope of work. A simple tub refinishing starts around $400, while a full tub replacement with surround and plumbing updates can reach $6,000 or more. TurnKey Bathtubs provides free estimates so you know your exact cost before any work begins.
Absolutely. Many of the ideas in this guide, like refinishing, replacing the tub in the same footprint, or adding a glass enclosure, can be done without touching the rest of the bathroom. A targeted bathtub remodel is one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade a small space.
Timeline depends on the scope. Refinishing takes about one day. A straightforward tub replacement is typically completed in one to two days. More complex remodels involving plumbing changes or layout reconfiguration may take three to five days. We always provide a timeline estimate upfront.
If the project involves plumbing modifications, you’ll likely need a permit from the City of New Orleans. TurnKey Bathtubs handles all permitting and inspections on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
Alcove tubs, corner tubs, and deep soaking tubs are all excellent choices for small bathrooms. The best option depends on your specific layout and how you use the space. During your free consultation, we’ll measure your bathroom and recommend the tub style that maximizes both comfort and space.
Yes, and it’s often one of the smartest upgrades you can make. A remodeled bathtub improves daily comfort, increases your home’s resale value, and helps protect against moisture damage. For historic homes with original fixtures, refinishing preserves the character of the home while bringing the tub back to like-new condition. If you have a vintage claw foot tub, our team has extensive experience with claw tub refinishing.
TurnKey Bathtubs proudly serves homeowners throughout the Greater New Orleans metro area. No matter where you live, our team is ready to help you make the most of your small bathroom.
Ready to transform your small bathroom into a space that works for you? Contact TurnKey Bathtubs today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll visit your home, assess your space, and recommend the best remodel options for your layout and budget.
Call us at (504) 666-3779 or schedule your free estimate online.
TurnKey Bathtubs is New Orleans’ #1 bathtub services provider, serving the Greater New Orleans area including Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, Covington, Mandeville, Baton Rouge, and more. Licensed Residential #890459 and Commercial #3667.
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