Get the Space You Deserve With These 10 Split Primary Bathroom Ideas

The only other commitment bigger than sharing a life together is sharing a bathroom space. Even large primary bathrooms can start to feel like you’re stuck in a sardine can without a few decorative tricks and smart additions. 

Nowadays, more and more people are swearing by completely separate bathrooms for ensured domestic bliss. But if you’d rather not take it that far, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to develop your own personal retreats without being physically separate. From investing in a second showerhead to building designated vanities, here are all the little and big ways to attune your bathroom to both your and your partner’s needs.

1. Double Up on Showerheads

Photo: Courtesy of Miranda Bagley

Even a huge shower can feel crowded when you have to share just one showerhead. Designer Miranda Bagely of antiques_and_ikea knew that an additional showerhead would be the ticket to seamless co-showering experiences in this space—and that the glitzy gold finishes would perfectly balance the dark and light tiles. 

2. Invest in Two Bathtubs

Photo: Courtesy of @holidayathomeyorkshire

If it feels like there’s never enough room in the tub for you and your partner, a second tub is exactly what you might need. This setup from Holiday at Home Yorkshire is beloved by couples because it’s equally great for both individual and shared experiences. When doing this in your own home, consider investing in a room divider to add or take away privacy as necessary. 

3. Build Separate Vanities

Photo: Courtesy of Tory Williams

This bathroom design from Jenny Madden Design uses a split vanity setup to create a space where you don’t have to worry about bumping elbows while brushing your teeth. The additional counter space, ample storage, and electrical outlets transform this space into a haven for two. 

4. Divide Your Shower Into Two

Photo: Courtesy of Sally Littlestone

This bathroom from Sally Littlestone of Sissing Hurst Location House takes the double showerhead idea even further by splitting the shower into two separate areas. You can do the same and take it to the next level by building a door or hanging a curtain down the center to create two distinct and private zones. 

5. Go All in on Storage

Photo: Courtesy of Jenna Biggers

When Jenna Biggers of naptimeandhomedesign started renovating this bathroom, she and her partner decided that one sink would actually be better than two because of the extra storage room they would win back. “In our old bathroom, we didn’t have any storage, and now I don’t even know what to do with it all,” says Biggers. At the end of the day, take stock of what you and your partner need from a space and adjust your plans accordingly. 

6. Invest in Two Mirrors

Photo: Courtesy of ABI Interiors

This luxurious green-tiled setup from ABI Interiors knows that double the mirrors mean double the fun in bathroom spaces. Opting for two instead of one large mirror to share creates a division that allows you to feel like you have your own zone, even if your partner is standing right next to you.  

7. Turn a Whole Room Into a Shower

Photo: Courtesy of Marnie Oursler

Creating a large, room-size shower like this one from designer Marnie Oursler is a great way to develop both a spa-like feel and plenty of space for two in a primary bathroom. With the vanity in another area entirely, there’s more than enough room for two people to shower and prepare at once without even seeing each other. 

8. Swing for a Tub With Plenty of Room

Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Kix

In order to make a primary bathroom feel spacious enough for two, your bathtub needs to have room to spare. This space from Ashley Kix relies on two vanities to establish separate spaces and a large built-in tub to tie both areas together. 

9. Put Plenty of Space Between Your Shower and Tub

Photo: Courtesy of Elena Johnsen

The secret to the openness of this marble-tiled bathroom from Elena Johnsen is in the spacing. It could feel crowded because of all the different elements—like a double vanity, freestanding tub, and shower with double showerheads. But it doesn’t because each fixture has plenty of room around it to breathe. 

10. Divide Your Space 

Photo: Courtesy of Marie Jones

A sleek, marble tile wall does a great job of dividing this primary bathroom from inspiredwithmarie into two spaces rather than one. Building something similar in your own bathroom is much less expensive than completely remodeling your bathroom or investing in a brand-new addition, but it’ll help you and your partner achieve the separate bathroom spaces you’re dreaming of.