The windows around your tub are going to cause problems if you want to expand your shower. While I have had a window in my shower before it was a small one, about 18" square. The inside was done carefully to be waterproof and it wasn't an issue. However, you have three large windows to deal with. Were you thinking of removing them or reducing the size of them? Are you able to match the exterior finish if you do so?

Please draw your whole space (ideally on graph paper), show dimensions, and take a few more pictures so we can get a feel for the whole space. Maybe someone will be able to think of a way to reconfigure everything such that you don't have to change the windows. I do agree with you that your current shower is too small. Do you have a tub elsewhere in the house?

The windows would have to be changed to be smaller if I made the space one big shower. The exterior wouldn't he hard to match because we have siding.

One of my ideas is to make a linen cabinet to fill part of the space and have the rest of the space be a larger shower. My other idea is to put in a free standing tub and increase the size of the shower by 6 inches. This solution would be hard to find a tub that fits and is big enough to be worth putting in. The tub would have to be smaller than 60 inches.

We have a bathtub in another bathroom.

Smaller windows above the water line,and a big shower. I have a 4 1/2 x 10 shower and I thought it was ridiculous (and to some it is) but I really like having my own area. .We have shower heads on each end with a rain head in the middle. If anything were to happen, it easily would accomodate a shower chair or an extra person if need be. We are in Florida so temperature and being chilly isnt a concern. I wouldnt dissuade you from building a big shower. You have to weigh whats important to you.

I had the same size shower as you have in my last home, the larger shower is a game changer.

If the windows are alterable then I agree with your idea of a larger shower and the addition of a linen closet. I don't see the point in having a shower more than 5-6 feet long unless you have two shower heads and expect to have two people showering at the same time every morning.

When you say you have siding do you mean you have spare siding that you can use to patch holes? Finding an exact match for something that was installed years ago may not be as easy as you think.

The siding is still available. We had to replace some due to dry rot.

Take a look at what people are buying now and its not small showers. Most builders are making tubs optional to make room for large showers. I think most people looking at identical bathrooms (one with a bath, one without) would choose a roomier shower. It might be a better choice for resale depending on finishes. If you dont already have a linen closet in your bath I would add one though. decisions, decisions!

I am in the process of redoing my master bath and we are getting rid of the large soaking tub. It is rarely used, wasteful of water when used and I don't want to clean it. we also will have a shower that is 4 1/2' x 8'. If your room was mine I'd do that. big shower and no tub.

Well, the windows are a problem but an 8 foot long shower with a built in bench at one end would be perfect for two people if you're still in that time of life!

You really need to do a quick sketch listing room demisions and where the toilets and sinks are. You may have other solutions.

Here is a drawing of my bathroom. I hope it helps.

The space behind the vanity is how the outside of the house is shaped. The part of the house where the tub and shower are is out further. I hope that makes sense.