Shower vs Bath: Making the Right Choice for Your Space

Published by: Kevin Sears

13th June 25

Bathroom Ideas

This is one of the most common questions our bathroom design team get asked - should we have a bath as well as a shower? Or is our space better suited to a shower alone? Can we have both?

So to help you decide - we put together a simple article of the key considerations when it comes to bath or shower.

Showers

→ Perfect for smaller bathrooms, especially corner units.

→ Ideal for busy mornings.

→ Generally uses less water than baths, which helps with eco-friendliness and utility bills.

Showers may not provide the same relaxation as a bath.

→ Without proper design, showers can be tricky for those with mobility challenges.

Bathtubs

→ Great for unwinding with a luxurious soak.

→ A safer and more enjoyable option for families with young children, making bathing them easier..

→ Takes up more floor space, which can be an issue in smaller bathrooms.

Baths use more water than showers, which may be a concern for those focused on reducing water consumption.

Finding Your Perfect Solution

When making your choice, consider these key factors:

1. Available Space

Measure your bathroom carefully. In smaller spaces (under 5 square metres), a shower often makes more sense, while larger bathrooms can comfortably accommodate a bathtub or even both options.

2. Household Lifestyle

Consider your daily routine. Do you value quick, efficient morning preparations, or do you look forward to relaxing soaks? Your actual usage patterns should heavily influence your decision.

3. Accessibility Needs

Think about current and future accessibility requirements. If you're planning on this being your forever home or have family members with mobility challenges, a walk-in shower with appropriate safety features might be the more practical long-term solution.

4. Water Usage Concerns

If environmental impact or water bills are a significant concern, modern low-flow showers can reduce water consumption considerably compared to baths.

The Best of Both Worlds

For many homeowners, the ideal solution is a shower-bath combination that offers flexibility to suit different needs. 

Modern wet rooms that incorporate both freestanding baths and separate shower areas represent the ultimate luxury solution, though they require more space and typically a higher budget.

Kevin Sears

About Kevin Sears

Kevin Sears is a bathroom and interior design blogger here at 34 St John. He creates original content utilising his extensive knowledge of the bathroom industry and latest trends.

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