Bath or Shower? How to Decide What’s Best for Your Home

When redesigning a bathroom, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to install a bath or shower—or both. For some, the choice is obvious, dictated by space or lifestyle. For others, it’s a tug-of-war between daily convenience and long, relaxing soaks. The decision between a bath or shower is more than personal preference—it can shape your routine, affect your resale value, and transform how the space looks and functions. 

If you’re wondering whether a bath and a shower is the best combination for your home or if one option is enough, this practical guide by our Bathroom Specialists will help you weigh up your choices. 

Your Lifestyle: What Suits the Way You Live?

Start by thinking about your habits. Do you usually rush out the door in the morning, or are you more likely to unwind in the evening with a long soak? 

• A shower is ideal if you need speed, especially if more than one person uses the bathroom each morning. 
• A bath is better suited for winding down, easing sore muscles, or bathing children. 

If your household has a mix of needs, you may want to consider a bath and a shower solution—either combined or separate—offering the best of both worlds without compromising. 

How Much Space Do You Have?

The layout and size of your bathroom will often determine whether you can install a bath or shower—or fit both comfortably. 

• Walk-in showers or wet rooms maximise floor space, which is helpful in compact city flats or smaller en suites. 
• Freestanding baths or double-ended tubs can make a dramatic impact, but they require space around them to feel balanced and functional. 

Even in smaller homes, a well-designed bath and a shower pairing—such as an L-shaped shower-bath with a curved screen—can feel premium when paired with quality fixtures and thoughtful tiling. Adding built-in storage from brands like Utopia or Interlübke helps keep the room tidy and usable.  

Planning for Accessibility

If you’re thinking ahead to the future, accessibility is another important consideration when choosing between a bath or shower. 

• Walk-in showers with low or level trays are much easier to use than climbing in and out of a bath. They can be adapted with safety rails, folding seats, and anti-slip surfaces. 
• Accessible baths do exist—some with side-entry doors—but they can feel bulky or clinical unless carefully designed. 

Leading brands such as Sonas and Decosan offer stylish solutions that combine ease of access with modern design, including floating vanities, wide-opening cabinets, and minimalist brassware. 

Bath or Shower: What’s More Water-Efficient?

The assumption that showers always use less water than baths isn’t entirely accurate—it depends how long you stay in the shower and how powerful the system is. 

• A quick eco-shower might use 30–50 litres of water. 
• A standard bath typically holds 80–100 litres. 

If you’re leaning towards both, a bath and a shower combination can still be eco-conscious. Water-saving options from Ramon Soler include thermostatic taps, aerated showerheads, and dual controls—helping you cut consumption while maintaining performance. 

Resale Value: What Do Buyers Expect?

The choice between a bath or shower can impact your home’s resale value. In the UK, many buyers still expect to see at least one bath in the property—especially in family homes. 

• For flats, bungalows, and properties with downsizers in mind, a luxurious shower might be more desirable. 
• In family-friendly properties, a bath and a shower setup is often the most appealing, providing flexibility for a range of buyers. 

Adding a modern walk-in shower alongside a traditional bath can increase your property’s marketability. Brands such as Roman, Acquabella, and Utopia offer stylish ways to combine both without crowding the room. 

Design Preferences: What Feels Right?

This decision is as much about aesthetics as it is about practicality. Are you after a spa-inspired sanctuary or a sleek, minimal space? 

• Showers offer clean lines and can open up the room visually. Opt for a frameless glass screen, stone-effect tray, and wall-mounted storage for a contemporary finish. 
• Baths, especially freestanding ones, can add softness and elegance. They work beautifully with layered lighting and tactile surfaces. 

Combining a bath and a shower doesn’t mean sacrificing design. Match finishes across both areas—such as brushed brass, matt black, or chrome—to keep a unified look. Add built-in niches, dual-purpose fittings, and complementary furniture from Decosan or Interlübke to keep the style cohesive. 

Thinking About Children or Guests?

A bath is often essential for families with young children. Bathing toddlers is easier in a tub, and it’s also more relaxing for adults needing time out. 

But as children grow, or for guest bathrooms, a shower becomes more practical—especially if space is limited. If you’re updating a shared family bathroom, the flexibility of having a bath and a shower gives you options for all ages and visitors. 

Cleaning & Upkeep

The day-to-day effort involved in cleaning your bathroom might sway your decision. 

• Walk-in showers with seamless panels and wall-hung units can be easy to maintain, but glass can attract watermarks. 
• Baths have fewer visible surfaces to clean but can be awkward to access in tight spaces. 

Look for anti-limescale coatings on glass, moisture-resistant finishes on units, and integrated storage that keeps clutter off surfaces. Brands like Sonas and Utopia offer furniture ranges designed for low-maintenance households. 

Still Not Sure? Combine Both

Many homeowners settle on a bath and a shower solution as a practical middle ground. This setup suits families, couples, and individuals—giving you speed and functionality alongside comfort and indulgence. 

There are several ways to combine a bath and a shower: 

• An over-bath shower with a sleek screen and thermostatic mixer 
• A freestanding tub and a separate walk-in shower in a larger bathroom 
• A wet room with a compact built-in bath, styled with clean, hotel-inspired touches 

To pull the look together, use high-quality brassware from Ramon Soler, design-led surfaces from Acquabella, and complementary furniture pieces that echo the same tone and material palette. 

Making the Final Choice

 When choosing between a bath or shower, don’t be swayed by trends alone. Prioritise your everyday needs, your space constraints, and your future plans. 

• If speed and practicality come first, a walk-in shower may be your best bet. 
• If comfort, relaxation, or family needs are key, don’t overlook the benefits of a bath. 
• If you want the ultimate flexibility, a bath and a shower setup—whether combined or separate—is likely the best investment. 

By pairing thoughtful design with durable materials from leading brands such as Sonas, Acquabella, Decosan, Ramon Soler, Roman, Interlübke, and Utopia, you can create a bathroom that’s both beautiful and built to last—whatever your final decision may be.