Shower or bath: which is right for you?

When it comes to renovating a bathroom with space to fit either a shower or bath, the question is unavoidable: which should you choose? Given that few bathrooms are big enough for both, you will have to weigh up the pros and cons of each. In order to make your decision, you will have to consider your style, lifestyle and needs, alongside factors such as your mobility and how much water you use on average.

In addition to the aesthetics of showers and bathtubs, you need to consider your day-to-day life. Here are three factors to help guide your decision.

1. Do you have young children?

Do you have young children? Of course, tubs are more practical for bathing children. However, a baby bath in the shower can be a good alternative, as long as you have enough storage space and room to move it around.

2. Accessibility and health

Do you have joint problems? If you are prone to pain – especially in the legs, hips or back – a conventional bathtub is not recommended. It will be tricky getting in and out of the bath if your back is playing up, or if you're recovering from an operation. That said, if you still like the idea of a relaxing time in a hot bath, opt for a balneo bath or a shower / bath combo equipped with a bench and built-in door. However, conventional bathtubs are not recommended for elderly people or those with reduced mobility as there is an increased risk of falling (the number one cause of domestic accidents).

3. Relaxation

Do you really enjoy taking a hot soak in the bath? A lot of people have a bathtub but never actually use it. Why? Perhaps because each bath uses up around 250 litres of water that must be heated, so you need to make sure your water heater is up to the task.

Bathtubs are more commonly associated with rest and well-being than showers. Who doesn't like the thought of a nice, warm bubble bath at the end of a long day? However, if you're looking for a relaxing time, showers still have a lot to offer – especially if you go for a multi-jet shower head or a shower equipped with massage nozzles.

Given that both offer some form of relaxation: what is the big difference between bathtubs and showers? Well, it really just comes down to standing up versus laying down... It's up to you to decide whether you prefer to lie down with a towel behind your head, or if the feeling of showering under hot running water is satisfying enough!

Replacing a bathtub with a shower is generally done as part of a wider renovation project. As the more environmentally friendly and hygienic option, showers are generally popular nowadays – especially modern, walk-in models. Technically, the waste system is the same for both a bathtub and a shower so the only real difference is in terms of floor space. For those who don't want to carry out extensive building work, you can even replace your tub with a low profile shower tray for a similar result to a walk-in tray for less work. It's also a question of the overall aesthetics of the room. Bear in mind that you can install a shelf for a decorative touch above a bathtub, while a shower will take up the full height of the wall. At the same time, no matter whether you choose a bath or a shower, it's really your choice of wall decoration (mosaic, frames, large horizontal tiles), flooring (pebble effect, stone effect, etc.) and other accessories that will contribute the most to your bathroom decor.

These days, most people are after comfort and convenience over anything else. With this in mind, showers offer the easiest option in terms of access; most modern models won't even require you to step over a ledge to have a wash.

The current trend: replacing bathtubs with extra-large showers equipped with a single glass screen, leaving the rest of the space open.

When surrounded by tiles, showers and bathtubs require basically the same amount of care. Bathtubs have at least two sides of wall to clean while showers can have up to three. In both cases, it is highly recommended to wipe down the walls after use to prevent mould growth.

Showers with a glass shower screen have the advantage of only requiring a quick squeegee and a spray of an anti-limescale product, which will only take a minute. On the other hand, a ceramic bath will need a good going over at least once a week.

If you opt for a shower with a sliding door, you'll need to actually get into the shower enclosure in order to clean it. More spacious walk-in showers are more convenient to clean for this reason. Basically, it depends on how much effort you're willing to put into cleaning – unless you have someone to do it for you!

When it all comes down to it, the great bathtub vs. shower debate is all about taste! If you're still struggling, you can always go for a shower installed over a bathtub for the best of both worlds but beware: this option will set you back!