When designing or renovating a bathroom, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is whether to install a bath, a shower, or both. This choice can dramatically impact both the functionality and aesthetics of your space, not to mention serve as a vital selling point for prospective new buyers or tenants of your property.
At The Brighton Bathroom Company, we’ve helped countless clients across Sussex and beyond create their dream bathrooms, carefully considering their lifestyle needs, space constraints, and design preferences. Some bespoke bathrooms we’ve helped design have featured baths and showers, while others have featured just one.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision for your luxury bathroom design.
Benefits of a Bath
There’s something inherently luxurious about a beautiful, freestanding bathtub. It serves as a stunning focal point in any bathroom design and offers a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home. For traditional and time-inspired bathrooms, a bath is a centrepiece gleaming with aesthetic charm.
Those who enjoy a long, relaxing soak after a stressful day would be the first to say how beneficial baths can be in ensuite bathrooms. Additionally, they’re also ideal for families with young children, making bath time easier and more enjoyable in larger family bathrooms.
From a design perspective, a statement bathtub can elevate your bathroom from functional to fabulous. Whether you opt for a classic clawfoot tub or a sleek, modern design, a bath can add significant value to your property.
However, baths do require more space and use more water than showers. They may not be the best choice for those with mobility issues or in homes where water conservation is a priority.
The Appeal of a Shower
Showers are incredibly popular in modern bathroom designs, and for good reason. They’re quick, convenient, and generally use less water than baths. A well-designed shower can be just as luxurious as a bath, with options like rainfall showerheads, body jets, and steam functions creating a truly indulgent experience.
Showers are also more accessible, making them a great choice for those with mobility concerns or when designing an accessible bathroom. Walk-in showers with zero-threshold entry not only look sleek and modern but also provide easy access for wheelchair users or those who struggle with high steps.
From a traditional or contemporary bathroom design perspective, showers offer tremendous flexibility. Whether you prefer a spacious standalone shower with a frameless glass enclosure or a more compact option with a stylish screen, there’s a shower design to suit every bathroom size and style.
The Best of Both Worlds
If space and budget allow, including both a bath and a shower in your bathroom design offers the ultimate in luxury and flexibility. This setup is particularly popular in family homes or properties with only one bathroom, as it caters to all preferences and needs.
One trend we’ve seen gaining popularity in luxury bathroom designs is the wet room concept. This involves creating a fully waterproofed bathroom area where the shower is open to the rest of the room, often positioned next to a freestanding bath.
This creates a spacious, high-end feel and can work particularly well in larger eclectic bathrooms in Sussex, complementing both a modern and traditional design aesthetic as well.
Accessible Bathroom Options
When considering accessible bathroom design, it’s crucial to think about ease of use and safety. While walk-in showers are often the go-to choice for accessible bathrooms, there are also bath options available for those who prefer them.
Walk-in baths, for instance, feature a watertight door that allows easy access without having to step over a high tub wall. These can be combined with a shower option for maximum flexibility.
At The Brighton Bathroom Company, we have extensive experience in creating beautiful, functional bathrooms that cater to all accessibility needs without compromising on design style.
How to Choose Between a Bath, a Shower, or Both
Ultimately, the choice between a bath, shower, or both will depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle needs, available space, and budget. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Space: Measure your bathroom carefully. If space is tight, a shower might be the more practical option.
- Accessibility: Think about current and future mobility needs when making your decision.
- Property value: If you’re planning to sell in the future, having at least one bath in the house can be advantageous.
- Design preferences: Both baths and showers can be design features in their own right. Consider which aligns best with your overall aesthetic vision.
Book a free design call
With decades of experience and a passion for bathroom design, our experts will create the bathroom of your dreams – seamlessly bringing your vision to life
Speak to a designer
Bespoke Bathrooms in Sussex
At The Brighton Bathroom Company, we understand that this decision is crucial to creating your perfect bathroom. Our bathroom design experts can help you weigh up all the options, taking into account your specific needs and desires. We’ll work with you to create 3D visualisations of different layouts, helping you to imagine how each option would look and feel in your space.
Whether you choose a luxurious freestanding bath, a state-of-the-art shower, or a combination of both, we’re here to ensure your new bathroom perfectly balances functionality with high-end design.
Contact us today to start planning your dream bathroom in Brighton, Sussex, or beyond.