Why choose between a shower and bath when you can have the best of both worlds? Find out why a shower bath could be your best option…
While there are few things more relaxing than a long soak in the bath, our fast-paced lives mean that many of us only have time for a quick jump in the shower. And given that a 5 minute shower uses about a third of the water you’d use to fill a bath, you can understand why we many people are swapping their traditional tubs for multi-functional shower baths. There are many reasons why this type of set-up may be the right option for you, which we’ll explore below.
For that extra-special bit of on-trend style, why not choose this design with black framed shower screen?
Why might you need a bath and a shower?
The first question to ask yourself is “Do I need both a bath and a shower?”. If the answer is yes, this doesn’t necessarily mean a shower bath is the right option for you. For example, if your bathroom is large enough, you may want to add separate bath and showering areas. If you share your bathroom with your partner, this offers a significant advantage: If one of you wants to wallow in the bath, the other person can still take a shower, saving you time and the odd argument(!) along the way.
Another situation where you may not necessarily need a shower bath is where you have more than one bathroom in your property. For example, if your ensuite already contains a shower enclosure, you may not require a second shower in your master bathroom. However, one thing a shower bath does really well is save on space.
In family bathrooms, which are often shared with children of all ages, shower baths are ideal. They allow younger children to enjoy bath time, whilst parents or older children can still take a quick shower when required. In this instance, a folding shower screen is a good option, allowing you to get smaller children in and out of the bath with ease. The same goes for pets. If you use your bathroom to wash dogs, cats or any other furry friends, a shower bath is a much better option.
Shower baths are ideal where:
- You live in a shared household
- You have a small bathroom
- You have younger children
- You have only one bathroom in your home
- You want to free up space in a larger bathroom
A space-saving solution
A shower bath doesn’t have to take up any more floor space than a standard straight bath, making it ideal for smaller bathroom spaces. In fact, if you use it more regularly for showering, you could potentially purchase a shorter than average bath, reducing its footprint further. In larger bathrooms, a shower bath will free up space for extra storage in the form of wall cabinets or even a double sink vanity unit.
Some shower baths (which we’ll look at in more detail) are designed to be slightly wider at one end, offering a more generous showering space than a standard bath with a screen or curtain. These are only slightly wider than a standard sized bath, meaning they should fit into most bathroom floor plans. The only other consideration you may need to make is the height of your ceiling at the shower end.
A shower bath offers a great space-saving solution in a small bathroom
Baths attract buyers
But it’s not just a lifestyle choice that many of us have to take into consideration. If you are buying a new home, a property is instantly more attractive to potential buyers when it has a bath. So many of us are reluctant to rip out the bath, just in case we’re looking to sell up in the near future. Plus, if you’re looking to grow your family with the addition of children, (as we’ve already discussed) a bath tub is almost essential.
An eco-friendly solution
As we’ve previously touched upon, a shower uses much less water than a bath (which, on average, requires around 100 litres of water). With a shower bath, you can choose to be more eco-friendly, by showering more often and treating your bath as an occasional indulgence. Discover more of our water-saving tips and create a greener bathroom that’s kinder on the environment.
A stylish shower bath offers the ultimate in flexibility and designer looks
Which type of shower bath is right for you?
Here at Victoria Plum, you’ll find 3 main types of shower bath:
Straight shower bath
This is the simplest form of shower bath, consisting of a conventional straight bath plus a shower screen or shower curtain. You can easily convert an existing straight bath into a shower bath by installing a shower screen yourself.
Most straight shower baths are modern (or contemporary) in style. However, if you prefer a more classic design, you’ll also find traditional style freestanding shower baths (like the one pictured below), which combine all the elegance of vintage style with modern convenience.
P shaped shower bath
The P shaped shower bath is designed with an enlarged end, allowing you more space in which to shower. The shower end is rounded for a soft, flowing appearance. This design works particularly well if the rest of your bathroom suite features curves.
L shaped shower bath
Just like the P shaped shower bath, an L shaped shower bath also features a wider showering end. If you prefer something more minimalist, the L shaped shower bath which can work brilliantly with more angular suites and furniture.
Shower bath accessories
Once you have selected the perfect shower bath for your needs, you may want to consider all the accessories that come with it.
First off, you’ll need to choose a bath waste (for plugging and draining) and taps to fill your bath. Next, you’ll need a shower. There are many different types to choose from, so why not read our shower buying guide first?
With all these shower baths, you can choose from a wide selection of bath panels, available in gloss white or wood effects, for a more stylised look. And, as with all bathroom products, it is worth sticking with the same overall style when you choose your accessories.
Shop shower baths
If this sounds like the perfect solution for your bathroom, why not browse our wide selection of high quality shower baths today? Simply click on the image below to begin.
