There’s nothing quite like a bath to unwind at the end of a long, hard day away from home. Over time, bathtubs have transitioned from a luxury to a necessity. Modern bathtubs are loaded with all the features you might desire for style, comfort, and convenience.
However, given the diverse range of bathtubs available on the market, selecting the one that’s right for you will need careful consideration. Deciding between a standard and a shower bath is usually difficult for first-time buyers.
In this blog, we will discuss everything about making a choice between a shower baths or a standard bath.
Standard Baths
Standard baths are the most popular design among homeowners. These baths are available in a variety of shapes, although they typically feature a standardised exterior coupled with variations in the interior for enhanced comfort and adaptability. Crafted from durable acrylic material, they ensure both comfort and longevity.
Opting for a standard bath can infuse your bathroom with a touch of contemporary flair or classical elegance, depending on your personal style and the bath’s design.
Standard baths are predominantly available in single and double ended designs.
Single Ended Baths
Single ended baths are a classic choice in the UK, known for their practicality and versatility. These baths feature taps fitted at one end, with the opposite end designed with a gentle slope to provide comfortable support for lying back. This design is especially suitable for solo bathing, where the bather typically sits at the non-tap end.
Available in both square and round shapes, single ended baths offer a variety of design options to fit any bathroom aesthetic, whether you’re looking for something more traditional or modern. Made from durable acrylic material with a standard thickness of 6mm, these baths combine the comfort of keeping with long-lasting use.
Double Ended Baths
Double ended baths have a symmetrical design with a spacious interior. Unlike single ended baths, these feature taps fitted in the middle to allow users to lean back on either end. Available in square and round interior shapes, double ended bathtubs are suitable for a wide range of aesthetic preferences.
Whether you have a contemporary or classic bathroom look, these can be a versatile choice in all types of settings. Just like their single-ended counterparts, they are also made from Lucite acrylic material with a 6mm thickness, ensuring both comfort and durability.
Here’s a comparison table for standard baths versus shower baths:
|
Feature |
Standard Bath |
Shower Bath |
|---|---|---|
|
Design |
Traditional shape |
Combination of bath and shower |
|
Space Efficiency |
Moderate |
High |
|
Versatility |
Primarily for bathing |
Can be used for both bathing and showering |
|
Water Usage |
Generally higher |
Generally lower |
|
Ease of Installation |
Relatively easy |
May require more space and installation for shower screen |
|
Cost |
Generally lower |
Generally higher |
|
Relaxation |
High, especially in a spacious design |
Moderate, as it’s more functional |
|
Suitable for Small Spaces |
No |
Yes |
|
Aesthetic |
Classic and elegant |
Modern and practical |
|
Best For |
Those who prioritize a traditional bath experience |
Those who need a space-saving solution with dual functionality |
Shower Baths
If you’re working with limited space and budget, preventing the installation of separate shower enclosures and baths, consider the practicality of shower baths! A shower bath, merging the utility of shower enclosures and baths, presents a two-in-one solution, particularly suitable for a family bathroom.
Our range of shower baths is designed to complement both compact and more spacious bathroom layouts. Offering a cost-effective and stylish alternative, these units contribute to the enhanced appearance of any bathroom.
These are typically available in P, L, and L shapes, each catering to different spatial and aesthetic requirements. Like their name, P and L- shaped baths expand at one end creating additional space for showering. While straight baths on the other hand resemble the standard bath shape where you can use one end for showering.
P-shaped Shower Bathtubs
These baths have a distinctive P shape where one end is wider and more rounded. Usually fitted with a curved bath screen resembling the standalone shower enclosure design. This attractive design with sleek lines not only adds functional showering space but also a touch of modern elegance to the bathroom. The optional shower screens are usually available in folding, pivot, or fixed types.
L-shaped Shower Bathtubs
Designed in sharp angular design, L-shaped baths offer a modern and streamlined look, perfect for contemporary bathrooms. Install a shower screen at the one end to have a perfect shower experience while the other side can be used for a relaxing bath. Not only these are highly functional designs that are perfect for small and family bathrooms but offer space saving due to their sleek shape. They also come equipped with a glass panel that partially encloses the shower area, maintaining a tidy appearance.
Straight Shower Baths
Identical to standard bathtubs, straight shower baths are also suitable to use as a shower bathtub. These versatile units are supplied with a shower screen to prevent water splashes and are suitable for any bathroom configuration. They are particularly advantageous for bathrooms where space is at a premium, allowing the luxury of both a bath and shower in one. Crafted from durable acrylic, our straight shower baths are built to last, with a standard thickness of 6mm, ensuring quality and durability.
Which One Should You Choose?
Making a choice between shower bathtub and standard baths depends on various factors.
Here is what you should consider.
Long Soak or a Quick Shower
If you love long soaks or find baths relaxing and therapeutic, a standard bathtub may be enough for your needs. On the other hand, if you want a more diversified solution, where you often want a quick shower rather than a long bath, a shower/tub combo may be a more practical choice. It allows you to take a bath or shower, depending on your needs.
Consider Individual or Family Requirements
Considering individual or family needs may help you decide between a shower bath and a standard bathtub. A shower bath is the perfect choice for a family bathroom as it will make it easier for you to bath young children. It also offers a better choice for the guest bathroom or if the guests visit more often. In comparison, a standard bath is suitable for individuals or couples who love long baths.
Consider Bathroom Size
For a small bathroom, you may want to combine a functionality of a shower and bathtub into a single fixture, eliminating the need for separate fixture. This allows you to save space making it an ideal choice for a small bathroom. On the other hand, large bathrooms can benefit from a freestanding bathtub, a standard bath or separate shower and bath area depending on personal preference.
|
Feature |
Shower/Bathtub Combo |
Standard Bathtub |
|---|---|---|
|
Versatility |
High |
Low |
|
Space Efficiency |
High |
Low |
|
Water Usage |
Generally lower |
Generally higher |
|
Accessibility |
Can be challenging |
Can be challenging |
|
Relaxation |
Moderate |
High |
|
Cost |
Generally lower |
Generally higher |
Ending Thoughts
Making a choice between a shower bath and a standard bathtub comes down to your personal preference, lifestyle, and individual and family needs. If you love long soaks, a standard bathtub may be enough for you. However, if you want versatility or need a quick shower sometimes, and you can have it separately, a shower/bath combo can offer the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, you should weigh, the pros and cons, and consider your bathing habits when making a choice between a shower bath and a bathtub.
