Between 2017 and 2020, building a new bathroom was consistently the most popular home improvement upgrade in the UK.
Having a nice bathroom in your home should be at the top of your list and can often be argued that it is one of the most important rooms in the household.
But from your budget to your daily routine, there’s a lot to factor in when it comes to finding a new centrepiece for your bathroom.
Choosing between showers and baths is an important part of the process, so it’s important to weigh up your options first. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each – and the difference in costs – could help you decide which to pick.
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Does it cost more to have a shower than a bath?
When you’re deciding how to renovate your bathroom, the cost is always an important factor to consider. Luckily, exclusive research by The Bathroom Showroom has shed some light on the real annual cost of showering in the UK.
For one person, the average annual cost of showering for eight minutes a day is £217.28. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the study also revealed that taking a bath every day is much more expensive – with the annual cost of one bath every day exceeding £1,000 in 2022.
Clear-cut evidence demonstrates that taking a long bath is almost five times as expensive as showering. However, if you only bathed from time to time, you might appreciate the luxury feel without breaking the bank.
How could a freestanding shower fit in my bathroom?
No matter the size or shape of your bathroom, you can find shower enclosures in a range of different sizes and styles. From curved, contemporary quadrants to sleek and minimalist side panels, shower enclosures can also be customised and adapted to suit your new bathroom.
Modern showers also make life much more convenient: they’re easy to clean and they allow you to choose the perfect showerhead and hose combination.
You can also get that ‘spa-like’ feel with a freestanding shower by opting for a waterfall showerhead. Showers are also a money-saving option, with water bills cut considerably when using a shower instead of a bath.
Should I buy a shower-over bath?
Of course, you could still enjoy the best of both worlds by installing a bath with an overhanging shower in your bathroom. This option is fantastic for households in which space might be limited, but where you’d still like to enjoy the freedom to choose.
If you do choose a shower-over-bath, the main thing to consider is your mobility. Getting into the shower will require stepping over the edge of the bath, which requires balance and hip flexibility.
If you’ve had a hip injury or you think that this daily motion could be difficult, a walk-in shower could be the most sensible choice.
A shower over the bath can also be a handy choice for those with bigger families, giving them the option between using the shower or having a relaxing bath.
Why choose a free-standing bath?
There’s no denying that having a long soak in a hot bath is one of the most soothing experiences you can get at home. When they’re used with cosmetic oils and salts, baths can also promote healthier skin and improve your overall sense of well-being.
A free-standing bath adds an element of luxury to a bathroom that simply can’t be achieved with a shower over a bath. For a rustic effect, you could even choose copper-effect bathtubs.
The main downside to having a bath-only option is having to constantly run a bath every time you want to wash. You lose the option for a quick wash.
Our verdict: Choose the four-piece bathroom suite
A soak in a bathtub and a cool, refreshing shower are two completely different experiences – and they deserve their own, distinct environment. If you’ve got the space, a four-piece bathroom would give you the ultimate bathroom experience – so you can pick and choose as you wish.
However, not everyone has the luxury of having a four-piece bathroom. It all comes down to costs and space – pick whichever your household would benefit from the most. The next best thing would be a shower over your bathtub.
