When planning a new bathroom, one of the biggest decisions is whether to choose a bath, a shower, or a combination shower bath. Each option has its own advantages depending on your lifestyle, available space and future needs.
In this guide, we’ll help you decide which option is best for your home.
Why Choose a Bath?
A bath remains a popular choice for families and homeowners who enjoy relaxing after a long day.
Benefits
✓ Ideal for families with young children
✓ Perfect for relaxation
✓ Adds a luxurious feel
✓ Can increase appeal for future buyers
Considerations
✗ Takes up more space
✗ Uses more water
✗ Less accessible for some people
Why Choose a Shower Bath?
A shower bath combines the practicality of a shower with the flexibility of a bath, making it an excellent choice for many family homes.
Benefits
✓ Bath and shower in one
✓ Space saving
✓ Family friendly
✓ Cost effective
✓ Popular in UK homes
Considerations
✗ Not as spacious as a dedicated shower enclosure
✗ Bath shape can be more restrictive
Why Choose a Walk in Shower?
Walk-in showers have become one of the most requested bathroom features thanks to their sleek appearance and practicality.
Benefits
✓ Easy access
✓ Excellent for smaller bathrooms
✓ Modern appearance
✓ Quick and convenient daily use
✓ Less water consumption
Considerations
✗ Not ideal for bathing young children
✗ Less relaxing than a bath for some people
Why Choose a Shower Enclosure?
Shower enclosures remain one of the most popular choices for UK bathrooms thanks to their practicality, versatility and efficient use of space. Available in a wide range of styles and sizes, they are suitable for everything from compact en-suites to larger family bathrooms.
Benefits
✓ Excellent use of available space
✓ Retains heat better than an open walk-in shower
✓ Reduces water splashes and spray
✓ Available in a wide range of styles and sizes
✓ Ideal for daily use and busy households
✓ Often more affordable than larger walk-in shower installations
Considerations
✗ Can feel less spacious than a walk-in shower
✗ Glass doors and frames require regular cleaning
✗ May not offer the same luxury, spa-inspired appearance as a large walk-in design
If you’re still unsure which option is right for your home, use the table below to compare the key benefits of each solution. Every household has different needs, so whether you prioritise relaxation, accessibility, family use or a modern appearance, this guide can help you identify the best fit for your bathroom.
| Feature | Bath | Shower Enclosure | Walk-In Shower | Shower Bath |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Accessibility | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Space Saving | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Family Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Modern Appearance | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
For family bathrooms, shower baths remain one of the most popular choices due to their flexibility.
For en-suites and smaller bathrooms, shower enclosures are often preferred because they maximise usable space.
Homeowners looking for a premium, spa-inspired feel often choose large walk-in showers with feature wall panels and recessed niches.
However we work with all our customers to ensure that we provide the best setup for our customers unique requirements.
Need Help Choosing the Right Option?
Whether you’re considering a relaxing bath, a practical shower enclosure, a luxurious walk-in shower or a versatile shower bath, the right choice depends on your space, lifestyle and budget.
At Hobsons Bathrooms, we have helped homeowners across Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Consett, Chester-le-Street and the wider North East create bathrooms that combine style, practicality and long-lasting quality.
Visit our Burnopfield showroom to explore a wide range of bathroom displays and speak to our experienced team, or contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation.
Call us on 0191 432 6010 or visit our showroom to start planning your new bathroom.
