Bath vs Shower: Which is Right For Your Bathroom?

If you’re deep in a bathroom renovation – one debate you might be having with yourself is whether to install a bath or install a shower. Whilst both choices will give you a good clean, they are ultimately built for different purposes. So it’s important to pick the best option for you. 

To help you decide, we’ve outlined factors you should consider when choosing a bath vs shower, as well as the benefits both offer in our blog below. 

Bath vs shower: What to consider when choosing one for your bathroom

To help you pick a side in the bath vs shower debate, let’s take a look at some factors you should consider before choosing between the two:

Your existing bathroom space

When deciding between a bath or shower, the first thing you need to consider is the existing space that your bathroom has. 

For example, for a bathroom that includes a full shower and bathtub, you will likely need 40 square feet of space. 

If you have a small bathroom and are looking for some design inspiration without breaking the bank, check out our blog on the budget small bathroom ideas.

Who will be using the bath or shower

You should also consider who will be using your bathroom when choosing between a bath or shower.

For example, if you have small children or plan on growing your family, a bath may be a better option as you have the space to bathe them. 

Maintenance

When picking between a bath and shower for your bathroom, you must also think about their maintenance. For example, you may need to unblock your shower or bath drain from time to time. 

Showers are generally easier to clean as they have less surface area. What’s more, baths are more likely to have an increased build up of scum around the edges. And, they can be more laborious to clean as you’ll have to crouch or bend down.

Bath vs shower: The advantages of bathing  

Bathing can provide several advantages, including:

Physical and mental relaxation

Many people choose to take baths as the heat can relax their muscles after a long day of working or vigorous exercise. This is because the warmth causes blood vessels to expand which increases blood flow to the muscle.

Not to mention, bathing doesn’t just provide physical relaxation, but mental relaxation too. Studies have revealed that baths can activate the parasympathetic nervous system – this is the part of your body responsible for relaxation. Put simply, as the body adjusts to the warm water, stress levels are likely to decrease. 

Relieves cold and flu symptoms

Baths won’t outright cure a cold, but they could reduce the symptoms of one. As mentioned, the warmth from the bath will provide muscle relaxation which can reduce aches and pains. 

Meanwhile, the steam from the shower can open up your airways, enabling deeper and easier breathing. 

Warmth in the winter 

The UK is hit by the cold for a long period of time each year. And nothing keeps the majority of Brits cosier than a nice warm bath when it’s freezing cold outside. 

During the winter months, you can set a scene of cosiness by lighting a few candles, putting on relaxing music, and soaking in a nice, warm bath.

Looking for an idea of how a bath will look in your home? Take a look at our current projects or head to one of our bathroom showrooms in Rochdale and Bury.

Bath vs shower: The advantages of showering

Showering also has its advantages, such as:

Increased cleansing

If you’re looking for a thorough and deep clean, a shower might be a better option for you than a bath. 

With a shower, you can wash away the dirt as you go, but in a bath, you might find yourself sitting in your own dirt and bacteria if you don’t shower beforehand. 

Wakes you up

A shower is also a great way to wake yourself up in the morning, since it helps increase blood circulation by diluting the body’s blood vessels.

But it also provides a level of sensory stimulation (the sound of the water running, the smell of shower products) that can awaken your mind. 

Cold showers have added benefits

Getting a cold shower doesn’t sound fun, unless it’s in the heat of the summer. But, they can actually be more beneficial for your mind and body than warm showers. 

For example, cold showers can add shine to your hair and can even help your body release endorphins. The shock of the cold water sends electric impulses to your brain that increases your energy, alertness, and clarity levels. 

With our expertise in bathroom design and installation, we can overhaul your Greater Manchester shower area – or just provide you with bathroom supplies to fit yourself if you prefer. 

Bath vs Shower: Which is Right For Your Bathroom? | FAQs

Bath vs shower water usage: which one saves more water?

According to South Staffs Water, a full bath uses up to 80 litres of water, whereas a five-minute power shower uses about 75 litres of water. 

So, as long as you have quick showers, you could save money on your water bill by choosing a shower over a bath. 

Bath vs shower: Which one is better for your skin?

Showers are better at cleansing your skin, but that doesn’t mean baths don’t have their own benefits. 

For example, baths give your skin more time to soften. Meaning, you can scrub off dead skin cells easier and ultimately exfoliate your body, leaving you with smooth and supple skin.