Shower vs. Bathtub: Which Suits Your Bathroom Remodel Best? (2025)

One of the most significant decisions homeowners face when planning a bathroom remodel is whether to install a shower, a bathtub, or both. Each option has its own set of advantages, challenges, and considerations, making the choice deeply personal and highly dependent on lifestyle, space, and budget. This blog will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best decision for your bathroom renovation.

The Great Debate

The shower-versus-bathtub debate is a common one among homeowners embarking on a remodel. While some people swear by the practicality of a shower, others can’t imagine giving up the relaxation of a soaking tub. Beyond personal preferences, factors like space, accessibility, resale value, and maintenance play a role in determining the best fit for your bathroom. Let’s explore the key aspects of each to help you decide.

1. Space Considerations

Showers: Ideal for Small Bathrooms

Showers are a space-efficient choice, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. A standard shower requires significantly less square footage than a bathtub, freeing up room for other features like extra storage, double sinks, or additional walking space. For homeowners looking to optimize functionality in a compact bathroom, showers are often the clear winner.

Corner showers, walk-ins, or alcove designs can further enhance space usage. Additionally, modern glass shower enclosures create an illusion of openness, making even small bathrooms feel more extensive and more inviting.

Bathtubs: Better for Larger Bathrooms

Bathtubs, while luxurious, typically require more space. A standard tub measures around five feet in length and two to three feet in width. If your bathroom has ample square footage, a bathtub can become a centerpiece of your design, adding a touch of elegance and comfort. Freestanding tubs, in particular, can make a dramatic statement in larger bathrooms.

However, in tight quarters, a bathtub can feel bulky and restrict movement. If you’re working with limited space, a combination shower-tub unit might be a more practical compromise.

2. Lifestyle and Usage

Showers: Convenient for Busy Lifestyles

Showers are perfect for those with fast-paced lifestyles. They’re quick, convenient, and efficient, making them a go-to choice for people who prioritize functionality over leisure. Modern showerheads also come with a range of features—from rain showers and handheld sprayers to massage settings—offering a luxurious experience without requiring long soak times.

Additionally, showers are more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Features like low-entry thresholds, grab bars, and built-in seating can make showers safe and easy to use for people of all ages.

Bathtubs: A Haven for Relaxation

Bathtubs cater to those who enjoy leisurely soaks and spa-like experiences. They’re ideal for relaxation, helping to relieve stress and soothe sore muscles. Families with young children also find bathtubs invaluable for bath time, as they offer a safe and practical way to wash little ones.

For homeowners who prioritize self-care and wellness, bathtubs—especially whirlpool or soaking tubs—can add a touch of indulgence to the daily routine.

3. Resale Value and Market Appeal

When considering a remodel, it’s essential to think about how your choices will impact your home’s resale value. Bathrooms play a significant role in home-buying decisions, and the shower as shower-vs.-bathtub dilemma often comes up for potential buyers.

Showers: A Popular Modern Choice

Walk-in showers with sleek, modern designs appeal to many buyers, especially younger demographics or those looking for contemporary aesthetics. Showers with luxurious features like multiple spray heads, steam capabilities, or frameless glass enclosures can be major selling points. In urban areas or for homes with smaller square footage, showers are often preferred.

Bathtubs: A Classic Selling Feature

That said, bathtubs remain an essential feature for specific buyers, particularly families with young children. Real estate experts often advise keeping at least one bathtub in the home to appeal to a broader audience. If you’re converting a bathroom with only a tub into one with only a shower, consider whether that change aligns with your long-term goals for the property.

4. Maintenance and Cleaning

Showers: Easier to Maintain

Showers, particularly those with tiled walls or glass enclosures, tend to be easier to clean and maintain than bathtubs. Modern grout sealants and frameless designs reduce the risk of mildew buildup and make surfaces simple to wipe down. Additionally, the smaller footprint of a shower means fewer nooks and crannies to scrub.

However, glass enclosures can be prone to water spots and soap scum, so regular cleaning is essential to keep them looking their best.

Bathtubs: More Effort, but Worth It

Bathtubs, especially freestanding ones, require more effort to clean due to their larger surface area. Soap scum, mineral deposits, and dirt can accumulate, particularly around the edges. Whirlpool tubs also demand extra maintenance to keep the jets clean and functioning correctly.

That said, many homeowners find the effort worthwhile for the comfort and relaxation a bathtub provides.

5. Cost and Installation

Showers: Generally More Affordable

Showers are typically more cost-effective to install, especially if you’re working within the existing plumbing layout. The cost can vary depending on the type of shower (e.g., prefabricated unit vs. custom tile) and the features you choose, but showers tend to be less expensive than bathtubs overall.

Bathtubs: A Luxurious Investment

Bathtubs, mainly freestanding or whirlpool models, can be a significant investment. The cost of the tub itself, as well as additional plumbing and installation requirements, often makes them more expensive than showers. However, for those who value the experience a bathtub provides, the added expense can be well worth it.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Home

Ultimately, the choice between a shower and a bathtub comes down to your unique needs, lifestyle, and space considerations. Showers are ideal for those seeking efficiency, modern aesthetics, and accessibility, while bathtubs provide a haven for relaxation and are indispensable for families with young children. In many cases, the best solution may be a combination shower-tub unit that offers both benefits.

By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can confidently design a bathroom that not only meets your practical needs but also enhances your home’s comfort and appeal. Whether you’re a shower enthusiast, a bathtub devotee, or somewhere in between, your remodel is an opportunity to create a space that genuinely feels like your own.