Bathtub or shower – which solution is suitable for your bathroom?

A long, relaxing bath in a tub full of fragrant foam or a quick refresh under the shower? This is the most frequent dilemma for people arranging or remodeling a bathroom. With enough space, the ideal solution would be to have both to meet the expectations of all household members.

So, bathtub or shower? Before making a final decision, it's worth knowing the pros and cons of both options.

Bathtub for families with children

Families with small children particularly appreciate having a bathtub. For kids, bathing is much more attractive than showering. Children can bring plastic or rubber toys with them and splash around as much as they want.

This way, we not only create an opportunity for fun but also instill in them the habit of taking care of personal hygiene independently.

Bathroom for seniors - which option to choose? Bathtub or shower?

Seniors and people with limited mobility will certainly appreciate the shower solution - preferably a walk-in type without a curb. Regardless of which option you decide on, it's a good idea to install elements that provide additional support and safety - such as wall grab bars.

Small bathroom or bathing studio?

A bathtub is an excellent way to relax in the evening. A hot, aromatic bath wonderfully soothes, improves well-being, alleviates muscle pain, and puts you in a joyful mood. This is an ideal solution for people who need a moment of respite after a long day. Moreover, a bathtub can be a true decoration of the bathroom - a freestanding one looks truly beautiful!

On the other hand, showers have the undeniable advantage of compactness. You can place them even in a very small bathroom - the cabin takes up little space, significantly less than a bathtub. You can install it in a recess or in the corner of the room.

Quick shower or lounging in the bathtub?

A warm bath in a tub with fragrant oils is synonymous with relaxation. Many people value the evening ritual that allows for a moment alone and rest after a hard day.

What, then, argues in favor of choosing a cabin? This solution is particularly recommended in homes where the number of household members is greater. Hot or refreshing showers are quick, which shortens the waiting time for a “free bathroom”.

What is more economical – shower or bathtub?

A shower is the optimal solution for active and economical people. In a nutshell - a shower consumes less water than even a quick bath in a bathtub. Furthermore, modern showerheads, rain showers, or mixer taps are equipped with mechanisms that limit water flow (regardless of pressure), which means you can reduce water consumption by over 50%.

A bathtub, in addition to numerous advantages that we've had the opportunity to mention, also has its downsides. The main one, of course, is water consumption. It also requires raising its temperature, since the large surface area of evaporation leads to quicker cooling. All this translates into increased pressure on the household budget.

Which consumes more water - bathtub or shower? In the debate about the economy of both solutions, the arguments favor the shower. By choosing a shower, you're opting for a much more eco-friendly option.

Bathtub or shower – which is easier to clean?

Water consumption and the amount of space in the bathroom are the main arguments that facilitate the choice and help determine which is better for me: bathtub or shower? Regardless of which option you choose, you must reckon with regular cleaning of fittings, the shower tray, walls, or seat, which is a time-consuming process.

Due to its design and shape, a bathtub is easy to keep in perfect cleanliness. In fact, it only needs to be rinsed with cold water after each bath to remove deposits and soap scum.

Classic shower cabins, on the other hand, require a bit more effort when cleaning them. Even a quick shower leaves drops of water and cosmetics on the walls. Additionally, limescale accumulates relatively quickly on them, and removing it can sometimes be a true challenge.

What’s better: bathtub or shower? Or can it be combined?

The discussion about the superiority of shower cabins over bathtubs, or vice versa, could go on forever. Both proponents of quick showers and lovers of long baths have their reasons for choosing one option over the other.

What if one doesn’t have to exclude the other? If you are faced with the choice between a shower tray and a bathtub, consider a shower screen, which is an excellent alternative to shower cabins. With it, you don't have to change the arrangement of the entire room and, what’s equally important, you won’t have to chisel and lay tiles anew.

Installing a high glass screen around the bathtub allows you to use the shower without worrying about splashing the bathroom.

A more economical version would be the sliding curtain on a rail. The screen takes up less space and can also serve as an original decorative element. This is an excellent solution for small bathrooms where it's not possible to install a bathtub and a shower cabin separately.

In the case of bathing studios, meaning large and spacious bathrooms, you can opt for both solutions. Then, which option you choose depends solely on your needs.

What to choose - bathtub or shower? Let's summarize!

Both the choice of a bathtub and a shower can be backed by many arguments we discussed above. Let’s summarize:

• What is more economical: bathtub or shower? In terms of water consumption, the shower undoubtedly wins this battle.
• What would be better for a small bathroom? In most cases, the shower will be the better option.
• Bathtub or shower – which is cheaper? This cannot be definitively stated. Both bathtubs and shower cabins can have very varied prices.
• What is easier to keep clean? In our opinion, it’s quicker and easier to clean a bathtub.
• Which offers a greater chance of relaxation? Of course, taking a bath in a bathtub!
• What to choose when there are small children at home? A bathtub allows for fun in the foam but also makes it easier for parents to wash smaller household members.
• What’s better for seniors? As mobility decreases with age, it’s easier for older people to use a shower than a bathtub.

These are just a few fundamental issues that arise in the “debates” between lovers of long, relaxing baths and proponents of quick showers. At Mexen, you will find all solutions, regardless of the size of the bathroom. Choose our products at competitive prices.