Bathtubs have been an essential part of the bathroom for hundreds of years. In fact, the room is named after that specific item! But these days, there is a lot of debate about whether baths are still relevant.

When you are looking to renovate your bathroom, deciding whether to keep your bathroom is probably the most important question of all. There are many reasons for and against, which we document in this article. We hope these points help you in your decision.

relaxation

One of the most compelling arguments for having a shower in your home is to be able to relax. With our hectic daily lives, showering at the end of the day allows us to escape for a little while, letting our stress literally melt away. Throw in some Epsom salts, light a candle, and you can create a peaceful haven that’s hard to beat!

water use

Old bathtubs usually hold up to 300 liters of water. Modern bathrooms range from 180 to 280 liters. So no matter the age and style of their bathroom, they still need plenty of water. Compare this to a shower that uses 10-12 liters of water per minute. So unless you are taking a 15-20 minute shower, a shower is definitely less efficient in terms of water usage. Many people take showers daily and use the bathroom occasionally to relax (see benefits above), so having both options (space permitting) can be a good way to go.

space

Speaking of space, this may be the biggest factor as to whether or not you include a bath in your bathroom renovation. If you have plenty of space, and you enjoy taking a shower, it’s a no-brainer—especially since they usually cost less than $1,000. But if you’re limited on space, and you really want that double vanity or walk-in shower, then giving up the bathroom might be something you should consider.

young children

Cleaning young children can be a chore at the best of times. Putting them in the shower is much easier than bending over with them in the shower trying to wash them. This is even more true if you have a new baby – and placing the baby bath inside the larger bathtub makes things extra convenient. Babies of all ages love bathing, which without a doubt gives them a chance to sit and play with toys while bathing! It also gives you, as a parent, some respite!

aesthetics

Part of renovating a home is primarily about making it modern and more functional. But many people also renovate to add more style. Hence, some people just want a shower as a feature in the room. A stylish bathroom can improve aesthetics and help fill a lot of space – even if you never plan to take a shower in it!

The above points are some of the most important things to consider when looking at bathroom designs and deciding whether or not you should include a bathtub in your renovation. It all comes down to your personal preference and needs, but if you need some independent advice, call My Bathroom on 1300 842 736 and we’ll be happy to chat about your options. We’ve helped hundreds of Melbourne clients achieve their dream bathroom.