Originally published previously!
Bath or Shower?
Ok, I know this is probably NOT the most exciting blog topic I have ever come up with, but the truth is that the tub in your bath, or lack thereof, is an important decision in the design process. First question I ask is, “Do you actually use the tub? Are you a ‘tub person’ or a “shower person?” Most people are shower people but if you run across a tub person…. boy, are they serious about it! I have several clients who are most definitely “tub people,” so the decision on what sort of tub to use was critical. Many factors go into this decision, most importantly, what size can the bathroom hold?
Here we have a small 5 ft tub but designed for someone who likes to take baths!
I decided in my own bathroom remodel, post Hurricane Ivan, to do away with the tub.
Yes, in my master bath! And I have never looked back. Here is the deal. We live in a small house on the beach. We are not “tub people” and, in fact, love long luxurious showers…. or as long as the undersized water heater holds out. I have two teens. Need I say more? So, for us, the decision was made to forgo the tub as we have one in another bathroom for the rare times we might need it. Or, for resale. If you believe in that theory.
Read more about the pros/cons of having a tub in the master here at Homesavvi.
I personally find that if you have the space for a great tub, let’s do it.
But, I do not think a very well done bathroom sans tub will cost you the sale of the house IF you have tub(s) elsewhere. I know this is a radical thought, but I think it is true. In our case, it did not matter as, according to my husband, we will never sell this house no matter how many hurricanes bare down on us for no matter how many years. I do not always see eye to eye with him on this subject but that is another post entirely.
Back to tubs.
Let’s look at some great options and some unusual tubs that meet specific needs. And, please do not get me wrong. I design baths all the time around tubs, but I hate to give up valuable real estate in a small bath for a tub IF THE CLIENT IS NOT TUB BATHING BUT ONCE PER YEAR! That is all.
And, while I am on it, here is a preview of the next post on “absurdities in design” for bathrooms. Why oh why are the tubs almost always placed directly underneath a window?? Or worse, under glass blocks? For my money, glass blocks are out, out, out. And, I prefer the windows to be near the vanities where many women need the natural light. Have you seen someone at the market who apparently had little to no natural light while putting on makeup??
So, why put the tub under the window?
IF you have a great view and you can lounge in the tub without being seen nekkid, good for you. But for most people, they must lower the window treatments in order to bathe. So, what is the point? I love windows… but can we not consider putting them somewhere else in the bath? It works so much better, and I think it’s simply a matter of challenging the status quo on good design. And, I do so love challenging the status quo.
Thanks to Apartment Therapy. You can read more about this tub if you click the link. I love Duravit tubs. They really make some of the most unique ones on the market. Another manufacturer I really like and specify often is Neptune Tubs. I have used their Wind tub several times and it is one of the most versatile and good looking 5ft tubs around.
10 Responses
I so agree – most tub/shower combos are too shallow to be a great tub and too narrow to be a great shower. If you’re not dealing with a tubbie, put in a great shower instead!
Ah, like minds!
You have a great argument against tubs under the window…I never thought about that, but it does seem silly
I’m pleasantly surprised by how you incorporated a picture of a boy wearing make-up into a Tub vs. Shower post
I am not a “tub person”, except for that one time when I broke my leg and could not get the cast wet for ten weeks. Was glad to have a tub in the house then.
I am more of a shower person myself. I have a big freakin’ tub that rarely gets used because it is just not comfortable. I want to rip it out and put in a smaller free standing tub (I have one picked out but the name is escaping me) that basically hugs you in the bath and has a high slanted back for wonderful relaxing. Then put in a kick ass shower with all the bells and whistles. Hubby is not in board with the plan thus far. We “may” be moving into a larger house. If we don’t in 2 years, he’ll come home to a demolished bathroom and large boxes in the garage.
Ha! My husband and I live on the beach so very small house and we ditched the tub after the last hurricane. So much better…but this week alone, I had 3 new clients for baths….and 1 of the 3 is a tubbie…and the other two said….take it out!
Well I’m more of a “water guy”, I like my tub, I like my shower. When designing bathrooms, I agree with most of your points and always design around what’s best for the client, what’s bet for the space. The wasted space of tub decks for the past “McMansions” are being torn out. We like downsizing massive tub decks that do nothing but collect junk and designing more useful spaces. And when it’s near a window and must stay in the area, giving access to the area so clients can actually get to their windows to actually use them. Tubs can be sacrificed when planning and designing for allthe needs are met. Now, I’m off for a hot soak to relax and meditate on the day. Then a nice shower to get jumpstarted. Ciao’
I am totally a tub person and because of small sized bathroom i installed corner bathtub in my bathroom. I love to take bath in tub because it has many benefits, as it really helps me t relax and enjoy my bath with hydrotherapy.
Hi,
As I am personally a want it all type of character I have a hard time choosing between these two options. During early mornings when leaving for work it is more convenient to have a traditional shower as I feel I get things done there a lot faster. However for those late Sunday evenings is can be nice to have a along bath before getting ready for the new week ahead. Both systems are great but they have different purposes.