Many homeowners see renovating a primary bathroom as a high priority. One major design question is: What configuration of shower and bathtub to have in this newly designed space? Is there room for a soaking tub along with a walk-in shower? Do I even need a bathtub? How can these be configured?
The decision starts by weighing the pros and cons of each option and considering the role the bathroom plays in your home. A primary suite often makes room for custom, luxury features, while a shared full bath needs to balance comfort with everyday function.
It is hard to find a home improvement show or an updated primary bath on Pinterest that does not feature a soaking tub. They look amazing. They look luxurious. For people who enjoy a relaxing soak, this is a fantastic option, but if you are not a fan of baths, it might be a waste of space and money. Soaking tubs are most popular in a primary bath where luxury and customization are prioritized. In addition to luxurious functionality, they can also become a design focal point.
The right soaking tub can be both a functional and a design focal point of the space.
A well-designed tub, complete with a tray for a book, a candle, or a glass of wine, becomes the perfect retreat at the end of a long day.
Soaking tubs are highly customizable and can include heated walls, jets, or can even be crafted in unique materials like copper and natural stone. They can also be shaped with armrests, neck supports, and ergonomics tailored to your body.
Soaking in a warm bath can help relax muscles, ease joint stiffness, and provide overall physical relief.
A soaking tub is generally seen as a luxury, which can add to your home’s value and increase appeal to potential buyers.
A soaking tub takes up a lot of space: you need significant square feet not only for the footprint itself, but also for enough access around it to clean.
Because of their tall side walls, soaking tubs are difficult for small children to use, challenging for parents bathing them, and less safe for those with mobility issues. This makes them a poor fit for families with small children and is not recommended for anyone planning to age-in-place.
They need to be cleaned and maintained even when not used regularly, and many homeowners discover they don’t use them as often as expected, leaving them as more of a showpiece than a functional fixture.
Gone is the cramped phone booth-sized shower; today’s walk-in showers continue the theme of relaxation and luxury that homeowners are looking for in a primary bathroom remodel. From multiple showerheads and steam features to frameless glass shower doors – there are many decisions to make.
However, other considerations may indicate that a walk-in shower is not the right choice for your primary bathroom. Let's take a look at important considerations.
Highly customizable: A walk-in shower can be built in nearly any size or shape, with shower enclosure options ranging from frameless glass doors to open, doorless designs — or even layouts that require no enclosure at all.
Functional in any full bath, whether in a primary suite, a secondary, or a shared bathroom.
A walk-in shower can elevate your bathroom design, serving as a focal point with unique tile materials, patterns, grout color, and plumbing fixtures. Non-slip tiles can also be incorporated for further safety measures.
Walk-in showers work well for individuals of all ages and mobility levels, with options like zero-threshold entry, grab bars, benches, and slip-resistant bases. These features make them a safe and practical choice for aging in place.
Modern showers can integrate smart home technology, including app-or voice-controlled temperature and water usage settings. Many systems even allow you to create presets, so each family member can start the shower at their preferred temperature and flow with the touch of a button or a voice command.
Depending on your personal preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for, walk-in showers can include customizable features like body sprays, jets, rain showerheads, and handheld sprayers. With the right layout, these features even allow more than one person to shower at the same time.
If you’re working within an existing small bathroom footprint, expanding the space to include a larger shower may not be possible without increasing renovation costs.
Tile and shower enclosure choices can significantly impact maintenance. Small grout lines, for example, can be beautiful but are harder to keep clean compared to large-format tile. Additionally, the larger the shower, the more time it will take to clean.
Without steam and body spray features, oversized showers can feel drafty since only the immediate area where the water falls stays warm.
From a real estate standpoint, it’s still recommended to keep at least one bathtub somewhere in the home, even if your primary bath only includes a shower. Homebuyers with young children, in particular, will be looking for this.
Once the standard bathtub in both primary and hall baths, the tub-shower combo can still have its place today. In homes with smaller footprints, space may only allow for this setup. Even so, a tub-shower combo can be designed with thoughtful features that provide both function and a touch of luxury.
Provides both bathing and showering in one footprint.
Saves space by combining two functions into one area, making it ideal for a small bathroom.
Easier to clean than maintaining a separate soaking tub and shower.
Budget-friendly, especially if paired with wall panels or surrounds.
Tub-shower combos can be upgraded with tile surrounds and glass enclosures. Options like half-glass or three-quarter glass doors enhance the look and functionality of the space.
The lower tub wall makes bathing children and pets easier compared to a deep soaking tub.
Showering space is limited by the size of the standard bathtub, which typically comes in set dimensions.
Typically, two to three walls around the tub are required, depending on the type, which can limit the design of your overall bathroom space.
Basic shower combination units are generally not seen as a luxury feature when compared to oversized walk-in showers or freestanding tubs.
It can feel cramped, especially when designed with three surrounding walls and a shower curtain.
Like so much in home improvement, your choice of tub and shower comes down to available space and allotted budget. Work with someone who thoroughly understands your budget, provides a detailed scope of work, and looks at how a bathroom remodel can fit into the house as a whole to keep guesswork out of the budget.
Evaluate your lifestyle, your long-term needs, and the amount of square feet you have. If this is your forever home, consider incorporating energy-efficient fixtures, aging-in-place features, and a design for accessibility. Also factor in what your home already offers; if you already have a bathtub in another bathroom, you may feel freer to dedicate your primary suite to a large walk-in shower.
If you’re considering a standalone bathtub, take the time to physically sit in different models to find the one that feels most comfortable for you. The right choice is highly personal and depends on your specific needs and daily routine.
Finally, work with a design-build partner who can provide the space planning and guidance needed so you can make an educated decision. They should help you weigh the pros and cons by looking at the home holistically and sharing ideas you may not have thought of. Experience and depth of knowledge go a long way when designing the ideal bathroom space, whether you’re updating an existing bathroom, creating space for a new one, or building a new home.
Are you ready to take your bathroom remodel to the next level? Read our free eBook, A Complete Guide to Building the Ultimate Luxury Primary Suite, and explore design ideas, layout options, and expert tips for creating a space that balances comfort, function, and long-term value.