How Shower Baths add Spa-like luxury to small bathrooms

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Published on Tuesday, 19 August 2025 11:10

Last Updated on 20 August 2025

Monica Costa

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Bathrooms usually are the smallest room in the house but are notoriously difficult to get right especially when space is at a premium. I like to take showers more but wanted to keep the bathtub for occasional soaks and relaxing time but the space simply wasn’t big enough to accommodate both. After exploring various options, I stumbled upon an ingenious solution, the shower baths. This simple combination of shower and bathtub offers the best of both bathing worlds.

Now, after this successful (and surprisingly smooth!) upgrade, I’m eager to share my experience and guide others who like me are facing the same space vs. functionality dilemma in their bathrooms. So, if you are looking for something similar, keep reading!

What is a Shower Bath?

A shower bath simply is a two-in-one bathtub that can possibly be used for both shower and bath depending on your needs. They may be straight, L shape, and P-shaped providing some space on the other end that can be used for showering. You usually need to install shower screens with a shower bath to complete the look.

Do I Need a Shower Bath?

It is important to know why a shower bath might be the right option for your lifestyle. Here are a few things that will help you know whether a shower bath is for you. 

• Space: Smaller bathrooms benefit greatly from the space-saving qualities of a shower bath. Upgrading to a shower bath eliminates the need for a separate shower area allowing you to enjoy both without requiring more space.
• Functionality: Do you crave a luxurious soak or a quick, invigorating shower? If you primarily shower, a shower bath with ample showering space is ideal. If you enjoy occasional baths, consider a deeper p or L-shaped shower bath or keep a separate tub if space allows.
• Family Needs: If you have young children or elderly family members who require bathing, a shower bath is the best choice provided you don’t have space available to accommodate separate shower areas.

Once you know shower baths are a way to go, it is time to get down to practical planning. Here are the things you should consider.

Measurement: Bathtubs come in various sizes ranging from 1400mm to 1800mm in length. So, unless you know what size can fit into the available space in your bathroom, it is not possible to buy the right one. So, first measure the space where you would want to fit a bathtub. If it’s just a replacement, then simply order the one with the same dimensions you already have. You must not only account for a shower bath itself but also the space needed for other fixtures and move around freely.

Budget Shower: The cost of shower bath installation may vary significantly depending on style, feature, and material. While acrylic is considered the most economical and reasonably durable choice, other high-end options are also available. You should set a realistic budget and factor in potential additional costs like plumbing adjustment and tile replacement. Most acrylic baths start from £250 onwards and bath filer/ taps will require an additional  100£. The plumber will charge around £250. So, you should roughly aim for a minimum of £600 for the

Shower Bath Material:  The material of the shower bath is an important matter to consider as it impacts its price and ability to keep water warm for longer. While some materials like acrylic are more common, there are other materials like iron cast and stone etc that are expensive and heavy but more aesthetically pleasing and durable. 

Material	Heat Retention	Durability	Weight	Cost
Acrylic	Good	Moderate (prone to scratches)	Light	Moderate
Fibreglass	Fair	Low (prone to cracks and stains)	Very Light	Inexpensive
Cast Iron	Excellent	Very High (long-lasting)	Very Heavy	Expensive
Porcelain-Enameled Steel	Poor to Fair	Moderate (prone to chipping)	Heavy	Moderate
Stone Resin	Very Good	High	Heavy	Expensive
Cultured Marble	Good	Moderate (prone to cracks)	Heavy	Moderate to Expensive

Bathtub Shape

The style or shape of the bathtub is also an important consideration. These are often available in three types: p, l shaped, and straight shower baths. The P and L shaped bathtubs have one end slightly wider that offer extra room for a shower.

• P Shape Shower Bathtubs – P-shaped shower baths, as the name suggests, have one end of the bath slightly arched. The curved side is used for the shower while the other is for the baths. Despite their arch-shaped curved design, they require the same space as a standard bathtub. That makes the p-shaped bath a perfect option for small bathrooms. A curved side screen is usually installed on the shower side to complete the look and prevent water splash out. Click here to choose from a variety of these baths for sale available at Royal Bathrooms.

• L Shape Shower Bathtubs – L shape shower bathtubs are edgy shaped, depicting a dense and sleeker look to the bathroom. These are meant for compact and small spaces. These are generally fitted with a glass side screen panel, partly enclosing the shower space.
• Straight Shower Baths – Straight shower baths look similar to ordinary baths but have an interior design that suits their usage as a shower bathtub. They usually come with a shower screen that prevents water splashing Although you can use them in any bathroom setting as a standard bath, these are an ideal choice if you want to combine shower and bath due to lack of space or personal preference.

*I went for an acrylic P-shaped bath because it struck the right balance between cost, durability, and space. The curved side gives me more room to shower, and it still feels cosy for soaking.” While L shapes are considered a bit better choice for a shower bath, it can still make a reasonable choice for a small space depending on the bathroom layout and overall dimensions.

 

Upgrading to a shower bath can transform the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom. However, it is important you plan it carefully while considering your needs, space constraints, and aesthetics. It is something you would want to do once and do it well. So, go forth, conduct your research, and choose the shower bathtub that is a perfect fit for your bathroom and experience the perfect shower or bath even in a small bathroom.