10-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
Home help: Should I replace my bath in favour of a super-sized shower?
When time is tight (and space even tighter), many of us are left wondering if the beloved bathtub is still worth the footprint it takes up. To help weigh up the pros and cons, I turned to expert Honor Curé who, as the winner of the Sonas Bathrooms and TU Dublin 2025 Bathroom Design of the Year competition, knows a thing or two about how to make a bathroom work smarter, not harder.
'A thoughtfully designed bathroom can genuinely impact your quality of life,' says Curé. 'A smart layout can give you back precious minutes in the morning rush, help you unwind in the evening, or offer a rare few minutes of peace during a hectic day.'
And yet, despite its importance, the bathroom is usually one of the smallest rooms in the home. This means every fixture has to earn its place — and none more so than in the bath-versus-shower debate.
Curé recommends starting with your daily routine. 'If you shower daily and only find time for a proper soak once a month (or less), a super-sized shower is probably the better investment. It makes moving around easier and can really elevate your experience of the space.'
She points to Sonas Bathrooms's 1700mm-long shower tray — a personal favourite — because it fits into the same footprint as a standard bath. 'You can even add an internal seat — perfect for the all-encompassing 'everything showers' trending on TikTok right now,' she adds.
Life stage also plays a role. Baths can be a godsend for families with young children, but as households evolve, showers tend to offer more long-term flexibility — especially for those with mobility needs or older family members.
Height matters too: taller folks often find a tub too cramped, while a spacious shower can feel far more comfortable. Then there's the environmental and financial angle. 'Showers use significantly less water than baths,' Curé notes. 'A bath can use up to 60 more litres of water than a 10-minute shower, so the savings on your energy bill are real.'
Ultimately, the decision comes down to lifestyle, space and how you see your needs evolving. 'If you're practical about how you use your bathroom and open to rethinking the norm, you can create a space that's both functional and indulgent, for now and for the future.'
So, if your bath is gathering more dust than bubbles, it might be time to let it go in favour of a fabulous, full-sized shower experience.
