Small bathroom, is a shower bath a good idea

[ineedaholidaynow]

We have a very small bathroom, approximately 160cm x 165cm. We currently have a standard bath with shower mixer tap. However, we have never used it as a shower as the walls around the bath are only partially tiled.

We are looking at replacing the bathroom suite as the toilet and basin are oversized for the space and also want to be able to have a shower. We are thinking about getting a shower bath, and a proper shower attachment and then tiling all the wall near the bath. The shower end of the bath won't be able to be too wide as the toilet also needs to fit near it. Is it worth getting a shower bath or just keeping the current bath we have?

[TinklyLittleLaugh]

Unless it is your only bath, then I would simply turn it into a shower room.

We used to have a shower over a bath though, bog standard bath and no problems whatsoever. We also had a curtain rather than a screen, easier to clean and ring the changes, and also kept our small space more open looking.

[ineedaholidaynow]

It is our only bath, and we still want to have a bath. We also have an ensuite which is even smaller than the bathroom, which just has a shower in it. At present, DS and any guests who want a shower have to use the ensuite and I would much rather there was a shower in the bathroom.

When DS was younger he always had a bath so it was not so much of an issue, but he is now 10 and showers pretty much every day.

[LammilyDoll]

I've always fancied one of these deep Japanese tubs, with a shelf to sit on.

[mandy214]

Definitely have a shower over the normal bath. I think it's what most people would expect if you ever came to sell.

[TeddyBee]

We have a slipper bath with a shower over it. Quite compact, but I'm so taken with those Japanese tubs. I quite like sitting down in the shower too :) so lazy!

[TinklyLittleLaugh]

Love those Japanese tubs. I'd have one with a shower over.

[Millymollymama]

I would have a good quality bath, like a Kaldwei or Duravit that will not flex when you get in it. Have a lovely drench shower above and a high quality glass screen that folds back when not in use. This means you have a very usable bath and a very good shower. Tile all around the bath up to the ceiling in fairly large format tiles so you are not forever cleaning grout. We have two small bathrooms like this and they are fine.

[mrssmooth]

We had a "p" shaped shower bath in our old house. It wasn't a huge bath (or bathroom) but you will need to measure carefully to make sure you can still open the door/fit in with other bathroom furniture (we turned ours the other way as it wouldn't fit in next to our sink unit). Can I just suggest one thing: if you are getting a shower screen with any type of bath, please pay the extra and get the longer screen rather than just the standard one? We are in a different house now and have just had our bathroom done (shower over standard bath) and I didn't get the longer screen. I SO regret it now - water all over floor every time .

[wyldstile]

We have a shower over a normal bath, but in the middle of the long side rather than at the end. I absolutely prefer it to our separate shower - you get loads of elbow room. We have a curtain that hangs inside the bath when showering but pushes right out of the way (tucks up the side of the sink) for most of the time. I'd put a shower in the middle again.

[Moreisnnogedag]

I like those Japanese baths for me but how do bath your dc in it??

[TeddyBee]

We have a six foot long roll top for that in the kids' bathroom.

[snowgirl1]

Yes, I'd definitely have a shower bath. I previously had the arrangement you've currently got and changed it to shower bath (p-shaped).

[GreenEggsAndNaiceHam]

milly that sounds exactly what I would want; small bathroom, hate dirty grout, I only have showers but DP loves a bath. I couldn't persuade you to post a photo of your bathroom could I?