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Original poster

Large shower or bath with shower over?

11 replies

lexie01 · 29/01/2015 21:32

We are thinking of replacing the separate shower and bath with a bath with shower over and wondered if anyone else had done this and regretted it?

Basically we have 1 main family bathroom which is used by myself, dh and 2 x DDs. We do have a second bathroom which is located in an attic conversion which we don't at present use (when we moved in the kids were too small we felt to be sleeping that far from us and likewise ww never wanted to be 'above' them). That bathroom has a very low sloping ceiling which could really only accommodate a bath.

The family bathroom is very 'period' which we like with a claw foot bath and separate corner shower. It also has a lovely fireplace. However it has absolutely no storage and very little space to fit anything. Spare towels are all kept in our wardrobes which isn't ideal and toiletries are kept in a wicker basket in the bathroom. Whilst myself and dh both have showers my DD's still both like to have a bath so rather than just have 1 large shower and no bath we thought the compromise might be a corner claw foot bath with a beautiful shower over which would free up space for extra storage.

I have always had separate showers however and worry that the benefit of extra storage may not be enough to compensate me for the loss of a shower!! Any thoughts?

OP posts:
SchnitzelVonKrumm · 29/01/2015 21:53

I think a separate shower is a waste of space unless you have a very large bathroom.

minipie · 29/01/2015 21:56

If you have the space for a separate bath and shower, and especially if you like claw foot freestanding baths, then I'd stick with the separate bath and shower. I think most people would choose a separate bath and shower if they could, plus I don't think claw foot style baths work too well with a shower over...

I bet there's somewhere else you could squeeze storage in... for example, if any of the walls are stud walls, you can build niches or alcoves into the wall and put shelves in them for toiletries (put a door on the front to hide them if you prefer). do you have a cabinet under the basin? if not could you replace the basin with one with a cupboard under? What about a long shelf on the wall to store folded spare towels on - perhaps high up above the bath?

MrTumblesCrackWhore · 29/01/2015 22:02

We've got an L shaped bath which looks really nice. The larger bit of the L is what we use as the shower but it wouldn't look very period in the bathroom you describe. My sister has a claw foot bath with a shower over the middle section and a really nice circular shower curtain - she custom made hers from waterproof fabric from JohnLewis which has a vintage pattern on.

minipie · 29/01/2015 22:07

Hmm, we inherited a claw foot bath with shower over and circular shower curtain in our last place - it was awful, the shower curtain clung to you no matter where you put it! but perhaps they've improved...

Pannacotta · 29/01/2015 22:10

I would keep them separate and look for other storage options. A separate shower is much nice than clambering in and out of the bath IMO.
You don't need to store towels in the bathroom.
How about thin locker type units for toiletries or a couple of slim wall units? Ikea has lots of options.

Original poster
lexie01 · 29/01/2015 22:47

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments.

You can buy a claw foot bath which is especially designed to fit in a corner like a normal bath which means it can be sealed. The shower would fit over it as normal with a glass shower screen. I think Burlington make these and they look really nice. I wouldn't choose a shower curtain as they always stick to you. Nightmare!

In terms of storage I will look at the shelf above the bath for towels but I have had 2 designers in and none of them have been able to identify decent storage solutions. We have no stud walls, a heated towel rail under the window and the fireplace on the other 'spare' wall (which I don't want to remove). We would definitely get a cupboard sink (laura ashley do a lovely one) but you can't get much in them. Aargh!!! I suppose I could just have a large shower, no bath and force the kids to be environmentally friendly and use the shower!

OP posts:
Viewofthehills · 29/01/2015 22:56

I would also keep them separate.
I have been on crutches with a splint on my foot for the last few weeks. The biggest relief has been the shower- we had the bathroom redone last year as a wet room with both overhead and hand held showers. I am grateful every time I use it- I wouldn't have been able to get in a shower cubicle. I might have been able to get in a bath, but I might also have needed help to get out and I might also have been washing at the sink like my Nan! None of us think it will happen to us.

Artandco · 30/01/2015 13:39

I would just put a large shower in I think. A walk in one.

Then storage at opposite end

Then make bathroom upstairs the bathroom with just a bath in.

Then the large bathroom with shower will be for daily use of showering/ toilet/ teeth etc, and upstairs one relaxing for bath with candles for adults, and storage basket to hide away children's toys)

PigletJohn · 30/01/2015 14:45

If you ever sell the house, UK buyers will want a bath.

An L-shaped bath needs a lot of hot water, but is OK if you have a 250litre unvented cylinder. It will take all day to fill with a combi.

A separate shower is very convenient. If you can find space for a shower room with powerful extractor fan, it will be very useful.

minipie · 30/01/2015 15:55

I'm tempted to say just a large shower and have the bath upstairs. but is the bathroom upstairs practical to eg bathe children in?

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