8 shower bath ideas for a space-saving yet stylish solution

The world of bathing often seems firmly split into two camps: you either love a long luxurious soak in the bath or prefer a fast invigorating shower to start your day. But your household might be split, so what's the solution? Shower bath ideas, of course.

With many of us dealing with small bathrooms, choosing both a bath and a shower might be out of the question. So, doubling up for a 2-in-1 approach will mean that you don't have to make any sacrifices. Thankfully, there are plenty of shower bath ideas that allow you to combine the two options in a sleek and stylish way.

Part of the appeal with walk-in shower ideas, is the element of luxe it brings. Yet it's entirely possible to add a sense of luxury to the daily lather with these space-saving shower bath ideas.

Shower bath ideas

Whether your preference is for a freestanding tub or a fitted bath, you can incorporate attractive shower ideas too. Consider stylish shower heads, eye-catching tiles, designer screens or elegant curtains. These are the details that will turn a bathroom from basic to beautiful.

1. Include a spot for storage

When it comes to shower storage ideas, a shower bath does pose some issues in keeping all of your go-to products balanced precariously around the tub. So, making use of a window ledge or building a ledge into the wall will provide invaluable storage for all of your bits and bobs.

Building one in is easier than it sounds too, as bathrooms often require a false stud wall to hide the plumbing behind. This then presents an ideal opportunity to include a recess for storage and even atmospheric lighting (adequately IP rated of course).

2. Make an impact with tiles

There are plenty of gorgeous shower tile ideas to choose from and opting for an on-trend colour and interesting lay pattern will instantly revamp a shower bath idea.

'When putting together tile designs, there are three main things to consider: colour, texture and size,' says Louise Swannell, head of creative design at Walls and Floors. 'Think about the bathroom as a whole and choose a shower tile that complements the entire space. If you have a neutral scheme, you could continue this into the shower. Or opt for a bolder tile to make a feature of the space.'

We love using green subway tiles to create a stylish herringbone pattern - it's the perfect bridge between traditional and trendy interiors. These green tiles from B&Q are a great choice.

3. Add two shower heads

When you're considering shower ideas, the height of the shower head is important, whether you'll be standing in the bath or on a shower tray. This is particularly pertinent if it's a shower that the whole family will need to use. As glamorous as fixed overhead showers are, this may not be the best choice if it's where the kids bathe too.

'When it comes to selecting the best shower to use over a bath, it’s important to first consider how the space will be used,' says Jeevan Seth, CEO of JTP. 'Homeowners with pets may prefer a hand shower which can be easily adjusted as required.'

Either opt for an adjustable rail so that the shower head can easily be moved up and down to suit individual body heights, or opt for an extra shower head closer to the bath that gives more flexibility.

4. Tuck a freestanding bath into a corner

In a tight spot, instead of boxing in a fitted bath with a side panel, choosing a freestanding tub and situating it in a corner can give the illusion of more space. 

'With a smaller bathroom, the trick is to maximise the visible area of the floor, so use a free-standing bath on feet or a plinth,' says Phil Etherden, managing director, The Albion Bath Co. 'If possible, position your bath so it’s the first piece seen when you open the door. Bath tubs are now considered decorative as well as functional, so use the bath as a feature piece.'

5. Go for digital controls

The height of luxury is not having to wait for the water to warm up before stepping in to the shower. Opting for digital controls allows you to set the water temperature so it's just right.   It also enables you to set a maximum temperature. This is great if kids will be using the shower, as it means they're unlikely to scald themselves on hot water. It also means you don't waste a drop.

There's also a timer and a clock on most models which alerts you when it's time to jump out. This is great for saving water and energy. Current suggestions are for a four-minute shower to keep your bills down.

6. Add impact with monochrome

A great way to add impact to a shower bath scheme is with a dramatic black and white monochrome palette. It's also an easy palette to get right. Once you've chosen the best location for your shower bath and selected your sanitaryware, you can then choose your wall and floor tiles, and paint shades.

'Using different sized or styles of tiles can add interest to an interior; it allows for the creation of a pattern without being too busy,' says Colin Lincoln-Evans, buyer at Tile Mountain. 'Colour and finish is a consideration; paler colours will help in bathroom where there is little or no natural light, and gloss finishes help reflect light.'

7. Choose the right shower screen

If you like sleek shapes and clean lines, an L-shaped shower bath will give a contemporary look. For a softer style, P-shaped shower baths are curved at the wider shower end. Whichever you opt for, make sure you choose the right screen.

'Glass shower screens work really well in a shower bath and are available in different shapes to match bath styles,' says Jay O’Neill, director, Bathroom Mountain. 'For example an L shaped bath requires a screen with a small return on it so as to prevent splashes. The P shaped baths have curved screens.'

8. Make it the centrepiece

Having a shower bath doesn't mean you're limited to standard fitted models. If you have your heart set on a freestanding tub, this can still form the centrepiece of your bathroom ideas, and incorporate a shower. There are some gorgeous traditional-style shower rails, which can be suspended to allow you to hang curtains around the entire tub to prevent water splashes.

'We all aspire to the sumptuous free-standing bath in the middle of a large room,' says Phil Etherden, managing director, The Albion Bath Co. 'However, consider that most bathrooms, even in large houses, are no more than 12 square metres!'

Plan carefully and you can still create a stunning result. There is a great range of versatile, over-bath shower systems available meaning one can achieve a luxurious spa-like feel which is still practical for family life too.'

FAQs

What is a shower bath?

 Shower baths combine the luxury of a bath with the functionality of a shower. This makes them a great space-saving solution for smaller bathrooms. Of course, you can install a shower over most types of bath. However new shower bath models are specifically shaped to be slightly wider at the shower end. They are generally P-shaped or L-shaped, so you have more room to manoeuvre without having a separate shower and bath.

Is a shower over the bath a good idea?

Yes, particularly in small bathrooms where it's not possible to have a separate walk-in shower and bath, as it offers flexibility and saves space. 'Bar valves and bath shower mixers are popular choices for over-the-bath, as they are practical and easy to use,' says Kate Lovell, Head of Marketing, Aqualisa. 'Bath shower mixers can be deck-mounted (to replace existing taps), while providing the added benefit of a shower. They can also include an adjustable rail kit for full shower functionality, be wall mounted or have a handset that can be placed in a docking station.'

If you know how to install a shower head, it's a task a good DIYer could take on themselves. If the pipework has already been installed by a qualified plumber it's relatively easy to upgrade an old shower head.

What's the best shower for over a bath?

'Choosing the best type of shower for over a bath can depend on available space,' says Jay O’Neill, Director, Bathroom Mountain. 'A ceiling mounted shower can provide a larger shower head but will require additional installation work. A wall mounted shower can be easier to install especially when choosing an exposed shower system.'

'For a little luxury and convenience we recommend a three-way shower. This comprises an overhead fixed shower head, a hand held shower for convenience and a bath filler, removing the need for mounting separate taps on the side of the bath.'

Shower baths are the simplest way to save space in your bathroom, so use this as inspo for styling your new spot.