Are you a shower or a tub person? For me, it depends on the day and my mood. Sometimes I want to lounge in the tub and watch the Real Housewives for an hour, other times I want to get in and get out and move on with my day. Over the years I’ve written articles and done interviews with designers about which is better, and honestly, no one can agree. When it comes to showers vs tubs, it really is a personal choice.

Over the last few years a lot of people have done away with tubs in favor of luxury showers, and while they’re certainly nice to have, I think it’s a big mistake. Bathtubs are great for relaxing sore muscles and taking time out for yourself, but more importantly, they’re a big deal when it comes to the resale value of your home. I spent two years in an apartment with a beautiful marble shower and no tub, and let me tell you, it was an issue.

Since a lot of people going through renovations have a tough time making this decision I thought I would throw together a quick list of pros and cons. Ultimately it comes down to personal choice, but you should at least think about these points.

Bathtub Pros

• Great for taking time out and relaxing
• Ideal for bathing small children
• Available in a variety of sizes and colors to suit all sizes of bathroom
• Because they’re finished on all sides, freestanding tubs can be placed just about anywhere (plumbing permitting, obviously)
• A wide variety of design choices (style, material, tile surrounds etc.)
• Plenty of special features available including air jets, whirlpool versions, etc.

Bathtub Cons

• It can be difficult for older people and people with injuries to get in and out
• They take up a lot of space, which can limit layout options in small bathrooms.
• You need a water heater with the adequate capacity to fill the tub with hot water
• It can be time-consuming to fill a tub and bathe

Shower Pros

• They use less water than bathtubs
• They’re quick and convenient.
• Easy access for people with mobility issues. They can also be equipped with grab bars, non-slip tiles and benches.
• Small footprint (although there’s currently a trend towards large, luxurious stalls)
• Multiple high-end features are available, including rain showers, jets and steam options.

Shower Cons

• Not practical for people with young children. In fact, shower-only homes can be a hard sell to families.
• Shower doors require quite a bit of cleaning and maintenance to keep them from getting visible lime and calcium stains.
• Leaks can be a pain to fix. They must be fixed properly, glued properly, and allowed to dry for the proper amount of time, leaving you with no way to bathe for a lengthy period of time.

There will never be one right answer when it comes to the showers vs tubs debate. So go with what your family prefers, but always keep the resale value of your home in mind.

Feature photo courtesy of Moving the McGillivrays