Which is Right For Your Bathroom Remodel?
One of the biggest decisions homeowners face during a bathroom remodel is whether to install a walk-in shower, keep a bathtub, or incorporate both. While design trends have certainly shifted over the years, there is no universal answer. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, the size of your bathroom, how you use the space, and your long-term plans for the home.
Throughout DuPage County and surrounding communities, more homeowners are moving away from traditional builder-grade bathrooms and creating spaces that feel comfortable, functional, and tailored to their needs. For some, that means replacing an unused tub with a spacious walk-in shower. For others, a deep soaking tub remains an essential part of creating a relaxing retreat.
Understanding the advantages of each option can help you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Why Walk-In Showers Have Become So Popular
Walk-in showers have become one of the most requested features in modern bathroom remodeling. Their popularity is driven by both aesthetics and practicality.
A well-designed walk-in shower creates an open, spacious appearance that can make even a modest-sized bathroom feel larger. Frameless glass enclosures allow natural and artificial light to travel throughout the room, creating a bright and inviting environment.
Beyond appearance, homeowners appreciate the convenience of walk-in showers. Many people simply prefer the speed and ease of showering over taking baths. A larger shower can also accommodate features that transform an everyday routine into a more enjoyable experience, including rainfall shower heads, handheld sprayers, built-in benches, recessed storage niches, and multiple body sprays.
For homeowners thinking about the future, walk-in showers can also support aging-in-place goals. Curbless or low-threshold entries provide easier accessibility without sacrificing style.
The Enduring Appeal of Bathtubs
Despite the growing popularity of walk-in showers, bathtubs remain an important feature for many homeowners.
For families with young children, a bathtub often remains a practical necessity. Parents frequently find bathing young children easier in a tub than in a shower, making it a valuable feature in hall bathrooms and shared family spaces.
Many homeowners also appreciate the relaxation that a bathtub provides. After a long day, soaking in a warm bath can offer a level of comfort and stress relief that a shower simply cannot replicate. This is one reason freestanding soaking tubs have become increasingly popular in primary bathroom remodels.
Modern tubs are available in a wide range of styles, from sleek contemporary designs to timeless traditional models. When paired with beautiful tile, elegant lighting, and thoughtful design, a soaking tub can become the focal point of an entire bathroom.
When Replacing a Tub Makes Sense
Many older homes feature standard alcove bathtubs that are rarely used. In these situations, replacing the tub with a walk-in shower often provides more daily value.
Homeowners frequently discover that removing an underutilized tub allows for a larger shower, additional storage, or a more open floor plan. This can be especially beneficial in primary bathrooms where functionality and comfort are the primary goals.
If no one in the household regularly takes baths, converting a tub to a walk-in shower may be one of the most impactful improvements that can be made during a remodel.
Why Many Homeowners Choose Both
If space and budget allow, combining a walk-in shower with a soaking tub often provides the best of both worlds.
This approach has become increasingly common in larger primary bathroom remodels. A spacious shower offers convenience for everyday use, while a freestanding tub creates a relaxing retreat when desired.
The combination also provides flexibility for changing lifestyles and can appeal to a broader range of future buyers should the home ever be sold.
Other Factors to Consider
While personal preference plays a major role, there are a few practical considerations worth discussing during the planning process.
Bathroom size is often a determining factor. Some smaller bathrooms simply cannot comfortably accommodate both features. In these cases, prioritizing the feature that will be used most often generally makes the most sense.
Budget may also influence the decision. Custom walk-in showers often involve tile work, glass enclosures, and specialty plumbing fixtures. Freestanding tubs and their associated plumbing requirements can also add costs. Understanding your priorities early in the design process can help allocate your remodeling budget effectively.
Finally, consider how long you plan to remain in your home. Homeowners intending to stay for many years often prioritize daily comfort and usability over resale considerations.
Finding the Right Solution for Your Home
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub. The right decision depends on how you use your bathroom, what features are most important to your family, and how you envision the space functioning in the future.
Many homeowners ultimately discover that the most successful bathroom remodel is not the one that follows the latest trend, but the one that best supports their lifestyle.
Whether you’re considering a spacious walk-in shower, a luxurious soaking tub, or a combination of both, careful planning and thoughtful design can help create a bathroom that feels comfortable, beautiful, and functional for years to come.
For more bathroom design inspiration, be sure to read our articles on Bathroom Remodeling Ideas for Every Style and Budget, Top Bathroom Remodeling Trends Homeowners Are Choosing This Year, and Are Heated Bathroom Floors Worth It?