Bathtubs have long been considered a staple of bathroom design, but new data from MyBuilder tells a very different story about how our cleaning habits are changing, with millions of Brits admitting they don’t actually use theirs.
According to the study from MyBuilder, a third of people in the UK haven’t used their bath in over a year, with the results consistent across every age range and gender. It also revealed that 34% are unhappy with their bathroom and would like to remodel it.
So, does this mean that the bathtub is officially over? And should you swap yours for a shower-only setup? I spoke with bathroom installers, designers, retailers and architects to find out.
Are bathtubs in decline?
"We’ve definitely seen a shift towards showers over baths in recent years," says Oliver and Vic Slovak, founders of VOSC Bathrooms & Interiors. "For a lot of people, showers are simply more practical for everyday life: quicker, more accessible and better suited to modern routines."
The decline in bathtubs isn't just due to people using them less – Oliver and Vic have found that many renovators are choosing to remove them altogether, making room for large walk-in shower ideas or additional floor space.
Olivia Marshall, Own Brand Category Manager at Plumbworld, has also noticed a similar trend, with more customers choosing showers, a range of different types of shower enclosures, and wet rooms for their bathroom renovations. Findings from The Shower Market Report back this up.
"A shower is likely to suit the lifestyle of a typical busy household as it’s more convenient, provides greater accessibility for older people or those with disabilities, and can use less water depending on length of usage. All these factors make showers a no-brainer in most modern UK homes today," she says.
Chris Lawson, Founder of Online Drawing UK, has also seen a rise in homeowners wanting their unused bathtubs removed – particularly in small UK homes where a walk-in shower would improve space and accessibility, and in households without young children.
While interior designer Francesca Leat hasn’t seen a decline in demand, she says more people are finding creative ways to incorporate both a shower and a bath.
"Whether it’s reconfiguring a layout for a separate shower room or including a shower over the bath, my clients are usually in favour of including a minimum of one bath in a project. Something I have noticed is an increase in interest for steam showers and spa enclosures," she explains.
Oliver and Vic Slovak are the founders of VOSC Bathrooms & Interiors, a specialist bathroom installation company based in St Albans, working across Hertfordshire and North London. Founded in 2021, VOSC delivers multiple full bathroom installations each month, focusing on high-quality workmanship, waterproofing expertise and practical, well-executed wet room solutions.
Olivia Marshall is the Brand Category Manager at online bathroom and kitchen retailer Plumbworld. She works with a wide range of household brands and specialises in products and topics relating to bathroom, kitchen, heating and plumbing.
Chris Lawson is the founder of Online Drawing UK and has owned architectural businesses for over 15 years. He's worked on projects across the UK, winning multiple awards for his work and has been featured in publications globally, including National Geographic, the New York Post, and countless other magazines.
Francesca Leat is the Owner, Director and Head Designer of Francesca Leat Interiors, a boutique studio renowned for crafting timeless, elegant residential spaces that balance beauty, comfort and functionality. With over a decade of experience, Francesca has developed a distinctive design approach rooted in thoughtful detail, rich colour palettes and bespoke finishes that reflect each client’s personality and lifestyle.
Is it over for bathtubs?
While bathtubs aren't as popular as they used to be, they certainly aren't obsolete, with all four bathroom experts confirming that they're still a valuable fixture to have.
Oliver and Vic Slovak have noticed that some property owners – landlords in particular – usually prefer to keep their bathtub, as it appeals to a wider range of tenants, such as families with young children.
Chris Lawson also confirms that "bathtubs aren't disappearing across the board" and says they're still considered essential for resale value, with many estate agents recommending that you keep at least one in the property. He has also seen demand in higher-end projects where homeowners have made the bath the focal design feature.
Olivia Marshall adds, "Whilst we’ve been seeing a rise in sales of shower enclosures, we’re still seeing steady customer demand for baths too. We don’t see bathtubs disappearing, but demand may shift towards more space-conscious or design-focused types of bath alongside a shower in the main bathroom."
Shop these beautiful bathtubs
This modern slipper bathtub is focal point-worthy, featuring a unique curved design crafted from solid stone.
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With brushed brass hinges and a freestanding design, this tub proves that shower baths can be both practical and stylish.
After speaking with these bathroom experts, it’s clear that the bathtub isn't over yet – it just being reimagined for smaller spaces and luxurious designs.
For more advice, our guide on how to replace a bathtub with a shower has lots of useful tips.
