This choice is based on several factors: space, time, the family unit and, of course, aesthetic taste. Our shower or bathtub guide
Featuring topics:
- Consumption
- Types of shower enclosure
- Types of bathtub
- Bathtub with built-in shower
- Ercos Ponsi solutions
This is one of the most frequent dilemmas when renovating a house.
Shower cabinet or bathtub: which is the best choice? In the best case scenario, i.e. a house that allows you to have two bathrooms of adequate size, the choice is simple: you can do both and enjoy all the advantages. In addition, there are now solutions that combine the comfort of the bathtub and the practicality of the shower.
The decision must be based on many parameters that address various aspects: the space available, lifestyle, the makeup of the household, consumption and taste. Whether you opt for a bathtub or a shower, there is an array of solutions to match all budgets.
Shower cabinet or bathtub? Pros and cons
Space
One of the main factors in choosing whether to install a bathtub or a shower in your bathroom is space. If the space is small, the choice may be forced in favour of the shower. On the other hand, if the space is large enough, you can give free rein to your imagination and personal taste.
Time
For those with a busy life and little time between commitments, a shower is certainly the most practical solution. Bathing in the bathtub takes time, and can constitute a real relaxation session: just lie back for a few extra minutes with your eyes closed, listening to nice music.
Family
If many people share the house, the simplest option is to have a shower. If there are children in the family, however, a bathtub may be the way to go. A bathtub makes bath time easier, with the help of toys that can distract children and make it more enjoyable. Accessibility, on the other hand, is the primary objective when furnishing the bathroom of a house where elderly or disabled people live. In this case, a shower equipped with special aids is the most practical solution. However, accessible bathtubs also exist.
Consumption
In theory it takes less water for a shower than for a bath. It takes a lot more water to fill the bathtub – about 150/160 litres – than for a short shower. However, habits also play an important role. If the shower lasts more than 5–10 minutes, you risk using as much water as if you were in the bath.
Types of shower enclosure
When choosing a shower, there are many alternatives available, depending on space and personal taste.
Shower box in a niche (or between two walls)
An elegant and practical solution, ideal for modern and contemporary style bathrooms. The shower door can open in various ways: sliding, hinged, saloon or folding. A square or rectangular shower tray will have to be installed on the floor, according to needs.
Walk-in
An example of refinement and simplicity, this type of shower enclosure is open on one or more sides. There are no movable panels, and access is easy, especially if a flush-to-floor solution is used. The only drawback is that it is not watertight. It can also be built in masonry where space permits.
Corner shower cabinet
This is one of the most widely used types, because of its versatility and efficient use of space. The cabinet can be square or rounded, and the shower trays come in various shapes and sizes.
3-sided shower enclosure
A very attractive but not widely known solution. It can be characterised by two fixed walls and a sliding door (or a hinged door), or one fixed wall combined with a sliding corner door.
Types of bathtub
If you opt for a bathtub, alongside typical solutions such as the built-in and corner bathtub, different shapes and positions can be found and explored.
Corner bathtub
Ideal as a space saver in the classic rectangular shape, it can assume a more distinctive appeal with a square shape, perhaps with the non-wall part rounded.
Freestanding bathtub
This type of bathtub has a strong visual impact and can be placed anywhere in the bathroom, either next to a wall or in the centre of the room. In larger bathrooms, this is one of the most popular solutions among designers.
Bathtub with built-in shower
Today there is a third option. That is to choose a bathtub with built-in shower. Space permitting, this is a choice that can offer the many advantages of both solutions, including accessibility for those with special needs.
Ercos Ponsi solutions
For both shower enclosures and bathtubs, Ercos Ponsi offers a wide range of excellent solutions to satisfy the most varied needs and tastes. Just take a look at the materials used. Composite marble, used in the Beta, Gamma, Sigma and Lambda series of freestanding bathtubs, is a totally natural material, derived from Dolomite rocks. A distinguishing feature is its extraordinary strength and long life.
Acrylic (the London, Ibiza, Mykonos, Santorini and Rodi series of bathtubs) is instead known for its pleasant feel, a warm tone that is particularly suitable for use in the bathroom, as well as its versatility and adaptability to a wide variety of shapes. Not to be underestimated is ceramic - used, for example in Carpet shower trays - a classic material for sanitaryware, which has several advantages, especially ease of cleaning without the use of special products.