Thinking about a bathroom renovation and torn between a sleek walk-in shower and a classic bath? Here’s a clear, Dublin-focused guide to help you choose with confidence.
Quick Summary
| Factor | Walk-In Shower | Traditional Bath |
|---|---|---|
| Space Efficiency | Excellent for small rooms; frameless glass increases visual space | Needs more floor area; shower-over-bath is a compromise |
| Daily Use | Fast, convenient, accessible | Relaxation; better for bathing small children |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Minimal grout with large tiles; no tub to scrub | More surfaces & edges; shower screens and tub to clean |
| Resale Appeal | Strong in urban/downsizer markets; premium look | Families often like at least one bath in the home |
| Aesthetics | Contemporary, open, hotel-style | Classic and cosy; statement tubs add luxury |
When a Walk-In Shower Is the Better Choice
- Compact bathrooms: Frameless glass and a recessed, low-profile tray make the room feel bigger and brighter, ideal for many Dublin terraces and semis.
- Fast morning routines: If most of your household showers, maximise convenience and flow.
- Clean, modern aesthetic: Large-format tiles, minimal grout lines and linear drains create a luxury, seamless look.
- Future-proofing: Low thresholds and wider entries improve day-to-day comfort for all ages without becoming a “mobility bathroom”.
When a Traditional Bath Makes More Sense
- Young families: Bathing small children is easier with a tub.
- Soakers and spa-lovers: If a long soak matters, you’ll use it—choose a high-quality acrylic or stone tub for comfort and heat retention.
- Homes with multiple bathrooms: Keep a bath somewhere in the house for wider resale appeal; go walk-in shower in the ensuite.
Space & Layout Considerations for Irish Homes
Typical room sizes (e.g. ~1.7–2.4 m length walls) can be tight. Thoughtful planning ensures great results:
- Tray size & recessing: A recessed, full-width tray with a single frameless glass panel gives a premium, open look and reliable drainage.
- Tile strategy: Large-format porcelain reduces grout lines and maintenance—especially helpful with Dublin’s hard water.
- Ventilation: Specify quiet, efficient extraction to manage moisture and protect finishes.
- Lighting: Layer task, ambient and accent lighting; consider warm LEDs in niches and mirrors.
- Storage: Built-in niches, mirrored cabinets and floating vanities keep surfaces clutter-free.
Cost, Quality & Value
Both options can be high-end. What drives cost (and long-term value) is the build quality:
- Waterproofing & preparation: Proper substrate, tanking, and falls to waste are essential for a leak-free, long-lasting bathroom.
- Glass & hardware: Choose high-quality, easy-clean glass and solid, reliable hinges, channels and brackets.
- Labour craftsmanship: An in-house team working to a single standard typically delivers better finish and fewer delays than a patchwork of subcontractors.
Resale Considerations in Dublin
Urban professionals and downsizers often prefer a stylish walk-in shower, while family buyers appreciate at least one bath in the home. If you have two bathrooms, a smart compromise is an elegant walk-in shower in the ensuite and a bath/shower in the main bathroom.
Our Recommendation (Based on Hundreds of Luxury Fit-Outs)
For many Dublin homes, a frameless walk-in shower with a recessed tray, large-format tiles and a rainfall + handheld combination delivers the best balance of style, comfort and practicality. If you have space or a second bathroom, keep one well-designed bath for versatility and broader buyer appeal.
FAQs
Do walk-in showers leak?
Not when they’re engineered correctly. The key is proper falls to waste, tanking, high-quality sealing and professional installation.
Is a bath essential for resale?
Not always, but families often prefer at least one bath somewhere in the property. In one-bathroom homes, consider a shower-over-bath if you need broad appeal.
Can you convert my existing bath to a walk-in shower in a small room?
Yes. With careful layout, a recessed tray, and a single glass panel, even very compact bathrooms can feel bigger and function better.
Why Choose Bespoke Bathrooms
- Full in-house team: We don’t subcontract—design, project management and installation are handled by our specialists.
- Premium finish: Large-format tiling, frameless glass and meticulous waterproofing as standard.
- Local expertise: We serve Dublin and, for larger projects, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath.
- Work guarantee: Clear timelines, tidy sites and a finish we stand over.
Ready to plan your bathroom? Get a tailored recommendation for your space and lifestyle—book a consultation today.