Shower Baths: The Ultimate Guide for Australian Homes
It's the classic Aussie bathroom problem, isn't it? You're dreaming of a long, hot soak in a tub, but the reality of your floor plan means you also need a practical spot for the morning shower. For years, it felt like you had to pick one. A bath or a shower. Luxury or practicality. But you don't have to choose. The shower bath is the clever, space-savvy hero that gives you the best of both. We've seen countless bathroom renos here at The Blue Space transformed by this simple idea, so we thought we’d pull back the curtain and show you everything there is to know.
So, What Is a Shower Bath, Really?
Let's get straight to it. A shower bath is a bathtub that's been specifically designed to be great for showering in, as well as bathing. Simple. While you can put a shower head over any old tub, these are built for the job. How? They usually have a wider, flatter section at the tap end. This gives you more elbow room and a more stable, secure area to stand. Often this standing area has a slip-resistant finish for extra grip. The whole thing is designed to be paired with a glass screen to stop water from splashing everywhere. It's not a wild new invention, but it's a brilliant solution to a very common headache.
Who Are Shower Baths Good For?
Honestly, they’re one of the most adaptable bits of bathroom kit you can buy. They just work in so many different homes. Their biggest selling point is saving space, but it's more than just that.
You'll find them in:
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The Main Family Bathroom. This is their natural habitat. Perfect for washing the kids, and then perfect for mum or dad to have a proper shower in the morning. One fixture that keeps the whole family happy.
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Small Bathrooms & Ensuites. Got a bathroom where a separate bath and shower would make it feel like a closet? The shower bath is your answer. It means you can have a proper bathtub without giving up that essential shower.
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Guest Bathrooms. Putting one in the spare bathroom is a nice touch. It gives your guests the choice of a quick rinse or a relaxing soak.
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Apartments and Units. When every square metre counts, the shower bath is king. It delivers full function without eating up precious floor space.
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Rental Properties. If you own an investment property, adding a shower bath makes it instantly more appealing. It's a feature that works for almost any tenant you can think of, from singles to couples or a family with kids.
All The Different Flavours: A Look at Styles, Sizes and More
Right, so you're interested. But "shower bath" isn't just one item on a shelf. It's a whole family of products. There's a heap of choice out there, which is great because it means you can find one that genuinely feels like it was made for your room and your routine.
How They're Installed
The installation style sets the whole tone for the room.
Built-In
Most shower baths are Built-In (also called inset). You've seen this a million times - it's where the bath is tucked against the walls inside a tiled surround. This gives you that clean, finished look with no weird gaps to clean, and the tiled ledge is always handy for your stuff. A huge number of built-in baths are designed with showering in mind.
Back to Wall Baths
Then you have Back to Wall Baths. These give you that slick, modern freestanding look, but they sit right up against the wall. This is a game-changer for cleaning – no more awkward dusty gap behind the tub! A back to wall bath is a fantastic, stylish base for a shower bath system.
Corner Baths
Got a tricky layout? A Corner Bath might be the answer. These can turn an odd corner into a really spacious feature. Corner baths naturally have a wide, open end that's just begging to be used as a comfortable shower zone.
Freestanding Baths
What about Freestanding Baths? This is a bit more of a designer look and less common for showers. But it can be done. If you place a freestanding bath against a tiled wall, you can fit it with a shower and a special screen. It takes more planning with your tradies, but the result is a real showstopper.
Island Baths
We should also mention Island Baths. These are finished on all sides and are designed to be a true centrepiece, installed away from walls. Because of this, island baths are not really suitable for a shower-over-bath setup.
The Shape of Things
The actual shape of the tub is what makes it a great showering space.
P-Shaped Baths are very popular. They have a curved screen and a wider, curved section at the tap end, like a letter 'P'. That curve gives you a surprisingly roomy shower space and feels a little softer and more organic in the room.
L-Shaped Baths are the modern, angular version. The shower end is squared-off, creating a sharp 'L' shape. This gives you a generous standing area with clean lines that look fantastic in a contemporary bathroom.
Straight Shower Baths are the quiet achievers. They look like a standard rectangular bath but are engineered for showering. They might be a touch wider, have a non-slip base, and are designed to perfectly match a straight glass screen. It’s a timeless look.
You can get creative, too. A beautiful oval bath built into a tiled hob can work well. Some back-to-wall slipper baths can also be adapted. While very niche for showering, unique shapes like square or round baths exist, but they make waterproofing for a shower much more complicated.
Let's Talk Size
Picking the right size isn't just about measuring the gap in your bathroom. Of course, it has to fit. But it also has to feel generous enough for you to enjoy using it.
For tight spots, you'll find plenty of small baths available. Sizes like 1200mm and 1300mm are lifesavers in small ensuites. Most typical family bathrooms in Australia will comfortably take a 1400mm or the ever-popular 1500mm tub. If you can stretch the tape measure a bit further, a 1600mm or 1700mm bath adds that extra touch of comfort for a good soak.
But what if you've got a bigger space and a bigger vision? Well, that's where our collection of large bathtubs really shines. An 1800mm shower bath isn't just a bathtub; it's an experience. The shower zone feels huge, and the bath itself is deep and long enough for a proper, luxurious soak. These bigger tubs are a dream for taller people or anyone who hates feeling cramped. They're proof that you don't have to give up on indulgence to be practical.
What Are They Made Of?
The stuff a tub is made from has a big say in how it feels, how it lasts, and even how long your bathwater stays toasty.
Acrylic
The most common material you'll see is Acrylic. There's a good reason for it. A good acrylic bathtub is warm when you touch it, a breeze to keep clean, and won't break your installer's back. It can be moulded into all sorts of clever, comfy shapes. When it's properly reinforced, it feels strong and stable under your feet.
Stone Composite
Want that day-spa vibe at home? You need to look at Stone Composite. These stone baths, made from a mix of natural minerals and resin, have a stunning, silky feel. They're also amazing at holding onto heat, so you can soak for longer. They are certainly heavy, but that weight gives them a substantial, high-quality presence in the room.
Steel Metal
Don't forget the old-school hero: Steel Enamel. A steel bath is built like a tank. The enamel coating is tough as nails, fighting off scratches and stains for years and years. It can be a bit brisk to the touch at first, but it warms up in a flash. That total rigidity also makes for a super-sturdy platform when you're taking a shower.
The Real-World Benefits of a Shower Bath
So, why would you choose one? It’s not just about cramming things in. There are real, tangible benefits.
1. It's a Space-Saving Genius
This is the big one. You get two fixtures in the space of one. This can make a small bathroom feel huge. It opens up your layout, giving you more options for storage or just more room to breathe.
2. It's Kinder to Your Wallet
Buying one fixture is almost always cheaper than buying two. The savings continue with installation. Your plumber has less work to do, which means lower labour costs for you. One tap set instead of two also helps the budget.
3. It's Made for Family Life
A shower bath handles it all. Easy, safe bath time for the kids. Quick, efficient showers for the grown-ups. It’s a fixture that adapts to your family's needs as they change over the years.
4. It Can Boost Your Home's Value
A lot of buyers, especially families, won't even look at a house that doesn't have a bathtub. By having a shower bath, you tick that box while still providing a proper shower. It makes your home more appealing to more people when it's time to sell.
5. You Don't Have to Sacrifice Style
Long gone are the days of boring, functional tubs. With amazing designs like fluted baths and a range of colours, your practical shower bath can also be the best-looking thing in the room.
A Few Final Things to Think About
Choosing the bath is the main event, but a few other details will make or break your setup.
The Shower Screen is Non-Negotiable
You absolutely need a good quality bath screen. It's what contains the water and prevents your bathroom floor from turning into a swimming pool. A wet floor is messy and dangerous. You can get simple fixed screens, hinged screens that swing out of the way, or even folding screens that concertina back for full access to the tub.
Taps and Shower Heads
Think about your tapware. A wall mixer with a built-in diverter is a clean, popular look. The diverter just flicks the water flow from the bath spout up to the shower head. Consider an adjustable rail shower – they're brilliant for families with people of all different heights.
Colour and Finish
Sure, white baths are a classic for a reason. They look clean and fresh. But you have other options! A bold black bath can look incredible and very high-end. Or for a more calming, natural vibe, the muted tones of our clay baths collection can create a real sanctuary.
Brands You Can Count On
A new bath is a big purchase, so you want it to last. That's why we stock brands with a solid reputation for quality. You'll find great, reliable options from Aussie favourites like Caroma and Decina. If you love European design, check out Turner Hastings or BelBagno. For that high-end stone feel, Kaskade Stone is a standout. And we have fantastic ranges from other top brands like Bao, Fienza, ADP, and Clark. A good brand name means quality you can trust.
And don't forget, if you want to dial up the relaxation, many of these can come as spa baths with jets. Imagine that – a practical family shower bath that doubles as a personal hydrotherapy spa.
The humble shower bath really is a quiet hero in many Aussie bathrooms. It's the simple, clever way to get the function you need every day, without giving up on the comfort and style you want. Just have a think about what your space and your family needs, and you'll find a great option to pull your whole reno together.
