Bathtub or Walk-In Shower? Designers Share What Adds Value

In recent years, it seems as though bathtubs have been fading into the background. If you’re in the habit of scrolling through local listing photos or watching renovation reveals on social media, you might have noticed that tubs are being replaced with standing showers at a rapid rate. A few reasons homeowners are opting for showers over tubs include ease of cleaning, accessibility, and a more streamlined look. In smaller homes, removing a bathtub can also free up valuable square footage, leaving more room for storage, but some people never take baths and don’t see the need for one in their home.

Design trends tend to swing like a pendulum. What feels dated one decade usually returns in a new way (often with a twist) the next. This is where the bathtub conversation gets interesting. While some people view tubs as bulky and unnecessary, others see them as essential, whether for self-care or resale value. So, are bathtubs on their way out, or should you hold onto yours? We asked industry experts to weigh in on today’s tubs, and they revealed why the fixture is here to stay.

Why Homeowners Are Moving Away From Bathtubs

According to Jean-Jacques L’Henaff, vice president of design at American Standard, the shift away from bathtubs is not a figment of our imagination. “We’re seeing tubs being removed and replaced by showers across all price points,” L’Henaff says. “Showers are overall more efficient, and with today’s custom options, homeowners can really personalize their shower experience.”

For homeowners aging in place (or those who plan to do so), walk-in showers are more logical as they’re more accessible. Oversized showers with features like rainfall heads and built-in benches provide just as much of a spa-like experience as a tub. From an everyday standpoint, many people only have time for a quick shower rather than a leisurely bath, making the tub feel like wasted real estate. So, for households where baths are rarely taken, removing the tub makes sense.

Why You Should Consider Keeping at Least One Bathtub

Despite this shift, L’Henaff is quick to point out that you might want to rethink writing off bathtubs completely, especially outside the primary suite. “Bathtubs are still important for young families,” he says. “As this new generation of homeowners enters the market, the classic alcove tub in a kids’ bathroom will always be critical.”

Anyone who has tried bathing a toddler in anything other than a bathtub knows the struggle. If you have small kids or are planning to add them to your family soon, a tub will make bedtime routines safer and easier. If your kids come with fur, that’s another reason to consider keeping a tub. “Many people use these tubs to wash their pets, and with 66 percent of U.S. households owning at least one pet in 2024, that need is not disappearing soon,” L’Henaff says. “They’re incredibly practical, and from a resale perspective, it’s very important to have at least one bathtub in the home.”

Glenn Cotton, president of Bath Fitter, believes tubs are here to stay and agrees on their worth. “Bathtubs aren’t going anywhere,” he says. “In fact, they still play a major role in both everyday living and long-term resale value.” While a tub-free home might work perfectly for you as the current owner, many buyers often expect at least one bathtub. “In modern homes, a bathtub is a practical staple and one that keeps your resale prospects stronger,” says Cotton. “It’s a feature that is not always talked about but absolutely noticed when missing.” So, while not having a bathtub in your home may not be a total dealbreaker, keep in mind that it can narrow the pool of buyers.

If You’re Renovating, Consider a Freestanding Bathtub

While alcove tubs are practical, freestanding tubs are having their moment. “Wellness is one of the biggest trends shaping the industry right now, which keeps freestanding tubs very relevant as a place to relax and unwind,” L’Henaff says. “Because of this growing interior design trend and desire for wellness spaces in the home, I don’t see bathtubs going away entirely.”

Instead of thinking of the bathtub as competing with the shower, view it as complementing it. Homeowners who have the space can opt for both a walk-in shower for daily use and a freestanding tub for soaking on their day off. The tub becomes less about necessity and more about intention, signaling that the bathroom is a retreat rather than a purely functional room.

Cotton echoes L’Henaff’s sentiment: “As wellness continues to influence residential design, bathrooms are increasingly planned as spaces for comfort and recovery rather than purely utility,” he says. “Bathtubs remain a key element, supporting everyday routines such as evening wind-downs, at-home spas, and relaxation.”

Modern Methods Make Keeping a Bathtub Easier

Another reason bathtubs are sticking around? They’re less challenging to update than many homeowners expect. Cotton points out that new remodeling solutions reduce the hassle that once came with replacing or upgrading a tub. “Today’s remodel options make keeping or upgrading a tub easier than ever,” he says. Cotton says that with Bath Fitter’s PermaFit solution, “Custom tubs and seamless wall systems are measured and made to fit right over existing fixtures, so there is no messy demolition, far less disruption than a full replacement, and easy maintenance with no grout to clean.”

That is good news for homeowners who want a bathroom refresh without a full renovation. Instead of choosing between an outdated tub and costly removal, many can modernize what they already have, including upgrading finishes, improving durability, and extending the fixture’s life.

The Bottom Line: Are Bathtubs Outdated?

In terms of both functionality and aesthetics, bathtubs are here to stay. In small homes where space is tight and baths aren’t part of daily life, removing a tub in favor of a shower can make sense. However, if you’re conscious about your home’s resale value, prioritize self-care, or have little ones to bathe, at least one bathtub should stay (even if it gets a facelift). As Cotton puts it, “From kid bath time routines to rinsing off pets and even a space for drying, a tub quietly pulls its weight in the home.”