The Shower Revolution: Brits Are Saying Goodbye

to Baths

A new trend emerging across British homes is transforming conventional bathroom design – one that eschews the traditional bath in favour of a sleek, modern shower. 

Data from leading bathroom design specialists Ripples reveals a resounding shift, with 90% of recent projects featuring a shower and over three-quarters of new bathrooms designed as dedicated shower spaces, driven by the need to maximise precious square metreage and lower both water and energy use compared to filling a large bath.

Ripples London recorded the completion of 69 fully renovated bathrooms over the past year, a testament to homeowners’ growing appetite for modern, efficient design. Among these projects, 37 rooms were transformed into shower-only sanctuaries, while 15 offered a dual approach, pairing a separate bath with an adjacent shower, and a further 10 showcased a shower-over-bath setup. In total, when combining the dedicated shower rooms with the separate shower setups, 76% of all bathrooms sold were designed exclusively for showering – an indicator that the shower is now the cornerstone of modern British bathroom design.

“British homeowners are rewriting the rules of bathroom design,” explains Jo Sangster, Senior Designer at Ripples London. “With urban homes getting smaller and daily life moving faster, practical solutions are more important than ever – and bathrooms are no exception. More of our clients are choosing showers over baths for their space-saving design, lower running costs and improved accessibility. In today’s homes, every square metre counts. A well-designed shower not only opens up the room but also uses less energy and water than filling a large bathtub, while suiting the needs of busy, multigenerational households.”

The trend for showers extends to aesthetic versatility as well. Today’s designs offer more than just functionality; no longer limited to classic chrome, modern showers are available in more finishes than ever – from elegant brushed brass and nickel to sophisticated matt black, bronze and even satin gold.

This evolution in design reflects broader lifestyle trends. In today’s fast-paced environment, maximising space and efficiency has become paramount. Removing the traditional bath creates a more expansive and open layout and allows homeowners to integrate premium, tailor-made features that genuinely speak to modern living.

“Bathrooms are no longer relegated to mere functionality,” adds Jo. “They have become personal retreats where design meets daily practicality. Our customers want a space where every element is thoughtfully selected to enhance their day-to-day lives.”

For more information on Ripples, please visit www.ripplesbathrooms.com.