The shower is stepping out from the tub’s shadow, taking up more space and bringing spa-like luxury and wellness into the everyday
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Remember when the freestanding bathtub was the ultimate symbol of indulgence in an ensuite or primary bathroom? Fortunately for shower lovers, the tub no longer holds a monopoly on luxury.
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Today, the shower is taking up more space and getting the type of design treatment once reserved by the sultans of soak. No longer viewed as just a functional, humdrum necessity, shower spaces are being designed to maximize the daily experience. Elevated and tailored to how we want to feel, the shower is now a major part of the sanctuary package, incorporating spa-like features such as steam, sprays and bench seats. No longer playing second fiddle to the tub, dare we say, the shower has become the belle of the bath.
This long-overdue change reflects a new definition of luxury in residential design. “Over the past decade, luxury in the bathroom has evolved from owning premium products to creating a seamless and sensorial experience at home,” says Eveline Simard, director of industrial design for Global House of Rohl. “Consumers increasingly want spaces that help them disconnect and recharge.” And the numbers back it up. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2026 Bath Trends Report, 55 per cent of design professionals say enlarging the shower is a higher priority than keeping a bathtub, while 72 per cent say bathroom footprints are increasing to accommodate larger, spa-like retreats.
For designer Jessica Cinnamon, the growing appeal is rooted in enhancing the day-to-day routine. “It’s something homeowners use every day, so it makes sense that they want to dedicate more space and investment to making it feel comfortable, luxurious and considered,” she says. Designing bathrooms around how people actually live and what they use most, rather than including elements just because they have traditionally been expected in a luxury bathroom, simply makes sense.
It’s not just about increased square footage or adding more fixtures, Cinnamon’s goal is to create a shower that feels “immersive, intuitive and personal.” Integrated benches, generous niches, multiple showerheads and steam create a sense of indulgence, while refined stone, expansive surfaces, sculptural fixtures and beautifully layered lighting bring depth and character to the space. “I’m drawn to showers where every element feels intentional and seamlessly integrated, where functionality is elevated through exceptional materials and considered design.”
Current bathroom design is also reflecting our desire to feel our best, and that starts at home. “Wellness has expanded the role of the shower far beyond daily hygiene,” says Simard. Steam, light therapy, massage sprays and other water-based experiences can support relaxation and recovery. “Rather than relying on a single feature, today’s luxury showers bring multiple experiences together into one integrated environment designed to support both body and mind.”
What does that look like on the home front? Traditional tub-and-shower combinations in secondary bathrooms are increasingly being replaced with larger, dedicated showers. There is a caveat: “For families with young children, however, the bathtub can still be incredibly practical,” says Cinnamon. “It really comes down to understanding how the family lives and making sure every element of the bathroom earns its place rather than including something simply because it has traditionally been there.”
