We take a look at the solid set-up of overbath showering and ask could they be a solution for bathroom sales in a challenging retail environment?

The Grohe Euphoria 260 shower with bath thermostat is positioned midway down the length of the bath for a larger showering area

While larger-scale bathroom projects may allow for a separate freestanding bath and enclosure to create a luxury spa-like environment, where space doesn’t allow overbath showering  reigns.

It allows retailers to create an indulgent space for relaxation, luxury and relaxation, albeit in a smaller footprint.

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Leader of product management at Lixil EMENA and Grohe UK Paul Bailey points out: “As residential building footprints get smaller in the UK, it’s becoming vital for homeowners to consider space-saving solutions, particularly in the bathroom, overbath showers continue to be a key feature that provides a two-in-one solution for those with compact spaces.”

Such is the popularity of overbath showering, head of marketing at Cubico Lee Reed points out: “We have seen a 30% increase in overbath showers in the last two years”, adding “people are sacrificing smaller baths and separate showers for larger tubs with showers over the bath.”

Budget-conscious showering

Overbath showering also offers added bathing practicalities for consumers who have young children, as well as providing a more price sensitive option for those who have to work within a smaller budget.

Paul Bailey of Lixil EMENA and Grohe UK adds: “As consumers continue to conduct practical refurbishments and look for budget-friendly options, the overbath shower market is developing into being budget-driven, particularly for young homeowners and young families, where budget and functionality are leading purchasing decisions.”

And overbath installations may become more important in a challenging market, enabling bathroom designers to widen their market, meeting the showering needs of a wider, less affluent client base, or consumers forced to have tightened budgets, opting to refurbish a smaller bathroom.

Raising expectations

However, that doesn’t mean bathroom designers aren’t able to maximise consumer spend when creating a bathroom with an overbath shower installation.

The Matki EauZone Double Bath Screen is made from 10mm glass, can be folded away when not in use, and comes in a choice of finishes

The sector offers design flexibility, to meet a variety of budgets, which means consumers don’t have to reduce their expectations of the experience or the look for their smaller space.

Managing director of Matki Nicholas Cunild points out: “For smaller bathrooms, where the homeowner still wants to have a bath, overbath showering is the perfect solution and needn’t compromise on quality or aesthetics.”

And Emma Joyce, brand manager of House of Rohl, agrees that overbath showering needn’t be subservient to the full-sized enclosure and isn’t necessarily just a cheaper option, explaining: “Large and high value properties often have a small bathroom, and even luxury hotels sometimes require overbath showering solutions. Increasingly top-end developments specify premium brands in these spaces.”

High-end appearance

Enabling designers to create a high-end look for the overbath space, both showers and their complementary surrounds have evolved.

Providing a range of one, two and three outlet thermostatic shower packages, Vado also offers a choice of round and square overhead showers

Oversized shower heads combined with concealed valves can play a part in creating an upscale overbath showering environment.

Paul Bailey of Lixil EMENA and Grohe UK comments: “Using concealed shower solutions above a bath creates a much more sophisticated, premium aesthetic compared to exposed bar valve shower solution.

“Not only can it create the illusion of more space in an area where space is likely to already be at a premium, but it allows the shower to take on the role of a decorative feature rather than just a practical one.”

And these showers can be combined with a variety of bath screens which have been influenced by the design of full-size enclosures – from Crittall through to frameless styles with a variety of profile finishes.

“We’ve noticed a move towards more stylised bath screens”, reports managing director of The Shower Lab Max Finaldi who adds: “this encompasses things like an increase in metal finishes, including Brushed Gold and Brass, as well as bespoke solutions such as our double hinged designs, different glass colours or solutions that can be fitted to roll top baths.”

Matching small housing

And industry experts agree there will always be a market for overbath installations, as Nicholas Cunild at Matki says he can’t see this trend waning any time soon.

The View 16 fixed bath screen, from The Shower Lab, can be manufactured with a square or rounded top. It is available with plain glass and chrome as standard, but alternative glazing and profile finishes are options

The market is not only supported by the current economic climate, but refurbishments in existing small housing stock.

Europe has the smallest homes by floor area and, according to designingbuildings.co.uk, the minimum size of new build properties is 37sqm – or the size of a London Underground carriage.

Max Finaldi of The Shower Lab concludes: “The demand for overbath designs will always be there.

“Our constantly busy lives mean that showers are essentials while baths are seen as a luxury – both have their place in modern bathroom design and both require adequate splash protection for safety.”