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The shower or tub serves as one of the bathroom's main focal points; as such, it's important that the one you select is not only functional but also visually appealing. If you're struggling a bit with this decision, here is some advice which may be helpful.

Think about space limitations

If there is a lack of space in your bathroom, you will need to take this into account and limit your search to items which are space-efficient. An alcove, three-wall shower-bathtub combination, with a wall-mounted shower unit, is a great choice for smaller rooms; this maximises space, whilst still providing you with two bathing options. Corner tubs are another good choice for a compact bathroom; they are relatively unobtrusive and fit neatly into small spaces. It may also be worth looking for a tub with integrated storage, so as to reduce the need for cabinetry elsewhere in the room.

If you intend to install a shower enclosure in a cramped bathroom, it's important to think not only about aesthetics, but also practicalities. Make sure that you choose a recess shower (i.e. one that is built into the wall) and either a folding or pivot shower door (these are easier to open and close in a tight space).

If you're lucky enough to have a spacious bathroom, you'll have a much wider range of options to choose from. However it is still important to factor in the  size of the room when making your selection; the suite you purchase needs to be in proportion to the room; a tiny corner shower cubicle would look disproportionate in a bigger bathroom. A substantially-sized, freestanding tub or a walk-in shower enclosure would work much better in this type of space.

Think about durability and long-term cost -effectiveness

Most people have a limited amount of money that they can afford to spend on their bathroom renovation projects and so often tend to go for cheaper materials. However, it's worth investing a little more into certain aspects of your bathroom suite.

For example, whilst it's relatively easy to find budget-friendly, high-quality shower fixtures, the same is not true of shower tiles; lower-priced options could end being a false economy.

Tiling a shower with porcelain will cost you considerably more than tiling it with ceramic or travertine. However, in the long run, the former could save you a lot of money. This is because porcelain is far less porous than other types of tile materials, meaning that it is less likely to absorb and be damaged by moisture and mould.

As such, using it could reduce the need for tile repairs and replacements in the future. The durability of bathtubs also tends to correlate to their price-tags; cheap fibreglass and acrylic tubs are less robust and more prone to scratching than say, enamelled steel or porcelain. If you'd prefer not to incur the expense of having to replace your tub again five or six years from now, it may be worth splurging on one made from a higher-quality material.