Bathtubs Are Vanishing from Homes — What’s Replacing Them Might Surprise You

If you’ve ever scrolled through Zillow listings or watched an episode of a home makeover show, you may have noticed a trend: bathtubs aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were. In their place, spa-like showers, complete with rainfall heads and glass enclosures, seem to be dominating the modern bathroom. But why are bathtubs disappearing? Or, does this mean the bathtub is actually disappearing from American homes? 

If you love your tub and wouldn’t buy a house without a soaking section if your life depended on it, there is some good news — the story of the disappearing bathtub is more about evolution than extinction. Bathtubs are taking on new roles in homes. Here’s what that means for the housing market.

The trend toward fewer bathtubs in new homes and renovations is partly driven by practicality. 

Andrew Hancock, President of Gilman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, explains, “Bathtubs aren’t disappearing entirely from American homes, but they are evolving into a luxury feature rather than a standard one.” 

For many, the daily ritual of a quick shower is more appealing than soaking in a tub. The efficiency of a spacious, walk-in shower, especially in homes where square footage is at a premium, has shifted how we design bathrooms.

This change is particularly evident in new-construction homes. Many developers are focusing on creating spa-like, accessible shower spaces instead of traditional tub-shower combinations. “New-construction homes are increasingly designed with a focus on practical, space-efficient solutions,” Hancock notes. Homeowners are prioritizing features that match their lifestyles, and for many, that means fewer tubs.

While basic bathtubs may be declining in popularity, they’re far from gone. Instead, they’re finding a new niche as luxury items. Freestanding tubs, for example, have become a focal point in many high-end bathrooms. 

Hancock describes how this “allows the bathtub to become an aesthetic focal point rather than a functional necessity.” These tubs are often positioned under windows or surrounded by stylish tile, transforming them into statement pieces.

For those who do opt for a bathtub, the focus often shifts to experience rather than utility. Whirlpool tubs, digital temperature controls, and even aromatherapy features are now common in higher-end homes. These upgrades reflect a growing trend: using the bathroom as a space for relaxation and self-care. In homes where tubs remain, they are often viewed as a retreat, a way to decompress after a long day.

Hancock highlights this trend, explaining that tubs can “turn a bathroom into a real retreat, matching the trend for spaces that serve multiple purposes and adapt to changing lifestyles.” As the concept of wellness continues to influence home design, bathtubs may see a resurgence — not as everyday fixtures, but as indulgent, intentional features.

The decline of bathtubs isn’t universal. Certain demographics still see value in keeping a tub. Families with young children, for example, would balk at the luxury tub trends — bathtubs are highly practical for bath time. Pet owners also benefit from the convenience of a tub. “For families with young children or pets, tubs can be quite practical,” Hancock notes.

On the other hand, aging homeowners are helping to drive the trend away from bathtubs. Aging-in-place, which focuses on creating homes that are accessible and safe for older adults who would like to stay in their homes, rather than move to a retirement community or somewhere more accessible, often calls for changing out old tubs for step-free, walk-in showers. These designs eliminate the physical barrier of a traditional bathtub, making them safer and more functional for this demographic, and more accessible for people with disabilities.

Millennials, too, are influencing the shift. Many younger homeowners are opting for shower-only bathrooms, valuing the time and space savings over the option to soak in a tub. Additionally, the trend toward smaller, more urban homes with limited bathroom space means that showers often win out.

Homeowners often swap outdated tub-shower combos for sleek, modern walk-in showers that create the illusion of more space. Hancock confirms, “In renos, there’s a clear trend of replacing tubs or tub-shower combos with stand-alone showers, especially as homeowners look for easy-to-maintain options that make bathrooms feel bigger and more modern.”

That said, not all renovations involve ditching the tub entirely. Homeowners with multiple bathrooms often choose to keep one tub for resale value. The presence of at least one bathtub is still considered a selling point for many buyers, particularly those with children.

If you’re thinking about removing a bathtub in favor of a walk-in shower, you might wonder if it will affect your home’s resale value. The answer depends on your local market and target buyer. In family-friendly neighborhoods, a home without a bathtub could be a dealbreaker for some buyers. However, in urban markets or areas where single professionals dominate, a lack of a tub might not matter at all.

Hancock notes that while tubs remain a desirable feature in some markets, they’re less of a necessity than they used to be. “Tubs today are less about traditional utility and more about offering personalized experiences that flex with lifestyle needs.” 

If you’re planning to sell your home, keeping at least one bathtub — preferably in a secondary bathroom — can strike the right balance between modernity and practicality.

The bathtub isn’t disappearing — it’s transforming. While basic, built-in tubs might become rarer in new builds, high-end, design-focused models are carving out a space in modern homes. Whether you’re a bath lover or someone who prefers the efficiency of a shower, the future of the bathtub will likely depend on individual lifestyle preferences and evolving design trends.

The bathtub’s evolution is exciting for those who love a good soak. And for those who don’t? Well, a spacious, rainfall-equipped shower can be just as luxurious.