Patchogue Homeowners Are Transforming Their Bathrooms: The Great Freestanding Tub vs. Walk-In Shower Debate of 2025

As we move through 2025, Patchogue homeowners are making bold decisions about their bathroom renovations, and the choice between freestanding tubs and walk-in showers has become the defining question of modern bathroom design. This isn’t just about functionality anymore—it’s about creating a personal sanctuary that reflects both lifestyle preferences and current design trends.

The Rise of Freestanding Tubs in 2025

Bathtub trends research indicates freestanding soaking tubs remain popular in the U.S. 85% of design professionals believe that they “are very much in demand.” For Patchogue homeowners, this translates to a continued love affair with these elegant fixtures. Oval shape freestanding soaking tubs are especially popular right now, according to the 2025 Bath Trend Report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

What’s driving this trend? Modern, freestanding bathtubs combine comfort and visual appeal to become the bathroom’s focal point. Freestanding tubs are especially versatile because they can go anywhere in the room as long as water hookups are available. That gives you room to be creative and reimagine the configuration of your bathroom when renovating.

However, the 2025 trend is moving away from oversized statement pieces. Much like jetted tubs were a once popular bathroom feature but are now considered cheesy, the same goes for big, built-in tubs of any kind. Freestanding tubs that combine sleek design with a smaller profile are now in. This shift is particularly relevant for Patchogue homes, where maximizing space efficiency while maintaining luxury is crucial.

Walk-In Showers: The Practical Luxury Choice

Walk-in showers are experiencing their own renaissance in 2025. Forget cramped showers—2025 is all about creating a luxurious, spa-like experience. Homeowners are investing in large walk-in showers, complete with frameless glass enclosures, rainfall showerheads, and built-in seating. Wet rooms, where the shower seamlessly integrates with the rest of the bathroom, are becoming a go-to for those who want a sleek, modern, and easy-to-clean space.

The appeal of walk-in showers extends beyond aesthetics. However, your classic bubble bath has been on the decline, as the plain old bathtub/shower combo has been disappearing from new-build homes and apartments in favor of the more modern walk-in shower, especially in homes with limited bathroom space. For busy Patchogue families, this practical approach makes sense—showers are used daily, while tubs often serve as occasional luxuries.

The Wet Room Revolution

Perhaps the most exciting trend for 2025 is the emergence of wet rooms, which offer the best of both worlds. Spa-inspired wet rooms are quickly becoming one of the hottest design elements for buyers, Zillow’s 2025 home trend forecast, published on November 11, reveals. The real estate company noted that the phrase “wet rooms” experienced an uptick of 19% in Zillow listings over the past year, showing a growing desire to integrate wellness rituals into regular practices, like taking a bubble bath or doing an “everything” shower (the shower where you not only wash your body, but you shave, wash your hair, and even do a face mask or hair mask, too).

A wet room — which is when a shower and bathtub are situated next to each other within a waterproof enclosure — is a luxurious design element that’s also small-space friendly, since it means you can have both a shower and a bathtub in your bathroom without a shower curb or separate sections. This solution is particularly appealing for Patchogue homeowners who want both options without sacrificing square footage.

Making the Right Choice for Your Patchogue Home

The decision between freestanding tubs and walk-in showers ultimately depends on your lifestyle and family needs. Real estate investor and renovation expert Scott McGillivray explains why this is so. He says that while showers are used more often, bathtubs can be important for a home’s overall value. Families especially are in need of bathtubs, so if your home is in a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of children, it might be smart to keep the bathtub (or install a new one if there’s room). The full bathroom can help with speed of sale as well as sale price.

For those considering a bathroom renovation, working with experienced professionals who understand both current trends and local preferences is essential. When planning your Bathroom Remodeling Patchogue, NY project, consider factors like your daily routine, family composition, and long-term home value goals.

Design Trends Shaping 2025 Bathrooms

Beyond the tub versus shower debate, several other trends are influencing Patchogue bathroom designs in 2025. Designers are also leaning toward clean, minimalist bathroom designs in 2025. Contemporary shapes for bathtubs, toilets, sinks, and fixtures are becoming popular as less becomes more.

In 2025, bathroom designs are moving away from sterile, all-white aesthetics and toward more inviting, nature-inspired palettes. Earthy neutrals such as beige, warm taupe, rich terracotta, and subtle greens are quickly becoming favorites among Rochester homeowners. This trend is equally relevant for Patchogue residents seeking to create warm, welcoming bathroom spaces.

The Bottom Line

Whether you choose a sleek freestanding tub, a luxurious walk-in shower, or embrace the wet room concept, 2025’s bathroom trends emphasize creating personal wellness sanctuaries. As we step into 2025, investing in a bathroom that extends beyond function to act as a personal relaxation sanctuary is crucial for your well-being. From bold material choices to high-tech integrations, the trends on the horizon promise to transform everyday bathrooms into purposeful home havens.

For Patchogue homeowners, the key is choosing solutions that balance current trends with practical daily needs, ensuring your bathroom renovation serves you well for years to come while adding significant value to your home.