Bathtub or Shower: What Do People Prefer When Renting a Flat in the Czech Republic?

For many who grew up in former Czechoslovakia, a bathtub is not just a bathroom fixture - it's a part of home comfort and childhood memories. Warm water, bubbles, and quiet evening routines - the bathtub represents relaxation and a personal spa-like space. That’s why for many tenants in the Czech Republic, a bathtub is still one of the most important features when searching for a flat. People often look for a flat with a bathtub and a balcony - sometimes even prioritizing that over modern renovations.

Having a bathtub means the chance to truly relax after a long day, soak in warm water, and unwind. While showers save space and are practical, they don’t always offer the same feeling of comfort. It's common to hear tenants say: “I need a bathtub - it feels more like home.”

Age and habits: who prefers a bath, who prefers a shower?

For elderly people, a bathtub can be less convenient - stepping over the edge can become challenging with age. That’s why many seniors over 70 prefer a shower, as it’s more accessible and safer. On the other hand, younger adults and families with children tend to prefer a bathtub - it’s easier to bathe children and it offers a chance for personal relaxation.

When looking for a rental, it’s worth considering your lifestyle and family needs - young couples and parents often look for bathtubs, while older tenants may find a shower more practical.

What about the Czech Republic?

There are no recent public statistics about bathtub vs. shower preferences in Czech rental housing. But historical data shows that in the 1970s, only around 50-60% of homes in Czechoslovakia had a bathroom with a bathtub or a shower. A bathtub was considered a mark of comfort. Nowadays, almost all apartments have modern bathrooms, but for many renters, a bathtub still signals a cozy home.

In new buildings, modern shower enclosures are becoming increasingly common, as they save space and reflect current trends. In smaller apartments in Prague or Brno, this is a practical solution, since every square meter counts. By contrast, in older panel houses traditional bathtubs can still be found, and people often keep them during renovations precisely for the comfort they provide.

In rental apartments, the situation varies: younger tenants and expats appreciate a quick and practical shower, while families with children often prefer a bathtub. The choice often reflects lifestyle and region – in smaller towns and rural areas, people still lean towards bathtubs, whereas in big cities the share of apartments with only a shower enclosure is growing.

Today, ecological considerations also play a role - taking a shower usually consumes less water than filling a whole bathtub. For some tenants, a shower is therefore a more environmentally friendly and budget-friendly choice. Still, the bathtub remains a symbol of relaxation that many people are unwilling to give up, even in modern times.

On our website, you can search for flats using filters like “Bathtub” or “Shower cabin”, which makes your apartment search easier and better aligned with your personal preferences.