Is there anything better than a long soak in a hot bubble bath at the end of a long and tiresome day? We don’t think so. Making sure you get exactly the right bath to suit your needs when upgrading your bathroom is essential and there are a surprising number of things to consider when choosing the perfect tub. Are you looking to create a serene spa-like space, a functional family room or a combination of both? How much space do you have and what interior design theme are you looking to incorporate? All very valid questions and if you are posing these very queries at this time then you’ve come to the right place. Below we take a look at all the elements you need to consider when choosing your luxurious bathtub.
Available space
Before you do anything, you need to measure up how much space you have for your new bathroom suite and then you can determine what size and style of bath you should start looking for. This especially important if you are thinking of installing a stand-alone bath or a freestanding bath because you will need to have more space to make it stand out effectively. The best positioning for a freestanding bath is either in the centre of the room or underneath the window to make it the focal point, but if the space is too cramped it simply won’t work. You need to be able to move freely and comfortably, so if space is at a premium then consider knocking down a wall, rearranging the existing layout or perhaps opting for a corner bath.
Design trends and décor
Perhaps the most fun part for many is the stage where you decide what design theme you will be recreating to make all of your bathroom dreams come true. From the planning stages to putting the finishing touches around the room there is plenty to consider and making sure you choose the right statement feature – the bathtub – is key. If you want a modern bathroom then it’s wise to choose a bathtub that reflects this, so opt for a sleek looking tub as opposed to a claw foot tub that would look better in a Victorian style setting. In addition to this you will need to think about the fixtures that complement the look. From matte black to gold and brass to chrome, there are plenty of options to choose from, just make sure they match the rest of the room.
Use
It’s obvious that you will be using the bath to bathe, but is it for adult use only or will you be bathing little ones in there too? If this is a family bath then don’t make life hard for yourself with a high wall feature that gives you backache every time you have to lean in to clean said child, opt for a practical yet stylish bath that ticks both boxes.
You may be looking for a bath that provides a spa-like experience every time you bathe – if so then surely a whirlpool option with lights will suit you perfectly? If you have mobility issues then there are plenty of options out there that mean you can still have a relaxing soak safely, just make sure it has the appropriate features to suit your needs.
Choosing the right material
It may not seem like an obvious one but do you know what material you want your bath to be made of? Moulded acrylic, cast iron, copper and porcelain enamel are all materials you can choose with each offering a range of different benefits. Acrylic is light, long-lasting, can be found in many different designs and have great insulation properties to keep the water warmer for longer. Copper looks stunning in many environments, can be finished with equally stunning exteriors and retain the heat of the water well. Cast iron baths are heavy, strong, very long lasting, attractive and easy to clean but the weight can be an issue, while porcelain enamel baths have a great finish, are easy to install, highly resistant and are capable of supporting heavy weights.
Cost
Perhaps the sky’s the limit, perhaps it isn’t, either way you will need to factor in the cost of your bathtub with the rest of the bathroom suite, furniture, accessories, flooring, tiling, plumbing, carpentry and the like. If you’re opting for a cast iron bath, for example you may also need to consider additional structural support so that the room can withstand the weight. You may also be removing walls, relocating furniture and room dividers, and all of these elements need to be taken into account when planning your beautiful new bathroom.
