A Buyers' Guide to Bathtubs: Type, Kind, Size & Installation Tips
From different bathtub installations to various styles and features, here's what you need to know before choosing one
Building a new bathroom or remodelling your old one, a bathtub can be a luxurious addition. Synonymous with sprawling bathrooms and luxurious spaces, bathtubs are feasible in a small bathroom, too. Don’t let a shortage of area keep you from creating your dream bathroom. With a little research and some clever planning, you can work a tub into most bathrooms.
- Freestanding
- Inset
- Freestanding inset
- Sunken
- Skirted
STYLES
Once you have decided on what installation works for you, it’s time to take a look at the different styles available. Keep the bathroom decor and size in mind while making your decision. When choosing a bathtub in the showroom, it is recommended to sit inside each to see how comfortable the style is for you.
Once you have decided on what installation works for you, it’s time to take a look at the different styles available. Keep the bathroom decor and size in mind while making your decision. When choosing a bathtub in the showroom, it is recommended to sit inside each to see how comfortable the style is for you.
- Slipper bathtub
Size of bathroom: Medium to large
Fixtures and plumbing: Wall-mounted faucets with hidden plumbing or floor-mounted faucets with exposed plumbing. Fixtures can be positioned in the middle or at the foot of the tub
Great for: Long, pampering soaks
A slipper bathtub is a freestanding bathtub that is higher on one end. This height provides a comfortable backrest with head and neck support. Perfect for those long soaks, these can come in modern, streamlined designs or vintage designs with ‘feet’. They can also feature a ‘roll-top’ or curved top rim for added comfort.
- Bateau bathtub
Size of bathroom: Medium to large
Fixtures and plumbing: Wall-mounted faucets with hidden plumbing or floor mounted faucets with exposed plumbing. Fixtures should ideally be positioned in the middle.
Great for: Bathing à deux (two people)
Similar to a slipper bathtub, the bateau bathtub resembles a boat with both ends raised to provide a backrest to two occupants. They can also come with ‘feet’ and a ‘roll-top’.
- Clawfoot bathtub
Size of bathroom: Medium to large, open bathroom
Fixtures and plumbing: Wall-mounted faucets with hidden plumbing or floor-mounted faucets with exposed plumbing. Fixtures can be positioned in the middle or at the foot of the tub.
Great for: Opulent spaces and pampering sessions
Clawfoot bathtubs are great for that luxurious, vintage vibe. These freestanding bathtubs come with four curlicue ‘feet’, though modern interpretations showcase simple, clean lines like the one in the picture above. Clawfoot bathtubs usually come with a ‘roll-top’ for neck and arm support.
- Drop-in bathtub
Size of bathroom: Works in any size bathroom; great for small to medium-sized bathrooms.
Fixtures and plumbing: Wall-mounted faucets with hidden plumbing, ceiling shower fixtures or faucets mounted on the surrounding deck with hidden plumbing.
Great for: Everyday stand-up showers to spa sessions
Drop-in bathtubs are bought as only the tub shell with unfinished exterior and a finished top rim. These are fitted into a deck or platform for support. They can be raised or sunken, and positioned next to a wall or in a freestanding inset in the middle of the bathroom. Drop in bathtubs can utilise a tight space effectively, but remember to cater for the width of the platform while measuring.
- Alcove bathtubs
Size of bathroom: Best style for small bathrooms
Fixtures and plumbing: Wall-mounted faucets and shower with hidden plumbing. Can also accommodate a ceiling shower fixture.
Great for: Everyday use, stand-up showers and utilising tight corners
Sometimes referred to as an installation type rather than the tub style, alcove bathtubs are those that come with a finished front called an apron. The other three, unfinished sides are attached directly to and sandwiched in between three walls. Since this kind doesn’t require a deck, they are the best option for small bathrooms.
- Corner bathtub
Size of bathroom: Medium to large bathrooms
Fixtures and plumbing: Wall-mounted faucets and shower with hidden plumbing, ceiling shower fixture with hidden plumbing, faucets mounted on the surrounding deck with hidden plumbing or faucets built into the bathtub hardware.
Great for: Pampering hydrotherapy soaks, bathing à deux
A corner bathtub is ideal for a little pampering, especially those that come with whirlpool jets. These ‘triangular’ bathtubs come with two long sides that are placed in the corner and the third side is usually slightly curved. They can sometimes have five sides as well. With a skirted installation, the two longest sides get fitted into the corner walls. An expensive option, these tend to take up a fair amount of space. Make sure to place the faucets in a location that doesn’t hamper getting in and out of the tub or interfere with the headrest.
Residential
FEATURES YOU MIGHT WANT
There are quite a few features that come with bathtubs that can really enhance the experience, such as whirlpool and bubble bath jets, chromotherapy light fixtures, heat and sound controls. Whirlpool jets can do wonders for tired muscles but before you purchase a tub fitted with jets, sit in it to make sure that the jets won’t hit uncomfortable places on your body. Heat controls can allow you to control the temperature of the water, whether you prefer a still soak or the whirlpool option. Soothing, coloured lights can be synchronised to match the pulse of music vibrations.
There are quite a few features that come with bathtubs that can really enhance the experience, such as whirlpool and bubble bath jets, chromotherapy light fixtures, heat and sound controls. Whirlpool jets can do wonders for tired muscles but before you purchase a tub fitted with jets, sit in it to make sure that the jets won’t hit uncomfortable places on your body. Heat controls can allow you to control the temperature of the water, whether you prefer a still soak or the whirlpool option. Soothing, coloured lights can be synchronised to match the pulse of music vibrations.
TIPS FOR SMALL BATHROOMS
In a small bathroom, fit a shower along with the bath so the area can double to work for quick showers or long soaks. Both wall-mounted and ceiling-fitted shower fixtures will work, but make sure to choose a bathtub that is easy to stand in when wet. You can also open out the space by fitting a glass partition instead of a shower curtain, which will allow the flow of light.
In a small bathroom, fit a shower along with the bath so the area can double to work for quick showers or long soaks. Both wall-mounted and ceiling-fitted shower fixtures will work, but make sure to choose a bathtub that is easy to stand in when wet. You can also open out the space by fitting a glass partition instead of a shower curtain, which will allow the flow of light.
There aren’t too many options when it comes to the layout in a small bathroom. If you plan to install the tub along the length of the bathroom, look for narrower tubs but not less than 32 inches. Again, sit in the tub before buying to make sure the size is comfortable.
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Using the width of the bathroom might turn out to be a better option. You will have to choose a shorter bathtub but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to compromise on comfort. Keep the look of the deck of the drop-in tub and the walls the same so that there is continuity in the design. If you are choosing an alcove tub, opt for one with a sleek, minimal apron and make use of a muted or neutral colour scheme.
Read more:
Bathtub vs Shower: Which is Right for Your Home?
10 Dazzling Tubs for a Relaxing Soak
Tell us:
Do you have a bathtub? Share your pictures and tips on bathtubs in Comments below, .
Read more:
Bathtub vs Shower: Which is Right for Your Home?
10 Dazzling Tubs for a Relaxing Soak
Tell us:
Do you have a bathtub? Share your pictures and tips on bathtubs in Comments below, .
When choosing a tub, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the type of installation that will fit in your space. Depending on the type of installation, you then choose the style of bathtub and the fixtures that go with it. These are the most common bathtub installations: