Bathroom Planning: What Shape Bath Should I Choose?
Start your search for the perfect tub by browsing our roundup of the most popular styles
As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life, and this is certainly true of the bath, which comes in many different forms, from space-saving corner designs to luxurious sunken tubs, traditional roll-tops to stunning slipper baths. Whether you like a long soak or prefer a more practical solution, there’s a tub to suit your style and budget, but do shop around – just as you would try before you buy a new mattress, make sure you test out a few baths to find one that’s a comfortable fit. To kick-start your search, check out this roundup of 15 classic designs.
Choose a contemporary slipper
For a modern take on the slipper, invest in a contemporary interpretation, such as this Amalfi model by Victoria & Albert. This design offers the classic slipper shape, but with crisp lines perfect for a slick scheme.
For a modern take on the slipper, invest in a contemporary interpretation, such as this Amalfi model by Victoria & Albert. This design offers the classic slipper shape, but with crisp lines perfect for a slick scheme.
Fall for a bateau
Although similar to the slipper, the bateau bath – also known as the boat bath – is better for bathing à deux because both ends are raised to provide back support.
Although similar to the slipper, the bateau bath – also known as the boat bath – is better for bathing à deux because both ends are raised to provide back support.
Enjoy a roll-top
All hail the classic roll-top bath, with its gently sloping back, distinctive curved lip and claw or ball feet. These days, it’s possible to have them painted in any colour, from brights to neutrals to this unusual salmon pink, meaning you can slot one seamlessly into any scheme.
All hail the classic roll-top bath, with its gently sloping back, distinctive curved lip and claw or ball feet. These days, it’s possible to have them painted in any colour, from brights to neutrals to this unusual salmon pink, meaning you can slot one seamlessly into any scheme.
Luxuriate in an oval or cylindrical design
Aesthetically pleasing, oval or cylindrical baths, like this one, have a gorgeously organic shape that deserves to take centre stage. Always position it so you have enough space to climb in and out, as well as manoeuvre around it with ease.
Aesthetically pleasing, oval or cylindrical baths, like this one, have a gorgeously organic shape that deserves to take centre stage. Always position it so you have enough space to climb in and out, as well as manoeuvre around it with ease.
Soak in a single-ended tub
The average single-ended bath is rectangular in shape, with the waste and mixer positioned at one end. A combination of side and end panels is used to conceal unsightly plumbing in a range of materials, which run from acrylic to wood.
The average single-ended bath is rectangular in shape, with the waste and mixer positioned at one end. A combination of side and end panels is used to conceal unsightly plumbing in a range of materials, which run from acrylic to wood.
Do the double
Why bathe alone when you can have a double-ended bath? With this design, the taps and waste are positioned centrally so nobody gets the uncomfortable end! You can transform an everyday double-ended tub like this into something special by cladding it in classic metro tiles.
Why bathe alone when you can have a double-ended bath? With this design, the taps and waste are positioned centrally so nobody gets the uncomfortable end! You can transform an everyday double-ended tub like this into something special by cladding it in classic metro tiles.
Combine a bath and shower
A savvy solution for small spaces is a combined bath and shower. This is a perfect example, with hinged glass panels allowing the freestanding tub to easily transform into a shower. Or consider L-shaped or P-shaped baths, which have a wider showering area at one end.
A savvy solution for small spaces is a combined bath and shower. This is a perfect example, with hinged glass panels allowing the freestanding tub to easily transform into a shower. Or consider L-shaped or P-shaped baths, which have a wider showering area at one end.
Go for a corner model
As its name suggests, a corner bath slots snugly into a corner that might otherwise go unused. This one takes the shape of a quarter circle, comprising two sides of the same length with a rounded edge. Another option is the offset corner bath, which also fits into a corner, but tapers so the side along one wall is longer than the other.
As its name suggests, a corner bath slots snugly into a corner that might otherwise go unused. This one takes the shape of a quarter circle, comprising two sides of the same length with a rounded edge. Another option is the offset corner bath, which also fits into a corner, but tapers so the side along one wall is longer than the other.
Work in a classic inset
Maximise a corner – or even an alcove – with an inset bath, where a run-of-the-mill bath is built into a surround. The benefit is that a wide ledge is created around the bath, which not only serves as handy storage, but provides somewhere for less able-bodied bathers to sit and swing their legs into the bath. Similarly, if you are supervising young children, the wide ledge doubles up as seating. The owners of this bathroom have inset their bath in Carrara marble.
Maximise a corner – or even an alcove – with an inset bath, where a run-of-the-mill bath is built into a surround. The benefit is that a wide ledge is created around the bath, which not only serves as handy storage, but provides somewhere for less able-bodied bathers to sit and swing their legs into the bath. Similarly, if you are supervising young children, the wide ledge doubles up as seating. The owners of this bathroom have inset their bath in Carrara marble.
Pick a freestanding inset
Take your lead from the owners of this stunning bathroom and liberate your bath from the wall. By positioning it in the middle of the room, you can also create a fabulous freestanding look. And by encasing it in marble, you will instantly transform an ordinary bath into something extraordinary.
See how to incorporate luxurious marble into your home
Take your lead from the owners of this stunning bathroom and liberate your bath from the wall. By positioning it in the middle of the room, you can also create a fabulous freestanding look. And by encasing it in marble, you will instantly transform an ordinary bath into something extraordinary.
See how to incorporate luxurious marble into your home
Delight in a sunken number
Sunken baths are recessed into the floor to leave you bathing below floor level. Arguably the most luxurious of bathing solutions, sunken baths are expensive and not always the most practical solution. Things to consider include available space below your floorboards and plumbing access.
Sunken baths are recessed into the floor to leave you bathing below floor level. Arguably the most luxurious of bathing solutions, sunken baths are expensive and not always the most practical solution. Things to consider include available space below your floorboards and plumbing access.
Relish a raised bath
A compromise to a sunken bath, but easier to achieve, is one set in a raised area, with steps up to it. This not only differentiates the bathing zone from the rest of the bathroom, it creates a talking point.
A compromise to a sunken bath, but easier to achieve, is one set in a raised area, with steps up to it. This not only differentiates the bathing zone from the rest of the bathroom, it creates a talking point.
Make it compact
If space is at a premium, try a reduced-length bath. Compact designs are often generously deep to compensate for their lack of length. Top picks include baths that are just 150cm long, a 20cm saving on the length of a standard bath.
Check out ways to squeeze more out of a small bathing space
If space is at a premium, try a reduced-length bath. Compact designs are often generously deep to compensate for their lack of length. Top picks include baths that are just 150cm long, a 20cm saving on the length of a standard bath.
Check out ways to squeeze more out of a small bathing space
Give a whirlpool a whirl
Relax and rejuvenate with a therapeutic whirlpool bath, featuring fitted jets that can be perfectly positioned to target aching muscles. Whirlpool baths range from freestanding and corner models to those that are recessed into the floor. For a fantastic finishing touch, choose one with underwater lighting.
TELL US…
Which bath would you choose? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Relax and rejuvenate with a therapeutic whirlpool bath, featuring fitted jets that can be perfectly positioned to target aching muscles. Whirlpool baths range from freestanding and corner models to those that are recessed into the floor. For a fantastic finishing touch, choose one with underwater lighting.
TELL US…
Which bath would you choose? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
A slipper bath is easily identified by its extended backrest, which provides excellent head and back support. Traditionally, taps were located at the shallow end, but today they are often positioned in the middle of the bath, leaving both ends free so you can lean back and relax. Similar to the traditional roll-top, slipper baths feature a curved lip and are raised off the floor on feet.