HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BATH

When choosing the ideal bath there are a more than a few things you should take into account before you make a final decision. After all, you will want this bath to last you for a long time to come, which means ensuring you get a fitting that is of considerable quality. You should consider the size and shape of the bath, the location of the taps, the height and, finally, what material suits your needs best. Many people don’t consider that the type of material you choose for your bath can have a significant impact on your bathing style and needs, so consider these factors before you take the plunge, and make sure you get the right bath for you.

What is the ‘standard’ bath size?

The ‘standard’ bath size, if there is such a thing, is 1700mm in length and 700mm wide. However nowadays it is possible to find the right bathtub for every bathroom due to a huge range of size combinations. Normally, the smallest bath you can find measures between 1,400 mm and 1,500 mm in length and 700 mm wide. If you want something bigger, there are baths in the market that measure 1,800 mm long and 800 mm wide. This will often be the freestanding baths that are normally found in larger bathrooms.

It is possible to purchase a bath that is as little as 1200 or 1300mm in length, although you will certainly sacrifice a significant amount of practicality.

So how do you decide which bath is right for you?

It is also very important to consider the size of your bathroom before buying the bath. The golden rule is to make sure the bath is big enough to meet your needs without cluttering the space. There are a few things you can do to achieve this. First, the ratio of bath to bathroom size has to be perfect. Sadly, there is no easy way to determine this since bathroom sizes and shapes vary. In addition to this, there are no limitations in bathroom sizes. Although it’s not often you will find massive bathrooms, there are a lot of people who have relatively bigger spaces. The challenge with this is that you will not get a bath measuring more than 2,000 mm in length. So, the bigger your bathroom is, the harder it could be to get the right ratio.

Single Ended Baths

The term single ended bath is a bit confusing. Don’t all bathtubs have to have two ends? Single-ended simply means the waste and overflow position is located at one end, rather than in the middle. It also tends to mean that one side has a slope, and the other end (the one with the overflow and waste holes) has a steeper side, ideally suited for showering as you can get nice and close to the wall.

The usual/most common size of single-ended baths is 1700 x 700mm, although you can easily find a variety of sizes. 

Double-Ended Baths

A long soak in the bath is a relaxing experience, so why enjoy it alone? Double-ended baths are great for use by two people, or perhaps more often by a just the one person who wants a bit more space. They also look more symmetrical with the central waste and overflow position.

Just like their single-ended counterparts, double-ended baths also come in a variety of sizes.

Why not have a change from conventional bath taps and fill your double-ended bath with an overflow bath filler controlled by a shower valve……? When it comes to choosing between a double or single ended bath, it’s really down to what you’ll get the best use of. If you’re using the tub to bathe the kids or share a relaxing soak with your loved one, then a double ended bath might be the better option. On the other hand, a single ended bath might be the better option if you only have the occasional swim in the tub alone or plan to install a shower over the bath.

Shower-Bath 

The Shower Bath is very popular, most likely because Britain’s bathrooms are notoriously small, and this type of bath cleverly provides the relaxation of a soak in the tub with the more practical side of showering.

Some shower baths have an integrated shelf which does an excellent job of both saving water and providing an area for all of your shampoos, conditioners and body lotions.

Traditionally, shower baths are talked about as being either L or P shaped, which attributes to the square and clean cut look or the gently sloped curve. However, shower baths can also be created by adding a shower screen to a straight single or double ended bath, thus making shower baths suitable for all sizes of bathroom.  This type of bath is ideal for homes where the bathroom is on the small side and a dedicated shower enclosure can’t be fitted.

Traditional Roll Top Bath

A roll top bath is a freestanding bath with edges which curve at the top, providing a distinctive rounded effect around the edge of the tub. Many people think that the look of a roll top bath is sleek and very classic; these tubs often appear in restored historic homes and period designs.  Roll top baths can make a real statement in your bathroom. With easy Victorian-style charm and elegance, as well as an abundance of beautiful options in both traditional and even more modern designs, there’s a slipper bath centrepiece ready-made for your bathroom whatever your style

A roll top bath can be featured in more edgy modern design schemes, in which case they may be supported by cradles or raised on a dais for a very distinctive look. There is something slightly indulgent but thoroughly deserved about sinking into a roll top bath and letting your cares dissolve with the bubbles.

Modern Free Standing Bath

Freestanding baths are becoming more popular due to the fantastic design statement they make; only these baths can give you that elegant, sophisticated feel like you are in a retreat or an expensive day spa.

They work best in larger bathrooms where this is plenty of space for you to walk around the tub, and they offer you the opportunity to place your bath anywhere in your bathroom, while making an impact on anyone who steps foot through the door.

The shape of your bathroom and overall size will play a large role in determining which of the freestanding baths is the right option for you. Although contemporary freestanding baths are available in a choice of stylish colours to complete the entire picture, many homes choose the traditional white colour, as it is easier to add colour though your towels, blinds and accessories than to work with a set colour theme in your bathroom.

Whirlpool Bath

In a whirlpool bath, water is drawn from the bath and forced back in through whirlpool jets. The result is a powerful, invigorating effervescence throughout the water, also known as hydrotherapy.

There are three significant benefits to whirlpool baths. Firstly, heat in the form of warm water raises the body temperature allowing blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased circulation, allowing aching and sore muscles to heal.  Secondly, buoyancy supports your body weight and relieves the pressures on your muscles and joints, helping relaxation.  Lastly, the massage effect of mixing air and water and dispersing it across areas of your body, gives a gentle deep massage or an invigorating pulsing effect depending upon your adjustment of the controls.

Corner Bath

Corner baths can bring a touch of style and luxury to any bathroom, but choosing the right bath for your room can be tricky. How do you choose a bath that will work for you? It’s often said that corner baths are space-saving; more accurately, they don’t require the long wall space that straight baths do, and so can be tucked into corners where baths would traditionally not fit. This can be particularly useful if you’re creating a new bathroom from a room that isn’t the usual long, thin bathroom shape. Corner baths typically use more hot water than their straight-sided equivalents, so it’s important to be sure that your hot-water system can cope.

 For help and advice with all aspects of your new bathroom design and product choices, contact us at JC Kitchens, Bathrooms & Interiors for a free, no obligation quotation.  We also have a supply only and design service.

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