104 A SHAPED BATHTUB Fit a bath into even the most awkward space

No room for a standard-size bath? Go for a stylish tub that’s shaped to fit

The standard size of a UK bath is 170x70cm, and should fit comfortably within the average UK bathroom. But it only takes an awkward alcove, badly placed soil pipe or low-slung window to throw things out of kilter. Happily, with a bit of planning, and the right tub, it’s possible to shoehorn a bath into the most unlikely of spaces.

Where do I start?

By identifying where a bath can actually be plumbed in. This may depend on the direction of floor joists and position of the drain outlet, so get your plumber involved early. Think about ceiling heights, too. If the ceiling slopes, put the end of the bath at its lowest point – your feet won’t suffer from claustrophobia but your head might.

What are the benefits of a corner bath?

While they take up more floor space overall, corner baths can work better if you have an awkwardly shaped room. The longest stretch of wall needed ranges from just 120-160cm (compared to 170cm for a straight bath). Crucially, the internal bath length spans the corner so can provide a comfortable, fully-reclined soak.

How else can I fit a bath on a short wall?

D-shape baths work brilliantly between two alcoves, and start at about 150cm long. They tend to be deeper than standard, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. A hip bath (sometimes called a sitz) is the shortest you can get, at around 100cm, but it’s deep and designed for bathing in a sitting position. A compact slipper bath, around 140cm long, offers a semi-reclined position that’s surprisingly comfortable.

What if bath width is a problem?

Narrow baths are available, usually around 65cm (compared to 70cm standard width). Anything narrower doesn’t provide enough elbow-space to climb out easily. Tapered baths are useful when the width of a standard bath won’t work at one end of the room as it’s compromised by a doorway or loo. Following the shape of your body, they are wide where you need them – at the shoulders and hips

– and narrower towards your feet.

‘THINK BIG, EVEN IN ASMALLSPACE. IF YOU CAN’T GO LONG, GO WIDER, AND THE BATH WILL FEEL JUST AS LUXURIOUS AND ROOMY’ LEE FROST, DIRECTOR, WATERS BATHS OF ASHBOURNE