Make it work for you
The perfect solution if your bathroom lacks ceiling height but you’re determined to have a luxurious bath
Sunken baths, usually associated with spa retreats and boutique hotels, can add a touch of luxury and create impact at home, too.
QQQWhat are the benefits?
As they take up less space and don’t obstruct sightlines or windows, a sunken bath will make your bathroom feel bigger. And, as Agnes found, sinking a bath can provide extra head height for showering in low-ceilinged or awkward-shaped rooms.
Are there any negatives?
Besides installation costs, the main issue is that it can be difficult for elderly people and children to get in and out of a sunken bath. Bathing small children and cleaning the tub may also put more strain on your back.
How low can I go?
A sunken bath sitting flush to the floor is a major undertaking. Far easier is partially sinking your tub, which still allows access for waste maintenance. Go as low as the void between your floor joists allows – a structural engineer can say if they offer sufficient support – but leave access for pipe repairs.
QQQWho will do it?
The building work can be a DIY job. You may need a frame support that the bath slots into, to help carry the load and ensure it doesn’t flex. A qualified plumber should connect the water and drainage, and ensure it all complies with building regulations. Which bath should I buy?
An inset bath that’s reinforced or rigid won’t flex as you step into it. Look for high-quality acrylic, like Lucite, or enamelled steel. Go for integral handles for hoisting yourself up. As wall-mounted taps can be easier to install, go for a tub without tap holes.
How do I maximise impact?
Position by floor-to-ceiling windows to recreate the opulence of an indoor pool. Use striking flooring or stone, with recessed LED uplights (rated IP67 for use near water) around the bath’s perimeter, then add designer taps.
“Choose a bath with built-in support to maintain its structure. Alternatively, a concrete or metal frame can be added ” CLAIRE GAY, sector Marketing Manager, roca