The big ticket: bathtubs
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF THE DIZZYING ARRAY OF MATERIALS, SHAPES, COLOURS AND STYLES BEFORE YOU BUY
It’s the time of year when we’re all craving some much-needed TLC and a long soak in a spa-like sanctuary bathroom is just the ticket. But how do you go about finding the bath that works for the space you have, what are the top tub trends and how can you pick from the seemingly limitless styles out there? We’ve put together some handy pointers when shopping for your dream tub.
Freestanding baths are an ever-popular style and as in demand as ever. ‘They are the ultimate definition of luxury and the star of the show,’ says Barrie Cutchie of BC Designs. As well as the traditional claw foot and roll-top look, there are sleek, modern designs that feature organic curves. ‘Adding curves to the bathroom can introduce a visual rhythm that infuses a more relaxed, softer feel to the space, removing harsh lines and angular corners,’ says Barrie. Victoria + Albert’s recent range does just this, including the low-lying Napoli freestanding bath. ‘Fluted finishes are dominating the bathroom scene,’ says Lee Reed of Easy Bathrooms. ‘Our Olympia tub brings curve and texture to the space.’ Inset baths are a cheaper, space-saving option but can still create a luxe look. The advantage of a built-in bath is its suitability for bathing and showering. Victoria + Albert’s Kaldera has a crisp profile and an ergonomic 32-degree angle of recline.
For bijou bathrooms, around 2-3m by 1.5m, a smaller bath of around 1,500mm or less will work. If space is at a premium, it doesn’t mean you have to banish your dreams of a beautiful bath. ‘A bath in a smaller en suite is still achievable. There are several models out there that are 1,300-1,400mm, which is smaller than many showers,’ says Barrie. Look to a compact slipper bath – an asymmetrical freestanding bath raised at one end so the bather can be immersed. If you lack space but still want that special tub, consider a bath in the bedroom instead.
Make sure that there is enough room to bring your chosen bath into your home through doorways, around corners and up the stairs. ‘We have known people have to take windows out and hire a crane to get it in,’ says Barrie. Measure the length, height and width and consider whether you’re going single-ended, with taps and a plug at one end, or double-ended, which have taps and plug in the centre and offer a choice of which way to lie, a better fit for taller people and practicality for bathing children.
People always forget to consider weight when looking at new baths. A change in bath material might drastically change the weight so consider the floor and whether it can hold your new bath’s weight – and don’t forget added water weight. If you’re in doubt, do check with a builder or structural engineer. Materials vary from acrylic to cast iron to solid surface. Metal baths – such as copper, tin and nickel – are big news at the moment. Steel is hard-wearing and retains heat well, while cast iron gives the traditional look for freestanding baths, is hard-wearing, but seriously heavy – see Drummonds’ Avon bath, a skirted tub in a variety of coloured finishes. Victoria + Albert Baths is known for crafting baths using its unique Quarrycast material. Made from volcanic limestone, it is super lightweight, strong and scratch-resistant.
Acrylic is the most popular material and is budget friendly and light. It is easy to care for, retains heat well, but is not recyclable and can scratch. Acrylic has been developed to be created easily in a variety of colours, like Victoria + Albert Baths’ ombré Amiata bath. ‘Around one in eight Victoria + Albert baths are now sold with a painted exterior, from a choice of over 200 R AL colours,’ says Emma Joyce of House of Rohl. Proof indeed that we all want something exceptional when it comes to our evening soak.
CONSIDER THE
FLOOR AND WHETHER IT CAN HOLD YOUR NEW BATH’S WEIGHT – AND DON’T FORGET
WATER WEIGHT