There is nothing quite as relaxing as taking a long hot bath after a busy, stressful day. Free standing baths are a perfect bath in which to do so because of their shape and depth which provides greater water immersion, comfort and support. Not only do free standing baths create the much desired “spa effect” in the convenience of our very own home, they make a statement of luxury in the bathroom that no other item can.
Today, there are a variety of styles, types, sizes and designs available and many things to take into consideration prior to purchase. So, where does one start?
Stunning double slipper freestanding bath, wall hung vanity, round mirror, chrome tapware and geometric floor tile – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.
Type:
Single ended baths have one rounded end which is sloped for lounging and the other end is for the plumbing.
Single slipper baths are similar to single ended baths but have the added benefit of heightened back support on the lounging end.
Double ended baths have two rounded ends that provide the option of lounging on either end.
Double slipper baths are exactly as they sound, they feature a heightened back support on both ends of the bath.
Claw foot baths are the traditional style of freestanding bath and are available in the previously mentioned types.
Pedestal or skirted baths are exactly as they sound. They rest on a plinth rather than legs and provide an Art Deco type effect. They too are available in the previously mentioned types.
Back to wall free standing baths have one long edge of the bath sit up against a selected wall. These styles are a good option for those who desire a free standing bath but have a limited space.
Corner free standing baths are as they sound and are tucked into a corner in a similar fashion to built in corner baths but have the facia exposed as a freestanding tub. This design is relatively new and does not appeal to everyone, although they are considered by those who have small areas. Lack of popularity has made these difficult to source, however, these are an option for those with very small bathrooms and may allow for a larger vanity and shower.
Regardless of the style of your bathroom, there is a freestanding bath design to perfectly suit. While there are no hard and fast rules with design, generally speaking, rectangular shapes and defined edges suit more contemporary bathrooms. Rounded and curved styles with careful selection of tiles and accessories, can work well within any style of bathroom from traditional to contemporary.
Gorgeous white single slipper free standing bath with timber tile feature wall with decorative niche – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.
Size:
The size of the bath with depend on the bathroom area and layout. Before purchasing any items for your bathroom, it is integral to speak with your bathroom renovator and have an agreed upon plan with measurements allowed for each item. Think not only how the bath will look, but how it will be accessed and what type of taps and spout are preferred and where they will be located. Consider the location chosen for the tub and how easy it will be to clean in and around the tub.
Be sure to consider the size of the doorways, hallways and other areas that the bath needs to pass through in order to be placed in the bathroom. Weight of the bath and the width of a staircase should be considered if a heavy bath has been chosen for an upstairs bathroom.
Material:
Traditionally, freestanding baths were made of cast iron. Today, they are popularly made from a combination of acrylic and fibreglass which makes them lighter and therefore an option for a greater amount of homes. Cast iron and stone baths, while stunning and incredibly durable, have such a weight on their own, then with the addition of water when filled, become so heavy that the flooring on which they sit needs to be reinforced to withstand the weight.
Stunning timber walll hung vanity, mirrored shaving cabinet & back to wall double ended free standing bath. Bathroom Renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.
Important Considerations:
Not all bathrooms have the area required to accommodate a free standing bath without making the room appear crowded. There are many varieties available that are suited to smaller sized bathrooms however, it is imperative when selecting bathroom items to have a realistic view of the finished result, and take advice from your bathroom renovator as to whether a freestanding bath will work with your bathroom layout. It may be a case of deciding what is most important to you. If your bathroom area is limited and a free standing bath is high on your list of priorities. Perhaps a smaller sized vanity can be considered and a mirrored shaving cabinet can be installed instead of a standard mirror to provide extra storage rather than relying on the vanity alone. The shower recess location, shape and size can often be negotiated to accommodate a larger area for the bath.
Remember; function trumps design. At the end of the day, no matter how fantastic a particular item will look, it needs to be functional for all members of the household. Thought is required as to who will be using the bath. Bathing young babies needs to be comfortable and safe. Very young children may have difficulty getting in and out of some styles of freestanding baths. So too, the elderly and those with limited mobility need to consider if a particular design can be safely accessible. That said, there are now a greater variety of styles and shapes that are far more family friendly than ever before. It’s all about choosing one that best suits your individual household needs and bathroom space.
Stunning double slipper free standing bath with floor mounted bath filler – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.
Consider waste pipe and bath spout type, be it freestanding bath filler or wall mounted tap and mixer. Depending on the bath chosen, the location of its drain and the type of bath spout chosen will determine the amount of extra plumbing moves are required. This in an extra expense that needs to be allowed for when choosing all bathroom prime cost items.
Storage is an important factor that needs to be addressed. Unlike built-in baths, freestanding baths do not have an area to place desired toiletries and other bath supplies such as candles, a book or a glass of wine. The addition of recessed shelving by way of a niche is a fantastic way to create a place for these types of items and in addition, creates quite a feature in the bathroom. The niche can be tiled in the same tile as the rest of the wall or in a feature tile to really make it stand out. The addition of downlights or LED strip lighting provides a feature lighting inside the niche creates a stunning effect and enhances relaxation.
Related Articles:
Choosing your Bathroom Tapware
Advantages of Linear Shower Drains
Advantages of a Custom Plinth supported vanity
Master Bathrooms & Kitchens is a family owned and operated bathroom and kitchen renovation company that has been servicing the Hills and Hornsby Districts for the past 24 years. We take great pride in our work and aim to provide our customers with renovation advice and product care tips to keep their newly renovated bathrooms and kitchens looking their best.
Peruse our website for more renovation inspiration or simply call us on (02)9899-9330 for your bathroom or kitchen renovation today!
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