A lot goes into creating the perfect bathroom, and choosing the right tub for your space is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. But with so many styles and emerging new bathroom trends to choose from, it can be difficult to land on ‘the one’. Especially when you’ve got other key factors to consider like size, usage, and budget.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to choose a bath that fits your needs to a tee, comparing some of the most popular styles and new bath ideas with useful guidance to help you make the right choice.
At Raynesway Tile Warehouse, we have an outstanding range of carefully selected suites, fixtures, flooring, and accessories at our bathroom showroom in Derby – ready to complete, elevate, or totally transform your bathroom.
Things to consider before choosing a new bath
Choosing a visually appealing style is the easy part, but what if the bath you want isn’t practical, or doesn’t quite fit your space? Consider these key factors before diving in:
- Bathroom size – think about available floor space, room layout, and the positioning of your existing plumbing.
- Usage – think about who will be using the bath, how often, and whether this is the primary bath in your house.
- Budget – as well as bath cost, think about extra installation costs, associated fittings, and any complementary tiles or accessories you need.
With a clear understanding of your needs and preferences, you’ll find it easier (and more enjoyable!) to compare bath styles with the confidence you need to make the right decision on your brand new bath.
Free standing baths
Nothing says ‘luxury’ like a free standing bath – the ideal choice if you want your tub to make a statement and be the focal point of your space.
Pros
- Wide range of modern and traditional designs to choose from
- Spectrum of cost-effective and premium price points to suit budget
- Can be positioned away from walls for more flexibility
Cons
- Requires more floor space
- Often comes with higher installation costs
- Cleaning around the bath can be more challenging
Expert style tips
Free standing baths look great with floor-mounted bath fillers, large-format porcelain tiles, and feature wall tiling, while the right floor tiling can provide the water resistance, load-bearing capacity, and complimentary appeal your free standing tub needs to stand out and stand strong. Discover the best tiles for bathroom floors.Back-to-wall baths
Want the luxurious feel of a free standing bath but don’t have the space? A back-to-wall bath could be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Elegant aesthetic while standing flush against the wall
- Easier to clean than free standing baths, with concealed pipework
- Often more space- and cost-efficient than free standing options
Cons
- Inflexible positioning, must be against the wall
- Lacks the ‘360° centrepiece’ feel that a free standing bath has
- Wall must be perfectly square and waterproof for installation
Expert style tips
Retain the luxury aesthetic of a free standing bath by pairing your back-to-wall tub with wall-mounted taps, minimalist tile designs, and floating vanity units.
Straight baths
For flexibility and functionality, straight baths are a great choice, especially for busy families and those on a budget.
Pros
- Most versatile option for smaller space
- Compatible with shower screens
- Wide range of sizes to suit all needs
Cons
- Must be fitted against walls or in corners
- Not as visually distinctive or appealing
- Sealed gaps can accumulate dirt and be hard to clean
Expert style tips
Elevate the functionality and aesthetics of your straight bath by integrating it with a shower screen, or pairing it with practical wall tiling and contemporary brassware.
Shower baths
Looking for a new shower as well as a bath? Installing the two separately can be challenging from a space and money perspective. Shower baths are the perfect solution.
Pros
- Multi-functional and space-saving
- Ideal for families with regular bathroom usage
- Cost-effective, bringing two appliances together in one
Cons
- Often a smaller bathing area compared to dedicated baths
- Showering space can be confined, especially for tubs with sloped sides
- Less flexibility with design options compared to dedicated or straight baths
Expert style tips
Shower baths can be made more visually appealing by coordinating the shower unit with the bath taps, or even by opting for a glass shower screen. Whilst waterproof tiles are a must, you can choose designs that match or elevate the vibe of your shower bath.
Corner baths
Some bathrooms, even spacious ones, can have unique layouts that make traditional bath designs tricky to accommodate. Corner baths solve that problem, with the visual appeal to match.
Pros
- Highly space efficient for awkward layouts
- Can provide a larger, deeper bathing area without obstruction
- Creates a distinctive and more unique bathroom aesthetic
Cons
- Only suitable for specific room layouts
- Can be harder to clean than traditional styles
- Limited or no ability to integrate shower appliance and enclosure
Expert style tips
Bring that unique corner of your bathroom to life by adding mosaic feature tiling, corner storage solutions, and contemporary fixtures on and around your corner bath.
Transform your bathroom with Raynesway Tile Warehouse
Ready to put your new bath ideas to use? Knowing how to choose a bath is key to making a decision that you are happy with after installation, not just before. Take into consideration size, cost, and practicality for those who will be dunking in it. Then you can narrow down your shortlist using the comparison guide above, and turn the tap on your tub search with confidence!
And remember, what you do around the bath can elevate the style and functionality of your space as much as the tub itself! Whether you’re planning a full bathroom renovation, making tasteful additions, or swapping old for new, our Derby tile showroom has a wide range of styles, suites and accessories, with the friendly experienced staff to help you make the right choice for your bathroom.
Working on the rest of your house too? Browse our kitchen tiles while you’re here, our team will be happy to assist you on making your house feel like a home. In the meantime, get in touch with us for advice and availability of our wide selection of bathroom suites, tiles, and accessories.
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