7 steps to choosing the right freestanding bath
‘Image Source: The Brighton Bathroom Company‘
If you’re looking for a statement piece for your new bathroom design, a freestanding bath can be the perfect choice. Combining elegant good looks with no nonsense practicality, it might just become your favourite place at home to relax and unwind.
Freestanding baths are a major investment that needs to be carefully considered before you commit to a purchase. We’ve put together 7 steps to take you through the process to ensure that you make the right decision for your bathroom.
- Where will the bath tub go?
Consult your bathroom designer to help you choose the best position for your freestanding bath. Depending on the size and shape of the room, there may only be one sensible location or several options. Take a look at the windows in the room – often, this is an awkward place to fit washbasins or WCs. Could your bath go under the window?
If you have an alcove, corner or a feature wall, carefully positioning your freestanding bath can set the space off beautifully.
- How heavy is the material?
Carefully consider the material that your freestanding bath is made out of. Cast iron and natural stone is much heavier than acrylic, which may be available in a wider range of shapes and more budget friendly. Don’t forget the weight of the water – obviously, a full bath will weigh even more!
If you’re not sure about the strength of your floor, particularly on an upper storey, or the structure of your house features a suspended timber floor as opposed to solid concrete, it’s a good idea to check with a builder or structural engineer to see whether the floor will need strengthening before installing your new bath.
1. Which style of bath do you prefer?
Whether you’re trying to create a period look or a contemporary vibe, you will find a wealth of freestanding tubs to choose from. There are single ended and double ended baths, slipper baths, pedestal baths and clawfoot tubs. If you prefer a sleek, modern design, there are oval tubs, egg shaped tubs, square and even round ones.
Think about the overall design of the room as well as the rest of your home. What impact are you hoping to achieve with your bathroom? Traditional elegance? Modern chic? Indulgent sanctuary? Family practicality?
2. How important is storage space?
Having a bath may be a relaxing experience but don’t forget that you need storage space for all your accessories – from lotions and potions to towels and bath toys, and not forgetting a safe place to put a cup of tea, glass of bubbles, book or magazine.
Make sure there is space nearby for a storage unit or alternatively keep a side table or stool next to the bath for all your essential bathtime paraphernalia.
3. Is white the only colour?
The short answer is no – freestanding baths come in a wide range of colours and non-white materials, so you do have a choice. Cast iron bath tubs often come painted with an undercoat, ready for you to match the finish to the rest of your interiors scheme.
While the general trend for sanitary ware is still firmly set on white for WCs, shower trays and most wash basins, setting a colour accent with a freestanding feature bath can do wonders for the overall aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.
4. Are you looking for the wow factor?
Freestanding baths are perfect as the focal point for your bathroom. Let’s face it, if your bath tub is the centre of attention, the design of the rest of the room can blend into the background. If you really want to make a statement, why not splash out on an unusual material or shape?
In addition to commonly used bath tub materials such as acrylic or fibreglass, porcelain or ceramic, cast iron or stone resin, baths can also be manufactured from stainless steel or copper, glass, wood, stone, marble or even crystal rock.
5. Choose your taps
Whether you’ve gone traditional or modern, once you’ve chosen the right freestanding bath, you need to find suitable bath taps to complement the overall look. Bath mounted taps are the most cost effective solution – they can either be fitted in the centre or at the end of the bath – but do check that your bath has tapholes in the right places. Floor or wall mounted taps are another option.
When it comes to the finish, chrome taps are the most affordable choice. Premium products made of silver nickel, brass or copper can look stunning in the right context, but your decision will ultimately be guided by your bathroom design, space and budget considerations.
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