Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation

Read article : Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation

A small bathtub is a nice alternative to a regular one and not only because it’d free up more space in the bathroom. These amazing soaking freestanding tubs are made for relaxation and, well, soaking. Besides you can easily turn one into a shower and use the rest of that bathroom space for washers, storage, or simply to create an airy look in an already cramped room.

Small Bathtub Designs of Every Shape

Small bathtubs come in all shapes and different sizes. They aren’t just circular or oval. There are classical claw feet freestanding tubs in minimized versions, square tubs and all kinds of forms in between.

Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation" width="900" height="900" />Cyrano Acrylic Slipper 44″ white tub

This Barclay‘s Cyrano Acrylic Slipper tub is just 44″ with the beautiful brushed nickel imperial feet and a roll top. It goes to show that even if your bathroom is tiny you can still create a vintage style interior with a classic tub that won’t take up too much space.

It is ideal for the bedroom too because you won’t end up giving too much of the floor space to the bathroom area. Even though tiny it still has the presence that people like so much about the clawfoot tubs.

Small Bathtub Designs Made For Ultimate Relaxation" width="800" height="800" />Marmorin small soaking tub

Circular shape is probably the most popular among the soaking tubs but this Marmorin Jena shoe-shaped design is all about ergonomics. It may look bigger than it really is but it’s all because of its high back that allows to really lean back and enjoy your me-time.

This form is getting more widespread but it surely requires a bit more space. Well, at least you can sit back and hide from the world behind those tall tub walls.

Small Bathtubs Made of Metal

Asti Copper Japanese soaking tub

Material is as important as the shape of a tub. Copper is a huge design trend right now and the bathtubs that are made of it can surely add some style points to a modern bathroom. This 39″ Asti Copper Japanese Soaking Tub from Signature Hardware has an amazing albeit simple design and can probably fit into the tiniest of bathrooms.

Copper is not only quite easy to clean and maintain, it is also antibacterial. It looks well as it ages and if you choose really carefully it will serve you for quite a long time. Decor tip: match copper with teal or turquoise accents for a truly stunning look.

43″ Simone Polished Stainless Steel soaking tub

Like it or not the round shape is simply the most efficient when it comes to small bathtubs. This is another one of Signature Hardware‘s mini tubs, a 43″ Simone Polished Stainless Steel Soaking Tub, stylish and very small.

It would surely fit into any small bathroom and make it look amazing. The modern stainless steel finish can go well with both traditional and ultra modern or minimalist decorating styles. It all depends on what you’re going for.

Square Freestanding Bath Tub 41' x 41' from ADM Bathroom Design" width="900" height="900" />Square Freestanding Bath Tub 41′ x 41′ from ADM Bathroom Design

Of course, if a square tub works better for your floor plan then you’re in luck because there are quite a lot of them on the market right now. For instance, this ADM Bathroom Design square tub is a perfect fit for a small bathroom, especially if you’re planning to tuck it into a corner.

Some square tubs feature a circle carved up inside of them leaving some space around the angles for storing small things like shampoos and soaps. Some even feature a mini deck with steps to make it easier to get in.

Circular Small Bathtubs

Aquatica TrueOfuro freestanding solid surface bathtub

Speaking of tall and small bathtubs, going upwards is always a valid way to economically use space regardless of the room. In a small bathroom a tall soaking tub leaves so much free space to simply move around.

Circular soaking tubs can often be quite deep and tall like the Aquatica‘s TrueOfuro freestanding tub. It is quite small but a grown adult can clearly fit in it without any problem.

Aquatica Purescape freestanding acrylic bathtub

Purescape tub from Aquatica is designed by the same principle but it has a modern look to it. It also features the decorative rings that make it look like a collapsable cup.

Speaking of which, soaking tubs often have cup-like shapes but there are other small tub designs that resemble things like bowls and even vases.

Colorful Small Bathtubs

Acrylic mini bathtub

While round tubs look more impressive in the middle of the room or beside a bed or a window, they can also quite successfully fit into a corner. This Glass Design acrylic mini tub has its back raised and while it’s circular there’s little space wasted between it and the wall.

Beside shapes, sizes and materials the color of a bathtub is a whole different factor that diversifies the choice. Surely most of them are still white on the inside but the sides come in all the different colors from red to blue to golden.

Flower style back bathtub

Another great small bathtub design from Glass Design looks more like a flower vase (perhaps hence the name) and features a black exterior but the white insides.

Sure, it may not look as convenient or practical but just look at how little floor space it occupies. You can probably stand upright inside of it, which would eliminate the need for a shower. But the question is how does one get in?

Mini Gold Leaf tub

Their Mini Gold Leaf small bathtub can really transform a tiny bathroom. Its beautiful finish would definitely make for a luxury bath interior.

Since its back is raised and a bit pointed, it too fits well into the corner. Although who would want to tuck it in there rather than placing it right in the middle of the room?

Traditional Small Bathtubs

Tubby Torre bathtub

Freestanding bathtubs are very popular right now. But if you need a mini version that would fit into a tiny bathroom the Tubby Torre from Albion Bath Co. is a perfect option.

Painted into a beautiful dark bronze the bathtub would make a gorgeous addition to any bathroom or even bedroom. It’s compact enough to leave a lot of free space in the room. And it’s beautiful enough to pass as a full-sized luxury freestanding tub.

Tubby too short roll top bathtub

Tubby Too Short is another contender for a small luxury bathroom. This mini clawfoot tub painted into bright purple really calls for a mock vintage style or maybe even shabby chic.

It is a great way to add a pop of color to a small bathroom. It both creates a focal point in the interior and requires no additional decorative accents.

Small Bathtubs Made of Marble

Papillon Bathtub in Marble Sandstone and Granite by Stone Forest

Though stone isn’t accessible to most, the bathtubs made out of it can look truly incredible. Even the small ones. Stone Forest shows what marble sandstone can do to such a mundane thing as a bathtub.

Beside the high cost natural stone requires tremendous maintenance. So if you think you want one be sure to do your homework and find out what you’re getting into before the purchase.

EAU Soaking tub

Stone Forest knows a thing or two about impressive stonework. This small bathtub was presented at ICFF and also at IDS12. It earned a 2011 BOY Merit Award from Interior Design Magazine and general media attention for its impeccable design.

Finished with a sealant (like this one), stone bathtubs require careful cleaning. If the sealant is damaged your tub could end up with stains and scratches. But even with sealant intact you still want to wipe it dry after each use. This is done to prevent mineral and soap scum buildup. Do you think you’re ready for such a commitment?

Small Bathtubs Made of Stone

GRAL tub by SIGN

The GRAL bathtub by SIGN looks like an oversized sink and while small it’s definitely a luxury tub as it was made out of a single excavated stone piece.

If you’re trying to save both space and money though you can surely find an equivalent shape among more modest modern tubs on the market.

Circular bathtub in home by Carver + Schicketanz

As we already mentioned, a small bathtub doesn’t have to only be a solution to the lack of space. In a spacious bathroom it can simply allow you to add features that aren’t fit for the other rooms.

This beautiful stone bath is doing just that in a house designed by Carver + Schicketanz. There’s plenty of space in the indoor/outdoor room with some serious furnishings that offer plenty of storage space.

SPA bathtub designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design" width="800" height="493" />SPA bathtub designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design

SPA bathtubs are definitely the ones that allow you to soak well and relax. This one was designed by nespoli e novara for Neutra Design and it surely looks relaxing. Available in a range of various stones including moonstone and granite it makes for a luxury addition to a small bathroom.

While you may think it’s not as versatile a small bathtub can double as a shower or even a whirl tub.  So even those who lack space can enjoy a piece of their favorite SPA right at home.

Small Bathtubs in Interior Design

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction" width="800" height="530" />Designed by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Think small bathtubs can’t look impressive? Then you didn’t see this bathroom designed by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction. Featuring a built-in round bathtub with a marble ring and a waterfall tap this interior is out of this world.

Of course, the glazed walls and a marble fireplace add considerably to the interior design. But you can’t deny that you’ve never seen a tub like this one before.

Master bathroom with a coffee cup bathtub

Another bathtub you may have never seen before is this coffee cup-shaped bathtub complemented with a themed feature wall. It’s cute but nevertheless impressive. A cleverly incorporated mirror makes the small room feel more spacious.

And still there’s plenty of space for storage, toilet, bidet and a sink with a vanity. What an incredible idea and execution!

Teal bathroom with a small freestanding tub

As you can see even a simple small bathtub can look impressive when it’s a bowl-shaped freestanding design accented with bright teal tiles as a backdrop for a pristine white vessel.

Bubble pendant lights play into the picture full of circular shapes. And a wooden ladder that may look a bit out of place adds its own charm to the look.

Bedroom/bathroom by Finnis Architects

This is a great example of how you can combine the bedroom and bathroom by Finnis Architects. A small bathtub doesn’t get in the way and a half wall gives it a bit of privacy.

There are quite a few challenges when it comes to moving a bathtub into the bedroom but in the end of the day the look is definitely worth it.

Small Built-In Bathtubs

Sunken Concrete Bathtub by Lance Workshop" width="800" height="1067" />Sunken Concrete Bathtub by Lance Workshop

A small bathtub doesn’t have to be freestanding of course. If you need or want to build it into the floor or between the walls you can do that especially in a particularly tight room.

This pulley shower system by Lance Workshop features a sunken concrete bathtub that can easily provide residents with both quick morning showers and the prolonged relaxing bathing sessions.

Michaela Scherrer tiny spa bath

In Michaela Scherrer‘s Pasadena bungalow the concrete SPA bathtub features a partially hidden shower and thick enough borders to keep the appropriate toiletries within a hand’s reach.

As you can see you don’t need a fancy tub or tiles to create your own SPA bath. The white plastered walls and grey concrete work quite nicely together making for a very modern minimal look.

Small bathtub in an Oriental Warehouse Loft

Wood is another material on the rise in the bathtub design. Wooden tubs like this one in the Oriental Warehouse are too high-maintenance but they provide the bathroom with an unparalleled look and feel.

Since they too feature a sealant, cleaning and maintenance should be directed at keeping it intact so the water wouldn’t harm the wood.

A small bathtub is not only space-efficient but can also help to create an amazing bathroom interior design. Besides it can also double as a shower or a hot tub. It can look impressive especially if made out of stone and the downsized traditional versions can allow you to have a vintage or traditional look without requiring much space.

Aquapeutics Announces the Availability of New, Feature-packed Whirlpool Bath Models U2605 and U2606 -- Aquapeutics

Read article : Aquapeutics Announces the Availability of New, Feature-packed Whirlpool Bath Models U2605 and U2606 -- Aquapeutics

Low-priced, top-of-the-line baths are rich in technological advancements, including a built-in waterfall, LED lighting and computerized controls.

Whirlpool Bath Model U2606

Feb. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Aquapeutics introduces models U2605 and U2606 with massage and bubble bath jets, a hand held shower, computer control, LED lighting, and more. Each model has been improved with new features and added to Aquapeutics wide range of products. Now you can enjoy a color changing waterfall in these whirlpool spas. Experience model U2605 priced at $2,599, or model U2606 priced at $2,899.

http://www.aquapeutics.com

The newest feature to Aquapeutics’ whirlpool baths is the waterfall. Two inlet/outlets are built-in on the side of the tub that control water flow to and from the waterfall. These inlets provide a cascading waterfall while the tub circulates water through hydro-therapy massage jets. LED lighting changes the color of the waterfall from blue, to red, to green.

The built in control panel allows customers to adjust these computerized baths. The user can turn a built in radio on or off with a touch of a button. Also, you can control the function of the air jets, massage jets, the water pump, and the underwater lighting. The control panel is built into the teak wood on the top side of the tub.

Model U2605 includes:
Built in waterfall
5 adjustable body massage jets
14 whirlpool bubble bath jets
7 small water jets
Underwater mood lighting
Pillow head rest
15mm teak board
Control panel
Radio
Hand held shower
Automatic cleaning
Manual drain and faucet
Ozone+pipe rinsing

Model U2606 includes:
Built in waterfall
6 adjustable body massage jets
20 whirlpool bubble bath jets
11 small water jets
Underwater mood lamp
Side by side seating with pillow head rest
15mm teak board
Control panel
Radio
Hand held shower
Automatic cleaning
Manual drain and faucet
Ozone+pipe rinsing

# # #

About Aquapeutics:
Aquapeutics is one of the leading suppliers of top quality luxury Steam Showers, Massage Bathtubs, Saunas, Shower Enclosures and more. Each item is hand-picked to combine unique products with high quality and low wholesale prices. Aquapeutics offers free shipping and a three year warranty for each product. For your convenience, you can call to speak with a live representative who will help you find a product that fits your needs.

Word Wenches: Keeping it Clean

Read article : Word Wenches: Keeping it Clean

Joanna here, talking about Georgian and Regency bathtubs and the joys of getting clean. 
 
There is a general view that historical people were rather dirty, there being a dearth of historical folks getting up at six and grabbing a bar of soap and popping in to warble un bel dì vedremo in the shower.  I'm afraid we all feel rather smug about our acres of colored tile with the running hot and cold.

How clean were they?  The townsfolks as they merrily hung aristos from the lamposts, Ninon de l'Enclos, Voltaire, (Did you know Ninon left money in her will for the 9-year-old Voltaire to buy books?) Napoleon, Jane Austen, the kitchenmaid grinding coffee in the morning? How clean were they?

This is a case where the written historical record tends to desert us, somewhat, as folks do not record in their diary, "I got up and Mary-the-perky-maid brought me six liters of water and I washed my face, hands, underarms and, last off, various parts south of the waistband." any more than we text to our BFFs to say we've had a morning shower.

So we end up making some 'best guesses' about this whole business.

You had your everyday getting clean.  You had your getting wet for recreational purposes. And you had your washing the body to treat diseases.

This last one gets written about a lot in a 'I went to the baths to see if I could get rid of this nasty skin condition' or 'the physician prescribed a course of cold baths with sulfur powder in them and I feel much better now that I have stopped' sorta way.  Marat, you will recall, was in exactly such a medicinal bath when Charlotte Corday brought it, and him, to an abrupt end with a knife.

Medicinal Baths and Thermal Spas.  The mineral baths at Bath and other spa towns provided an immersion intended to improve the health, not so much wash the body, though it did that too.  Some places there were separate baths for men and women.  Some places, everybody bathed together.
They went into the water dressed. Wearing their periwigs and bonnets.  I should think the fumes did neither periwigs nor bonnets much good, frankly.

Up at four o’clock, being by appointment called up to the Cross Bath . . .  very fine ladies; and the manner pretty enough, only methinks it cannot be clean to go so many bodies together in the same water. Good conversation among them that are acquainted here, and stay together. Strange to see how hot the water is; and in some places, though this is the most temperate bath, the springs so hot as the feet not able to endure. . . . Carried away, wrapped in a sheet, and in a chair, home; and there one after another thus carried, I staying above two hours in the water, home to bed, sweating for an hour.
         Pepys' Diary

Let us leave the whole subject of medicinal baths very quickly, as it is generally unpleasant, even if you're not getting stabbed.

Though I should point out that folks still do this medicinal bath bit, in the way of putting baking soda in a bath for some poor sufferer from poison ivy, and modern herb baths hold anything from lavender to chamomile and thyme.  The 'it's good for you' bath is not going to disappear anytime soon.

Out in the Fresh Air.  The opposite of taking a bath because it was good for you was getting wet just for the fun of it.  Any warm day would probably see the local youths sporting in the local river.  There are a good many references to folks doing exactly this -- including a Paris ordinance forbidding nude bathing in the Seine, but only near the bridges -- to avoid the scandalizing the public.

Pepys, in his diary, notes the sad death of a young boy bathing in the Thames.
and at Somerset-stairs do understand that a boy is newly drowned, washing himself there, and they cannot find his body.

Or this Englishman travelling in America.
Early the next morning, my kind, attentive host entered into my bedroom and inquired if I should like to take a bath. I replied in the affirmative, and immediately rising, was conducted to one in an adjoining field which is filled by a small brook and is therefore always fresh.
          A summary view of America, Isaac Candler  1824

Period pictures are not an entirely reliable guide to actual practice.  Showing folks bathing in pools and rivers is a great excuse to paint nekkid people, after all.  But from an extensive personal survey,it looks like bathing -- where folks actually got wet all over as opposed to wading in the water -- tended to be young people and they were segregated into women and men.  

Bathing in the sea, for fun and medical benefit, became fashionable in the Eighteenth Century, with 'bathing machines' on offer from mid century. 

The fourth is its fondness for bathing-machines,
Which it constantly carries about,
And believes that they add to the beauty of scenes-
A sentiment open to doubt.
          Lewis Carroll

Bathing machines were high-wheeled wagons, with a canvas or wood structure on top, towed from the shore into the sea. 

Image to yourself a small, snug, wooden chamber, fixed upon a wheel-carriage, having a door at each  end, and on each side a little window above, a bench below – The bather, ascending into this apartment by wooden steps, shuts himself in, and begins to undress, while the attendant yokes a horse to the end next the sea, and draws thecarriage forwards, till the surface of the water is on a level with the floor of the dressing-room, then he  moves and fixes the horse to the other end – The person within being stripped, opens the door to the sea-ward, where he finds the guide ready, and plunges headlong into the water – After having bathed, he re-ascends into the apartment, by the steps which had been shifted for that purpose, and puts on his clothes at his leisure, while the carriage is drawn back again upon the dry land; so that he has nothing further to do, but to open the door, and come down as he went up.
                                   Tobias Smollett  1771

Men plunged into the waves starkers.  Small children, of course, went into the water naked, as they do in European countries today.  Women wore a long flannel shift, sometimes with lead weights sewn into the hem to keep the skirts from floating up.

In all this bathing, women took to one end of the beach and men the other, so modesty was maintained, in any case.  Hefty and agile attendants supervised so folks didn't drown, a real possibility when wrapped in several yards of soaking flannel, I should imagine.  

But how did people wash? I hear you asking.  How did they keep clean?

Public Baths.  In France, the custom of public bath houses, cheap, respectable and widely available, never died out.  This was an amazement and joy to travelling Englishmen and women who have left us detailed records of the process since this was something they did not have at home. 

Paris baths had private rooms with hot and cold running water, big tubs, fireplaces, nicely heated robes and towels, waitresses offering coffee and drinks, and a selection of bath oils and bath herbs.  There were also bathin g pools for both men and women and, in one bath on the Seine, swimming lessons for both.
I'm surprised English folks every went home again.

Meanwhile . . . at home. In England, in this period, folks did their actual getting clean by sponging off with a pitcher of water and a little basin on their dresser, or by immersing themselves in a tub not too different from a modern bath tub, or by standing in a smallish tub on the floor and washing with a pitcher of water.

The habit of washing the body and the introduction of wash basins and portable bath tubs began to spread among wealthy households in the late 18th century.
     The Family, Sex & Marriage in England 1500-1800 Laurence Stone

You had yer bath tubs.

I think and feel that, after a day's bard riding, there is no luxury comparable with a 'warm bath—it is so grateful and refreshing, and disputes the title of "tired nature's sweet restorer" with sleep
The Inspector, literary magazine and review, Volume 2

These were not necessarily in a 'bathroom'. 

The idea of having a room devoted to washing in a tub goes right back to the Seventeenth Century.  Pepys mentions such a bath in a private home.

Thence with Mr. Povy home to dinner; where extraordinary cheer. And after dinner up and down to see his house. . . .  his grotto and vault, with his bottles of wine, and a well therein to keep them cool; his furniture of all sorts; his bath at the top of his house, good pictures, and his manner of eating and drinking; do surpass all that ever I did see of one man in all my life.

But this would have been rare.  Rooms devoted to bathing were for palaces and the grandest mansions.

Moveable tub baths were more common.
What folks of middling means did when they wanted to take a bath was fire up the hearth in their bedroom, pull a screen round to close off the drafts, and send for a tub. 

And water.  They had 'running water' of a sort.  They sent a footman to run and get it.  It came up in biggish cans, generally one hot and one cold.  A housemaid might linger nearby and keep a kettle on the fire and add more hot water from time to time as the bath cooled.
This process was what you might call, labor intensive.  Water and bath hauling was done by footmen.

Warning:  Author anecdote time.  My father grew up in a house with exactly this kind of 'running water'.  His job was to go to the well and carry in all the water used for cooking, cleaning, bathing and washing for a household of ten people.  It will come as no surprise that he ran away to sea.

How common were these tub baths?

Every house of every nobleman or gentleman, in every nation under the sun, excepting Britain, possesses one of these genial friends to cleanliness and comfort (bath tubs).
           The Mirror of Graces (1811) 

So the British may have been well behind their continental counterparts in the matter of home bath tubs, just as they were in matter of public baths.

And when there was a tub in the house, it's worth noting that its use involved a whole production.  Boiling water, carting it upstairs, and then carting it down again after use.  I wonder how many of the ordinary gentry folk would have seen this as a daily necessity when you could get just as clean with . . .

Basin and Pitcher.  This was the standard wash equipment all through the period.  

Washing with a pitcher of water would be part of the morning routine, or undertaken again after a long day of work or play.  This was what you'd expect to find waiting for you in a decent inn.  This was the normal way folks got clean. 

Pitchers held about the largest amount of water one person could easily manage to pour.  Call it one to two gallons.  (Four to eight liters.)  You wet a towel or flannel and washed yourself, using the basin to catch the used water. Or you might pour the water in and splash it on yourself. 

The towels, by the way, weren't the fluffy terry cloth we think of today when we say towel.  That's mid-nineteenth century fabric.  Our Georgian and Regency folks used woven linen to dry off. 

The soap would most likely have been spherical, about the size to fit in the palm of the hand, because that's how it would have been form -- piece by piece between the palms of the hand.  Your character might have called this a 'wash ball'.  

It would be kept in a soap ball holder on the washstand. After the 1790's the soap might have been 'Pear's Soap', which was transparent and flower scented. And . . . There might be sponges. 

Your basin and pitcher might sit on a sideboard or a dresser, or you might have a fancy, purpose-built washstand in the corner.  It was typically a maid who brought the pitcher of hot water up to you. The amount of water was limited by the amount you could lift and pour yourself.  That meant a maid could easily carry it. 

How clean did you get, washing this way? 

I don't see any reason to believe you couldn't keep yourself just as clean as bathing in a tub.  Even today, this is 'how it's done' for most of the world's population. 

Whether our Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century folks felt the need to wash as often as we do today or righteously refrained from washing on the grounds that it 'opened the pores' and let sickness in . . . I don't think anybody will really know.

It's not a British reference, but:

Having completed it, [my work]  I went to the stream to wash myself thoroughly, and then to the sailor's chest to change my coat, that I might make a decent appearance at breakfast, and give my sons an example of that cleanliness which their mother was at all times eager to inculcate.
                   Swiss Family Robinson 1812

And Beau Brummel advocated frequent washing. 
On the other hand, he felt he had to advocate frequent washing.

Rub a dub dub.  A couple final questions remain in my mind.

Why the devil did women sometimes wear their shifts in the bathtub?  And what is with putting a sheet along the bottom of the tub?

I have cogitated upon this from time to time when I am not concerned with other great issues of the day like, 'Why does the car always break down when I have to be somewhere in twenty minutes?' and 'Why are taxes so complicated?' and 'Why would anyone name his kid Cedric? Isn't it obvious he's going to be a supporting character and come to a sticky end in a graveyard?'

I won't call this the final word on sheets in bathtubs . . . But this is what I think:
There is cloth on the bottom of the tub because these tubs were either (a) wood and full of splinters or (b) metal and cold.

  So why are women wearing a shift in the water?

I think bathing in a tub was seen not so much as washing to get clean, as it was an enjoyable interlude. 

Think of modern habit of spending an hour reading in the bathtub.  If it took a couple man-hours to prepare and clear out that tub, it seems to me you wouldn't put your household to that much trouble and then not take full advantage of it. 

Washing with a basin and pitcher was solitary, but tub bathing, by its nature, was a group effort.  It seems to have been something of a social occasion for some folks.

Marie Antoinette wrote:  I dictate from my bath, into which I have just thrown myself, to support, at least, my physical strength. I can say nothing of the state of my mind;"

If Marat had not been of the opinion that receiving visitors in the bathtub was an unexceptional practice he might have lived a while longer.

So maybe -- a shift was worn for modesty when the bedroom was apt to be crisscrossed by servants running errands and you planned to be in the tub a while? 

washstand from the Victoria and Albert. Ewer and basin, soap ball, and the Degas statue of Woman Washing Her Leg are from the Metropolitan Museum. 

What do you think?  Were they clean and sweet in Regency times, or deplorably . . . uncleanly. 
(Not Mr. Darcy.  Say it ain't so.)

10 of the best freestanding baths

Read article : 10 of the best freestanding baths

Freestanding baths can work to create a stunning focal point for your bathroom while also adding a touch of elegance and personality.

They can often be costly though so, before you invest in a new stylish tub here are some things you should give some thought to.

Weight

This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but bathtubs are heavy - especially freestanding ones - and they'll only get heavier once you add a tub full of water and your body to the equation.

Looks great, but can your home handle the weight of a freestanding bathtub?

Before you purchase your dream freestanding tub (and we've got some lovely examples below) make sure your home can physically withstand the pressure of it all, unless you want to cause some seriously structural damage to your home.

Location

Where you position your tub can make all the difference between a stylish and relaxing bathroom, and one that looks horribly cramped. Obviously, if you have a larger bathroom this won't be as much as a problem, but if your bathroom is on the smaller side of things this will be something you'll have to put some thought into.

Think about where you're going to place your new bathtubCredit: R Streeter

Consider placing your bathtub somewhere with enough space on either side to stack your toiletries (soaps, shampoos, conditioner, etc) and maybe even a laundry basket. This will make sure you've got enough 'wiggle room' to stop your bathroom from looking a little too squashed together.

For those with smaller bathrooms, opt for a slipper bath model as these tend to fit neatly into smaller rooms and help to give the illusion of space.

Style

Freestanding bathtubs act as a statement piece in any room, but what kind of statement you make all depends on the style you go for.

What sort of style are you looking for?Credit: Chris Terry

Decide whether you want your bathroom to have a contemporary or traditional look. If you're looking for something modern you might want to go with a tub with a trendy metallic finish or a bespoke paint job to match the room. For a traditional look, you can never go wrong with a classic slipper bath.

Here are some of our favourite freestanding tubs to get you started...

Coniston

£2,925.00, C.P. Hart

The deep curves of this bath are designed to mirror those of the U-shaped valley containing Coniston Water in Cumbria.

If you ask me, it looks more like a flying saucer, but it holds an impressive amount of water, ensuring you will want to wallow in it for hours. You’ll need to have a big enough bathroom though, and a chunky budget, but it does come in matte or gloss white.

Buy now

Henley 1550

£299, Soakology

The name “slipper bath” sounds slightly creepy, but these high-backed, shorter length baths fit into small spaces and tend to be extremely comfortable. This one is made of acrylic, meaning scratches can easily be filled or repaired. It comes with chrome aluminium feet and is a bargain at just under £300.

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Astonian Brunel

£2,966.02, Aston Matthews

Built for those who require an industrial-sized bath, this cast iron tank takes its inspiration from 19th century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. At just under £3000 it’s not cheap but it’s built to give you a lifetime of total immersion. And if you go off grey, you can always paint it a different colour.

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The Tamar

from £2,925.00, Drummonds

If a bath with shapely legs isn’t your thing, the Tamar, with its elegant skirt, might suit. It is compact, stylish and comes in a variety of finishes. And being double ended, you can soak away for hours with a book, a glass of wine or – as the manufacturer points out – with company.

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Salisbury Slipper

£629, Bathstore

This neat bath (it’s only 1520mm) will add interest and class to a meanly-proportioned bathroom. The raised "slipper" end will support your shoulders and back to give a relaxing, if slightly upright, bathing experience. I like the contrast of black feet on white bath, but you can also order it with white feet.

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Moo

£11,916.48, C.P. Hart

A distinctly bovine bath made in Belgium made from Compolight and covered in imitation cow hyde – water resistant, of course. Probably de trop for a poky terrace house but if you own a chalet, or converted cattle shed, this is the bath for you.

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Napoli

POR, Victoria + Albert Baths

The egg-shaped Napoli offers “rimless” bathing, which I’m assured is just as comfortable as the roll-top variety. It is a super-minimalist, one piece casting of rare volcanic limestone and resin with a high gloss finish and an exterior that can be painted.

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Topaz

£499, Soakology

Despite resembling an ice cream tub, this bath is the epitome of urban cool. It is so deep that you cannot help but sink into a truly luxurious soak. This bath is made of acrylic, so the water should stay warm for ages and has a refreshing £499 price tag.

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Marseille

£3,095.00, Cast Iron Bath

Baths don’t get more aesthetic than this classical-shaped copper bateau. It is finished in tin, using 18th century techniques, giving it a hip, raw beauty and has curving ends to support your head and shoulders. At just over £3000 it’s not cheap, but it will undoubtedly make your bathroom look a whole lot more expensive.

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Clearwater

£1,152.26, UK Bathroom Store

There’s nothing in the slightest bit twee about the Clearwater free standing modern Orient bath - just look at the size of those feet.

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