Which bathtub to choose? - a complete guide

Even before starting to change the decor, you should review the available types of bathtubs, and there is a lot to choose from. Browsing interior design magazines, you can come across different division criteria, so below are presented in more detail those that are most often used.

Freestanding and built-in bathtubs

One way to classify bathtubs is to distinguish between built-in, freestanding, and wall-mounted models. All these options have their advantages. A built-in bathtub, as the name suggests, will have an enclosure. Most often, these types of tubs are finished with the same tiles used throughout the bathroom. However, an enclosure in a matching but contrasting color also looks interesting. Installing a built-in bathtub requires more experience. On the other hand, its advantages include the fact that it is generally a cheaper option than a freestanding bathtub. Another asset is faster cleaning, as there are significantly fewer nooks and crannies where water and dirt can collect.

On the other hand, freestanding bathtubs are standalone elements, often very decorative. Such a bathtub catches the eye from the moment you step in, and its installation is much faster. However, it can be cumbersome to clean, especially if it has a highly decorated base. It is also usually more expensive than a built-in bathtub.

The third type - the wall-mounted bathtub - does not necessarily fall into either of the above categories. However, it combines their advantages. By standing against the wall, it saves more space in the bathroom. On the other hand, there is elegance, including an interesting and eye-catching design in some models. Corner bathtubs can also offer a similar solution, where the enclosure is an integral part of the product.

What are the best bathtubs made of - division according to the material of manufacture

Another criterion according to which bathtubs can be divided is the distinction according to the material of manufacture. Acrylic bathtubs have been the most popular for years. Acrylic is a warm and stain-resistant material. Thanks to the fact that it is easy to process, bathtubs are in many interesting shapes, and at the same time they are quite cheap, which attracts buyers. Unfortunately, it is not the most durable material. Conglomerate bathtubs are much more durable. They are durable, resistant, and easy to clean.

You can also choose bathtubs made of sanitary composite, i.e. mineral aggregate resistant to scratches, abrasions, and discoloration. Composite bathtubs are smooth, pleasant to the touch, and have designer forms. There are also steel bathtubs made of thin sheet metal and resistant to damage, as well as cast iron bathtubs, which are very heavy, but at the same time durable, resistant to stains and mechanical damage. Looking for something from the top shelf, you can find exceptionally original stone bathtubs. They are impressive, but they will not find their application in every bathroom.

Division of bathtubs according to shape

Bathtubs can also be divided according to shape. Which one to choose will be discussed in more detail later, so here is only a brief overview of what types of bathtubs are on sale. First of all, you can choose rectangular bathtubs. Next to them, oval bathtubs are popular. Exceptionally original, but at the same time less common, are polygonal and round bathtubs. Having a corner to develop, an interesting option will be a comfortable corner bathtub, which can be basically in any of the above shapes. What bathtub to buy?

Based on what has already been said above, it is easy to see that choosing the right bathtub is not as obvious as it might seem at first. First, the mounting location is determined, whether the bathtub is to stand in the corner, along the wall, or whether it is to be an independent element. The decision is best made in relation to the size of the bathroom. On this basis, the shape of the bathtub and its width are selected. With a smaller area, a freestanding bathtub is not a particularly good choice.

The nature of the decor is also important. There are styles, such as the modern style and the minimalist style, in which simplicity and lack of ornamentation count, and there are also those where it is the refined forms that are at a premium. An example of such an arrangement will be an arrangement in the Provencal style.

Then there is the material of manufacture. Among the mentioned materials, there are bathtubs that differ greatly in durability, weight, and of course price, so already at the beginning the investor should determine an approximate budget and answer the question of whether they are looking for something for a short time, or whether the bathtub is to serve for many years.

Due to the fact that the bathtub is to be comfortable to use for all household members, it is worth considering what will be the optimal width of the bathtub and what should be the height of the bathtub in the built-in or freestanding version.

In order to be able to say that the bathtub is comfortable to use, its size should correspond to the users. Standard bathtub - what are its dimensions? The length of the bathtub between 140 and 190 cm is considered the norm. In turn, the standard width of the bathtub will be in the range between 70 and 100 cm. Most available models have a depth of up to 47 cm. Large, however, are the ranges if you look at the capacity, which can be from 90 liters in smaller models to 400 liters in the largest ones. When choosing the size, you look not only at the bathtub having standard dimensions, but also at it blending well with the bathroom. Proportions and the ability to move freely around the room count here. In addition, the height of the users is important, especially when there are taller people among the household members. The most comfortable to use bathtub is when it is 10-15 cm shorter than the height of the user. It is not recommended to buy too long a bathtub when household members are of short stature - the user could slip on too long a bathtub. In terms of height, it is also worth considering what the height of the bathtub will be, because short people may have trouble getting into a higher model.

And what about the shape? Rectangular bathtubs work perfectly with bathtubs for building in. They are universal, and their simple shape is great for building in. Looking for a capacious and large bathtub, corner bathtubs may be an ideal option. They usually have an interesting look, and many models have been supplemented with hydromassage. For those who like light forms, oval bathtubs are an interesting option. They blend well with many bathrooms, and at the same time often allow for greater water savings than rectangular bathtubs.

Buying a bathtub is the biggest challenge in the case of smaller rooms. Then every meter of free space counts. Unfortunately, with very small bathrooms, choosing a bathtub is not a particularly good idea, and sometimes it is simply impossible to fit it in. What variant to choose assuming that the room is large and adjustable enough that the bathtub will fit, and household members care about it?

It is best to give up the freestanding bathtub right away, because it will take up too much space. Instead, a better option is to build in a rectangular bathtub. Thanks to the fact that it will be finished with mosaic or ceramic tiles, it will become almost invisible, and thus the bathroom will look optically larger. Remembering about comfort, it should be a bathtub with standard dimensions, but rather closer to the lower limit. In addition to rectangular bathtubs, smaller variants of corner bathtubs may also work, but here you need to be careful and measure everything carefully, including the distances of the bathtub from the walls and other elements of equipment.

It is known what the standard dimensions of the bathtub are and how to choose a model so that it fits the size of the room. In addition, it is good to think about making the use of the bathtub as comfortable as possible. For this purpose, investors often wonder whether to opt for a model supplemented with additional functions. One of the most desired additional options is hydromassage. Of course, such a bathtub will cost more, but it will allow you to create a home SPA, and during bathing to better relax the whole body.

Another popular solution is a bathtub screen. This, in turn, is a good option in homes where household members want to use the bathtub in the traditional way and as a shower cabin. High-quality screens, such as those proposed by the manufacturer of shower enclosures and shower trays SanSwiss, are an additional decoration and are easy to keep clean.

A well-thought-out purchase of a bathtub will allow you to equip the bathroom with a model that is comfortable to use, durable, and aesthetic. The choice is not always clear, just like the answer to the question of which company's bathtub is the best. There are many known and respected manufacturers who can boast high-quality bathtubs, but which of them will be the best is an individual matter.