Don’t you just wish you had your own private sanctuary where you can hide from the rest of the world and enjoy some peaceful moments of solitude? Well, you already have it. It’s your bathroom, or your bathtub to be precise. But if it’s hard to imagine your tub as a cradle of peace, then you don’t have the right bathtub. Or perhaps, you don’t even own one?
If you’re wondering whether you really need a bathtub, you should know that this element is about more than just hygiene. It can be the perfect centrepiece for the bathroom that affects the overall aesthetic, and also increase your home’s potential resale value, not to mention the comfort.
Choosing a stylish bathtub is the easiest way to create a stunning focal point that’ll elevate your overall bathroom design. This works like magic to attract potential buyers because you’re not only selling a home, you’re selling a lifestyle.
And as far as the comfort is concerned, it’s hard to imagine anything more relaxing than a warm bubbly soak after a long, stressful day. If just the thought of you unwinding in a luxurious tub made you want to explore the various baths on the market, keep on reading to find out how to choose the perfect one.
Size
Bathtubs nowadays come in all shapes and sizes, so no matter how big or small your bathroom is, there’s a perfect tub waiting to complement your space. If you have a spacious bathroom, go for a large soaking tub to turn it into the ultimate relax paradise. Standard soaking bathtubs can range from 140cm to a whooping 230cm in length which can comfortably fit two bathers.
Regarding the depth, your bathtub should be at least 60cm deep so the water can cover most of your frame.
Apart from the physical space in your bathroom, you also need to determine whether your water heater is suitable for the size of the tub. As a general rule of thumb, your water heater tank should be about 2/3 of your bathtub so you can have enough hot water to enjoy a long soak.
Another thing to consider is how much weight your floor can handle. Although most Australian homes can support a standard size bathtub, it’s best to consult a professional if you’re planning on going big.
Material
Regarding the material, you can choose from acrylic, enamelled steel and cast iron tubs, all of which have their pros and cons. Your choice here will also greatly depend on where you plan to install the bathtub, how you plan to use it and of course your budget.
If you’re considering a second-floor tub installation, it’s best to stick to the lightweight acrylic bathtubs. Just for comparison, standard acrylic tubs weight about 30kg, whereas cast iron tubs can weigh around 150 to 200kg. This doesn’t mean that you can’t install a luxurious cast iron bathtub on your second floor, but it’s worth checking whether your floor may need some reinforcements to ensure there’s no risk.
Then, if you’re buying a new bathtub for the sole purpose of enjoying long hot soaks, both acrylic and cast iron bathtubs are a good choice. Unlike some other materials, acrylic bathtubs don’t feel cold to the touch and don’t let the water cool too quickly. Cast iron baths, on the other hand, may need more time to heat up, but once they do, they’ll keep the water warm for the longest time.
Next, the material you choose also greatly affects the price of your bathtub. The most affordable option is an enamelled steel bathtub, followed by acrylic and finally cast iron as the most expensive material. However, like with everything else, great quality comes at a price. Cast iron bathtubs may be the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable meaning they won’t easily chip, dent or crack.
Style
Yay, you’ve finally reached the fun part where you choose the style of your tub. Now it’s time to decide if you’re going to buy bathtub that makes a dramatic statement or keep things low key and classy. From vintage to classic to ultra-modern, you can easily find the right bathtub that complements your bathroom’s features.
For instance, clawfoot bathtubs are an excellent choice if you want to add a vintage vibe to your bathroom. The immense comfort and timeless appeal of clawfoot bathtubs is what has made them a top choice for homeowners for quite a few centuries.
They add just the right amount of drama, elegance and sophistication without making your bathroom feel cluttered. In fact, thanks to their elevated design, clawfoot bathtubs can actually help you achieve the illusion of a more open and airy space. The same goes for other more contemporary freestanding baths which bring a sense of openness.
For those who like to add a luxurious touch to their bathrooms, an “overflow tub” may be the right choice. These are quite similar to infinity pools, allowing the water to flow over, creating a stunning effect.
However, if you wish to keep things clean and simple, you should opt for a classic alcove bath. The alcove bathtub is one of the most popular choices because it can double as a shower and help you make the most of your space. Speaking of space, if you’re working with a small bathroom, you might want to have a look at corner bathtubs as well.
Colour
Last but not least, you’d also want to pick the right colour. White bathroom fixtures will always be the most popular choice because they can blend with almost any interior style be it extravagant or minimalist.
Apart from symbolising purity and freshness, white bathroom fixtures can also make the space larger and brighter than it actually is. However, despite the numerous benefits of white monochromatic bathrooms, for some, they’re simply boring.
If you’re one of those people, you can use your bathtub to add a pop of colour and jazz up that dull whiteness. Bathtubs nowadays come in literally any colour you can think of, but according to the latest design trends, black ones are the hottest thing right now.
Similarly to white ones, they can complement almost any style, but they also add an extra dose of opulence and glamour that simply can’t be achieved with a white tub. Baby pink models are also incredibly popular.
With this new-found knowledge, you’re ready to start searching for that perfect tub that’ll transform your bathroom into a peaceful oasis.
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