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Baths

Baths are unparalleled in the bathroom when it comes to luxury and relaxation.  After all, there is nothing quite like soaking in the bath to relieve stress after a long day, or if you simply feel like pampering yourself.  But there are a lot of different types of baths on the market.  Which one is right for you?  Read on to learn more about your options.

What to Think About When Choosing a Bath

When choosing a new bath for your bathroom, there are some things that you will to consider.  Firstly, consider who will be using the bath.  Will it be mainly used for bathing children, as a place to soak, or will elderly people be using the bath?  Also consider how much space you have, as certain baths will take up more room than others.  For example, a deep soaker bath is designed to maximise small spaces while claw-footed tubs are space hogs.  Finally, consider your colour options.  Baths are still most often available in white but ivory is becoming a more popular option.  If you hunt around, you may be able to find a bath in a completely different colour but be prepared to pay more.

Steel or Acrylic Baths?

Steel baths that have been coated with a good-quality porcelain enamel coating are extremely durable and can last for a lifetime if they are cared for correctly.  A good quality acrylic bath will last for twenty years or more.  Scratching and chipping is also a concern with baths.  Steel baths with the enamel coating generally will not scratch but they can chip under certain circumstances.  Acrylic baths are much less likely to chip but they can scratch.

Acrylic is also available in more shapes and styles than steel baths.  This is because the moulds to make steel baths cost significantly more than the moulds used to create acrylic baths.

Types of Baths

Following are the most common types of baths:

• Shower baths – these are excellent if you have a small bathroom but don’t want to sacrifice the bathtub in order to be able to fit a shower in.
  
• Freestanding baths – these require no paneling or building but be aware that the plumbing may be on show so think about more decorative plumbing options if these are available.
  
• Wood look baths – as the look of wood is currently very popular all throughout the house, a bath that has a wood surround can look fantastic.
  
• Claw-footed baths – these are made from enameled cast iron and have adjustable feet.  These are great if you are after a traditional look.
  
• Rectangular shaped baths – these can be bought separately or with a coordinated surround.
  
• Traditional look baths – these can be the traditional slightly oval shaped bath or there can be a modern interpretation of the traditional look.  These baths can be inset or freestanding.
  
• Natural material baths – these baths are made out of natural materials such as crushed almond shells, making them perfect for people that are conscious of the effect that we have on the environment.
  
• Larger baths – these baths have been specifically designed to fit two people, making them absolutely perfect for couples.
  
• Egg shaped baths – these baths are perfect for a minimalist bathroom and have a slightly asymmetrical look to them.

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