25 Step Guide to Designing and Buying a Bathroom
A Professional Designers Guide
Step 20. Bath and Bath Screen Guide
There are so many bath styles and shapes aswell as additional options like air jets and water jets that it is impossible to cover all of them. I have provided links to some of my favourite companies and options and also a link to material options.
Material options
Acrylic
Cast Iron
Fiberglass/Gelcoat (FRP)
Marble - Cultured
Marble - Natural
Mosaic/Ceramic Tile
Porcelain on Steel (POS)
Solid Surface
Wood
Standard baths
This is a large category that covers most standard baths from 1500mm upto 1800mm in all styles from modern to traditional. All of these baths require front panels and end panels depending on the position in the bathroom.
Shower baths
This type of bath is specially shaped to accomodate a shower screen and enclosure. The most popular is the 'P' shaped bath with curved glass panel.
Larger baths
If a standard size will not do then this section covers larger bath options in standard shapes, but various internal styles.
Carron baths 1 . Kaldewei baths . Carron baths 2 . Roca baths . Airbath baths
Baths with headrests and seats
Some baths have headrests in them and some have options to add them as an extra. Other options are raised internal sections to provide a seat or step to get into the bath. This does not include corner or offset baths covered below.
Space saver baths
If you have a small bathroom but want to fit more into it, or gain some space, then this bath will help without resorting to 1500mm long baths. It is surprising how an extra 200mm can transform what you can do with furniture and sanitaryware.
Curved front corner baths-single and double
This is a recent introduction for some companies based in England, but more common in European ranges. The curved end can help increase space and mimic curved details elsewhere.
Double ended curved baths
If you like the idea of two in a bath or a more symmetrical look with taps in the middle then this look is for you .
Off-set corner baths
This has the styling of a corner bath and the dimensions of a large conventional bath. It can be a fresh idea for conventional bathrooms but limiting for showering unless using multiple glass panels.
Carron baths . Idealv Standard baths . Novellini baths . Heritage baths
A stylish and interesting change from straight baths to compliment the curved accents on toilets basins and showers.
Carron baths . Kaldewei baths . Carron baths . Vitra baths .Ideal Standard baths
Angled corner baths
These baths are deceptively large and continually disappoint when I explain that they do not fit. If you take an adult bath and put it at 45 degrees against a corner then it is always going to take a lot of room. It also looks bulky and odd with shower screens. I find that with the demand for a more minimalist freestanding look, this just takes over and looks like a sea of plastic, so is inapropriate. I see plenty of these baths in houses I refit but very few that are loved.
Round baths
This is a large and statement type option requiring lots of room and looks best recessed into a raised panelled area with steps.
Oval baths
This is another large bath option that requires recessing into a panelled base, and again can take up a lot of room.
Hexagonal Baths
An unusual bath shape that looks good when inset into a large platform but not one of my favourites compared to curved ended or square baths.
Octagonal Baths
Another complicated shape with limited contemporary appeal compared to more modern recent additions. It can be a good compliment to angled shower enclosures and sanitaryware.
Handrail options
This is a common requirement for more elderly customers and can be frustrating when not available on the perfect bath for a project. I often have to compromise and use whatever is the nearest fit. handle types are quite good these days and less utility.
Unusual and new baths and materials etc
Deep fill type tubs and unusual bath options are appearing all the while so I have included some here.
Duravit baths . Armitage Shanks baths . Ideal Standard baths . Durat baths . Stone baths . Teuco baths . Villeroy-Boch baths
Inset type baths
There are quite a few options for inset type baths so again I am showing a selection. I like simple lines so I tend towards classic shaped double ended baths either square ended or curved at the moment. Showerlux do some good choices for instance.
Freestanding traditional baths
This section includes traditional claw foot type single ended, double ended, and slipper type baths. material options are acrylic, enamelled steel and enamelled cast iron.
Freestanding modern baths
These can be claw foot type with more modern feet or flush with the floor which are more practical for plumbing and easier to fit. Materials tend to be modern acrylic type.
Freestanding unusual and large baths
A section for the unusual and interesting in freestanding type baths with no limit on price or styling.
End panels and accessories
I have included links to end panels and accessories to complete your bath. There are accessories sections with most of the bath companies I have provided links to so please explore through my other links.
Air jet options
Air spa type jets are an optional addition to baths providing a massaging effect. Airbath are the original and best so its up to you to decide whether it fits your requirements. The demand for simple lines and uncomplicated luxury has reduced my use of this type of luxury item.
Jacussi water jet type baths
Another optional addition that has had varying levels of popularity. It has had a revival with large garden or indoor communal type options but I have had limited interest for bathroom use even though there are lots of options.
This is a bath option for disabled or infirm users. It has a door access with seals to prevent water loss, and a seat for comfortable use.
Heating back-up
It is possible to have an additional heater to keep the water warm in youir jacussi bath or larger conventional bath because it is annoying to have to keep topping it up with hot water.
Lighting options
Another additional option for your jacussi in various colours.The lights are flush fitted into the bath sides. The idea is to add more interest to the jacussi experience.
Carronite option or bath strengthening
It is possible with some manufacturers to have your bath finished underneath with a strengthening coat to prevent it from flexing or cracking under heavy usage.
Screen Options
Bath screens single panels, straight and curved
Straight screen or with curved top
The most basic option but fine for adult use. It does not provide enough protection for young children and teenagers use in my experience, so choose carefully. Glass is always the best option preferably 6mm .
Curved screen
This option provides more protection for your bathroom when used with a 'P' type bath and is available from the bath manufacturer to match the bath profile.
Bath screens- folding twin panels and multiple panels
Twin panel screens
My favourite option because the end panel can be folded inwards to provide more protection from overspray.
Multiple panel folding screens
Not my favourite choice for various reasons both aesthetic and practical. I think they look bulky and they are a pain to keep clean
Bath screens sliding type
A more complicated mechanism but stylish in some rangesand a neat way of reducing the screen for bath access.
Full enclosures bath edge
If you require a completely enclosed shower experience then this is available in various styles and finishes with matching front and end panels. Door options can be sliding and infolding .
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