WHICH BATH TO CHOOSE???
The decision whether to install a shower enclosure or a bathtub is one of the key decisions when planning a bathroom arrangement. It is often a choice between the possibility of express bathing and creating a comfortable home SPA zone. Nowadays a bathtub has become a synonym of relaxation and relaxation. This small space, filled to the brim with soothing water, allows not only to cleanse the body, but also the mind - it will help you catch your breath after an intense day and forget about everyday life for a while.
The degree to which you can calm down while bathing largely depends on the convenience and comfort of the bathtub you choose for your bathroom. The issue of size, although crucial, should not be the only criterion influencing the purchasing decision. How to choose a bathtub and what to consider in order to find the most suitable one among many models...
Which bathtub to choose?
A bathtub is one of the many elements of bathroom equipment. Together with the washbasin and other equipment in this interior, it should create a coherent arrangement. The multitude of forms and designs allows you to create a real gem and the main element of interior design. The bathtub does not only have to be placed against the wall or built-in. Make it stylish and the most important point in the whole room. Especially if you have a lot of space in the bathroom.
Just as many elements go into the design of a bathroom, so many factors determine which bathtub is right for you. The consistency of the arrangement is one of the components. What else should you consider when considering which bathtub to choose for your bathroom so that it fits like a tailor-made one?
If you have a large bathroom, the area will not restrict you too much. You can freely choose any built-in or free-standing bathtub. It is different when you want to fit this bathroom equipment in a small space or a room with an unusual shape. Remember that not only the dimensions of the bathtub count, but also the space around it.
Classic rectangular bathtubs are available in lengths ranging from 140 to 170 cm, and their standard width is 70 cm. In stores, you will also find models that are wider, longer and shorter, and even double. How to choose a bathtub based on its dimensions? First of all, adjust it to the free space in the bathroom and to your individual characteristics, especially height. If the space allows it, choose a larger bathtub, and in a small space - as small as possible.
In addition to the width and length of the bathtub, its depth is also an important feature. It is important, among others in terms of water consumption. It also affects the comfort of using the bathtub - entering and leaving it. There is one more parameter that determines the comfort of bathing, which you cannot measure with a classic measure. It's about shaping the bottom. To be sure that the bathtub will be comfortable for you, be sure to try it in the store.
Continuing the topic of appropriate dimensions and parameters, one should also mention the space that guarantees comfortable access to the sanitary facilities. Installing a larger bathtub should not be at the expense of comfortable movement around the bathroom. Therefore, after leaving the bath, you must have a minimum of 55 cm of free space. If possible, provide yourself with a similar room for maneuver on each side of the toilet.
Regardless of whether you are wondering which bathtub is best for a large bathroom, and which one for a small bathroom, the choice will definitely narrow down the place where you will put the sanitary facilities. You have several options to choose from. You can set the bathtub:
next to the wall - so that it adheres closely to it,
in the corner of the bathroom - it is the so-called corner bathtub,
anywhere, not limited to the wall - such bathtubs are called free-standing.
In a large, spacious bathroom, a free-standing bathtub is perfect. Place it in the middle of the room to make it its focal point. You can choose a bathtub on legs (often elegantly decorated) or placed on the ground. An original idea for a large bathroom is equipment for bathing built into the floor (usually a special landing).
The fact that a free-standing bathtub looks best on a larger square, does not mean that you have to give it up if you have a narrow or slightly smaller bathroom. There are also models for such rooms on the market.
An interesting solution that will work in every bathroom (especially the one with small dimensions) is a built-in bathtub. Most often it has a classic look, which is made more attractive by the housing, made of tiles, mosaics or special panels.
Before we discuss the different types of bathtubs in more detail, it is worth mentioning the accessories with which you can complement your bathing space. To make relaxing in the bathroom even more comfortable, think about:
handles - you can lean on them while entering or leaving the bathtub. This is very helpful especially when the bathroom is used by people with disabilities;
seat - a good gadget that will please families with small children and the elderly;
headrest - which directly affects the comfort of long baths;
screen - a glass "curtain" mounted on the edge of the sanitary facility, which allows, if necessary, to quickly turn the bathtub into a shower zone;
hydromassage function - it will complete the pleasure of using a home SPA
Types of bathtubs
Determining the size and functionality of the sanitary facility and its location in the bathroom is the basis for choosing the right bath area. However, there are many more decisions you need to make before deciding which bathtub is best for your bathroom. Toilets available on the market are easy to classify, adopting various criteria, such as, for example, shape or material.
In order to meet the expectations of customers, sanitary manufacturers offer their products in various shapes. The most popular and universal is of course the rectangular bathtub - you can easily match it to any interior. You can also choose among the symmetrical and asymmetrical ones. An oval or round bathtub looks very interesting in the bathroom. Among the unusual shapes (mainly made to order) you will also find such proposals as: hexagonal or octagonal bathtubs.
Another criterion for the division of bathtubs available on the market is the type of material that was used to create them. The list is really long, and each material has specific properties. Take a closer look at them before choosing the best bathtub for your bathroom. What materials are sanitary facilities made of? The bathtub can be, among others:
cast iron - such a product is durable, solid, but cold to the touch
conglomerate - its perfectly smooth surface is characterized by a subtle shine
steel - the coating of which is covered with enamel paint
wooden - very durable and one of the few warm to the touch
stone - it can be made only of stone or, for example, from a mixture of granite with other substances
acrylic - its surface is durable, impact-resistant, light and warm to the touch
Despite such a wide choice, acrylic bathtubs have been used most often in Polish bathrooms for several years. This decision is supported by the aforementioned, long-lasting heat of the surface (so useful when bathing), the price of the bathtub and the ease of cleaning. The advantage is also the light weight of the sanitary facilities, which makes it easy to transport, move and set up.
Among all parameters and variables, four general types of bathtubs can be distinguished. What characterizes them?
Freestanding bathtub
This product works best in large bathrooms. You may be tempted to say that this is the perfect solution when you are wondering which bathtub for a large bathroom will be the best. This free-standing one looks great both in the middle of the room, as well as placed classically, against one of the walls. This type of bathtub does not require any installation or installation of additional decorative panels. The multitude of types and shapes makes it easy to match a free-standing bathtub to any bathroom arrangement.
Important note!
Keep in mind that when installing a free-standing bathtub, it will be necessary to supplement it with a tap with connections in the floor.
Rectangular bathtub
There is no more popular and universal bathtub model than the rectangular one. The large range of available sizes makes it really easy to adjust it even to a small amount of space in the bathroom. It is worth adding that after installing a special screen, a rectangular bathtub can be used as a shower cubicle.
Corner bathtub
A place for a bath, located in one of the corners of the bathroom, is ideally suited to rooms of medium or large size. It is true that these types of bathtubs are shorter than rectangular bathrooms, but they are wider. It is worth adding that modern models of corner bathtubs fit even in small rooms
Hot tub
This type of toilet is equipped with special massage jets in the area of individual parts of the body. A hot tub will allow you to create a real home SPA zone at home. A bath combined with a gentle hitting of water whips relaxes and has a positive effect on the body (for example, it strengthens the muscles and joints).
The choice of hot tubs is very wide. Simpler models are equipped with manual controls. In turn, those operated by an electronic system are easier to operate. Hot tubs also have many additional functions, such as water ozonation, aromatherapy or special underwater lighting.
End
Size, shape, location - these are the basic criteria that determine the choice of an ideal sanitary facility. One that will allow you to relax and find a moment of relief after an intense day. For this to happen, the bathtub must perfectly match the arrangement and size of the bathroom and suit your individual needs. Only after determining the basic parameters of the bathing place, decide on the material that suits you best and consider purchasing additional accessories.