Bathtubs are one of the first things you think of when you think of the essential fixtures for a bathroom design. In 2022, Bathtubs are becoming more of a spa fixture more than a casual addition to the bathroom. While some bathrooms incorporate a shower/bathtub mix, others include stand alone bathtubs. Alcove bathtub designs and freestanding bathtubs are the most common bathtubs you will find in a bathroom, but as previously mentioned, bathtubs are starting to become a luxury fixture in bathrooms everywhere. Depending on the design of your bathroom, you will be looking to include a bathtub with a design that meshes perfectly with the overall atmosphere of your bathroom.
What to Look for in a High Quality Bathtub
- Comfort - The comfort of a bathtub is arguably one of the most important elements of the fixture. Comfort can be enhanced with several different features and attachments in order to further the enjoyment of the bathtub.
- Size - The size of your specific bathtub will depend on the style of the bathtub you choose. Freestanding and alcove bathtubs are built differently and meant for different areas of the room, so it is important to take size into account.
- Design - Color, shape and other design elements are all important to take into consideration before choosing a comfortable bathtub for your bathroom design. The way a bathtub looks will impact the overall atmosphere of your bathroom.
- Price - Of course, price is always important. It will tell you the quality, materials and longevity of the bathtub in most cases. This isn’t always the case, but it is a pretty telling sign when you are looking for a specific bathtub for a long lasting bathroom design.
Importance of a Comfortable Bathtub
Comfort is the most important thing you need to consider when how to choose a bathtub. Many freestanding tubs build comfort into their design in order to deliver the most relaxing bathing experience possible. Some models offer neck rests, armrests and back support in order to help you relax and enjoy your bathtub. If you are really looking to boost the luxury in your bathtub, you can also incorporate some jets to give it a Jacuzzi-like feel. You should also consider a high quality tub filler or faucet that can adjust to your exact temperature preferences. Although this is not a direct part of the bathtub, it is definitely something that shouldn't be overlooked. If you do plan on including a bathtub in your bathroom, it is because you value both comfort and quality. Consider all of your comfort options when purchasing your bathtub in order to make sure that you can enjoy your bathtub to the fullest extent.
Freestanding Bathtubs vs. Alcove Bathtubs
Bathtubs generally come in two forms, free standing or alcove. A freestanding bathtub can be placed in many places, given there is sufficient plumbing accessibility for the bathtub. Freestanding bathtubs are also much more versatile when it comes to design as well. Because alcove bathtubs are essentially attached to the wall, they do not have as much freedom to be unique and design oriented. Alcove bathtubs are adjacent to the wall and can easily incorporate a shower. Both of these kinds of bathtubs can be beautiful additions to your bathroom. This is especially true if you have the space to include them. Free standing bathtubs are versatile in terms of design and style, while alcove bathtub design ideas are a little more restrictive.
Freestanding Bathtubs
A luxury bathroom isn't complete without a beautiful and comfortable bathtub. Freestanding bathtubs offer a comfortable and relaxing experience for any bathroom design that has space to include it. With the versatility of the materials, colors and styles, you have many options as far as which type of bathtub you can include in your home. Freestanding bathtubs offer a number of incredible benefits for your larger bathroom design. For starters, freestanding bathtubs allow you to create a beautiful spa area. This is because freestanding bathtubs can come equipped with a number of great features. For example, freestanding bathtubs can be moved to any location that you want. If you have a large bathroom, this is a great aspect.
Alcove Bathtubs
Alcove bathtub designs are connected to the wall in your bathroom. These bathtubs are great for any bathroom, especially medium to small sized bathrooms. They save space and usually combine two fixtures in one, being the bathtub and the shower. If you only want a bathtub, freestanding bathtubs will be a bit better. However, some bathrooms can’t fit a freestanding bathtub comfortably. If this is the case for you, an alcove bathtub design idea with a shower combo will be your best option. If you plan on going through a bathroom renovation, consider an alcove bathtub design or a freestanding bathtub depending on the size of the design.
Spa Bathtubs
If you want a good looking bathtub that can offer luxury and relaxation, consider getting a luxury bathtub. A luxury bathtub can be equipped with a number of features to enhance your comfort and overall bathroom experience. Features that you can incorporate in your bathtub include several things. Jets, electronic temperature adjustment, lights, armrests, headrests are a number of choices. These kinds of bathtubs are usually free standing, built into the ground, or mounted in a fixed position in some other way. These kinds of comfortable bathtubs are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. If you are looking to incorporate this bathtub as a part of your currently existing spa bathroom will be an incredibly rewarding addition. Comfort is a top priority in a luxury bathroom, so choosing a bath for your perfect spa bathtub is crucial.
In addition, they can be made of very durable and stylish materials with a number of different colors and finishes. Some of the more colorful bathtubs can be made of acrylics. Versions of some of the more neutral bathtubs can be made of ceramics, natural stone or other similar material.
Of course, space is something that you need to consider. If you have the space, this is definitely something you should have on your mind. If you aren’t too sure that you can accommodate a freestanding bathtub with the space you have now, you shouldn’t try to force anything. An open shower should also be something to consider for a spa area. A comfortable bathtub and open shower combination can be a great duo to incorporate into your design. A freestanding tub is one of the most beautiful aspects of a bathroom design that can use it, and it is a great focal point.
Materials Used in Bathtubs
Bathtubs open the door for many design choices. They can be made out of many different materials, opening up the door for several options. The main materials for most bathtubs are porcelain, stone, and wood. Porcelain offers the classic bathtub look, while wood and stone offer a more natural and organic look. If you are planning on including a luxury master bathroom, think about a wood or stone bathtub. They will be more expensive than other types of bathtubs, but they will reward you with maximum comfort and relaxation. This isn't to say that porcelain or ceramic are bad materials. These types of materials are very reliable and extremely comfortable. The material of your bathtub will ultimately tell you how high the quality of the bathtub it is. This is of course, one of the most important aspects of how to choose a bathtub and how it will turn out in the long run.
Bathtub Colors
The color of your bathtub should fit in well in two aspects. Consider both your personal preferences as well as the overall design of your bathroom. The most common color for a bathtub is white, the most traditional color. Depending on the material your bathtub can be made out of, more colors include gray, black or brown. Some acrylic bathtubs can even be red, blue or yellow to add a color pop to your bathroom. Alcove bathtub design ideas are typically white, but freestanding bathtubs, being more design and style-centric, can be commonly found in a number of different beautiful colors. This is a very important aspect if you are looking for a luxury bathtub to include in your already beautiful bathroom design.
Bathtub Prices
As you can probably predict, a bathtub will be one of the more expensive fixtures you will have in your bathroom. Like any other fixture, the materials that are used in your bathtub will dictate the price. For example, a ceramic bathtub will generally be more affordable than a stone bathtub. Features are another aspect that will cause changes in price. If your bathtub includes jets or other luxury features, you will be spending a bit more money. For an average freestanding bathtub, you can expect to pay around $1,000. Of course you can find much more expensive bathtubs that are much more luxurious, but the typical bathtub will cost around this much.
Bathtub Fillers
There is a lot that goes into choosing a bath design and specific parts of your bathroom. If you have a bathtub in your bathroom, a high quality filler is a must-have for a variety of reasons. Design, material and a number of other aspects are all important and each part deserves consideration to some degree. Bathtub fillers are fixtures that are usually mounted to the floor or the wall that deliver different temperatures of water to your bathtub. Different tub fillers operate in different ways, with many having either levers or knobs to adjust temperature and the flow of the water coming out. This can go without saying, but tub filler should only be used if you have a bathtub, even though some tub fillers will have detachable spray wands that can be used for things like washing pets, children or similar other tasks.
Wall Mounted Bathtub Filler
When it comes to your bathtub design, you should look to all aspects of it, including your faucet. The first things to consider is how you want your faucet to be installed and the lever placement. Similar to sink faucets, they can be either wall mounted or deck mounted. The most common type of tub filler is the wall mounted tub filler. This installation type is both easy to operate and easy to install when compared to a floor mounted filler. Then you have to device if you want a single lever/knob or two.
Free-Standing Tub Fillers
If you have a stand-alone bathtub, a free-standing tub filler is a beautiful way to add a stylish design to your bathtub area. This is a perfect tub filler for larger bathrooms that have more space, like a master bathroom for example. Some of these tub fillers can have certain attachments, most commonly hand showers. This is an extremely convenient feature to have, especially if you prioritize comfort and accessibility. Tub fillers are perfect for a large bathroom and go beautifully with any free-standing bathtub.
Cleaning Your Bathtub
First, make sure that your bathtub is dry when you begin. If it is, cover the interior of your bathtub with an all purpose cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for around three to six minutes before you wipe it off. After three to six minutes, wipe the bathtub down with the same method you used for the tile walls. Start at the top and wipe down to the bottom. After this is done, rinse your bathtub thoroughly to make sure all of the cleaner is removed before you use the bathtub. Finally dry your bathtub with a dry cloth or rag. After your bathtub is cleaned, start to put back all of the items that you removed. If you kept all of your items organized in a bin or container, this should be very easy. If you removed your shower curtain for this process, you can now put it back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are bathtubs expensive? - A: Bathtubs are generally the most expensive bathroom fixtures in most cases. This is especially true for freestanding bathtubs. Make sure you plan a budget to ensure you have the right price in mind for your bathtub, no matter the design plan.
Q: Do I need a bathtub? - A: Not every bathroom design needs a bathtub. Some designs are comfortable with only a shower. However, if you have a spa bathroom design in mind, a beautiful bathtub will make it much more comfortable to use.
Q: Does the material of my bathtub matter? - A: The material of a bathtub will affect comfort, price, durability and a number of other important factors to consider. Depending on what material is used in your bathtub, the quality and comfort level experienced will most likely vary.
Q: Should I choose a shower or a bathtub? - A: If you are having trouble choosing a bath design idea between the two, you can always get an alcove bathtub design idea with a shower combined with it. This is common in most bathrooms. If you have space, you could always incorporate both separately.
Q: Why are bathtubs important? - A: Bathtubs offer a level of comfort that other bathroom fixtures simply can not offer. The versatility of a bathtub gives you a spa-like feel that makes your bathroom feel much more luxurious and comfortable. Jets, arm rests and other comfort enhancing features make this possible.
Q: What if my bathroom does not have a bathtub? A: If you are debating about how to choose a bathtub and you can't make a decision, it’s not a problem. However, it is important to know that bathtubs can significantly increase your enjoyment and comfort whenever you use the bathroom.