How to choose the right bathtub for your renovation – a quick and easy guide.

By lauren Create your perfect bathroom, Design Ideas & DIY, Projects back to wall bath, baths, bathtubs, Free Standing Bath

A guide to bathtubs with inspiration and ideas from real projects.

If you’re embarking on a bathroom renovation and wondering which bath is right for you – you’re not alone. With so many different types of baths available, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Getting the bathtub right in your bathroom design is an important decision that can make or break the functionality of your space. However, the right bath can uplift the whole design and help you achieve the look and feel you’ve been dreaming about.

In this guide, we’ll take you through various bath types, and what types of bathrooms and situations they’re suited to. Don’t forget, you can always contact the team at Just in Place to help you work through all your bathtub questions!

Back to Wall Baths

What is a back to wall bath?

Back to wall baths are designed to be attached to a wall along one long side, leaving the two short sides exposed. This is one of the most popular styles of baths, as it gives the luxurious look of a free-standing bath, but doesn’t need as much space around it.

Space-saving

Back to wall baths are excellent for smaller bathrooms or when the priority is to maximise the floor space for easy circulation. By positioning the bath against the wall, it can save valuable centimetres compared to a true freestanding bath – so you and the whole family can easily brush your teeth at the same time!

The Look

Back to wall baths often have a sleek and quite modern look, perfect for contemporary bathrooms, modern coastal style or where you want to add a touch of that luxury feel. They suit the style of most bathrooms, and their simple, clean lines will keep everything unfussy and fresh. They also come in a huge range of sizes, shapes, and materials for example:

rectangular and angular with sharper lines and squared corners
fluted (ribbed) matte or glossy finish on the exterior
a rounded, oval or softer shape
stone or acrylic

Easy cleaning

Because the back of the bath is against the wall, there’s no space for dirt and grime to accumulate behind it. This makes cleaning easier compared to traditional freestanding baths.

Things to consider

While back to wall baths are adjoined to the wall along one long edge, there will still be a gap on either side of the bath. It’s important to make sure that you have enough space on either side of your bath, at a minimum 10mm but ideally more. This will allow for installation – it can be tricky to maneuver the bath into position if the space is too tight – and also so that you can access the floor area on each side for cleaning.

Free Standing Baths

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious, spa-like or visually striking centrepiece for your bathroom, a free-standing bath will deliver! These baths offer the most versatility in terms of placement, as they can be positioned in the centre of your bathroom or near a wall.

The look
Free-standing baths will give you a dramatic focal point in your bathroom, adding elegance and lots of character. There are almost endless styles, shapes and sizes to choose from meaning you can really find a tub that speaks to your personal taste and the style of your house. Free standing tubs can be work across the style spectrum from very traditional to ultra modern, and will always look luxurious.

Versatility
Freestanding baths can be installed in various positions in the bathroom, so you’ll likely find you have a bit of flexibility to your layout. They can be placed near to a wall, in front of a window with a view, or even right in the middle of the room, depending on the available space and desired look.

Ease of Installation
Freestanding bathtubs generally require less installation work compared to drop-in or corner baths, as they don’t need to be attached or integrated into walls. This can actually simplify your renovation process and reduce labour costs.

Things to consider
Freestanding baths require ample space around them for visual impact so they might not be suitable if you’re designing a smaller bathroom. You also need to make certain that you’ll be able to maneuver the the bath into the bathroom itself.

Additionally, the space around freestanding baths can mean a little more cleaning, as dust and water will accumulate all the way around the tub. Make sure that your bathroom layout will allow for good access all the way round.

Corner Back to Wall Baths

What is a corner back to wall bath?

Similar to a back to wall bath but with two sides adjoining the walls of your bathroom. These baths sit right into the corner, making the most of every inch of your bathroom’s floor area

Space-saving
Back to wall corner baths are like space-saving superheroes for your bathroom. They will help you optimise space in smaller bathrooms and they also give a cosy feel. This style of bath will give you maximum floor space while still keeping a the look and feel of a freestanding bath.

The look
These baths bring a sleek and fresh vibe to your bathroom. They work beautifully in most styles of bathroom, from coastal to minimalist and contemporary. With back to wall corner baths you have options-galore when it comes to shapes, sizes and styles. You could keep things simple and sophisticated with a matt or gloss acrylic bath with a rounded outer corner or perhaps something with real visual impact such as a bathtub with a fluted exterior.

Good for your budget
Here’s the best part – back to wall corner baths are often a more affordable choice. Compared to larger freestanding models or built-in tubs, they offer excellent value for money without compromising on style or functionality.

Drop-in Baths

A drop-in bath, also known as a built-in or inset bath, is designed to be recessed into a platform or tiled surround. This type of bath offers you a lot of customisation options, and a seamless look in your bathroom.

Space-Saving
Drop-in or inset baths are a fantastic option for small bathrooms or tricky spaces because make the most of any available space while still providing a comfortable bath to enjoy. Drop-in baths are designed to fit snugly into an alcove or flush against a wall, making them ideal when you have a particular nook that would be a great space for a bath.

Seamless Integration
One of the key benefits of drop-in baths is how they seamlessly work into the overall design of your bathroom. Because they fit neatly into an alcove or against a wall, they give you a neat and cohesive look. You don’t have to worry about any wasted corners or under-utilised space. You can also choose how much tiled surround area you want around the bath – somewhere to perch when bathing the kids or some space to put your products or candles. Alternatively, the drop-in bath can fit neatly between two walls with no surround.

The look
These baths are the chameleons of bathroom design. They come in a huge range of styles and shapes, from sleek and modern to classic and elegant. You can choose from different materials, such as acrylic, fibreglass, or even luxurious stone, to create the perfect look for your bathroom.

Strength and practicality
Built-in baths are securely installed, preventing any potential movement. Families with kids often appreciate their strength and durability and the option to personalise the tiled surround. Drop-in baths are great if you all for easy cleaning, with no awkward nooks or crannies around the bath for dust to accumulate.

Tiled Baths

For those who prefer a really unique and lush look, a tiled bath offers endless design possibilities. With tiled baths, you have the freedom to choose your desired tile materials, patterns, and colors, creating a bath that perfectly matches your style and preferences. Additionally, the tiles provide a extremely durable bath surface.

What is a tiled bath?
A tiled bath is a type of bathtub that is constructed using individual tiles to create the bathing area. Instead of being made from a single material like acrylic or porcelain, a tiled bathtub is built by applying tiles to the surface of a bathtub structure, typically made from materials such as fiberglass or steel. This structure provides the foundation for the bathtub and ensures its stability and longevity.

Space-saving
Tiled bathtubs are an amazing choice for when you have limited space but but you want something with wow-factor. They can be custom-built to fit snugly into any corner or alcove, making them perfect for bathrooms of all sizes.

Get creative
Tiled baths will be tailored to fit your specific space requirements – no matter how unusual your bathroom space is. They can be installed in virtually any configuration, whether it’s against a wall, in a corner, or even as a freestanding centrepiece.
Once you’ve chosen your dream tile, with a skilled installer, you can create something magical that will be completely unique to your bathroom.

Things to consider
Like any tiled surface, a tiled bathtub requires a bit of regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best. This may include wiping down the tiles after each use, periodically re-sealing the grout lines, and addressing any cracks or chips in the tiles.