What Is The Most Popular Style Of Bathtub?
When exploring London, after a day of sightseeing, you may long for a soothing retreat in your hotel or Airbnb. One luxurious feature that has gained popularity in recent years is the freestanding bathtub. This style of bathtub is now the most favoured option for homeowners and travellers alike, thanks to its elegant, statement-making design and versatility in various bathroom settings.
From sleek modern shapes to vintage-inspired clawfoot tubs, these bathtubs not only provide a relaxing soak but also serve as a centrepiece in many of London’s chic boutique hotels and upscale rentals. So, whether you’re unwinding after a day at the Tower of London or soaking in the views of the Thames, your London stay may offer a serene end to your day with a dip in one of these stylish tubs.
The plumbing market has a huge selection of bathtubs, each of which has its own characteristics. In the selection process, you have to take into account a huge number of parameters, including the size of the room, as well as the available budget.
- Why are large baths in demand?
- What alternatives does the modern buyer have?
- Should I opt for a built-in bath or is it better to give preference to a free-standing bath?
The most popular style of bathtub varies depending on personal preference and the overall design aesthetic of a bathroom, whether in London or elsewhere. However, freestanding bathtubs have consistently gained popularity for their elegant and timeless appeal.
In London, where Victorian and Edwardian architecture often influences interior design choices, clawfoot or pedestal freestanding tubs are particularly favoured for their classic charm and luxurious feel. These bathtubs not only serve as focal points in bathroom renovations but also offer versatility in placement, allowing homeowners in London to create a spa-like retreat within their own homes.
Modern interpretations of freestanding tubs with sleek, minimalist designs also appeal to those seeking contemporary elegance while retaining the comfort and relaxation associated with traditional bathtub styles.
Having studied the types and styles of structures, it will be much easier to make a choice.
Built-in bathtub models
Understanding which is the best bathtub will be the perfect addition for flats and a country house, as buyers always strive to economically use the available space. Therefore, designs that are installed in a niche remain one of the most popular styles. Such baths are recessed into the wall, so they do not take up additional usable space.
This can be especially important if the room is small. On three sides, the bath will be surrounded by walls. The design can also be combined with a shower to maximize space savings.
Combined bathtubs
Often in a modern apartment, you can see not only a bathtub but also a shower. Therefore, buyers always have a dilemma: to choose one or try to combine both solutions in a limited space. The second option is easier to implement due to the combined designs. Such bathtubs have an additional nozzle that sprays water over the bathtub. Curtains or rigid retractable walls are used to prevent splashing of liquid.
Corner bathtubs in a modern interior
The best type of bathtub will occupy a minimum of free space while maintaining high ergonomics. Corner models can be successfully combined with a shower, which will be an additional plus for buyers. The design provides only one front side, as well as two raw surfaces, which allows you to somewhat reduce the cost of purchasing.
When choosing such a bathtub, you need to decide in advance which side the structure will be directed to the wall. Corner models can have a rectangular or slightly rounded surface. An interesting option would be bathtubs that resemble a pentagon with smoothed edges.
Built-in bathtubs
Studying the bathtub types which is best suited for a small apartment, you should pay attention to this option. It provides a lot of opportunities for customizing the space to your preferences. Such a model will allow you to create a unique space, making the room functional or more luxurious.
The design is different in that the sides of the bath are not panelled, which makes it lighter and allows you to reduce the cost. This also provides additional versatility, but you need to be more careful during the installation process. Most often, built-in structures can be seen in the corner of the room, as well as in niches. Some buyers mount the bathtub directly onto the floor, which is an original design decision.
Freestanding bathtubs and their features
This design option remains in demand among buyers. High-quality stand-alone bathtubs can perfectly complement a classic interior, as well as make the room more luxurious for relatively little spending. Manufacturers offer a huge selection of styles and decorative details. Such designs are equipped with legs, which can have any shape and size.
Freestanding models look like the perfect purchase for those who love long baths. The design has an optimal depth and height, which makes it convenient for use by people in any age category.
Comfort bathtubs
Existing designs are often difficult to use for young children and the elderly. Therefore, a rational decision on the part of manufacturers was to endow the bathtub with special elements that increase the level of comfort.
Usually, they have special handrails, as well as safety bars. The bath door allows you to get rid of the need to take a high step to cross the edge of the structure. The surface of this model is characterized by the use of an anti-slip coating. The design is perfectly combined with a shower.
Hot tubs and their advantages
You can make water procedures even more comfortable if you use modern designs for this. One of them is a hot tub, which allows you to achieve maximum relaxation. It is equipped with special massaging elements that allow you to soothe sore muscles. There are two types of such structures - air and hydromassage.
The second option is the most popular. The system has special nozzles that direct the flow of water. This allows you to use acupressure hydromassage, which is especially useful when you want to get rid of muscle pain or excessive tension. With the help of air jets, the water is filled with oxygen, to create bubbles. This option is not as effective in terms of massage, but it allows you to achieve excellent relaxation.
If we talk about the disadvantages of the design, then we should highlight the high cost. Also, whirlpool baths require regular cleaning of the system, which is usually done by specialists. Otherwise, this option will always be preferable, as it allows you to achieve an excellent level of comfort and improve the body at each reception.
Types of materials for the production of bathtubs
Modern manufacturers offer to choose among a huge variety of bathtub options on the market. They differ from each other not only in shapes or colour palettes but also in the materials used. Among them should be highlighted:
- steel;
- cast iron;
- fiberglass;
- cast polymer.
If fiberglass is used for the production of a bathtub, the finished model will have a high level of strength, and will also retain an acceptable cost. At the same time, this solution cannot be called durable. Fiberglass has a relatively low mass and remains a flexible material, which allows you to create baths of various shapes. Among the minuses, one can note the susceptibility to discolouration of the surface over time, so the designs are usually made in white or pastel colours.
Acrylic remains one of the most popular materials used in the creation of modern models. Polymer bathtubs are durable, and can also take on absolutely any shape. The material has a minimum concentration of pores, which makes it more durable. Finished products have a relatively low cost. The design is afraid of chips, but there are special repair kits that help restore the geometry with minor damage.
Cast iron and steel structures have long been the only options available to buyers. Steel has good ductility and allows you to make a design of a small mass. The surface of the bath can be covered with various components, including porcelain enamel. During operation, it will be possible to damage only the coating, while it is practically impossible to destroy the bathtub structurally without applying targeted efforts.
Cast iron is used to create free-standing models, giving them a solid look. This is a very heavy material, so some difficulties may arise with the installation of the structure. Among the advantages are long-term operation and the ability of the material to store heat longer.
Cast polymer is the best alternative to the usual acrylic. This material is popular due to its durability and stability. Spots rarely appear on its surface, and the finished product can be given any shade or shape. Scratches should not be expected, but when heavy objects fall, cracks may appear, which only specialists can repair. Considering the specifics of the location, and the advantages of different models and materials, buyers will be able to choose the perfect solution for each bathtub.
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