I remember the day I first stepped into my new apartment. It was everything I’d dreamed of except for the bathroom. It was small and installing a bathtub seemed like a distant luxury. However, I was determined to have it fitted. It was a challenge, but through careful planning and a bit of creativity, I was able to turn my small bathroom into a functional and stylish space. I opted for a 1400 x 700 mm straight shower bath. And have recently installed a shower on the other end with a side shower screen to enjoy both shower and bath when needed.
In this blog, I will share with you my experience that a bathtub in a small bathroom can be a feasible solution.
Challenges and Solutions
Saying bathtubs are incompatible with a small bathroom is a common misconception. Sure, you may need a little creativity and planning to make better use of space, but it is not impossible to have a bathtub in a small bathroom.
Make Saving Space a Top Priority
Space saving should be your top priority when it comes to choosing a bathtub for a small space. You may need to be a little creative in utilising the available space efficiently. If the space is too congested, then think about installing a floating shelf instead or a vanity unit. A floating vanity unit or tallboy unit may also be the right option for the small space. Choose a wall-hung toilet instead of a close coupled one making some room for the bathtub installation.
Design Considerations
While functionality is the key for the small bathroom, aesthetics should not be ignored. Prefer a cloakroom bathroom suite for the streamlined look and feel. A vanity sink unit in either floor-standing or wall-hung styles will help you keep clutter at bay. Make proper use of natural light if possible. Alternatively, you may use a layered lighting technique to brighten up the space. Remember! Good ventilation is crucial for small bathrooms to prevent humidity build-up.
What Size Is a Small Bath?
When it comes to bathtubs, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The size of a small bathtub in the UK can vary depending on the source, but they typically range between 1400mm x 700mm or 1500mm x 700mm. This size is perfect for those who have limited space in their bathroom, as well as those who prefer a more intimate bathing experience. While small bathtubs may not be suitable for everyone, they offer a number of benefits that make them worth considering. For instance, small baths are easier to clean and maintain than larger tubs. They also provide a cosier and more private bathing experience. So, if you’re looking for a compact and efficient tub, then a small bathtub may be the right choice for you.
Bathtub Options For Small Spaces
When considering what bathtub shapes are perfect for a small bathroom size, it is important to think about both the functional and aesthetic needs of the space. On the functional side, it is important to consider how much space is needed for the tub itself, as well as any additional features such as shower heads or jets. Additionally, it is important to think about how the tub will be used on a daily basis. For example, if you are planning on using the tub for relaxing baths, you will want a different shape than if you are planning on using it for showers. On the aesthetic side, it is important to think about how the tub will fit into the overall design of the room.
For example, a tub with clean lines may work well in a contemporary bathroom, while a more traditional clawfoot tub may be a better choice for a classic or Victorian-style bathroom. Ultimately, the perfect shape for your small bathroom depends on your specific needs and preferences.
The most common shapes of small baths are as follows:
Straight Small Bath
It is a standard bath style shape that looks exactly the same as the standard bath. The size of these straight baths starts from 1400 mm x 700mm and 1500mm x 700mm. You should choose the one depending on your requirements. Such baths can be suitable if you have a space along the wall.
Small Corner Baths
Another good option as a small bath is a small corner bath. As the name suggests it fits into the bathroom corners leaving the space for other bathroom fittings and fixtures. That makes them a perfectly space efficient bathtub. Though such baths are not common in the UK, you can still find them as per your requirements.
Small Square Shape Bath
A relatively unusual shape, these baths come in square shape. Due to the small size, such a square shape looks like a round shape with four corners. Such baths are also not a common sight in the UK but you find them from some places.
Design Inspiration For A Small Bathtub
Here we have a few tips to create a visually stunning bathroom with a small bath.
Style ideas
Small bathrooms look best with minimalist aesthetics. So opt for clean lines and neutral colours. This can make the space look and feel spacious. If interested in creating a classic, traditional, or rustic look, then natural materials like wood and stone are a perfect option. The modern and luxurious look can be achieved with marble accents and gold fixtures.
Colour and lighting
Colours and lights play a crucial role in creating a desired ambiance in the bathroom. Interior design experts recommend using lighter tones like white, beige, and sky blue to have a calm and open feel in the bathroom. All of these colours perfectly align with a variety of fixtures including a bathtub with bath panels and others.
Can I Fit a Standard Size Bathtub in a Small Bathroom?
A standard size bathtub is typically 1600mm long and 700mm wide. While this is a convenient size for many homes, it can be a tight fit for a small bathroom. In order to determine if a standard size bathtub fits in your small bathroom, you will need to measure the length and width of the space. If the measurements are close to or equal to the dimensions of the tub, then it is likely that the single ended bath. However, if there is only a few inches of clearance on either side, you may want to consider a smaller tub or another option for your bathroom. By taking careful measurements, you can ensure that your new bathtub will be a perfect fit for your small bathroom.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that small bathrooms are difficult to handle. However, if you want to install a bathtub in it then there are various options available for you. Among such options, you have a round, corner fitted or straight bath. However, you will need to decide about their size based on the available space. So, the first logical step in adding a bath is to measure the available space and then check the small bath options you may have available.
*Guest Post.
