In modern interior designs, bathrooms have become more than purely functional. Many are beautiful, accommodating spaces that show off the design of the home, the architecture, and the homeowner’s attention to detail and create a luxurious retreat. This is why modern bathroom remodels place a heavy emphasis on bathtubs, which have become the focal point for the overall design of the new multifunctional bathroom remodel.
Bathtubs represent comfort, functionality, and even luxury. The right size, shape, and style of tub can make a space seem more spacious and more in tune with modern design. A perfect bathtub can change the accessibility of the whole room, and may even become a selling point for potential buyers.
When planning your bathroom remodel, it’s essential to know which bathtub will work with the elements in your space. This guide will help you understand the various bathtub styles and sizes available, but an experienced interior designer will help you perfectly tailor your dream bathroom.
Choosing a Bathtub Style
Bathtub styles, which can vary widely in size and function, should be chosen to complement the space. Consider these possible options when planning your bathroom remodel:
- Traditional: The traditional tub style is a rectangular shape, some with clawfoot legs familiar to homeowners 200 years ago. For modern bathrooms, many designers opt for a twist on the traditional style by walling the tub in with a wooden frame, making it appear built-in. However, heritage homes, especially in the Victorian style, may still use a traditional clawfoot model.
- Freestanding: Freestanding tubs have become popular with modern designers as an update to the traditional style. Freestanding tubs can be customized to fit any bathroom space without connecting walls. Especially for larger spaces, freestanding tubs can serve as functional and elegant centerpieces. Most popular right now are the sleek, slipper tubs, with their raised and rounded backs and smooth, deep walls.
- Alcove: Alcove tubs require a recess connected by three walls. They are generally more suited for smaller bathrooms in apartments and condos. An alcove tub may be the ideal option to save space while also incorporating the shower into a multifunctional fixture.
- Corner: A corner tub is a larger alcove tub, typically reserved for wider bathrooms that can dedicate an entire corner of the room. They are often placed near windows and provide a relaxing, therapeutic alternative to traditional tubs, almost like a multifunctional jacuzzi.
- Walk-in: Walk-in tubs are the premier choice for accessible options, especially for those with mobility issues. Even for normal use, walk-in tubs can provide a therapeutic option that fits conveniently in an alcove or corner.
Other styles are also available that an interior designer can use or tweak to meet the needs of the space. Choosing the right tub style ensures it enhances the functionality of the bathroom while accounting for its limitations.
Choosing a Bathtub Material
Modern bathtubs are no longer restricted to ceramic or porcelain; designers can use numerous materials depending on the homeowner’s budget and preferences. These include fiberglass, which is inexpensive and durable, acrylic, resin, marble, copper, or even wood.
Metal, stone, and wooden tubs are comparatively expensive, but they elevate the luxury of the bathtub to match your vision for a more luxurious space. Copper tubs are especially elegant, requiring custom manufacturing and materials.
Speak with your designer about the pros and cons of each material type and compare them to your budget and vision to achieve the ideal bathtub for the space.
Choosing a Bathtub Size
In addition to the style and material, the size of the bathtub is an important factor to match the limitations of your space. If the bathroom is comparatively small, certain bathtub styles (such as freestanding models) may not be suitable. Bathrooms with limited space should focus on alcove-style tubs to gain added functionality without sacrificing the visual appeal of the room.
However, in bathrooms able to accommodate larger bathtubs can benefit from center island tubs that make a dramatic statement. Weight is also an important factor. If the material is too heavy, your floor may not support it. Homeowners should remember that their home has to withstand not only the weight of the tub, which by itself can weigh up to 500 pounds, but also the weight of the water and the user.
Even if natural stone, marble, or metal looks good in the space, it may be too heavy to be safe. An experienced remodeler will be able to determine the weight capacity of your floors and joists to help you make an informed decision.
Contact Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath to Design the Perfect Bathtub for Your Space
At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, we understand the importance of balancing style, functionality, and accessibility in bathroom fixtures. The right bathtub can become the centerpiece of a new bathroom, increasing its beauty, usability, and even its value.
Our team prioritizes these features when tailoring the fixture to your unique bathroom space. We create designs that take advantage of the space’s best features while working around its shortcomings. Contact our team today to learn how we can bring your dream bathroom to life with an expert remodel, including the perfect bathtub for your space.