The bath is the biggest piece of furniture you'll install in your bathroom. And although there's a good chance you won't use it as much as a shower, you'll likely spend the longest stretches of time in the bathroom soaking there – so it's important to get it right! When seeking out that ideal bath, make sure to consider the following:

 

Size

Tape measures out – make sure you know exactly how much space you've got to fit your bath. If you've got a bigger bathroom then try not to get carried away, too – a bigger bath will take longer to fill, and won't stay hot for quite as long. It also needs to be a comfortable fit – long enough to stretch out in, but not too big that bathers struggle to get in or out. Also consider who will be using it the most – if only the shortest person in the house is ever likely to take a bath while everyone else favours the shower, for example, you can save a little space!

 

Style

Will you go for an alcove-style tub, a classic claw-footed free-standing number, or something drop-in or undermounted? Can you find your chosen design in a colour that matches your bathroom's style, or are you content to build the style around that ideal tub? Remember that alcove or drop-in baths will need a bit more installation work, and you may run in to size issues.

 

Material

There are a lot more options for bathtub material than there were in the past. Acrylic tubs are popular because they're easier to install and maintain, and the material makes for a durable and customisable option. Enamelled cast iron or porcelain tubs make for strong and sturdy classic designs, but they're heavy and may require underfloor support. Cultured marble, fibreglass, enamel, brass, granite – there are loads of choices to suit any room or budget, and each has its own upsides and downsides. Make sure you research the right one for you – you can always pop in to one of our branches to ask an expert if you need some help!

 

Quality

Don't be tempted by the cheapest offer – there are plenty of good deals out there, but be sure you're getting something that's high-quality enough to last for years. As the dominant feature of the room, a good quality bath will keep a bathroom looking fresh – make sure you don't pick a cheaper option that will need replacing sooner rather than later. There's a lot to consider when choosing a bath, but it's worth getting right! That ideal tub is out there – it may just take some time to find. So don't feel you have to settle for something that just doesn't work – you'll be soaking in style soon enough.