Different Types of Bathtub: Choose a Bathtub for Your Bathroom

We give a run down of the different types of bath that are available, weighing up the pros and cons of each. After this you'll be able to decide from our many types of bath with ease and confidence!

Style, shape, size, material, there are so many types of baths to choose from the prospect of choosing the right one can at times seem impossible. But are the styles really that different? Are certain features worth all the hype? Will the types of materials really make a difference when it comes to how your bathroom looks and will it really impact your soak in the tub?

Well the short answer is, actually, yes. The style, size, and types of bathtub materials used will all impact the longevity of your bath and the experience you have with it. And of course, a bath is arguably centre stage in any bathroom and so this will set the tone of your aesthetic.

But not to worry, if you’re renovating your bathroom or just replacing your bathtub, we have an easy guide on the different types of bathtubs, as well as the different types of bathtub materials available. We’ll be sure to help you find the perfect bathtub to house your rubber ducks!

Types of Bathtubs

Freestanding Bath

A freestanding bathtub is the star of all bathtubs. As its name suggests, a freestanding bathtub is completely detached from any walls and so really it can be placed just about anywhere. If you’re in the process of redoing your entire bathroom and you’re looking for a real statement piece, then a freestanding bathtub is the way to go.

It’s important to note that the label ’freestanding bathtub’ is just an umbrella term. Within this category you can have single ended, double ended and slipper baths, all in modern and traditional variations.

Shower Bath

A shower bath is one of those things that is exactly what it sounds like. A combination of a bath and a shower in one! This makes shower baths incredibly practical, especially for those with smaller bathrooms where having an entirely separate shower enclosure isn’t an option.

Spa Bath

The Laguna Whirlpool spa bath is great for those who are looking for leisure in life. Installed with hi- tech whirlpool bath jets to create the same effect as a jacuzzi, spa baths are an easy way to bring the luxury of a spa to your own bathroom.

Single Ended Bath

When a bathtub is ’single ended’ this is in reference to the shape of the bath and the positioning of its taps and bath waste. With single ended baths, one end is sloped for you to rest against comfortably. The other end tends to be much steeper and this is where the taps and bath waste is installed.

Double Ended Bath

If a single ended bathtub doesn’t appeal to you and you want to have the option to alternate which direction you face when in the bath, then a double ended bath is a great solution. Typically, instead of the taps and waste being installed at one end, they’re installed at the midpoint of the bath and so are sloped at both ends.

One variation of the double ended bathtub is the bateau bath. This shares all of the typical features of a double ended bath but what makes bateau baths unique is that they sit straight on the floor, with no feet holding it up. Instead their sides slope elegantly to the floor, much like the way a boat sits in water, making them a beautiful addition to any bathroom.

Slipper Bath

Slipper baths earned their name through their elegant shape. Slipper baths typically feature a roll top edge and have a graceful heightened slope at one end. This gives it the appearance of a slipper. Traditional slipper baths like the Oxford 1710 Roll Top Slipper Bath often come with claw feet, making slipper baths the height of traditional and ornate decor.

Back to Wall Bath

Unlike a freestanding bathtub, a back to wall bathtub has one length attached to your bathroom wall. This side is typically where the taps and wastes are located also. Back to wall baths are a great option for those looking to save space, or for anyone with an awkwardly shaped bathroom.

Corner Bath

Unsurprisingly, a corner bath is placed in the corner of your bathroom and so has one width and one length in contact with your bathroom walls. Corner baths come in a few variations, the most common types of corner bathtubs being L shaped. However, they also come in J, P/B layouts too.

Walk In Bath

Walk in baths are a great option for those who require accessible solutions. Built with an easy access door which prevents a user from having to lift their leg over the side of the bath, walk-in baths are innovative in their design. Some, like the Milton Luxury Walk In bath, are even fitted with an in-bath seat.

Types of Bathtub Materials

Acrylic Bath

Acrylic baths are one of the most popular types of bath materials. This is because they’re a good quality bath without the expensive price tag, and generally require little maintenance. Acrylic baths are great for practicality and those looking for a sleek finish.

Cast Iron Bath

The Thames Cast Iron Bath is a strong example of the quality provided by cast iron baths. Cast iron baths are at the top end of bath materials and create a truly luxurious feel. Cast iron bathtubs are super durable and amongst the best bathtubs at retaining heat. This means that you won’t have to faff around with topping up your bathtub with more hot water before you’re done soaking!

Natural Stone Bath

Natural stone baths are incredibly durable, long lasting, and often have scratch resistant properties. Whilst natural stone baths can potentially absorb some of the heat when filling up your bathtub, they have a strikingly modern look and are another great way to implement that spa feel at home.

Steel Bath

Steel baths are essentially the next step up from acrylic. Whilst they both share similarities in style, design and practicality, steel baths are superior when it comes to heat retention. It’s important to note that they are a touch on the heavy side, so make sure your flooring is good to go before you purchase a steel bath.

Copper Bath

If you’re looking for an incredibly striking bath and have a specific aesthetic goal in mind a copper bathtub like the BC Designs Copper Freestanding Bath is a great choice. Both durable and low maintenance, copper bathtubs also possess antimicrobial properties meaning they can kill bacteria.

We hope this has been a helpful summary of the different types of bathtubs available to you. If this guide has helped you narrow down what type of bathtub might be right for you and you’d like some more guidance on how to incorporate it into your bathroom, check out our blog Bathroom Layout Ideas and How to Plan Them.