Expert Bathroom Advice
March 19, 2012
From Kirsten Wain – Senior Designer – Ripples
There are several points to consider when buying a bath such as size of the room and how big can you go. The main types of bath available are:
- Single ended bath - most common approx size 1700x700 with taps at one end.
- Double ended bath - these are becoming more popular with rounded at both ends with the taps in the middle or free standing
- Corner bath - either offset or equal sided
- Shower/baths - with a seat area at one end to allow more room for showering/usually available with a shower screen made to fit shape.
- Space saving bath - the intelligent solution for small rooms and the tapered foot end provides extra space in the bathroom despite the laying dimension of 1365mm Dimensions L 170 x W75/60 x D 45 cm
Of course we also have to take the size and the weight of a large bath into careful consideration, not only is the weight crucial but once the bath arrives at the clients home we need to make sure we can get it up the stairs and into the bathroom. On occasions, depending on the home and the weight of the bath, a structural engineer may need to have some input. However, with new technologies we are finding that baths are being manufactured in more lightweight materials such as acrylic.
Design around the tub
Free standing baths command attention and need to be shown to their full advantage. They need to be positioned on a raised area in the room, almost like placing them on pedestals similar to works of art on display in an art gallery. Take Jean-Marie Massaud's free standing baths for example; this modern free standing bath seems to be less forced in its natural organic form, seamless in its manufacture. The bath seems to look like it's resting on a small point, the way a large rock balances on a cliff edge.
Traditional cast iron baths have been replaced by acrylic and stone resin composites. The current trend is to blend the traditional with the modern. For example Adamsez's Portobello traditional roll top bath elevated by modern solid ash feet. Also Patricia Urquiola's free standing bath where she has blended the traditional slipper bath with clean crisp contemporary/organic lines.
Create a luxurious bathroom
In the beginning the bath of course needs to be a good size so that one can lie down and relax without feeling cramped. Add freestanding brassware and retractable hand showers, which can be added to any bath setup which is just purely for practical purposes. Deep, double ended baths are still very popular - the bigger the better particularly when the fittings can be placed centrally so that no-one has to have the tap end and bathe in discomfort.
For that bit of extra luxury, and if you have the space, it is worth considering setting the bath into a limestone surround. A luxurious idea is to have a sunken bath in the centre of the room. The first thing to check in this instance is that there is room below the floor. Calculations should be made for the weight of the bath water and people using the bath, as it will have to be fully supported to carry this weight. Again, the waste pipe must achieve the correct fall and run to the nearest drain.
Contemporary freestanding baths remain very popular, particularly with chrome details or wooden supports. For more expert advice: Call Tel 0800 107 0700 or visit www.ripples.ltd.uk to find your nearest showroom
Source: Ripples
To find a company who may assist you further, simply click on the free links located on the right hand side of the page.
Comment on This Article:
All HTML, except <i>, <b>, <u> will require your comment to be moderated before it is publicly displayed.
If you would like your own avatar displayed, read about comment avatars.
Reader Comments
Skip to form
There are currently no comments about this article.