How to Know If a Soaking Tub Is Right for Your Bathroom
Even a simple bathroom can be made into a spalike oasis with the right pieces. When it comes to designing a space worthy of hours of relaxation, architect Jay Hugo from 3north has some advice to share. “Baths with a focal point are as comfortable as a furnished room,” says Hugo, “A natural centerpiece like a freestanding tub makes a powerful design statement, and can be considered a work of art or sculpture.” Fit is an important consideration. Positioning a freestanding piece under a window or near a chandelier (per standard code, a fixture should be three feet away horizontally from the tub) creates that dramatic look. Once the tub is placed, there should be enough room around the perimeter to fit a towel rack. This will keep the space from looking too tight and make cleaning easier, too. “A footed tub that has open-air surrounding it looks and feels expansive,” Hugo says. Read on for more ideas to get the spa bath you’ve always wanted.
1/5Measuring a compact 67" l. x 31.25" w., Victoria + Albert’s Ionian tub has a smaller footprint for space-challenged bathrooms. Average tubs are usually 70" long.
2/5Installing a hand shower allows the tub to do double duty. The geometric elements of the Rohl Perrin & Rowe Deco wall-mounted tub filler shown here would blend well with a bathroom that features Art Deco design.
3/5Materials such as cast-iron or copper retain the heat in the water’s temperature. Hastings Tile & Bath’s Blade tub is made of solid surface material that holds heat well. It’s also easy to clean.
4/5Wall-mounted tub fillers function well in small bathrooms, where a tub may be positioned closer to a wall. This architectural design by MGS features a smaller faucet with a high flow rate.
5/5If you have limited space, consider a soaking tub, which can measure from 60" to 72" long, and is a little deeper allowing for full-body immersion. Here, the simple lines of DXV’s Oak Hill soaking tub offer a luxurious country aesthetic.
