Bathrooms with only a stall shower are functional for day-to-day living and are frequently being found in smaller homes. If the homeowner wishes to add a soaking tub or whirlpool tub to the bathroom design, the placement of the tub, and the shape and style of the tub will require additional consideration.
Placement of a Small Bathtub
If there is already a stall shower in place in the room, which the homeowner is choosing not to disturb, the placement of an additional bathtub becomes more challenging. Some ways to include a bathtub in the small bathroom design may include:
- Utilizing the corners of the bathroom to install the tub, or move another fixture to make space
- Removing a linen closet to gain additional space
- Removing a vanity and installing a small, pedestal sink
Types of Small Bathtubs
There are several types of small bathtubs on the market today which are ideal for fitting into small spaces. Japanese soaking tubs are available which take up as little room as 40 inches by 40 inches when installed into an alcove. These deep tubs include a seat for the user and are comfortable enough for users up to 72 inches in height to sit comfortably with their knees bent in front of them. While a Japanese soaking tub is primarily and traditionally used for soaking, these tubs are available with airbath and whirlpool options as well.
Users hoping to have a more traditional alcove or drop in bathtub can find extra deep tubs of 48inches in length and 32 inches in width. These tubs are primarily for smaller users as a taller user may find that with knees bent enough to accommodate the length of the tub that water is not deep enough to give sufficient coverage.
For traditional bathrooms, claw foot and freestanding bathtubs are available in 48-inch and 52-inch lengths. Sometimes called “baby baths” these tubs are used by sitting with the legs bent into a cross legged position and facing the front of the tub, rather than resting lengthwise with the legs extended.
Corner bathtubs may also take up less room than traditionally shaped tubs, as they extend across the corner and take up less space on each wall. This does leave a large section of the tub unusable in the corner, which in small bathrooms may be too much space to sacrifice. Large bathrooms, however, may find that the ledge it creates can be used as storage for bathtub accessories.
Adding a separate bathtub to a small bathroom can increase the use of the bathroom, as well as the comfort of the user. As with the purchase of any bathtub, it is recommended that the potential user sit in the bathtub in the plumbing showroom first, to determine the fit and whether the tub will be comfortable enough to get frequent use.
Install a separate bathtub in a small bathroom to make the most of the space and increase the bathroom’s functionality and design and make a more personal bathroom space today.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
