Should You Get a Fitted Bath

Most times we look to the freestanding bath to make a design statement in the bathroom. But don’t be so quick to dismiss the fully-fitted tub. In fact, built-in baths can be just as luxurious, given the new generation of versatile and slick options available today.

What’s to love…

Fitted baths are fabulous space-saviours and can utilise every last millimetre in your bathroom, including awkward corners and unused alcoves (some even come with built-in shelves and cubbyholes for keeping fresh flannels and your favourite bath time read).

Unsightly plumbing is fully concealed by your choice of cladding which can range from luxurious dark timber to velvet-smooth marble, mother of pearl mosaics or even a mirrored panel.

Taps can be mounted on the wall for a neat, streamlined finish freeing up ledge space, while over-bath showers are spot on for smaller spaces.

Built-in baths come in a huge line up of shapes and sizes, everything from long, linear troughs big enough for two, deep, boxy plunge pools and spectacularly chic, sunken designs that create space by not crowding into eye-level vision.

But do remember...

Fitted baths often offer less of a wow factor in the bathroom so bear in mind that you might need to invest in a freestanding vanity basin as a show stopping centrepiece instead.

If something goes wrong with a fitted bath or you want to replace it with a new one, this will more than likely involve disruption to your décor including hacking off tiles or other panelling.

Built-in baths won’t offer the same wealth of coloured, bespoke exteriors, striking metallic finishes or detailing as its freestanding counterpart so you might need to invest more in your taps and brassware to make it stand out.

Fitted tubs tend to have more of a contemporary silhouette, so are perhaps not the best choice for the lover of the more vintage look.

Credit: Lara Sargent (Words)
Published: As featured in EKBB Magazine, Issue 239, March 2016

Also read:
Expert's Corner: The 21st Century Bathroom
Profile: Metro Tiles and Wooden Accents Give This Room a Spacious Feel

Are you a fan of the fitted bath? Tell us in the comments section below.