Bathtub: Things no one tells you! (33+ designs & buying options)

Featured Stories, Interior Design, Latest Stories, Sanitaryware Products

by Mukul Jain
on February 12, 2024

A bathroom is one of the most important rooms in a home. Therefore, it is crucial to take great caution while designing it. To increase the aesthetic value of bathrooms, you can play around with a number of different elements. Today, we have picked up one such element known as the bathtub. Bathtubs are tubs that retain water for indulgent bathing. They come in a variety of forms, each of which serves a distinct function, and they also offer a tranquil setting to relax. Modern homes now require innovative bathrooms because of the changing needs of people’s lifestyles. Given the diversity of bathtub designs currently available in India, ranging from corner tubs with shower screens to Jacuzzi tubs, modern bathrooms can be built tastefully. Moreover, bathtubs can offer your home a luxurious appeal without a soaring high price.

Read on to understand the different types of bathtubs and their materials, followed by a short guide for choosing the best bathtub for your bathroom. Also, shop from our recommendation list to buy from the most trusted brands in the industry.

Types of bathtubs

Freestanding bathtub

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A free-standing bathtub is one that rests on the floor remaining unattached to the walls. The base of a free-standing bathtub is sturdy enough to support its entire weight, allowing it to be positioned in almost any place. Also, it is compatible with a large bathroom because it takes up a lot of space. Furthermore, this is one of the most easily available bathtub designs in India.

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Alcove bathtub

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Alcove bathtubs are made to fit inside a three-sided, recessed enclosure that is designed just for the tub. The enclosure can be used for bathtub and shower screen combos, and the walls can be tiled or panelled. This type of tub maximises the area available to work with. Depending on the material used to construct it, which is typically fibreglass, acrylic, stone resin, or solid surface, this type of bathtub can be quite durable.

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Drop-in bathtub

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Drop-in tubs are the ideal way to give your bathroom an extravagant, spa-like atmosphere. These have their own rim and are installed on a deck. These generally have additional spaces on the tiled side to store soap, candles, etc. Furthermore, these tubs have a wider range of placement options.

Corner bathtub

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Corner bathtubs are ideal for small bathrooms because only two walls are needed to install them. They are available in triangular or rectangular shapes. Additionally, most corner bathtubs are built to accommodate a shower with a screen thereby increasing its functionality by turning it into a bath cum shower.

Also see: 15 Inspiring modern bathroom designs & trends to try out in 2023!

Whirlpool/Jacuzzi bathtub

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In a whirlpool or Jacuzzi bathtub, there is a framework of underwater jets that are used to massage the body. Taking a bath in this type of bathtub gives a very different experience because it relaxes the muscles. It is frequently used in physical therapy facilities, but it is also a great design choice for home improvements. Therefore, a Jacuzzi bathtub is fairly common in contemporary homes.

Popular bathtub materials

Porcelain-enameled steel bathtub

Porcelain enamelled tub — Porcelain enamelled steel tub with black coating

Image Source: Viv Yapp

These tubs are made of porcelain-enameled steel sheets. They are made by fusing the porcelain enamel with a stamped steel shell using heat. Compared to conventional enameled cast iron tubs, these are less expensive, lighter, and easier to clean. However, these tubs can chip easily which leads to corrosion.

Fibreglass

Beautiful white soaking fibreglass bathtub

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A fibreglass bathtub is constructed using layers of woven glass strings that are heated to form a specific shape or mould. After that, it is shaped, moulded, and sprayed with a resin gel coat. Also, it’s one of the cheapest tub building materials and one of the simplest to install. It requires a lot of upkeep because it is vulnerable to cracks and scratches.

Acrylic

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Acrylic tubs are constructed by using acrylic sheets that have been vacuum-formed and reinforced with fibreglass which makes them highly durable. These tubs come in a wide variety of colours, sizes, and shapes because the material used to make them is soft. Additionally, they are simple to install.

Marble

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Marble is a stunning metamorphic rock that is popularly used in interior design and architecture because of its timeless beauty. It is one of those materials that are long-lasting and highly versatile. So, marble tubs are very effective in giving a plush, expensive look without straining the purse.

Ceramic tile

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Typically, ceramic bathtubs have a higher price as compared to tubs made from other materials. Generally, they are featured as accent pieces in a vintage bathroom. They can either be completely made up of smooth and glossy ceramic or they can have a ceramic tile on their outer surface.

How to choose the right bathtub for your bathroom?

Bathtub size

The size of your bathroom should be taken into account while selecting the tub. Size is a vital consideration because your home might be compact and adding a large tub may take away from its functionality. Therefore, a larger tub is recommended if you have the space for it. If you have a larger space, by all means, choose a freestanding or corner tub. However, if you have a smaller room, an alcove or a drop-in would be better for you.

Bathtub weight

The weight of the tub should be taken into account while making a purchase. The weight of your tub, like its size, will affect where you can put it. Your floor and home might not be able to sustain the tub when it is filled with water if the material is too heavy. This can be challenging because some of the higher-quality materials, including copper, cast iron, and natural stone, are coveted yet often too hefty for many homes.

Bathtub installation

Depending on the size and shape of your tub, installing it can be a headache. So, it’s vital to know which styles are the simplest to install and which require a little more work. Generally speaking, corner bathtubs with shower screens and freestanding tubs are more difficult to install than alcove and drop-in bathtubs. However, this might vary based on the material and overall weight of the tub you’re trying to install. It is better to contact a professional to install it for you if it appears too heavy.

Bathtub price

The quality of the material used and its design determines the price of a bathtub. Therefore, before finalising a bathtub, consider its overall price, including both the up-front investment and the price of installation. However, compromising on quality is not recommended because you want to invest in a tub that is highly durable and worth the price.

Bathtub style

When purchasing a new bathtub, it is important to consider the end users. So, you should take into account the needs of the consumer. For example, if you choose a taller unit that allows for longer soak sessions, it could be difficult for younger kids to enter and exit without help. Older people might face the same issue. So, this factor needs consideration too.

Our recommendations

Conclusion

Bathtubs of any design were once associated with luxury in India, but now more and more people are installing them in their bathrooms. Since bathrooms are getting larger, the extra space allows for a tub which gives you the calming experience you need after a long day at work. Different types of bathtubs offer different advantages. For example, a jacuzzi will give you a muscle-relaxing bath while a corner bathtub will optimise the space available. So, before buying, consider the style of the tub you prefer, its weight, the size of your bathroom, and whether it fits into your budget.

When it comes to the overall price of the tub, it is important to know about the various materials that can be used in its construction. Popular materials include marble, fibreglass, acrylic, ceramic, and porcelain-enameled steel. The material of the tub directly impacts its price which will determine whether it falls within your budget or not. So, now that you know how to select the right tub for your space, buy the trendiest bathtub designs in India from our top picks listed above to get the best price deals.

*The featured image used in this article is from Rexa Design