How to choose a bathtub? Dimensions, finishes, colours and materials

Three collections of designer bathtubs and six criteria to make your choice easier.

Bathtubs are back as desirable objects: design and technology make this decor element essential to transform a bathroom into a realm of wellbeing. But how should we choose a bathtub that will create a personal spa in our home? This post will reveal the six most important parameters to keep in mind.

Aesthetics and design are not the only elements to assess in order to choose which model to buy: it is important to identify priorities by analysing your needs and the characteristics of your bathroom.

So, what do I base my choice of bathtub on?

To find your way among the collections and types of bathtubs available, make a note of the following features.

1. Choosing a bathtub according to its dimensions

Objectively, one of the main things to guide your choice of bathtub will naturally be its size, to be assessed according to the space in which it will be installed. Traditional bathtubs have standard dimensions of 170 x 70cm, which can be a problem at times. In such cases you will need to find a compact model suitable for the size of the bathroom.

It’s not necessarily so that a small bathtub is not comfortable: some compact bathtubs are designed to provide a comfortable seated position and they have higher sides so that the user is immersed in the water.

Oval Mini is perfect also as a bathtub for a small bathroom. Configured to stand in the middle of a room or panelled, a smaller version is also available: the free-standing model measures 63.5 x 156cm and has a central drain (the standard model has the classical dimensions of 170 x 70cm), and the panelled one measures 70x161cm, including the panels.
For larger bathrooms, the panelled version of the Oval bathtub measures 200 x 120cm. The bathtub structure can also serve as a convenient shelf to hold candles, perfumes, beauty products and anything needed for moments of wellbeing and relaxation.

2. Choosing a bathtub according to materials, finishes and colours

If on the other hand, your priority is to coordinate the bathtub with the room’s decor or finishes, opt for bathtubs that can be customised in terms of materials and colours.

Modern bathtubs come in several technical, high performance materials: Aquatek, Mineralmarmo or Cristalplant are just some of the possibilities that also provide different colour scheme options.

Choosing the colour of a bathtub is now an enjoyable and stimulating task: the bathtub can match the colour of the tiles or the finish on the bathroom cabinet or fixtures, for an exclusive, trendy total look.

Oval, for example, is a bathtub in Aquatek, available in a choice of five trendy colours – white, beige, brown, light grey and dark grey – to match your bathroom cabinets or finishes.

3. Choosing a bathtub according to shape and design

Rectangular bathtubs are generally easier to fit into bathrooms because they can be installed against a wall, in a corner or in the centre of the room. A rectangular bathtub can have a rectangular tub or a more rounded one fitted into rectangular panelling (like the Oval panelled model).

An oval bathtub brings charm and character to a bathroom corner, but usually occupies more space, especially if it is installed diagonally or away from the wall (to facilitate cleaning).

Bathtub heights also vary according to the model. From a minimum of 50cm it can increase to 60, as with Lake, a deep, cosy oval bathtub that creates a feeling of wellbeing reminiscent of the ancient Japanese tradition of Ofuro.

Lake, a 60cm high oval bathtub: used for a semi-seated position immersed in the water.

Then there are bathtubs with special shapes, sinuous profiles and original designs: bathtubs that become stars of the decor, especially when they are enhanced by finishes chosen ad hoc for the bathroom they will fit into.

4. Choosing a bathtub according to a hydrotherapy system

Whoever wants to transform their bathroom into a private spa and pamper themselves with wellbeing rituals, such as a hot bath or relaxing body treatment, will not pass up a hydromassage bathtub, perhaps also with chromotherapy and airpool technology (more delicate than whirlpool).

The mechanisms of modern hydromassage bathtubs are integrated into minimal design that does not detract from the attractive look of the bathtub.

Oval airpool panelled bathtub. A hydrotherapy and chromotherapy system is integrated into the minimal design of the oval tub. The air bubble massage moves the water and helps to relax the muscles.

DISCOVER OVAL »

5. Choosing a bathtub according to the type of installation

The position of the bathtub certainly determines its shape and size. Basically, the choice is between a free-standing bathtub and one that stands against a wall: the former is a bathtub to stand in the centre of the room, refinished on all sides and designed to be fitted in any part of the bathroom. The latter can be fitted against a wall, in a corner or in a central position. Or in an alcove, why not?

* That extra idea | to make full use of a non-standard alcove, a panelled bathtub to cut to size could be an option: this would exploit all the space available. The tub dimensions remain the same, but the structure containing it is tailored to the project, so alcoves with out-of-line walls are not a problem.

Oval bathtub with made to measure panelling: the minimum dimensions for standard panelled models are 175 x 75cm (maximum 220 x 120cm).

Pay attention to the position of the drain, especially in the case of renovations: check the position before choosing a bathtub to avoid the extra cost of moving it (not always possible).

6. Choosing a bathtub according to price

How much will our dream bathtub cost? Unfortunately, we will have to come to terms with our finances and choose designer bathtubs that reconcile our good taste with a budget we can afford.

The bathtub material affects its price considerably, so we could choose an attractive design in a more economical material, such as, for example, Mineralmarmo. In the end, we don’t need to go without a superb designer bathtub!

Lake: a free-standing bathtub with a special design (the tub is deeper than standard and the dimensions are 160 x 80.5cm) and an attractive price.

DISCOVER LAKE »

#ideacare | To make sure your bathtub stays as good-looking as the first day, it must be constantly and carefully maintained. Whatever the material, always clean body care products (oil, balsam, creams) and soap from the surface and then dry with a soft cloth (cotton or microfibre are ideal).
Unfortunately, lime deposits are a constant problem, but if you use these simple tips and take care of your bathtub so that it is always clean it will never lose its shine.

3 comments
  1. Selecting a nice bathtub has really become very easy with the help of this article. You have stated the different parameters that we need to take into consideration while selecting a bathtub in this article. Thank you for sharing this informative article with us. I really appreciate all the efforts made by you to create and share this article with us.

    1. Dear Emma,
      thank you very much for your message!Every feedback is really important to us.
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