Baths of different kinds have been around for almost 5000 years and unsurprisingly, there is a huge range of styles and types to choose from today.
Modern bathtubs tend to fall into two main formats today; Western style long and shallow bathtubs in which the bather lays down, and Eastern style short and deep bathtubs, known as ofuro in Japan, in which the bather sits upright. Ofuro bathtubs have become popular beyond the East in cities like New York where space is at a premium and most bathrooms would struggle to fit a Western style bathtub in.
Modern baths are made from acrylic or fibreglass but there are many alternatives based on classic designs from the last few centuries such as enamel over steel or cast iron. The plastics have made a much wider range of shapes, sizes and colours possible, but enamelled baths typically offer more style and elegance, and with expert maintenance such as bath resurfacing and chip repairs they can last for decades and still look as good as new.
The claw foot tub
Enamelled freestanding baths are more properly called claw foot tubs and have remained a desirable luxury item for over 100 years. Originally made in cast iron and lined with porcelain their price has progressively lowered over the years as porcelain became enamel and cast iron became fibreglass. Original claw foots are in high demand though and it is still possible to get a bargain from a scrap metal yard which can then be renovated with bath resurfacing and anti-slip coatings giving an as-new appearance.
Whilst most modern bath designs are little more than plastic bowls with a square wall or plastic enclosure attaching them to the wall, free standing claw foot tubs come in a variety of designs;
Classic roll rim, flat rim or roll top bath
What everyone pictures when you say “free-standing bath”, the roll around the top of the bath keeps the sharp edges of cast iron away from exposed arms creating a comfortable place to lounge.
Slipper tubs
Designed with one end of the bath slightly raised and sloping creating a more comfortable shape to lie in, double slipper tubs have the slope at both ends.
Double-ended tubs
The classic bath design is rounded at one end and flatter at the other, however modern tastes seem to prefer symmetricality to practicality and the double-ended tub is ideal with a rounded shape to both ends.
Pedestal tubs
Unlike all the others, pedestal baths do not have claw feet; the tub sits on a pedestal in what is often called art-deco style; however, the design was first popular around 1000BC in Crete.
Whatever your own personal style or preference, there is sure to be an ideal bath for you, and whilst modern tubs inevitably fit flushly into our square modern homes, the true luxury choice is still a professionally enamelled free standing roll top bath sat bang in the middle of the room. Whilst we love offering our bath renovations services on the classics, we are equally at home providing bath chip repair and bath resurfacing on modern acrylic versions.
No matter what your requirements for bath renovations, chip repairs or resurfacing, put it in the hands of the dedicated specialists; contact us at Bath Renovations today and we can arrange a no obligation quotation with one of our expert team.
- Highly expert work from true craftsmen
- The highest quality standards and finish
- Perfect colour matching for invisible chip repairs
- For private customers, builders and designers
- Complete bath renovations
- Established health and safety policy
- Unique anti-slip surfacing service
- Periodic maintenance service for hotels
Contact us today to discuss your bath resurfacing or chip repair requirements and arrange for a no-obligation free estimate!
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