What Size Bath Do You Need?
From bath size to bath type, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing a new bath.
Perhaps you’re updating your bathroom? Maybe you want to replace a shower enclosure with a bath? You may want it for washing your little ones?
Whatever the reason, we’ve created this guide to help you find the ideal bath size for your space.
Read on to find out how to find out the perfect size bath for your bathroom…
What is a standard bath size?
A huge amount of attention is always given to the design and layout of bathrooms. Size doesn’t limit the quality of bathroom style. There are standard measurements and dimensions for bath sizes:
- The average UK bath size is: 1700mm in length and 700mm wide
- A small bath size is: 1400mm-1500mm in length and 700mm wide
- A large bath size is: 1800mm in length and around 800mm wide
The average bath size is based on the most commonly found type of bath in the UK - the single-ended bath. However, the single-ended bath is close to being overtaken by the gorgeous freestanding bath, as they become more affordable.
The standard height for a bath is around 550mm, which includes single-ended and straight baths as well as corner and freestanding baths. A straight, single-ended bath with dimensions of 1700mm x 700mm will have an average height of 545mm, which will result in a rough capacity of 200 litres.
What are the types of bath?
The most common styles of bath are:
- Straight baths - single and double-ended
- Corner baths
- Freestanding baths
- Whirlpool baths
Straight Baths
Straight baths are found in the majority of UK homes and fit in the most compact of spaces. This style is available in either steel or acrylic in either single or double-ended versions.
The straight type of bath is usually surrounded by a bath panel and they are usually installed against a wall or in the corner of the bathroom, making them a great space-saving option. Another benefit of the straight bath is that they also double as a shower bath if you add a bath screen or shower curtain.
What’s the difference between a single-ended and double-ended bath?
The main difference between these two versions of straight bath is how you use them and where the taps are positioned.
With a single-ended bath, they are typically designed for one-person usage. The taps are located at one end, which is ideal for shower baths.
A double-ended bath can in most cases look more glamorous than a single ended bath and is even suitable for use by 2 people. The taps and plug are positioned and fitted in the centre of the bath and the taps are either fixed to the wall or the bath itself. This means each end has a slope, allowing two people to bathe together or one person to stretch out. The majority of freestanding baths are double-ended.
The standard size for a straight bath is: 1500mm - 1800mm long x 700mm - 800mm wide
Corner Baths
Corner baths are an excellent space-saving solution, slotting neatly into one corner of your bathroom. A corner bath is often wider and shorter than a straight bath, which can be easier to install and can even be used as a shower bath due to the additional width.
Some models have a built-in seat or raised lip which helps with washing small children and mobility. Their rounded deep slot shape can give the feeling of settling down into the hot tub at a luxury spa. Add jets to create an even more luxurious dip.
The standard size for a corner bath is: 1200mm - 1600mm long x 900mm -1400mm wide
Freestanding Baths
If you have the space to play with, freestanding baths provide the ultimate luxury and can even be fitted in the centre of the room. Due to their free-standing nature, these tubs can become a show-stopping centerpiece of your bathroom in modern or traditional styling.
Freestanding baths don’t require a finishing panel and are double-ended for a spa-like look, allowing for two people to bathe at the same time. They can, however, be more expensive to install, especially when replacing a standard straight bath. If you have the cash, these are the tubs to splash out on.
Read more: The Complete Freestanding Baths Guide
The standard size for a free-standing bath is: 1800mm x 800mm and 500-600mm deep
Whirlpool Baths
Whirlpool baths, or spa baths, offer a relaxing and luxurious bathing experience in your own home. As the name suggests, these baths are fitted with whirlpool jets which are placed on the side shell of the bath.
These contemporary baths are at the height of luxury, as they can include special features such as chromatherapy.
The standard size for a whirlpool bath is: 1700mm x 750mm or 1800mm x 850mm
How to measure for a bath?
Buying a bath that’s too big or small is an easy mistake and can lead to delays with your renovation project.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to measuring for a bath - using a straight bath as an example:
- Pick the space where you’ll place the bath - if it’s near a door, remember to consider this and how far it opens.
- For the length, measure the distance from one side of your bath, or the space it’ll fill, to the other.
- For the width, measure from the back wall outwards making sure to consider anything in the way - basin, cabinets etc.
- For bath height, on the bath’s exterior, measure from the floor to the top edge. This will also help if you need a bath panel.
- If your walls are tiled, remember that the bath will sit slightly beneath them, so measuring the length from tiled wall to tiled wall will be different from the actual length.
To measure the length of freestanding baths, the height and width are measured using the top edge or lip. For the depth, measure from the floor to the top edge and will include the bath's feet if you’re buying this style of freestanding tub.
Just bear in mind that you will need to leave space around the bath for taps etc.
If you're looking for further information on baths take a look at the following posts - Corner Baths Buying Guide - Shower Baths Buying Guide - Things to Check Before Hiring a Bathroom Fitter.
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