A peaceful bath at any time of day creates those unique moments when you can leave stress behind and let your worries drift away. Being in water and finding healing in the sound of flowing water has, after all, been a form of meditation for many years…
Who would not want to indulge in a bubble bath? City life and busy working days have distanced us from some of the rituals we enjoy. As life picked up pace, we began choosing a quick shower over a long, leisurely soak. Add limited space and environmental responsibilities such as saving water, and a slowdown in the popularity of baths was inevitable. Yet baths are gradually regaining their former appeal, finding a place particularly in modern bathrooms. With advances in technology, baths now offer many different forms of comfort, from hydromassage to aromatherapy.
It is true that baths need plenty of space. However, if you are among the many people who enjoy a peaceful, restorative soak, a comfortable, well-designed bath is an essential part of your bathroom. It is also a significant investment, so carefully consider how you plan to use it, your budget and the space available.
The most common bath types by installation are above-floor, inset, freestanding and footed baths. You can add a shower head to any type to make the most of its space and use. Baths can also be classified by shape and function.Choosing the right bath depends on many factors. Start with the size of your bathroom and where you want to place it. The position of the plumbing also influences the type you can buy. Some materials, such as cast iron, are heavy and may require the floor to be reinforced. When choosing, decide whether you also want features such as massage jets, grab rails or a seat.Baths fall into three categories according to installation type.
Freestanding baths can be divided into vintage and modern luxury styles. These solutions do not require a special fitting or an adjoining wall, which makes them particularly popular. You can use one as the centrepiece of your bathroom. In a generous space, this type of bath shines like a work of art.
These fit easily into the floor and can be installed to complement the wall and floor tiles that define your bathroom's style. An excellent choice for modern bathrooms, inset baths have minimalist, linear designs and can be combined with shower systems to use space more efficiently.
This is the most commonly chosen above-floor bath type. Acrylic is particularly popular for these baths because it is lightweight.
Baths come in oval, round, square, rectangular and corner designs, as well as smaller sizes. Rectangular baths are especially popular and can suit the bathrooms in almost any home.
The current standard rectangular bath size is approximately 170 × 70 cm. Any bath smaller than this is classified as small or compact. Popular compact sizes include 130 × 70 cm and 160 × 70 cm. Smaller baths are sometimes available, although they are more suited to showering. While these tend to cost less than standard baths, the budget varies according to material. Acrylic is the most affordable option, followed by enamel, steel, composite and cast iron.
The materials used to make a bath determine its durability and price, so pay attention to this when choosing. Acrylic is the most popular material: it is relatively durable, lightweight and glossy. It warms up easily compared with other materials and retains heat for a long time, creating a more comfortable bathing experience. It therefore suits those who enjoy a long soak and want to spend minimal time and money on cleaning. Other bath materials include fibreglass, porcelain-enamelled iron or steel, cast iron, wood and marble.
These baths offer water and air massage to help you unwind. Water massage has an invigorating effect by directing jets towards the areas of the body that need them most. Water/air massage relaxes the body with air bubbles rising from the base of the bath. Hydromassage baths bring all the relaxing benefits of hydromassage into your home, without a visit to a spa.
One of the concepts gaining popularity recently is the wet room. What is a wet room? Essentially, it is an open-plan bathroom with a tiled shower area that forms part of the wider space rather than being enclosed, and a large drain in the centre. Many also include a freestanding bath. The area may be separated by a glass door or panel. With styles ranging from minimal to modern, wet rooms let you say goodbye to bath mats and shower curtains.
Choosing the right bath size and shape is as important as measuring your space, if not more so. Once you have taken your measurements, explore Kale Banyo's range of baths to find the one that best suits your needs, budget and style.
