The Bath Buying Guide
Baths come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, and deciding the correct style for your bathroom can often feel overwhelming. Below, we take you through the various types of baths available as well as helpful practical considerations to help you choose which bath best suits your needs.
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Freestanding Baths
Freestanding baths are stand-alone baths that can be positioned anywhere in the bathroom. C.P. Hart offers a wide range of luxury freestanding baths in classical, contemporary, and cutting-edge styles, providing striking focal points in any bathroom.
The cast iron Lincoln Freestanding Bath is an excellent option for classical bathroom schemes, with the option of complementary decorative claw feet. Though supplied primed, you are able to commission an exterior colour of your choice, making this traditional freestanding bath fit seamlessly into your bathroom scheme whilst simultaneously emulating classical elegance.
Featured: The C.P. Hart Lincoln Freestanding Bath, as seen in our recent Tunbridge Wells design project. Please do browse our recent projects for more bathroom inspiration.
The cast iron Lincoln Freestanding Bath is an excellent option for classical bathroom schemes, with the option of complementary decorative claw feet. Though supplied primed, you are able to commission an exterior colour of your choice, making this traditional freestanding bath fit seamlessly into your bathroom scheme whilst simultaneously emulating classical elegance.
Featured: The C.P. Hart Lincoln Freestanding Bath, as seen in our recent Tunbridge Wells design project. Please do browse our recent projects for more bathroom inspiration.
When buying a freestanding bath, space limitations may need to be considered. However, you shouldn't disregard the potential your bathroom has. Although we're used to seeing freestanding baths in the centre of spacious bathrooms, they can also be incorporated in modestly sized bathrooms.
In order to determine the perfect size of your freestanding bath, you should first calculate the amount of space you're working with. Keep in mind that, depending on the chosen design, baths might take up extra space. A common mistake people tend to make is that they only measure the place where they intend to put the bath, but they forget about the additional space plumbing will consume. You need to think about the functionality of your space, not just the aesthetics.
Once you've chosen your freestanding bath, you need to pick a bath mixer that will complement your bathroom's style. When it comes to taps, you can opt for wither floor-mounted bath taps, deck-mounted bath taps or a wall-mounted tap. Please visit our Tap Buying Guide for further information on the right brassware choices for your freestanding bath.
Please do not be put off by all the practical considerations when purchasing a new bath - we offer a full design and installation service, where our professionally qualified designers will work with you to answer any looming questions.
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Inset Baths
Inset baths are fit flush to the wall or clad in furniture and are offered in a variety of shapes and sizes, including traditional rectangular styles as well as oval and round inset bath shapes. These back-to-wall baths are particularly well-suited for less spacious and narrow bathrooms, although larger inset baths are also available.
An excellent example of a rectangular inset bath is the Bette One Steel Inset Bath. Made from glazed titanium steel and available in multiple sizes, this bath is extremely durable and can be tailored to fit into any bathroom scheme, making it both a versatile and luxurious choice for your bathroom.
Featured: The Bette One Steel Inset Bath, as seen in our Waterloo showroom, complemented by the stunning Samuel Heath One Hundred brassware.
An excellent example of a rectangular inset bath is the Bette One Steel Inset Bath. Made from glazed titanium steel and available in multiple sizes, this bath is extremely durable and can be tailored to fit into any bathroom scheme, making it both a versatile and luxurious choice for your bathroom.
Featured: The Bette One Steel Inset Bath, as seen in our Waterloo showroom, complemented by the stunning Samuel Heath One Hundred brassware.
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Slipper Baths
With one higher end to rest against, slipper baths are designed with only the upmost relaxation in mind. These baths suit traditional style bathrooms particularly well. The exclusive cast iron Cambridge Freestanding Bath is an excellent example of a traditional slipper bath, exuding elegance and luxury and available in a myriad of exterior colours so that you can customise it to perfectly fit your bathroom interior.
For a striking, contemporary piece, look to the Ofelia Freestanding Bath by Italian maker Cielo, as seen here. Crafted from the smooth and seamless LivingTec solid surface material, this modern freestanding bath is a contemporary take on the traditional slipper design, elegantly shaped with a flat rim that is ideal for resting a scented candle or a relaxing book. Perfect for a luxurious soak, the Ofelia bath is also relatively compact in size, making it an exceptional choice for smaller spaces too.
Featured: the Ofelia Freestanding Bath from Cielo, a sophisticated focal point against a subtle, beige bathroom scheme.
For a striking, contemporary piece, look to the Ofelia Freestanding Bath by Italian maker Cielo, as seen here. Crafted from the smooth and seamless LivingTec solid surface material, this modern freestanding bath is a contemporary take on the traditional slipper design, elegantly shaped with a flat rim that is ideal for resting a scented candle or a relaxing book. Perfect for a luxurious soak, the Ofelia bath is also relatively compact in size, making it an exceptional choice for smaller spaces too.
Featured: the Ofelia Freestanding Bath from Cielo, a sophisticated focal point against a subtle, beige bathroom scheme.
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Roll Top Baths
Inspired by Victorian design, roll top baths can provide a classical touch to any bathroom scheme. With the opportunity to be painted on site in a variety of stunning colours, optional built-in tapholes, and the possibility of adding traditional claw feet, roll top baths are a traditional choice that can be tailored to become an excellent centrepiece for your bathroom.
The cast iron Cambridge Freestanding Bath is a traditional roll top slipper bath, optimally shaped for relaxation.
Featured: the C.P. Hart Cambridge Freestanding Bath , shown here against the striking chequered black and white tiled floor with the Floor Mounted Arc Bath and Shower Mixer.
The cast iron Cambridge Freestanding Bath is a traditional roll top slipper bath, optimally shaped for relaxation.
Featured: the C.P. Hart Cambridge Freestanding Bath , shown here against the striking chequered black and white tiled floor with the Floor Mounted Arc Bath and Shower Mixer.
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Space-saving Baths
Offered in a variety of shapes and sizes from C.P. Hart, space-saving baths provide a bathing solution for small bathrooms, such as en-suites or guest bathrooms. Compact baths, such as the C.P. Hart Rolltop Freestanding Bath, offer smaller dimensions without compromising on functionality or comfort. Traditional shower baths may also provide the solution to more compact bathrooms; please read on to the next section to find out more.
The Ex.t Stand Freestanding Bath is a more contemporary space-saving freestanding bath, featuring a simple yet luxurious shape with either black or white feet.
Featured: the Ex.t Stand Freestanding Bath adds a minimalistic touch of luxury to this monochromatic bathroom scheme.
The Ex.t Stand Freestanding Bath is a more contemporary space-saving freestanding bath, featuring a simple yet luxurious shape with either black or white feet.
Featured: the Ex.t Stand Freestanding Bath adds a minimalistic touch of luxury to this monochromatic bathroom scheme.
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Shower Baths
If you are working with a smaller bathroom, you may wish to combine a shower and bath to save space. Complemented with a bath screen, shower baths come various measurements, from the classical oblong shape, such as the Bette Bambino Steel Inset Bath, to P-shaped baths, such as the Bette Luna Steel Inset Bath, allowing additional room for showering.
Corner Baths
A corner bath is an excellent option for a smaller space or an awkard-shaped bathroom. Fitting perfectly into the corner of the room, these baths don’t compromise on the luxury of the bathing experience.
From round to rectangular, corner baths come in a breadth of shapes and sizes. For a more rounded shape, look to the Duravit Luv Corner Bath, featuring luxurious curves with a velvety surface and holding enough space for two people to relax against the sloped backrests. This more contemporary corner bath is on display at our Waterloo showroom; plan your visit to our flagship showroom here, or visit a showroom near you.
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Designer Baths
Available at C.P. Hart are a breadth of stunning designer baths. Featuring exceptional, inspired, and often striking designs, each of these baths offer a focal point that goes above and beyond in terms of functionality, luxury, and elegance. Excellent examples include the White Tulip range by Duravit, baths from Ex.t – in particular, their Nostaligia range - and One Week by Karol.
To achieve a zen-like bathroom sanctuary, look to the Duravit Zencha Freestanding Bath, designed by internationally renowned designer Sebastian Herkner. Displaying a gently rounded shape that curves gracefully at the rim, Zencha’s square freestanding bath is inspired by Japanese bathing rituals and craftsmanship.
Featured: the Duravit Zencha Freestanding Bath 1250x1250mm. Find out more about Duravit’s stunning Zencha collection here.
To achieve a zen-like bathroom sanctuary, look to the Duravit Zencha Freestanding Bath, designed by internationally renowned designer Sebastian Herkner. Displaying a gently rounded shape that curves gracefully at the rim, Zencha’s square freestanding bath is inspired by Japanese bathing rituals and craftsmanship.
Featured: the Duravit Zencha Freestanding Bath 1250x1250mm. Find out more about Duravit’s stunning Zencha collection here.
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Practical Considerations
- It’s important to find a bath that is practical to your needs. Think about who will be using the bath, and in what way. Do you like to sit up or lay down? Will you be bathing children where a deep bath may be impractical? Some people enjoy a deep bath they can lay out in, whilst others may prefer a shallower bath they can read in.
- A bath is almost always the biggest item in a bathroom; it’s imperative to carefully consider what style you would like to have, as this will influence the look of the entire space.
- The shape of your bathroom is bound to influence your decision on a bath, and may even limit your options. For example, if you have an awkwardly shaped bathroom, a corner bath could be the ideal solution, and if there isn’t room for both a bath and a shower, a shower bath with a bath screen would function well.
- When choosing the material your bath is made from, bear in mind that different materials have different qualities and drawbacks. For example, stone and iron are beautiful but also very heavy, and you will need to make sure your floor is capable of bearing the weight before choosing a bath in either of those materials. Please read on to find out more about bath materials.
Bath Materials
SHOP CAST IRON BATHS
Cast Iron Baths
Victorian-inspired in design and available to be painted in whichever colour you choose, cast iron freestanding baths are the most durable and one of the heaviest on the market. They are produced using traditional methods: molten iron is poured into a mould, smoothed and covered with a coat of protective porcelain enamel. This makes the surface resistant to scratches and very easy to clean (we recommend a soft cloth and gentle cleanser). Compared to acrylic, cast-iron freestanding baths are more efficient at retaining heat, which makes them the perfect choice for those who love to indulge themselves with a long soak. Exclusive to C.P. Hart, the Greenwich Boat Bath is a traditional cast iron bath that is well suited as the centrepiece for any classical bathroom scheme.
The only challenge posed by a cast iron bath is their extremely heavy weight, often making them difficult to install; furthermore, if you are considering one of these baths, you may need to have your floor reinforced to take the weight. We strongly recommend seeking the help of a professional for this.
Featured: the C.P. Hart Greenwich Boat Freestanding Bath in the Copper finish, featured alongside the C.P. Hart London High Level WC and C.P. Hart London Washbasin.
The only challenge posed by a cast iron bath is their extremely heavy weight, often making them difficult to install; furthermore, if you are considering one of these baths, you may need to have your floor reinforced to take the weight. We strongly recommend seeking the help of a professional for this.
Featured: the C.P. Hart Greenwich Boat Freestanding Bath in the Copper finish, featured alongside the C.P. Hart London High Level WC and C.P. Hart London Washbasin.
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Pressed Steel Baths
Baths made from pressed steel are much lighter than cast iron baths, making them a suitable alternative if your floor cannot take the weight of a heavier bath. Available in a variety of colours and sizes and suited to both contemporary and classical styles, steel baths are a versatile option that can provide the ultimate relaxation.
One of the leading manufacturers of steel baths are German makers, Bette. Presenting a variety of baths in a breadth of shapes, dimensions, and colours, each bath demonstrates Bette’s decades of experience in steel reshaping, finishing each product with the exceptional BETTEGLAZE®.
Featured: the Bette Lux Oval Couture Freestanding Baths fitted with the Bette Lux Oval Couture Waterproof Fabric Panel in a variety of finishes: Lux Ivory, Lux Carbon, and Lux Moss.
One of the leading manufacturers of steel baths are German makers, Bette. Presenting a variety of baths in a breadth of shapes, dimensions, and colours, each bath demonstrates Bette’s decades of experience in steel reshaping, finishing each product with the exceptional BETTEGLAZE®.
Featured: the Bette Lux Oval Couture Freestanding Baths fitted with the Bette Lux Oval Couture Waterproof Fabric Panel in a variety of finishes: Lux Ivory, Lux Carbon, and Lux Moss.
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Acrylic Baths
Acrylic baths are significantly lighter than baths made of other materials such as stone resin or cast iron, which makes them simpler to move and place. Acrylic is durable and non-porous, offering both round and rectangular designs that are completed with a smooth, clean finish. Acrylic baths are easily maintained: they are both easy to clean and repair if scratched.
Acrylic baths are available as space-saving inset baths that can fit into the corner of the room, such as the Starck 3 Single-Ended Inset Bath. On the other hand, the contemporary Duravit White Tulip Freestanding Round Bath is an example of a stunning and almost sculptural centrepiece acrylic bath, featuring an elegant shape inspired by the natural form of a blooming tulip.
Featured: the Duravit White Tulip Freestanding Round Bath. Find out more about Duravit's White Tulip range designed by Philippe Starck.
Acrylic baths are available as space-saving inset baths that can fit into the corner of the room, such as the Starck 3 Single-Ended Inset Bath. On the other hand, the contemporary Duravit White Tulip Freestanding Round Bath is an example of a stunning and almost sculptural centrepiece acrylic bath, featuring an elegant shape inspired by the natural form of a blooming tulip.
Featured: the Duravit White Tulip Freestanding Round Bath. Find out more about Duravit's White Tulip range designed by Philippe Starck.
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Stone Baths
Stone baths come in three different varieties: natural stone, cast stone, and stone resin, all of which are beautiful luxury bath options. Extremely heavy, stone baths may require a reinforced floor to hold the weight; we strongly recommend seeking the help of a professional for this.
If you’re aiming for a more natural-looking interior and want to bring organic materials to your bathroom, natural stone freestanding baths are an ideal choice, typically made of granite, marble, and travertine, factory-processed and sealed to prevent leakage. In addition to natural stone freestanding baths, you can also opt for cast stone models which mimic the appearance of natural stones. These are made by mixing natural stone, cement, and pigments. Since the material is completely man-made, you can choose between many different styles and colours. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cast stone is less durable compared to the natural stone.
Stone resin baths are aesthetically pleasing and have a reputation of being extremely durable. The C.P. Hart Elter Freestanding Bath is a stone resin bath made from a blend of organic materials and high-tech resins. This freestanding stone bath is not only extremely durable, but has also features a sweeping and elegant shape, perfect for a peaceful soak.
Featured: the C.P. Hart Elter Freestanding Bath, from the C.P. Hart Lakes Bath Collection.
If you’re aiming for a more natural-looking interior and want to bring organic materials to your bathroom, natural stone freestanding baths are an ideal choice, typically made of granite, marble, and travertine, factory-processed and sealed to prevent leakage. In addition to natural stone freestanding baths, you can also opt for cast stone models which mimic the appearance of natural stones. These are made by mixing natural stone, cement, and pigments. Since the material is completely man-made, you can choose between many different styles and colours. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cast stone is less durable compared to the natural stone.
Stone resin baths are aesthetically pleasing and have a reputation of being extremely durable. The C.P. Hart Elter Freestanding Bath is a stone resin bath made from a blend of organic materials and high-tech resins. This freestanding stone bath is not only extremely durable, but has also features a sweeping and elegant shape, perfect for a peaceful soak.
Featured: the C.P. Hart Elter Freestanding Bath, from the C.P. Hart Lakes Bath Collection.
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