Choosing the Ideal Bath For Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

Many elements come together to create a soothing atmosphere in your bathroom. But no other fixture or feature makes as big an impact as the bath. Choosing the ideal bath for your bathroom remodeling project will ensure a comfortable, relaxing space in your home. What kind of features should you look for, and how does the right bath make such a difference? Find out and discover which bath works for your home improvement project.

Features of the Ideal Bath

Typical bath features include:

• Size — from small tubs to standard sized models and large soaker baths, size does make a difference in your bathroom. Choose the bath size based on scale — your bath should not overwhelm the space, but remain a major focal point for the room. Small baths only work in tight spaces or when surrounded by a larger structure providing storage and seating.
• Construction — you'll find steel baths and acrylic models in stores today, both made to be low maintenance and long lasting. Cast iron tubs were popular in the past, and you can also find traditional wood tubs for a more natural feel.
• Shape — a major feature creating that distinct sense of style you want, look for baths in traditional rectangle shapes, kidney-shaped corner baths, oblong or oval tubs and even square or circular baths. Each shape denotes a particular atmosphere, from standard styling to luxurious, serene and cutting-edge styles.
• Shower Enclosures — your new bath may have a shower incorporated via a tub surround or shower screen, or it may be a standalone bathtub.
• Finish — some tub bases are enclosed with acrylic or fiberglass panels, others are left open and finished with decorative legs or trim, while still others are set into a tiled area with stairs or ledges leading to the tub.

Decide on Your Style

Consider what style you want to evoke with the bathroom renovation. Are you shooting for Victorian grace, contemporary glam or Roman luxury? Browse through magazines and online photo galleries to find the long list of possible styles you can use for your new space.

Each style has a certain type of bath that suits, including these common pairs:

• Roman-style bathroom — corner bath set in marbled tile stairs
• Modern bathroom — rectangular freestanding bath with floating or wall-mounted taps
• Victorian-era bathroom — traditional clawfoot tub
• Cozy country bathroom — round or oval freestanding bath
• Japanese-inspired bathroom — circular or square wooden tub set in a border of river rock

The combinations are only limited by your imagination. What type of atmosphere do you want to capture in the new space? And what type of bath evokes that atmosphere best, considering the size, shape and finish?

Including a Separate Shower

Freestanding tubs and corner baths are often designed just for bathing. Renovators need to consider whether or not to include a separate shower in the space. In most cases adding a shower makes sense, but the question of location should be addressed.

Shower enclosures can be tucked into the corner, but your bathroom design allows for a more attractive solution. Think about matching the shower stall with your new tub — tiled tubs look fantastic with tiled shower stalls, while modern freestanding tubs work well with walk-in frameless glass showers. Try to combine these two bathroom features in style and function to create a seamless look.

Consider the Location

The look and feel of your tub depends on location, as much as on style and size. It should be installed near a window to allow for natural light, but window treatments or special glass must be used to ensure privacy. Try to place the bath in a prominent location, visible from the entrance and surrounded by storage for toiletries and towels.

Safety is also a factor when considering bathtub location. Bathers need a decent amount of space when exiting the tub, with non-skid mats in place to avoid slipping. Allow for room to dry off as well, and think about placing heat lamps or heated towel racks nearby for that extra touch of opulence.

If you need to move the tub plumbing during your bathroom remodeling project, consider the toilet and sink locations as well. How do they affect the traffic flow in your new bathroom? And would moving either of those items provide more storage, comfort or light? Moving or adjusting these fixtures is much easier and more affordable while you're already having the tub plumbing moved or altered.

Budgeting for the Right Bath

Renovators wonder how much of the bathroom renovation budget should be allocated for the tub. Depending on what type of bath you've opted for, this fixture could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Considering the average bathroom remodeling project runs between $10,000 and $15,000, this represents a significant portion of the total investment.

You may also need to budget for the installation and finishing of your bath. Tile steps work for corner tubs, while traditional tub surrounds require framing and drywall. Freestanding tubs may only require plumbing, drains and a faucet, but some bathrooms include decorative features around the tub for maximum impact. Include all of these elements in your renovation budget.

Installing the ideal bath will help bring your bathroom renovation together. That makes it worthwhile to invest in a quality tub, no matter what the cost. Be sure to look for sale prices and deals on your favorite tubs, but remember that the perfect tub is worth almost any investment and will last for years.

A major focal point in your new bathroom, bathtubs create the atmosphere and set the stage in this space. Choose the ideal bath wisely, considering size, shape, finish and construction, to ensure your bathroom remodeling project captures your vision. Whether small or large, freestanding or built-in, with shower screen or without, choose a bath that's perfect for your tastes and bathroom design.