While fitted baths tend not to enjoy the same luxurious reputation as freestanding tubs, we have noticed a shift in mentality, and a new trend emerging…
The bath of my childhood was pretty spectacular on reflection; there were steps leading up to a raised, fitted bath – a spacious surround hugging it from one side of the room to the other (providing plenty of space to put my Polly Pockets and mermaid Barbies on). It was a true testament of ‘80s design; and if you’d have asked me six months ago what I thought about this look, I’d have said it needed to remain purely in that decade. However, like all good trends, the statement bath surround is making a comeback – and I love it.
Never had I considered the possibility that a fitted bath could be just as – if not more – luxurious than a freestanding one. But the more I look, the more I am convinced of this fact. And I’m not alone.
The comeback of the fitted bath
“While freestanding baths are great for creating a sense of space and perceived elevated luxury, this past year we have seen a move back towards a tiled-in or stone-clad bath. In my opinion, this also offers a level of opulence,” says Adam Wollerton, bathroom designer at Bathroom & Kitchen Eleven.
Amy Jones, owner and designer at Greta-Mae Interior Design, agrees and says, “A built-in bath can be just as luxurious as a freestanding one and, in many cases, it offers additional functionality without compromising on style. When clad in luxurious materials like marble, a built-in bath can create a stunning focal point, adding a sense of sophistication to the space. The surrounding structure allows for clever integration of niches or ledges, providing a practical yet elegant way to store bath products.”
Pretty and practical
Statement fitted baths work in any style of bathroom. For instance, unlike freestanding baths – which can sometimes require more space – a built-in bath can be seamlessly incorporated into the room’s layout, making it perfect for sleek, modern bathrooms.
The look is also perfect for the classic-contemporary style, where you can mix and match materials for a more personalised aesthetic. “The ability to customise the bath’s finish and material means you can achieve tailored, high-end look that’s timeless, chic and completely unique to the owner,” continues Amy.
“Additionally, the ledges around a built-in bath offer more space for candles, décor, or your favourite bathtime essentials, enhancing the overall experience. With these features, a built-in bath not only looks beautiful but elevates everyday rituals”.
Key things to consider
While you can have surrounds tiled or clad in marble or wood, you should also consider the material of your bath. “If opting for a stone surround, then I would prefer a stone or steel bath underneath over acrylic, to offer that same design story of ‘luxury’,” continues Adam.
Expanding on this, Lily Dragan, designer at West One Bathrooms, says, “The kind of tub you choose if you go down this route shouldn’t be the cheapest just because you are covering it up – as you don’t want it to bend and move with use. Instead, look for undermounted baths made of glazed titanium-steel, as they are the most practical and sustainable choice. They are also available in several shapes and sizes and so can be used for shower-baths or purely for relaxation.”
This style of bath allows for space efficiency, too, as it can be installed against walls. “Another advantage is easy cleaning, as with freestanding baths, there are often hard-to-reach dust traps behind and under the bath,” says Pia Pelkonen, creative director of Pia Design.
Additionally, “Fitted baths usually aren’t as deep, so don’t need as much water to fill whilst still being comfortable, can be easier to get in and out as they’re generally a bit lower, and have wider edges so better for older or very young people,” says Hannah Smith-Saville, owner of Harrison 52 Interiors.
While it’s indisputable that freestanding baths can steal the show in a bathroom, the possibilities of creating something truly magnificent with a fitted model are endless. Personally, I can’t wait to see this design explode into next year, and am very much looking forward to seeing what designers and homeowners will do next…
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