Want a luxurious yet functional bath? Enter: back-to-wall baths. They have become increasingly popular as they offer the look of a freestanding bath but come with hidden and helpful functionality.

What are back-to-wall-baths? This type of bath seamlessly emulates the coveted look of a freestanding design, with a twist – they cleverly connect to the wall.

Back-to-wall baths are the ideal solution for the classic British bathroom as they offer you relaxing bubbly soaks while saving you space. But don’t just take our word for it – we’ve spoken to the experts to help get you inspired to design a bathroom around a back-to-the-wall bath. Let’s delve in, shall we?

Senior designer Dena Kirby at Ripples Harpenden is a big fan of back-to-wall baths as an alternative to the highly desirable freestanding solution. “Homeowners should look at back-to-wall baths, which fit flush back onto the wall to prevent wasted space behind the bath. The front of the bath gives the illusion of it being freestanding,” she says.

Where is the best spot to place your back-to-wall bath? “I would suggest placing the bath under a window, to make it a focal point in the room. However, if that is not possible then choose a bold tile to sit behind it, so your eye is immediately drawn to it,” adds Dena.

But it’s the little details that make back-to-wall baths desirable – the compact space at the back of the wall can be used as a shelf area to display your pretty bottles, soaps or even hold your glass of wine. Another bonus is that this type of bath hides any unsightly plumbing.

Can you have a shower over a back-to-wall bath? Short answer: yes, of course! You can place your shower at either end of the bath or mount it in the middle. However, you still need a shower curtain or a clever screen to avoid any splashes, especially if your bathroom is not fully tanked.

How to design a bathroom with a back to the wall bath?

Often, back-to-wall baths are the focal point of a bathroom. “Choose a unique shape, material, or colour to make it stand out in the space,” recommends Juan Luna, design manager at Acquabella. “Some manufacturers give their creations an extra design touch, turning them into unique art pieces.

“Another tip is to pay attention to the decoration and details around the bathtub. For example, create an accent wall with a bold paint colour, wallpaper, or a textured finish. This can draw attention to a specific area and serve as a backdrop for other standout elements. In this sense, you can consider open shelving or a display niche for showcasing decorative items or stylish toiletries. This not only adds visual interest but also creates an opportunity to personalise the space,” says Juan.

Still need more help finding your perfect bath? Here is how to find a design that suits your bathroom style and needs

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