While it would be nice for all homes to have a sizable bathroom, that just simply isn’t the case for many. Those with small bathrooms often find themselves searching for various solutions to make their space more practical and stylish, and one common request our bathroom fitting company often comes across is bathtub ideas for a small bathroom.
When it comes to designing a bathroom that is on the smaller side, selecting the right bathtub can make a huge difference in both functionality and aesthetics. While it may be difficult to find the right tub for your small bathroom fitting project, it isn’t impossible – not all bathtubs are created equal and certain types are better suited to smaller spaces. In this article, we’ve done the leg work for you and identified five of the best small bathtub ideas for a small bathroom. Plus, we’ve included some more advice, ideas and tips on how to maximise space in your small bathroom with a tub.
5 Bathtub Ideas for a Small Bathroom
1. Small Freestanding Bathtub
There is such a thing as a small freestanding bathtub, and adding one to your small bathroom could act as the room’s stunning focal point. These bathtubs are shorter in length while still providing that luxurious feel, and with many various compact sizes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your space where every square inch counts.
In a small bathroom design, it pays well to consider little tricks that can make the room feel larger, such as clever bathroom lighting. As a small freestanding bathtub is elevated off the floor, light can flow underneath, which will make the room feel more open and airy. As well as this, the sculptured design of a freestanding bath adds a high-end look to your bathroom. After all, style is just as important as space.
Small freestanding bathtubs work best if your small bathroom design and layout allow for them to be placed central or against a short wall. The key is selecting a model that fits the space but is still comfortable to use. Plus, to make room for the bathtub, it’s worth exploring other opportunities to save space, which we will discuss further in this article.
2. Small Corner Bathtub
If you’re not a fan of the freestanding bath or you really think you won’t have the space available for one, you could consider a corner bathtub. This is a fantastic space-saving option for small bathrooms with a tub.
As you’ll be tucking the bathtub into a corner, you can free up essential floor space for other fixtures or even storage solutions. Small corner bathtubs can come in the standard square shape – where one side of the tub and the top or bottom are pushed against the wall – or they can come curved to better fit the room, which is practical and also provides a nice bathing experience.
With their convenient placement, this bathtub idea for a small bathroom allows for more efficient use of the space, which can be kept clear for added manoeuvrability or other luxuries, such as a heated towel rail or vanity unit. This small bathroom design also opens up an opportunity to further maximise space by fitting shelving along the walls above the tub, so that cleaning products are within easy reach and not taking up floor space.
3. Japanese Deep Soaking Bathtub
Where floor space is limited but depth space is in ample supply, the Japanese deep soaking tub is a worthy consideration, and it’s definitely the most unique entry on our list of bathtub ideas for small bathrooms. While there are multiple variants to this small bathtub design, the Japanese deep soaking bathtub is one of the earliest examples of small but deep bathtubs.
These small bathtubs are much shorter in length than traditional tubs, so much so that an adult cannot lay in one as they would in a traditional bath. Instead, the bather sits in a more upright position while still being fully immersed in the water, which is made possible by its depth. This unique design offers a spa-like experience every time you bathe without taking up hardly any floor space.
Japanese deep soaking tubs are popular as an alternative bathing option, loved for their relaxing and tranquil qualities, but mostly the space they save in a small bathroom design. With not so much space taken up by your bathtub, there is also more room to add storage or décor elements around the tub area, making the most of your small space. Would you add a Japanese deep soaking tub to your bathroom fitting project?
4. Alcove Bathtub
Next up on our list of 5 bathtub ideas for a small bathroom is the alcove bathtub.
Bathroom alcoves are popular in £15,000+ bathrooms, and an alcove bath is essentially a tub that has been built into a wall so that it has three walls enclosing it – one at the back and one on each side. This is known as one of the best small bathtub solutions, due to it being incredibly space-efficient. By building the bathtub into your wall, you’re practically not using any floor space in your bathroom to house the tub, freeing up the whole of the bathroom for other fixtures and features.
This design is commonly used for small bathtubs with showers. With the walls surrounding the space, it is only a matter of installing a new shower above the bath and fitting a shower screen to have the best of both worlds – a small bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Alcove bathtubs often offer a minimalist and clean design, and they’re easy to maintain. There is an additional opportunity for storage sometimes around the edge of the bath where the tub meets the wall, but if not, the surrounding walls can be used as extra storage space via shelving.
5. Small Clawfoot Bathtub
A clawfoot bath is ultimately a variation of the freestanding bathtub, but you may find that it is a more extravagant and aesthetically pleasing option, especially if your bathroom style is more traditional or classic.
Choosing this bathtub idea for a small bathroom, you can expect a tub that blends vintage charm with modern practicality.
Originating from a Chinese motif of a dragon clutching a pearl, the main attraction of this type of bathtub is the tub’s feet. These decorative, curved feet often depict an animal paw or claw of some sort, hence the name, and are strikingly beautiful, standing out as captivating features of a bathroom. While this bathtub is common in large, grand bathrooms, many smaller options are ideal for more compact bathrooms and your more average bathroom renovations.
These small bathtubs give off the same illusion of more room as other freestanding baths, thanks to the elevated position. Plus, these tubs are typically deeper than standard bathtubs, which can make for a more immersive bathing experience even in a smaller bathroom.
Other Considerations for a Small Bathroom With Tub
Even with these five best small bathtub ideas for small bathrooms, it’s also important to look at other areas within your bathroom that can provide space-saving opportunities. Different design and functional elements can work alongside your small bathtub to ensure your bathroom is easy to manoeuvre, functional and stylish.
Here are the other things to consider:
- Material & Finish: Choose lightweight materials like acrylic or fibreglass for small bathtubs, as they offer flexibility in shapes and sizes. Glossy finishes help reflect light and make the space feel bigger, while matte finishes add a modern touch but may make the room feel closed-in; brushed brass may be a more versatile option.
- Space-Saving Storage: Maximise space with built-in shelving, floating shelves, or wall-hung cabinets. Wall niches are also great for keeping bath essentials organised without taking up floor space.
- Lighting: Focus on allowing as much natural light into your small bathroom as possible. For bathrooms without windows, recessed lighting provides light without cluttering the space. Dimmable LED lights can also create a more relaxing environment.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential in a small bathroom with a tub to prevent humidity and moisture buildup. A well-placed exhaust fan or a window can make all the difference in keeping the space dry and free of mould.
- Accessories: Opt for space-efficient accessories such as bath trays, hanging caddies, and compact towel racks. These functional items ensure you have everything you need within reach without cluttering the small space.
These considerations will help ensure that your small bathroom with a tub remains functional, stylish, and easy to maintain.
Small Bathtub With Shower: Hybrid Bathtub Idea for a Small Bathroom
Another bathtub idea for small bathrooms that is perfect for those who want the convenience of having a bath and shower, is the combination of a small bathtub with a shower. This hybrid solution consists of having a shower fitted above the bathtub, which allows you to have both options available while only taking up one section of floor space. To see how you can incorporate a shower into your bathroom, see our Shower Renovation Roadmap.
Besides saving space, there are multiple reasons to go down the route of having a small bathtub with a shower. One is the extra convenience for households where multiple people use the same bathroom, as it accommodates everyone’s bathing preference. Also, it allows different bathing options – if you’re running late in the morning, you can easily have a shower instead of your normal bath, for example. See how much a shower installation could cost in our guide.
Crafting a Small Bathroom Design That Works
Coming up with a great small bathroom design mainly comes down to striking a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The key is to think about how you can create an open and uncluttered space while also making the space feel larger than it actually is. As we have proven in this article, there are many ways to achieve this.
We hope you found this list of five bathtub ideas for a small bathroom useful and hopefully, you can now go on to choose the bathtub that is perfect for your smaller bathroom. If you need a hand coming up with the design and installing your new small bathroom, reach out to The Bathroom Place and benefit from a free quote and professional design!