The right bath fits your room, feels comfortable and works with your plumbing. Start with how you will use it, then compare the dimensions and installation details before choosing the finish.
Choose your starting point
- A bath and everyday shower in one space: start with an inset bath designed for showering and a compatible screen.
- A bath as the centrepiece: consider freestanding, with room to get in, clean around it and reach the taps.
- A small or awkward room: compare the actual footprints of compact inset and corner models. A corner bath is not automatically the smaller option.
- Long, comfortable soaks: compare internal space, backrest angle and usable depth, rather than external length alone.
1. Choose the type that suits daily life
| Type | A good starting point for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Inset / built-in | Using a wall or alcove efficiently; combining a bath with a shower. | Panel or surround, wall sealing, screen suitability and access to the waste. |
| Freestanding | A prominent feature and a layout with usable space around the bath. | Cleaning access, tap position, waste route and the total installed footprint. |
| Corner | A room where the particular shape works better than a straight bath. | Both wall dimensions, projection into the room and left- or right-hand orientation. |
| Oval | A softer outline and a choice of reclining positions, depending on the model. | Oval describes the shape, not the installation type. Check internal width and backrests. |
Compare freestanding baths or browse inset baths. If your layout needs a different shape, explore corner baths and oval baths.
2. Measure the room, then check the drawing
Use the product's technical drawing to check external length, width and height. The headline size does not tell you how much space there is inside, where the waste sits or how much room the tap needs.
- Measure the finished space. Allow for tiles, wall finishes and any surround. Ask your installer to confirm the opening before ordering a close-fitting bath.
- Mark out the footprint. Use masking tape on the floor. Check the bathroom door, drawers, toilet access and the route to the basin.
- Check the delivery route. Measure doorways, stairs and tight turns, allowing for packaging and handling.
- Check the plumbing positions. Locate the waste and water supplies. Moving them can change the installation cost.
A 1400 or 1500 mm bath can be a useful starting point for a compact room; 1600 and 1700 mm options give you other layouts to compare. These are search sizes, not a guarantee of comfort or fit: compare width, height and the internal dimensions too.
Try this: write down the dimensions of a bath you already find comfortable. Compare its internal length and width with your shortlist, rather than assuming a longer model will feel better.
3. Look inside the bath
Single-ended baths usually have a reclining end opposite the waste and tap area. Double-ended baths typically have sloping backs at both ends and a central waste, so you can choose which way to face. That does not automatically mean there is comfortable space for two adults.
Compare the backrest angle, shoulder room, base length and the water depth to the overflow. A tall outer shell may still have a relatively shallow bathing area. If possible, try the shape in a showroom before choosing.
Also consider getting in and out, reaching the controls and cleaning. If stepping over a high rim is difficult, discuss a lower-access bathing or showering option before committing to a deep bath.
4. Compare construction, care and weight
Acrylic: compare the reinforcement, base support and installation kit, as well as the finish. Sheet thickness alone does not describe the finished bath's rigidity. Follow the maker's cleaning instructions and check what the warranty covers.
Steel enamel: consider the surface care instructions and the specified support system. Check the actual weight and fittings for the model rather than assuming every steel bath installs in the same way.
Stone composite / solid surface: check the precise material, empty weight and care guidance. Products in this category vary; heat retention or repairability claims should come from the individual manufacturer.
Your installer should assess the floor for the bath, water and occupants together. For any model, ask for its capacity and discuss your hot-water supply if a deep soak is a priority.
5. Choose the bath, taps and screen together
If you want a shower over the bath
Check that the bath is suitable for showering, with a usable standing area and a rim that accepts the chosen screen. Match the screen to the bath's shape and check its opening direction. Your installer will need to plan wall sealing and water containment; a glass screen alone does not waterproof the room.
Browse bath screens once you know which bath they need to fit.
Choose the mounting before the finish
- Deck-mounted: confirm the bath has a suitable tap platform and whether holes are supplied or may be drilled.
- Wall-mounted: check spout reach into the bath, concealed fitting depth and access for maintenance.
- Floor-mounted: allow for the filler beside the bath and confirm the floor fixing and supply route before the floor is finished.
A freestanding bath does not always need a floor-mounted filler: suitable wall-mounted options may work with the layout. Ask your installer to check the tap's pressure and flow requirements against your water system.
Compare bath taps, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted and thermostatic options.
6. Compare the complete cost
Compare two fully specified installations, rather than two bath prices. A lower-priced bath can need separate fittings or more work to suit the room.
- The bath, support frame or legs, and any panels or surround.
- Compatible waste, overflow, trap and access for servicing.
- Taps, valves and a screen if you will shower in the bath.
- Delivery, removal of the old bath, plumbing, floor preparation, sealing and finishing.
Check the product listing and confirm what is included before ordering extras. Add bath panels and accessories only after checking compatibility.
Before you order: six things to confirm
- The technical drawing fits the finished room and delivery route.
- The internal dimensions and backrest suit the people using it.
- Your installer has checked the floor, waste route and water supply.
- The tap mounting and any screen are compatible with the bath.
- You know which fittings and panels are included.
- You have a full installation quote and have checked delivery availability.
Common questions
Is a freestanding bath suitable for a small bathroom?
It can be, if the specific model leaves usable access and cleaning space. Compare its complete footprint, including the filler, with an inset alternative. Do not choose by bath length alone.
Does a corner bath save space?
Only if its shape suits your room. Some corner baths project further into the floor area than a straight bath. Mark both outlines on the floor and check the doors and walking space.
Will a 1700 mm bath be comfortable for me?
External length is not enough to tell. Check the internal base length, shoulder width, backrest and usable water depth. Try a similar shape where possible.
Are the waste, taps and panels included?
It depends on the product and package. Check each listing and confirm the missing parts before comparing the total price.
Ready to narrow down your choice?
Explore the Baths collection by type, then send us your room measurements, layout photos and preferred models. Our team can help you build a shortlist and identify the product details to confirm with your installer.
Room images are styling illustrations. Check individual product photographs, specifications and installation instructions before ordering.
