The bathroom suite comprises the sink, toilet, and bath. These are the three main units installed in bathrooms, and each comes in a range of designs and styles, giving you plenty of choice. Perhaps the most important part of the bathroom suite is the bath, as it takes up a lot of space and could dictate the finished look.

Bathtubs are the centrepiece of your bathroom suite and are used daily, either for your own relaxation or as part of the evening routine to keep the children clean. When it comes to renovating your bathroom and modernising the space, ensure to take much consideration with the bath.

And the tough part is there’s plenty of choice when it comes to the bath. Of course, a lot of your decision will be made on an aesthetic basis, as well as how often and for what purposes it’ll be used. You’ll also need to carefully consider where abouts you wish the bath to be positioned.

There are a number of questions you should be asking yourself. How large should the bathtub be? Will you need a bath large enough for two people? Do you need easy access to help children wash? Where will the bath be located in the room?

If you want to save money on a new installation, you’ll want to keep the bath in the same place to trim down plumbing expenses. Doing this, though, could limit your options. If you’re planning a complete renovation, then you’ll have more freedom in choice, but ensure to take accurate measurements.

There are four main styles to consider when it comes to the bathtub:

• Recessed/Alcove tubs

These are easily the most common types of bath you’ll see in bathroom suites throughout the UK. They have walls on three sides of the bath and are normally integrated when space is limited. In fact, they’ll generally double up as a shower too. For those on a smaller budget, you’ll find the recessed bathtubs much more affordable.

• Corner tubs

Corner bathtubs have grown in popularity as a space saver, giving you more options for the rest of the room. They take on a triangular shape, and although available in several styles and designs, they won’t necessarily be able to cater for a shower too.

• Freestanding tubs

Freestanding baths provide the ultimate in flexibility. Because of this, they tend to be easier to install, and comfort is catered for with a sloped back in many designs. With several styles on the market, it’ll be best to speak to bathroom experts to find out your options.

• Platform/Drop-in tubs

Drop-in tubs, as it says on the tin, will be dropped into a platform or sunk into the ground. As such, there won’t be any finished panels. The benefits of these designs are mainly that they’re easy to clean and can be situated in nearly any position. However, they’re notorious for costing more than regular bathtubs and can be more difficult to install.

What material should you consider for your bath?

There are many materials on the market to contemplate when it comes to the bathtub. The one you choose for your own home should come down to how often it’ll be used and your personal preferences.

If it’s the aesthetic appeal you’re keener on, then think about marble. With a sleek and stylish finish, it looks great, but some problems associated with the material include the fact that it can be brittle and may scratch easily.

If your bath plans include soaking for hours on end, then cast iron could be more to your taste. Cast iron is heavy and durable, retaining heat, which will keep your bath hotter for longer periods. Essentially, the key to deciding the material for you will come down to factors such as your budget, too, so ensure to do your homework and speak to bathroom experts for their advice.

What else should you think about?

Of course, one of your main considerations should be ensuring comfort. Test the comfort of a bath by lying down in it before making a purchase. You’ll also want to check that your central heating can accommodate filling a bath of the size you’re interested in. If you have someone in the household who’s handicapped or elderly, it’ll be almost second nature to ensure safety, so make sure the tub is ADA-compliant for ease of use.