View these Bathtub Styles For Your Next Bathroom Remodel

Doesn't everyone dream of the perfect, spa-like bathroom? In fact, right behind kitchen remodeling, the bathroom is the second most popular remodeling project for homeowners. One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right bathtub for your bathroom remodel. 

A long hot bath is one of the best ways to relax after a long day, and choosing the right bathtub can make it one of life's great pleasures! Whether you're looking for a basic tub/shower surround or a luxurious hand-hammered copper soaking tub, there are a few considerations you'll need to explore before choosing the perfect bathtub.

Here are some of the facts to consider when choosing a tub, and some of the most popular styles of bathtubs among homeowners.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Tub For Your Bathroom Remodel

When it comes to choosing a bathtub, there are many options to consider, like style, size, shape, and placement in your bathroom layout. First, you need to think about how you'll use the tub.

If you value long relaxing baths, the first consideration should be the type of experience you seek. The size and shape of the tub play a significant role. If the tub is too short, you won't be able to relax and recline fully. The depth will also play a role. Some of us appreciate being able to submerge fully, so a deep soaker tub might be a great choice. Also, the material you choose will affect how long the tub will retain heat. It's really a personal choice, so think this through. You'll have to live a long time with your new bathroom.

From a bathroom layout standpoint, you'll need to determine the space available for the tub. If you're remodeling the bathroom but not changing the location of utilities, you'll need to choose a tub that fits into the existing space. If, however, you are doing a gut-to-the-studs bathroom remodel, you'll have more flexibility when choosing a tub. Your bathroom designer can help you to make the best choice to fit your space.

Finally, your personal style is a significant factor in your decision. Bathtubs come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and sizes and can be a discrete element in your design, or the primary focal point in the room.

The Different Types of Bathtubs

When it comes to choosing a bathtub, there is a wide range of styles to choose from. Whether it's a basic alcove tub/shower or an elegant hand-hammered copper soaking tub, you'll find a design to meet your aesthetic needs.

Here are some of the most popular styles with designers and homeowners.

• Basic Alcove Tub

The most common type of tub, it's enclosed on three sides with one open side. The fixtures are typically placed in one end of the tub and usually include a shower. Small homes usually use this configuration. There are many styles and looks for alcove tubs.

• Drop-In Tub

A drop-in is similar to an alcove tub, but this style can be surrounded by tile on all four sides as it is typically “dropped-in” to a raised platform. This is a standard design for whirlpool tubs. Drop-in tubs are a bit more costly and slightly more challenging to install, but it's a versatile design that requires little maintenance.

• Clawfoot Tub

A classic design found in older homes, the clawfoot tub, is making a comeback. Today, they're a cute retro look that is very trendy. A clawfoot tub is a type of freestanding tub that sits on feet rather than its bottom. Clawfoot tubs can have different types of feet, from classic to modern, and they create a beautiful visual focal point in any bathroom.

• Angled Freestanding Tub

This style of bathtub has one end that is higher than the other to provide your head, back, and neck support as you luxuriate in the tub. It's a stylish design that works well in many different design styles, from classic to modern.

• Freestanding Tub: Oval

Oval freestanding tubs are undeniably modern in form with their exquisite curves and smooth finish. If your style leans to modern, geometric-focused contemporary design, an oval freestanding tub contrasts beautifully and adds an element of elegance to create a stunning visual focus.

• Freestanding Tub: Rectangular

If the elegant curves of an oval freestanding tub don't work for you, consider the clean, sharp angular lines of a freestanding rectangle tub. This style works best in contemporary style bathrooms.

• Freestanding Tub: Pedestal

A pedestal tub is another style of freestanding tub. It features a small raise “base,” which the tub sits in/on. This makes the tub sit a bit higher, and gives it a fantastic retro look. Pedestal tubs come in a variety of materials, including metal and even wood, and can set the tone for your bathroom.

• Corner Tub

Corner tubs are designed to save space, but they also work well in a larger space. They come in both alcove and drop-in versions. They can be quite large, but the best feature is the extra ledge space surrounding the tub itself. It's a great space to add decorative elements to enhance your bathroom design.

• Japanese Soaking Tub

This is an incredibly space-efficient style of bathtub. The Japanese prefer to bathe sitting down with water up to their chin. Japanese soaking tubs are of smaller diameter, but quite deep. If you are seeking a truly unique look, a solid stone Japanese soaking tub makes a real design statement.

• Wooden Barrel Tub

Looking for the perfect bathtub to fit your home's rustic or farmhouse aesthetic? A wooden barrel tub might be the ideal choice. Typically made of untreated cedar, modern barrel tubs are favorites with designers and homeowners, and they're definitely a growing trend!

Tub Accessories To Consider

Along with the style of your tub, there are a few options to consider if you're seeking a truly unique and relaxing experience.

Whirlpool tubs include jets that a positioned to massage the major muscle groups as you bathe. The force of the jets massage sore muscles and can be both relaxing and therapeutic. If you often have sore, aching muscles, a whirlpool tub might be an excellent investment. They do cost more in general than a standard, or soaking tub.

Air Tubs are similar to whirlpool tubs, but instead of circulating water, they shoot air from many different jets that spread the pressure out. The “massage-sensation” is less concentrated, which some bathers find more relaxing. Air tubs are a bit more expensive than whirlpool tubs.

If you're not sure which is right for you, consider the Combination Tub. You can find some soaking tubs that offer both technologies, and that brings with it a higher price.

Finally, for older homeowners who are choosing to age-in-place, a walk-in tub is easy to use, convenient way to enjoy a bath. For seniors and those with disabilities, a walk-in tub can eliminate the risk of falling when getting into the bathtub while a walk-in tub tends to be extensive (ranging from $2000 to $6000). If you are planning on aging-in-place, the cost is well worth its ability to reduce the risk.

The bathtub is a significant element in your bathroom remodel. Ultimately it's a personal choice. For some, a basic alcove model is a perfect choice. For others seeking a more spa-like experience like a natural stone Japanese soaking tub is an ideal choice. Your designer can help you to understand all of your options based on your bathroom design. Aesthetically, the right bathtub can create the entire tone for your bathroom space. With the variety of styles, sizes, and materials available, with a little research, you're sure to find the perfect bathtub for your bathroom remodel.

If you live in the greater Tuscaloosa, Alabama area and are planning a bathroom remodeling project, give the experts at Toulmin Kitchen and Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. Our team of award-winning designers can help you create the spa-like bathroom you've been dreaming about, including the perfect bathtub!​​​​​​​