Should You Choose a Built-In Bath, Freestanding Bath, or Back-to-Wall Bath for your new bathroom?
When designing or renovating a bathroom, one of the key decisions you'll face is choosing the type of bath that best suits your space, style, and needs.
Whether you're considering a built-in bath, a freestanding bath, or a back-to-wall bath, each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of each bath type to help you make an informed decision for your bathroom renovation in New Zealand.
From aesthetics to functionality, we'll cover everything you need to know.
Built-In Bath: Pros and Cons
A built-in bath, also known as an alcove or inset bath, is a traditional choice that fits snugly against the walls of your bathroom. This type of bath is often enclosed on three sides, with the fourth side open for access. While these went out of ‘trend’ in the early 2000s’ they are making a big comeback in 2024, and for good reasons!
Here are the pros and cons of choosing a built-in bath:
Pros:
Space-Efficient: Built-in baths are ideal for smaller bathrooms where space is at a premium. Their compact design allows for efficient use of available space, leaving more room for other fixtures and storage.
Easy to Clean: With only one exposed side, built-in baths are easier to clean than freestanding options. The enclosed sides prevent dirt and grime from accumulating in hard-to-reach areas.
Storage Opportunities: The surrounding ledge of a built-in bath provides additional space for toiletries, candles, and decorative items. You can even incorporate built-in shelving or niches within the surrounding walls for added convenience.
Integrated Look: Built-in baths offer a seamless, integrated look that blends well with various bathroom styles. They can be tiled to match the walls and floor, creating a cohesive design.
Con:
Limited Design Options: Built-in baths offer fewer design options compared to freestanding baths. They are typically rectangular and lack the sculptural appeal of freestanding models.
Freestanding Bath: Pros and Cons
Freestanding baths are standalone fixtures that can be placed anywhere in the bathroom, offering a luxurious and stylish focal point. These baths are often seen as a statement piece in contemporary bathroom designs and used to be my prefered option for modern builds, but now I prefer to specific freestanding baths for more Tradtional bathrooms only.
Here are the pros and cons of choosing a freestanding bath:
Pros:
Design Flexibility: Freestanding baths come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, from classic clawfoot tubs to modern sculptural designs. This variety allows you to choose a bath that perfectly matches your style and preferences.
Aesthetic Appeal: Freestanding baths create a sense of luxury and elegance. Their standalone nature makes them a striking focal point, adding a touch of sophistication to any bathroom.
Installation Flexibility: Freestanding baths can be positioned anywhere in the bathroom, giving you more freedom in your layout design. They are not restricted to corners or walls, allowing for creative placement.
Easy to Replace: If you decide to update your bathroom in the future, a freestanding bath can be easily removed and replaced with a new design.
Cons:
Space Requirements: Freestanding baths require more floor space than built-in or back-to-wall options. They are best suited for larger bathrooms where space is not a constraint.
Difficult to Clean: Cleaning around and underneath a freestanding bath can be challenging, especially if the bath is heavy or not easily movable.
Plumbing Considerations: Freestanding baths require floor-mounted or freestanding plumbing fixtures, which can be more expensive and complex to install. This added complexity can increase the overall cost of your bathroom renovation.
We design functional, thoughtful,
and beautiful homes, fit for real life.
We design functional, thoughtful, and beautiful homes, fit for real life.
At FBD Interiors, our main focus is creating spaces that are both elevated and realistic for your lifestyle. And we walk through every step of the process right alongside you - whether it’s a room refresh, a new kitchen, or a full home makeover/build.
Back-to-Wall Bath: Pros and Cons
A back-to-wall bath combines elements of both built-in and freestanding baths. It is positioned against a wall, offering the aesthetic appeal of a freestanding bath with some of the practical benefits of a built-in bath.
Here are the pros and cons of choosing a back-to-wall bath:
Pros:
Space-Saving: Like built-in baths, back-to-wall baths are more space-efficient than freestanding baths. They can be installed against a wall, freeing up floor space for other fixtures and storage solutions.
Stylish Design: Back-to-wall baths offer a sleek, modern look that combines the best of both worlds. They provide the elegance of a freestanding bath with the practicality of a built-in bath.
Easier to Clean: With one side against the wall, back-to-wall baths are easier to clean than fully freestanding baths. The wall-mounted position reduces the number of exposed surfaces where dirt and grime can accumulate.
Better Plumbing Access: Plumbing for back-to-wall baths is more straightforward than for freestanding baths. The wall-mounted fixtures are easier to install and maintain, reducing the overall cost and complexity.
Cons:
Limited Placement Options: Back-to-wall baths are restricted to wall placements, limiting your layout options compared to fully freestanding baths.
Less Visual Impact: While stylish, back-to-wall baths do not have the same dramatic visual impact as fully freestanding baths. They are a compromise between practicality and aesthetics, which may not suit everyone's design preferences.
in conclusion
Choosing the right type of bath for your bathroom renovation in New Zealand, depends on your space, style, and functional needs.
Built-in baths offer space efficiency and easy cleaning, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. Freestanding baths provide design flexibility and a luxurious aesthetic but require more space and complex plumbing.
Back-to-wall baths combine the best of both worlds, offering a stylish and practical solution. Consider these pros and cons carefully to select the perfect bath for your bathroom renovation.