Ah, the allure of a free-standing bath! It's become a coveted feature on many real estate wish lists, adding a touch of luxury and elegance to any property. Picture yourself soaking away the day's stresses in one of these beauties - it's the epitome of domestic relaxation. But beyond the indulgence, free-standing baths also hold real estate value as they can significantly enhance the appeal of a property, elevating its aesthetic appeal and potentially increasing its market value.
So, the question that I get asked all the time is: how much space should I have around a freestanding bath as a general guide? I like to have 100 to 150 mm on either end of the bath, about 10 to 15 cm as a minimum, because you don’t want the freestanding bath to look like it’s choked into the space. The distance off the back wall depends on whether having a wall-mounted tap or a floor-mounted tap. Wall-mounted taps are usually between 9 to 12 cm long, but floor-mounted taps allow the bath to be moved further from the wall, of course (your builder and plumber must confirm the specific possibilities of your project).
For my renovation project, I wanted to include a bath in the family bathroom, but the width of that wall was an issue. It turned out to be easier to fit a free-standing bath than a built-in. I ended up selecting the smallest bath that I could get, but still being practical, which is 1500 mm long. I then ended up breaking my own rules and only having 8 cm on either end, but it still works for a few reasons. I’ve got a fixed glass panel next to it and there’s no frame on the shower. The space there is tight, but because we can see through the glass, it actually doesn’t visually look tight.
The other thing to consider is the model of bath you choose. This one has a nice rounded shape; it tapers in, so it’s allowing to see more floor, and the more floor we see, the more space we perceive. The tub also has a very thin edge, which makes it visually and physically less imposing in the small space allocated.
But the next issue that's in everyone's mind is the cleaning!
Well, I can easily fit the mop all the way around my free-standing bath... So, if the question is 'can you fit a free bath within your design? my answer is yes, IF it fits visually within the space and if you can easily clean around it.
Project: Umina House
Tiles by Central Coast Tile & Stone Warehouse.
James Treble has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. James is also an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for plenty of Design information. Watch his free Online Series to see how an Interior Designer renovates his own home.
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