Corner Tubs For Small Bathrooms
Buy the best corner tubs for small bathrooms selected and recommended by interior designers. By Mia Jones.
Sometimes your bathroom is too small to accommodate a full sized tub. Then behold, the corner tub for small bathrooms. About half the size of a traditional tub, a corner tub efficiently fills that awkward corner space, and can work as just a tub, or a tub and shower combo. Perfect if relaxing and luxuriating in a long, hot bubble bath is not something you enjoy, but still want the deeper shower space.
Corner Tubs For Small Bathrooms
Buying Guide
Mia Jones
Interior Design Expert
Mia is a freelance bathroom designer and writer with over a decade of professional experience. From space planning, cabinetry, storage solutions, and tile design to hardware and fixture selections, she knows a thing about creating baths that strike a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Do you love to soak, but have scarcely room enough for a shower? Do you have a full-size bathtub and hate knocking your knees on the bathtub rim as you use the toilet? Then there is a good possibility that a corner tub for small bathrooms would be just the tub for you.
A corner bathtub gives more design options for your bathroom while freeing up floor space. Styles range from classic American acrylic designs that resemble a standard alcove tub to super convenient walk-in tubs. Add a shower head, an attractive shower surround, and a charming curtain, and you have the best of both worlds – a choice of showering or soaking. Some models come with a built-in seat for added comfort and ease of use. They are sometimes referred to as “soaking bathtubs” and can be used for exactly that. Their best use, however, is to economize on space in your small bathroom.
Corner tubs can be made from any material that is used for a standard tub. That means that they can be made from acrylic, metal or from marble. More than that, designs can range from a simple tub to models that are not only walk-in but include spa-style swirling jets of water. Corner bathtubs can be a simple space saver, or they can be a luxury item added to a larger bathroom.
Safety rails can easily be added to the overall design, as well as lip area where soap, shampoos and perhaps even an attractive vase can be displayed. Never be without lovely aromas or your favorite moisturizing body wash again just because it is put away in a distant cupboard.
The cost of a corner bathtub is only slightly higher than that of a regular bathtub. Of course, like rectangular tubs, the material from which it is made and added features such as water jets or an inward-swinging door for a walk-in tub, will definitely increase the cost. Having the tub you want, especially one that will save the cost of moving a wall or adding an extension on the bathroom is well worth the added purchase price. After all, just think of missing out scrunching up to make it through the narrow confines of an ordinary bathroom, thanks to your attractive corner tub for small bathrooms.
A standard bathtub is usually about 60” long by 23” wide. A corner bathtub is shaped more like a triangle with the sides being each 60” long. However, a corner tub for a small bathroom might only be 48 inches by 48 inches on a side – or about four feet by four feet. Corner tubs also come in a larger size, 72 inches by 72 inches, which means you could size the tub according to the person who is likely to be using it.
The are two major benefits of corner bathtubs:
- Smart space-saving
- All corner bathtubs are basically designed for smart space-saving. They can be configured differently in different bathrooms, depending upon their dimensions and space planning. For example, a corner bathtub can be placed either along a wall, at the intersection of two walls, or at an angle of a wall. Configurability of corner bathtubs saves space without giving your bath a cramped look. And the tub integrates with the rest of the space naturally.
- Smart water-saving
- The growing water security problem is a major global concern. The more environmentally responsible amongst us would like to save each drop of water that we can. A corner bathtub offers an ideal opportunity for you to save precious water. Compared to 80 gallons of water that a standard-sized bathtub requires, compact tubs can fill up with just half the quantity. So, you save as much as 40 gallons of water on each bath! Need we say more?
Soaking Bathtubs
Also known as soakers or deep-soaking bathtubs, they offer full-body soaking depth in an upright sitting position. Their product design thinking follows this logic:
- A sitting arrangement saves significant floor space.
- For compact bathrooms, a sitting tub would provide an ideal space-saving solution
- To accommodate full-body soaking even in a sitting position, the tub needs to have extra depth
- Hence, the design solution is a bathtub with a deep soaking space
Soaking bathtubs are usually between 14" and 15" deep, with the Japanese models offering depth of up to 22". They offer you various advantages:
- Significant space saving
- Upright sitting posture – ultimate in comfort
- Full-body soak – covers all joints, muscles, and nervous system, so a hot water soak has a better therapeutic effect
- Improves blood circulation due to the uniform spread of hot water on the entire body
- Energy-saving – hot water remains hot for longer due to compact size
- Water-saving – consumes less water than a regular corner bathtub
On the flip side, soaking bathtubs are awkward for a standing shower bath. You may have to install a separate shower head for this purpose. Also, having a limited length, they don't suit families of members with different heights.
In short, soaking tubs are ideal for you if you are single or a couple with a compact bathroom, or if you want it as a secondary tub in a separate bathroom.
Whirlpool Bathtubs
Corner bathtubs economize on space, not necessarily on luxury and relaxing indulgence. The whirlpool models are proof. Designed to offer you blissful bathing and holistic relaxation, they massage your tired body, improve blood circulation, stimulate the nervous system, and calm your mind.
A swivel mechanism enables you to focus the water jets on a chosen body part or muscle group.
If you are overworked and don't have time for spa sessions, an investment in a whirlpool corner bathtub will pay off in many ways:
- Improves blood supply to the brain, making it sharp and agile
- Improves skin, helps remove pigmentation through jet massage
- Improves joint and muscle strength
- Relieves pains and stiffness
- The hot water massage is effective on arthritis, especially in cold regions
- Relieves insomnia and mental stress
- Pampers your sensations through the swirling motions
Important:
Do check whether the model you are considering has a UL 1795safety standard related to safe electricity standards for hydro-massage bathtubs.
Also check out the ASME A112 19.7M standard related to the construction, general requirements, test methods, and marking for whirlpool bathtub appliances.
Massage tubs come with two types of jets -- air jets and water jets. Your choice will depend on three major factors: what kind of massage you prefer, how often you are going to use the tub, and whether you are a fan of bath oils.
Water-jets
- use a pump and provide a rather vigorous, focused massage
- tend to make less noise
- not recommended if you are going to use the tub rarely as water that remains in pipes can lead to pathogen growth
- using bath salts and oils is advised against as they can clog the pump.
Air jets
- provide a subtle, gentle and more enveloping rather than concentrated massage
- using bath oils and salts is not a problem
- they are self-drying so they are a good option if you are not going to use the tub frequently
- tend to be noisier than water jets
- lose heat more quickly.
The best models offer a combination or water jets and air jets.
What Are the Best Bathtub Materials?
Durability, temperature-resistance, and lasting surface finish are the thumb rules of these materials. Accordingly, select from the below materials:
- Ceramic. The age-old sanitary material that is extremely maintenance-friendly, stain-free, resistant to chemical reactions, and cost-effective. Ceramic is also eco-friendly and can be recycled as land-fill material.
- Acrylic. It is the most common and popular choice due to its light-weight yet durable characteristics. Acrylic also withstands high temperatures, so you can have stem baths without risking tub lifespan or finish.
- Marble. An ancient bathroom material, extensively used by the Greeks and Romans. Being basically a building material, it is very strong. Your marble corner bathtub will last a lifetime, maybe even for two generations. However, in this fast-paced age, do you prefer such long-lasting products, or would you rather prefer a change every few years? To each, their own.
- Marble also has other appealing features. It is moisture-proof, non-porous, easy to maintain, chemical-resistant, and scratch-proof. Weigh the pros and cons, and make your choice.
- Fiberglass. It is light-weight and affordable. However, it does not hold against high temperatures. So, avoid it if you live in cold regions and hot water is a bath necessity, or you use steam baths as a therapy. Fiberglass is also prone to easy scratching. Deep scratches may become breeding grounds for mildew and other parasites. Avoid fiberglass corner bathtubs as far as possible.
In terms of installation, corner bathtubs can be divided into:
Freestanding tubs
This is your most hassle-free choice because all you have to do is place your tub at the intersection of two walls. You have the tub's front side exposed while the other sides are flush with the two walls.
The main benefits:
- No need for additional construction
- Visually appealing designs
- The most practical and efficient use of corners
- You can also have a standing shower arrangement
Built-in tubs
Built-in tubs are a little more demanding to install as they become a part of a larger construction.Built-in installations can be carried out in two ways:
- By placing the bathtub against a wall and then covering that area with a construction so that it looks architecturally integrated with the bathroom layout.
- By placing the tub inside a prepared enclosure. This will make it look like a separate unit and not like an inherent part of floor layout, as in the above case.
You can either construct the built-in space using building materials or fabricate one with wood, manufactured wood, aluminum channels, or steel. Benefits include:
- Cost-saving -- You can purchase an economical tub and cover it with an elegant surrounding
- Enhanced looks -- you can create bespoke built-in structures that match your bath décor and interior
- Storage -- The built-in structure can have cabinets and drawers
- Concealed electrical wiring -- This will be beneficial if your corner tub has electrical fittings, LED lighting, or plug-ins
However, built-in corner bathtubs have three major disadvantages:
- The covered spaces can generate internal bacteria formation due to residual moisture
- Wooden built-in spaces can corrode and degenerate over time
- Vinyl coverings such as wallpapers can peel off over time due to residual and atmospheric moisture, and vitreous tiles can fall off.
The built-in variety can be further divided into:
- Drop-in. Drop-in bathtubs are installed above the rim of the surrounding area. You "drop" the bathtub into an external frame of wood or other materials and the rim of your construction provides support to your bathtub.
- Undermount. This type of installationis characterized by having the bathtub installed under the rim of the surrounding deck. It offers a sleek look, but has no specific benefits other than the drop-in bathtubs do.
Stepped
A stepped bathtub is one type of a built-in tub that's worth considering if you have some more space in your bathroom. You can mount your corner bathtub on a stepped wooden platform to create an exclusive, visually separate bath space. This will require additional investment, but the luxuriant exclusivity will make up for it. You can also create a stepped platform with construction material instead of using wood.
Apart from the stylish and rich visual appeal, you have additional storage and deck space.
By this time, you may have mentally shortlisted your choices of corner bathtubs. As a final step, please ensure that your preferences have the following essentials embedded in it:
- Good water outlet. Water left over after a bath is full of impurities and chemical residue from soaps, shampoos, and other materials. Your choice of corner bathtub must provide for easy, fast, and puddle-free water outlet.
- Overflow drain. You certainly don't want your bathroom and your home to be flooded with water if, accidentally you leave the faucet turned on after the bath. The overflow drain will prevent such mishaps.
- Non-slip strips or mats on the tub floor. This will prevent an accidental fall. Alternatively, clean your bathtub floor after each use, so it is not left slippery. This is an important precautionary measure for single and senior aged users.
Corner bathtubs are the little wonders of compact bathrooms. They offer you quality time with yourself; time to unwind, refresh, reflect, and rejuvenate. This article will help you do just that -- to emerge out of your corner bathtub as good as new.