Estimated reading time: 9 mins
Corner baths make a dramatic statement in any bathroom. With their sleek lines and angular shape, they create visual interest and enhance the overall aesthetic of the space. Beyond just looking stylish, corner bath models also offer practical advantages in terms of ergonomics and space-saving layouts. This allows homeowners to achieve both form and function with this eye-catching fixture.
The Allure of the Corner Bath
Corner baths have an inherent elegance and modern appeal that set them apart from standard bathtub designs. The diagonal lines and asymmetric silhouette catch the eye, acting as a sculptural focal point in the room. This makes a corner bath an ideal option for larger bathrooms where there is adequate floor space to accommodate a spacious tub.
Maximising Floor Plans with Corner Bath Layouts
One of the biggest perks of installing a corner tub is the floor plan optimisation it allows. By tucking the tub into an unused corner, this liberates wall space for other fixtures and storage units. It also leaves more open floor area compared to centring a bulky tub along one wall. Homeowners can capitalise on this flexible layout to get the most functionality out of their available bathroom dimensions.
Consider browsing the extensive selection of large corner bath models to appreciate the scale and presence these statement baths offer. Their capacious interiors provide indulgent soaking room while maintaining a streamlined footprint.
Ergonomic Benefits of Corner Tubs
In addition to offering space-saving layouts, corner tubs provide ergonomic advantages. The angular end walls and contoured backrest provide comfortable body support for bathers. The baths allow one to sit in a semi-reclined position that takes pressure off the lower back. The end walls also provide the perfect resting spot for feet and legs.
Soakers can truly relax and unwind in the enveloping interior of a well-designed corner tub. The baths promote good posture and spinal alignment for a therapeutic soak.
Design Inspiration for Stylish Corner Tub Suites
Once you commit to installing a corner bath, the fun begins in designing a cohesive bathroom suite around this contemporary centrepiece. There are endless possibilities in terms of materials, colours, patterns and accessories to complement the tub style.
Here are some key design considerations for fashioning a fabulous corner tub bathroom:
- Make It Spacious – Corner tubs suit larger, airy bathrooms where they can hold court as the starring fixture. Opt for wall colours and materials that enhance the feeling of spaciousness like stone, tiles or light neutrals.
- Focal Point Features – Incorporate eye-catching amenities like rainfall showerheads, body jets, chromotherapy mood lighting or even TV monitors to turn the bath zone into a hydrotherapy haven.
- Get Creative with Surrounds – Consider panelled walls, beautiful tile designs, wallpaper, mounted shelving or even garden-style displays to create a custom alcove around the tub.
- Make It Cosy – Use floor rugs, curtains, candles and decorative toss pillows to add softness and warmth to the space. This balances the sleek lines of the tub.
- Special Touches – Look for bath caddies, trays, custom steps and other accessories to enhance bathing convenience. Walk-in corner tub models with partially enclosed surrounds add even more cosy seclusion.
With the right decorative touches, lighting, amenities and suite accessories – a corner bath can become the pièce de résistance of any modern bathroom project. Use the angular tub as a springboard for creativity in designing a comfortably elegant bath sanctuary.
Corner Bath Materials & Models – What Are the Options?
Once decided on installing a corner tub, it’s time to explore the many material and model options on the market. Homeowners can choose from a range of budget-friendly fibreglass composite baths up to high-end stone resin designs. Consider the pros and cons of each material to match with your bathroom aesthetic and needs.
Acrylic Corner Baths
Acrylic is a lightweight, durable and affordable bath material. It offers homeowners:
- Easy maintenance – Non-porous surface resists staining and cleans easily
- Budget friendly – Compared to higher-end materials like stone resin
- Colour and finish options – Available in white and coloured glossy or matte finishes
- Insulating properties – Acrylic helps keep bath water warm for longer than ceramic
- Lightweight for easy handling – Reduces install complexity
The main downside is acrylic can mark or scratch over time if proper tub care is not followed. Check warranty coverage in case of any damage issues.
Steel Corner Bath Models
Steel baths provide a modestly priced but durable bathing option. Consider steel tubs if:
- On a budget – Often cheaper than acrylic models of a similar size
- Seeking longevity – Properly enamel-coated steel baths last for decades
- Prefer classic simplicity – Steel corner tubs come in elegant Georgian or Victorian rolled top edge styles
Do note steel baths tend to have inferior heat retention to other materials. The porcelain enamel surface also requires gentle scrubbing during cleaning to avoid damaging the finish.
Ultra-Premium Stone Resin Corner Baths
For a lavish, spa-worthy corner soaking tub in the bathroom, consider a stone resin model. These provide:
- Natural stone look – Maintains the visual beauty without the fragility and pitting issues of real stone
- Incredible durability – Dense resin material resists chipping, markings and will maintain shine for years
- Superior heat retention – Keeps bath water hotter for longer due to thickness and density
- Range of colours – Available in white, black and eye-catching hues like deep red, blue, grey etc
The only downside to stone resin is the lofty price tag. But buyers receive an extremely durable, luxurious tub in return. Easy maintenance requirements also offset long-term costs over time.
Getting the Right Corner Tub Size For Your Bathroom
Corner tubs come in a range of dimensions to suit everything from modest cloakrooms to large, expansive facilities. Consider the existing floor space as well as your needs in identifying the optimal tub size.
Compact 1500 x 750 millimetre models fit restricted spaces yet still offer a decent bath. At the other end, generous 2000+ x 1000+ millimetre designs provide two-person room and seriously indulgent soaking capacity!
Make sure to measure clearance around the tub to allow easy access in and out. Leave enough open floor for standing safely whilst drying off and dressing after bathing.
Pro tip – if space allows, always size up! Having some “wiggle room” makes for a much more pleasurable and less precarious bathing experience.
Key Features of Luxury Corner Bath Models
Beyond a simple tub with water fill facet – what other features help elevate corner bath models into luxury status? Consider the following upgrades:
- Integrated overflow – Helps prevent spillage accidents plus enables auto-fill ability
- Feet or plinth – For convenient access under the tub for cleaning
- Textured base – Prevents slippage whilst getting in and out of the bath
- Grab handles – Useful for stability and ease of entry, especially for seniors
- Whirlpool or spa jets – For a truly indulgent hydrotherapy bathing experience
- Airburst sensory modes – Provides stimulating massage through forceful bubble release
- Underwater mood lighting – Choice of soothing coloured LED lighting schemes
With features like these, homeowners can look forward to a genuinely relaxing and restorative corner tub soak regardless of how confined the bathroom dimensions are.
Corner Bath Installation – What to Know
Once you have selected the perfect corner tub for your bathroom, it’s time to tackle the installation. This requires some planning and preparation to ensure the bath fits the space properly and that all plumbing connections are sound.
Taking Precise Bathtub Measurements
The first step entails thoroughly measuring the intended corner location to confirm your chosen tub size will fit. Have these key dimensions on hand:
- Corner width – wall-to-wall
- Corner height and depth
- Ceiling height clearance
- Exact position of existing water supply and wastewater pipes
Refer to the product spec sheet for your selected corner bath model. Verify it will slot neatly into the corner based on width, length and height. This ensures no surprises or delays during the complicated process of manoeuvring the tub into place.
Levelling and Supporting the Tub Properly
To provide a stable base for the bath to rest on, the floor itself requires inspection. Any uneven sections on the floor must be smoothed out and levelled using a self-levelling filler product.
Once the floor level is achieved, most tubs should have sturdy underneath support along the entire bottom surface. Provide this with timber battens secured to the floor. If feasible, also attach supporting side panels around the external walls to fully frame in the tub.
Solid underfooting prevents any flexing, movement or uneven settling of the bath over time. This is especially important for larger and heavier stone resin corner tubs.
Integrating The Waste, Overflow and Water Supply Lines
The final step entails neatly integrating:
- Drain outflow pipe into existing wastewater plumbing pipes
- Overflow outlet safely away from electrics and high enough to prevent flooding
- Secure water supply line attachment to the bath fill facet
If unfamiliar with bath plumbing requirements, hire a certified plumber to ensure watertight joins and leak-free performance for years after. This avoids very costly damage from water leaks or floods.
With careful planning, precise measurements and robust underlying support – the corner bath installation process goes smoothly. You can then look forward to enjoying a beautifully functional and reliable tub addition that enhances any bathroom.
Maintaining That Just-Installed Look
To keep the glossy sheen and flawless appearance of a newly installed corner tub, homeowners should invest 5-10 minutes per week on cleaning. This modest time investment delivers handsome dividends in the form of a permanently immaculate bath fixture.
Follow these pro tips for easy corner bath maintenance:
- Allow the bath to fully dry after use before wiping down. This prevents mineral residue build-up.
- For acrylic – use a soft microfibre cloth and non-abrasive liquid wash
- For steel enamel – gently clean with baking soda or mild cream cleanser
- For stone resin – use PH balanced anti-scale cleaner and avoid harsh chemicals
- For gloss finishes – polish occasionally with car wax to protect the shine
- Check and tighten water supply fittings under bath to prevent drips
Set aside a few minutes per month to inspect under the bath as well as give a thorough scrub. This keeps surfaces slippery-free and helps detect any leaked water.
Overall, corner tubs prove very easy to maintain compared to awkwardly shaped built-in tub surrounds. The ease of access to wipe down all sides prevents mildew, soap scum or mineral build ups if simply adding a quick wipe-down to the weekly cleaning routine.
With proper care as advised above, homeowners can enjoy a sparkling corner bathtub centrepiece for many years before needing any restoration. This makes the corner bath a practical, visually stunning fixture addition that graces modern bathrooms for decades to come.
Achieving Both Style & Function with Corner Bath Models
The defining appeal of the corner tub comes from its merging of aesthetics and practicality. Homeowners win on both counts by installing one of these statement-making baths. With the tips and advice in this guide, you can create a bedroom oasis that impresses guests and inspires daily self-care moments.
So whether you crave unwinding tranquillity, pulsating hydrotherapy or just more open floor space – look towards the deceptively abilities of the corner bath as a multifunctional bathroom problem solver. Use its angles and edges that draw the eye while opening up cagey floor plans. Then accessorise to taste for a fashionable, soothing soak-spot.
