When you are choosing a bathtub for your bathroom at home, are you a bit dazzled by the various types of bathtubs on the market? Especially freestanding bathtubs, built-in bathtubs and skirted bathtubs, each has its own characteristics. Understanding the differences among them will help you accurately select the one that suits your bathroom and create an ideal bathing space.
I. Design Appearance
Freestanding Bathtub:
The freestanding bathtub is just like an independent work of art, standing proudly in the middle of the bathroom without relying on any wall support. It fully displays smooth and elegant lines in all directions, showing luxurious and elegant temperament. Its shapes are rich and varied. Besides the common rectangular, oval and circular shapes, there are also some uniquely creative irregular shapes. It can easily become the most eye-catching object in the bathroom, injecting a strong artistic atmosphere into the space and being suitable for various decoration styles such as modern minimalist, European retro, industrial style and even light luxury.
Built-in Bathtub:
The built-in bathtub emphasizes the integration and unity with the bathroom environment. It is usually cleverly embedded into the preset grooves according to the bathroom layout design, flush with or slightly lower than the ground and walls, creating a simple and regular visual feeling. In terms of appearance, it is mostly rectangular, focusing on simplicity and practicality, pursuing a low-key beauty of "hiding in the room". It can perfectly blend into the bathroom decoration of modern, Nordic and other minimalist styles, making the whole space look open and tidy.
Skirted Bathtub:
The skirted bathtub has a wrapped skirt on one or more sides. Its appearance is relatively traditional and regular, and the rectangular shape is the most common. The main function of the skirt is to cover the drainage pipes and related accessories under the bathtub, making the bathroom look more orderly. Although it is slightly inferior in terms of shape innovation, with its simple and generous design, it can be harmoniously matched with most conventional home decoration styles, showing a calm and restrained style.
II. Installation Method
Freestanding Bathtub:
The installation process is relatively flexible and free. There is no need to be close to the wall. It only needs to be placed stably in a suitable position in the bathroom. However, considering the convenience of use and daily cleaning, it is recommended to reserve 30 - 60 centimeters of space around it. Since its own weight is entirely borne by the placed ground, for freestanding bathtubs made of heavy materials such as cast iron and natural stone, professional personnel must be invited to evaluate the ground bearing capacity before installation. If necessary, the ground needs to be reinforced to prevent potential safety hazards.
Built-in Bathtub:
The installation requirements are relatively high and require precise planning and construction in the early stage of bathroom decoration. First, appropriate grooves need to be chiseled on the ground or wall according to the size and shape of the bathtub to ensure that the bathtub is closely fitted and seamless after being embedded. The laying of drainage pipes also needs to be arranged in advance to ensure smooth drainage. After installation, the bathtub surface is basically flush with the surroundings, and the overall effect is beautiful and neat. However, if you want to replace the bathtub later, the modification cost is relatively high.
Skirted Bathtub:
It is generally installed against the wall, using the skirt to closely fit the wall, which not only saves space but also enhances stability. When installing, it is necessary to accurately measure the position of the wall and the drain outlet to ensure that the skirt and the wall are seamlessly connected, avoiding gaps that affect the appearance and use. This installation method is especially suitable for small bathrooms or bathrooms with regular space layouts, enabling efficient use of space.
III. User Experience
Freestanding Bathtub:
The user seems to be in an independent private world. The spacious interior space allows people to stretch their limbs freely and enjoy a pleasant bathing time. There is no restriction on the direction of entering and exiting the bathtub, and people can move freely and adjust their postures as they like, with extremely high freedom. However, because the surrounding area is empty, bath water is easy to splash out, and the splashing range is relatively large. It is necessary to clean the ground in time and keep it dry to prevent slipping accidents.
Built-in Bathtub:
Since it is flush with the surrounding environment, it is relatively convenient for the user to enter and exit and not easy to bump. And due to its embedded design, there is less water splashing, and daily cleaning is relatively easy. However, the interior space of the built-in bathtub is usually relatively compact. For tall people or those who like to stretch their bodies greatly, it may feel a little cramped.
Skirted Bathtub:
The skirt effectively blocks the splashing of bath water, reducing the risk of a slippery ground. Daily cleaning is more worry-free. The design of leaning against the wall provides strong support for the user to stand up and sit down. It is especially friendly to the elderly, children or people with limited mobility, and has high use safety. But limited by the installation against the wall, the activity space when entering and exiting is limited. People who are overweight may feel a little crowded.
In general, freestanding bathtubs, built-in bathtubs and skirted bathtubs have their own characteristics in terms of appearance, installation, user and experience. When choosing a bathtub, it is necessary to fully consider key factors such as the size of your bathroom space, decoration style, special needs of the user group and budget, weigh the pros and cons and make a wise choice, so that the bathtub can become a comfortable, warm and practical bathing harbor at home.
