Know which type and design of bathtub suits you and your space best.
Know which type and design of bathtub suits you and your space best.
Built-in bathtubs
These are ready-made tubs designed to be housed within an enclosure. The alcove tub takes up minimal space as it is fitted against three walls in a corner of the bathroom. The drop-in tub has a rim, and can be installed in an enclosure that looks like a platform or a stand-alone structure.
Pros:
• More compact in design, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
• Allows you to install water jets and air jets to enhance your bathing experience.
• Generally more affordable than free-standing models.
Cons:
• You might have to re-tile the walls and/ or floor, especially if you want to match the new bathtub enclosure with the rest of the surroundings.
Tips:
• As its installation process involves hacking and wet works, check that your contractor does proper waterproofing.
• Make sure that your contractor provides an access panel that isn’t obstructed for future maintenance.
Free-standing bathtubs
A free-standing tub is one that stands alone and can be placed anywhere in the bathroom. Types include claw-foot tubs – which have “legs” and “feet” and channel a vintage look – and pedestal tubs, which have solid bases rather than legs, making them more minimalist and sleek.
Pros:
• Often becomes the focal point of the bathroom, for their eye-catching, exposed shape.
• As the tub does not have an enclosure, the bathroom appears roomier.
• Installation does not rely on a supporting structure, so structural alterations are not necessary.
Cons:
• Generally more expensive than built-in models.
Tips:
• Looks best positioned at least some distance away from the walls.
• It is recommended to have a separate shower, rather than use the tub as a daily shower, if it is positioned in the middle of the bathroom. This is to prevent having a constantly wet bathroom.
Lighting
What to consider before installing bathroom lights.
Shadows on the face, insufficient brightness and harsh glares — these are the dreaded lighting problems we would all like to avoid, especially when we’re grooming ourselves in the bathroom.
Bathroom lighting usually cannot be changed once renovations are complete, as wiring and light points would be fixed.
For a well-lit bathroom, it makes sense to give some thought to not only what types of fixtures you’d like, but also where you’d install them.
Beside the mirror
If possible, go for this as it gives the best lighting — both task and accent — while minimising shadows. Fixtures, such as wall sconces, should be installed on both sides for design symmetry and even illumination. Position them at face-height.
Above the mirror
Align the diffusers with the centre of the mirror. This helps to reflect the light evenly and minimise shadows on your face. It’s best to choose a fixture that is white or neutral-coloured for the most accurate colour rendering.
Pick a diffuser with a translucent or frosted shade (whether with an open or closed design), rather than one with clear glass, so the bare bulb doesn’t cause a harsh glare.
On the mirror
This surface-mounted style is good for more minimalist looks and keeps the walls clear. Just ensure that the fixture is positioned such that it does not block your reflection. The light should also have a nice finishing throughout, and not just in front, as its back will be reflected in the mirror.
Ceiling-recessed
This is integrated into the ceiling and creates flattering ambient lighting, but is not great as task lighting (for applying makeup, for example) because of the downward-cast shadows.
Rather than having the light centred above the vanity, position it close to the wall and above the mirror to minimise shadows on your face.
Align and space out more than one light, to help even out the illumination.
