Corner-type Bathtub for Small Bathrooms
We want to have a bathtub, a washbasin and WC – even in a small bathroom, unless we have a separate toilet. And we also want a washing machine, if it can fit in. A few cabinets would come in handy, too. Is a corner-type bathtub the right solution? We asked a designer and architect Michal Janků.
The answer is Yes and No.
It is often the case that customers tend to mention a corner-type bathtub when asked about the very basic concept of their future bathroom, either a new one of a renovated one. From their perspective it is a completely new item, surpassing common standards, and also a solution for the lack of space.
However, the bathtub chosen by the customer is often quite unsuitable for the particular layout, ruining the overall concept and depriving users of potential benefits offered by this solution. There are number of different types of corner bathtubs. The proper choice of a bathtub is crucial, namely in the case of small bathrooms. Users should also consider the possibility of choosing traditional rectangular bathtub that can be a better option for the particular layout. Arches of a typical corner-type bathtub are elegant, of course, but it is very difficult to merge them smoothly with a shower enclosure or built-in furniture. We can end up with sharp and hard-to-clean nooks alongside the bathtub, which namely applies to small bathrooms. Bathtub variants with edges are more suitable for these installations.
If we want to have a walled-in bathtub, which is definitely a better option for easy cleaning and overall appearance, we should remember that same space will be lost due to larger bathtub installation. This namely applies to plastic bathtubs. This can mean mere 5cm, but sometimes we are fighting for millimetres in some really small bathrooms. And always remember that you will need service holes for the maintenance of valves and outlets in the future! Self-cleaning siphons are practically maintenance-free, but you may run into troubles with faucets placed on the bathtub’s edge. In several cases in the past we had to install a service door in the adjacent room, such as a hallway or a dressing room. Therefore, I would vote for a corner-type bathtub, but one must consider all pros and cons carefully.
Example of an ordinary panel-building sanitary unit
After removing the original bathroom walls and possibly moving the separating wall further to the entrance hall, for example, we can get the bathroom floor area of approx. 190x170cm.
- Symmetrical 140x140cm corner-type bathtub is definitely a generous one, but besides a small washbasin with difficult water/outlet connections and hard-to-clean nooks we end up with only limited room for a narrow washing machine.
- The floor plan with asymmetrical bathtub presents a better solution, but still we did not get rid of hard-to-clean nooks.
- There is also a possibility to use a built-in hexagonal bathtub placed in the corner, in combination with a narrow washing machine, and small cabinets. This bathtub appears small, but its increased width offers sufficient level of comfort.
- Traditional layout with a rectangular bathtub, semi-recessed washbasin, and bathroom furniture. New and modern looks are guaranteed by the right choice of fixtures, faucets, and matching tiles, furniture design and lighting.
- Narrower bathtub bottom profile leaves sufficient room for a larger washing machine.
- Maximum bathroom outfit, including a shower enclosure, but only with limited room for bathroom users.
Searching for the most suitable layout of a new bathroom
Rectangular bathtub; traditional corner-type bathtubs do not suit very well. Some floor space is wasted, cramped layout, hard-to-clean nooks, unattractive look. Selected alternative with a built-in hexagonal bathtub and multi-level floor. Corner-type bathtub is perfectly OK for this diagonal layout. Its arches nicely follow the communication line.