Many people dream of a bathroom with a bathtub, but it is not always possible to fit one in due to lack of space. To solve this problem, the major bathroom brands have come up with a solution: an alcove bath. But what is it? We’ll tell you a little more about it.
What exactly is an alcove bath?
It is not always easy to find a universal definition as many people use the term all over the place without really knowing what it is. The basic idea of an alcove bath is a bath placed between 3 walls. Nowadays, many people use the term to define built-in baths without necessarily having 3 walls around them. However, if you stick to the basic definition this is the requirement to call your bath an alcove bath.
Why we love it
As mentioned before, if you are short of space and have 3 walls, you have all the conditions to start. The space saving is generally not insignificant since you literally wedge it between 3 walls where there was nothing before. You are fully optimising the available space.
What we love about this kind of design is that you make the place super cosy as we say in England. Indeed, it is as if you had a mini room just for relaxing, a mini spa in your home. In addition, there are many possibilities for designing the room. For example, you can create storage space in the walls to further optimise the space.
Built-in or not?
Here you generally have two possibilities: either you want to build it in and have a result like this.
Or you can “simply” place it without embedding it in any other structure and you will get a result like this.
Built-in version
Depending on the option you choose, this will require more or less effort and each option has different advantages. Indeed, if you want to embed your bathtub, you will have to mount the structure, choose the materials for it, etc. The big advantage of this option is its price: no need to look for a luxury bathtub. The only thing you will see are the rims. Even if you find a salvaged bathtub, as long as it is functional, it will do. Just make sure there are no leaks! Of course, the “luxury” version also exists. Again, it’s up to you to see what you like best and what fits in the budget. What we also like is that you can choose almost any material to “wrap” your bathtub in and this gives you the option of almost any bathroom style.
Non built-in version
As for the second option, if the walls are already there, it requires much less effort! In fact, you “just” have to find a bathtub with the right dimensions, place it and you’re done. Where it can take time and money is if the configuration is not right. In this case, you will have to make or remake certain elements. So make sure you get the right information beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises!
Regardless of which option you choose, it is easiest to opt for a rectangular bath.
That’s it for us today! We hope you now know whether you actually want to go for an alcove bath or not at all. Either way, we love reading you so let us know what you think in the comments!
