Begin by asking yourself two key questions. How much bathroom space do I have to work with? And what look and feel am I after?
Whatever your needs, there are great-looking and high-functioning bathtubs for all settings, whether you’ve got a spacious, spa-size bathroom or a tiny urban space. When you’re ready to make your decisions, take a look at our picks of classic old favourite to edgy new hotties, (high to low) which will educate rather than confuse with local sources as well as a few finds close from around the world.
1. SOKA
The brand new Soka bath launches next month, mixing ancient bathing rituals with the latest engineering to deliver a classic piece of design from Apaiser. Grand and Small sizes. (03) 94215722, www.apaiser.com
2. YORK BATH
Victoria and Albert’s York Bath is crafted of a composite material called Englishcast, a blend of volcanic limestone and resin that results in a naturally white tub. It doesn’t have a surface coating that can chip or peel, and has better insulating qualities than traditional cast-iron tubs. With white feet and a chrome drain, it’s $3950, www.cassbrothers.com
3. EMPIRE FREESTANDING BATHTUB
Made of a composite material that provides thermal insulation, the Waterworks Empire Freestanding Bathtub is $9280 USD at Waterworks. www.waterworks.com
4. THE JAPANESE OFURO SOAKING BATH TUB
The Japanese Ofuro Soaking Bathtub by Matteo Thun from Rapsel, will help you unwind faster than a woollen ball unravelling. www.rapsel.it
5. VIEQUES FREESTANDING BATHTUB
Vieques freestanding bathtub designed by Patricia Urquiloa in stainless steel and wood with the interior in black or white from Agape available at Artedomus, POA, www.artedomus.com
6. BARCELONA DOUBLE ENDED TUB
Victoria and Albert’s Barcelona Double Ended Tub is made of Englishcast, a blend of volcanic limestone and high-performance resins that results in a naturally white, solid tub that doesn’t have a surface coating that can chip or peel away. Measuring 70.25 by 34.25 by 21.8 inches, it is backed by a 25 year warranty; at www.englishtapware.com.au
7. ICELAND BATHTUB
The Iceland Bathtub by Boffi is a classic, classic look designed by Piero Lissoni, boffi.com.au
8. FREESTANDING OVAL COMPOSITE BATHTUB
The Freestanding Oval Composite Bathtub is available in white or ivory for $11,026 USD, from www.waterworks.com
9. THE NOIR 1700
The Noir 1700 freestanding bath with organic seamless tapered design in black and white and footlocker fittings, from Caroma, 1700 x 850 x 680mm, $2802, www.caroma.com.au
10. THE SOLO 1700
The Solo 1700 Oval Bath with rounded contours uses thermoforming process from a single skin of Lucite acrylic to avoid any joins and ensure the water stays warm for longer, $1,750. www.rogersellers.com.au
11. THE ISHBURO
The Ishburo bathtub designed by Kengo Kumo in stone to comfort human bodies – comes in four natural stones, 2035 x 1000 x 55mm, www.salvatori.it
12. APAISER HAVEN BATH
Apaiser Haven organic marble baths come in three sizes, 1550mm, 1760mm and 1800mm and 12 colours ranging from glacier to oyster, grey, walnut and nero with a five-year warranty. Approximately 86 kilograms. $8095, (03) 94215722, www.apaiser.com
13. KADO NEUE FREESTANDING BATH
Kado Neue freestanding bath in matte white and matte black, 173 x 780 x 730, with a 10-year quality guarantee, $1899, www.reece.com.au
14. AGAPE NORMAL BATHTUB
Agape Normal Bathtub from Artedomus. Made of white Cristalplant® biobased, the Normal bathtub is snug and welcoming, with its compact dimensions and distinctively curved base. www.artedomus.com
15. POSH SOLUS FREESTANDING BATH
Posh Solus Freestanding Bath from Reece, 1500 x 700 x 560 White, $949, www.reece.com.au
And we can’t help showing you these extra few…The Eiffel Freestanding Cast Iron Bath from Cast Iron Baths, www.castironbaths.com; The Antique Marble Bathtub from 1st Dibs, $15,458.14, www.1stdibs.com and the Oyster Bathtub from Salvatori, www.salvatori.it
