From slipper to circular, sunken to spa, there’s a bath shape that’s not only perfect for your bathroom but will suit your bathing style too.

Do you like to take long, luxuriating baths with your legs stretched out? Or do you prefer to soak and sit with water up to your neck? There are many bath types to suit your bathing style but as the bath is also designed as the central feature in any bathroom, it also pays to think carefully about what shape and style is best suited to the space you have available. Whether small or large, the bath plays a huge role in creating a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation and we are lucky today to have a range of options. To help you make the right choice, here is our pick of 10 top bath styles.

1. Slipper
A slipper bath is most commonly associated with a traditional style of bathroom but this example shows a modernised version which fits perfectly into this more contemporary space. The slipper bath can rest on feet or, as seen here, directly on the floor, but both are characterised by high sides and raised ends, with one end higher to create a headrest. The design of the bath allows for it to be centred in the room or placed alongside a wall to suit the space available. When freestanding, it is very effectively coupled with a floor-mounted tap to create a dazzling feature.

2. Square
Where space allows, a square bath can add an interesting visual dynamic to a bathroom. A bit more interesting than the more common rectangular bath, a square bath is usually more spacious, making it perfect for larger families or for couples who wish to bathe together. We don’t see square baths in Australia too often but there is certainly a good reason to consider one for your next bathroom. The square shape fits very well into many standard-sized bathrooms and, as seen here, is a great way to utilise a corner space in a narrow room. Note the clever inclusion of inset nooks to store toiletries so they are easy to reach while bathing.

3. Oval
The classic shape of an oval bath lends itself to most styles of bathroom. Gently rounded corners provide for a relaxing bathing experience and add to the users level of comfort. In addition, the soft curves are a safety feature for families with young children. This example has the bath sitting in a dark-coloured frame which contrasts beautifully with the crisp white tub and helps draw the eye to this feature item. A simple hob wall houses the plumbing for the tapware and keeps hot and cold controls within easy reach for bathers reclining in the tub. How to bathe like a Parisian

4. Circular
The circular bath is not for every bathroom but, when done well as in this example, it’s the perfect way to create a day-spa-at-home. Circular baths are not a space-saving option so are not generally suited to more compact bathroom spaces. But, when space allows, they can be a magnificent feature piece that makes an immediate visual statement. The circular bath can also be fitted with spa jets for that added touch of luxury. Circular baths are quite popular in Europe where family bathing is more the norm; but it could find popularity here in Australia with couples.

5. Spa Bath
The ultimate in luxury inclusions, a spa bath is designed for an owner to relax in, no matter what the bathing space. In this example, however, the bather gets a bonus: the spa bath has been positioned to take maximum advantage of the incredible views overlooking the adjacent waterway. The increase in technology and an understanding of how to apply it to the bathing experience has seen an amazing array of spa baths flood the market. The advanced technology of spa bath jets and whirlpools now allows the user to personalise and control the spa bath experience to suit their needs – from relaxation to invigoration and everything in between!

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6. Built-in
The built-in or hob-to-wall bath is the most common style of bath, popular because it’s a great way to use space. A freestanding bath needs space on all sides for traffic while a hob-to-wall bath sees two or three sides backed to the wall so it’s more space effective. In this example, the hob is finished in the same tiles as the walls and in a complementary tile to the floor to create a cohesive finish in neutral tones. A white tub brings a shiny element into the bathroom, chosen to match the freestanding basin. The hob-to-wall finish also means the surrounds of the hob can be used for placement of toiletry items. See some stunning built-in baths

7. Outdoor
With Australia’s perfect climate, it’s no wonder we are world leaders in outdoor bathroom design. An indulgent inclusion in any home, to be sure, an outdoor bathroom allows the user to connect with nature in the most direct way possible. In this example, the large bath is mounted on a wooden ‘stage’ and surrounded by lush greenery and accessories that enhance the ambiance of the space. Simple lighting within the deck helps create the relaxing mood while the tall trees surrounding the area create privacy. More fabulous indoor-outdoor bathrooms

8. Wooden
For a more Eastern aesthetic, a wooden bath adds a beautiful warmth to the bathroom and, as seen here, when coupled with other timber elements, can create a striking impression. The angular design of the wooden bathtub is offset here with the circular port-hole windows above it and enriched by the Japanese-style wall treatment in the shower area. This more compact space has been cleverly designed; timber slats on the floor hide a drainage system underneath.

9. Sunken
This would have to be the ultimate in relaxation. The act of sinking into a hot bath is enhanced when the bath itself is sunk into the floor. It may be purely psychological, but there seems to be something special about plunging into a sunken bath which can make you feel much more relaxed and refreshed. The obvious design considerations are space below the floor, or allowance for this element if a slab is being poured in the construction of a new home. This example here is particularly large, but a sunken bath can be any size really, as long as it is well considered when the home is built. Take a mini tour of a luxury bathroom featuring a large sunken spa bath

10. Glass

For the wow factor in the bathroom, why not consider a glass bath for your next renovation? The glass edge is almost completely invisible and allows you to create the most incredible impression of suspended water. Backed here with simple white mosaic tiles, the effect is immediate. There is a practical application here, too. In a smaller space the glass doesn’t create a hard visual border but rather allows the eye to travel through to the wall beyond, thereby enhancing the impression of more space in the bathroom.