Baths: varieties, brands, choice
A bath is a very important component of any apartment and private house. If there are any problems with him, you cannot count on a calm, harmonious life. For the right choice, you need to take into account the features of various brands and the specific features of specific modifications.
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A bathtub for two is, for obvious reasons, larger and heavier than a single product. But it has a higher capacity. Double baths are presented in a large number of options.
Surprising news for many people - these models are no less than traditional, designed for one person. Double bathtubs can be placed both against the wall and in the very center of the room.
Wall-mounted construction no less attractive in appearance than placed separately. The bottom line is that the product has at least one flat straight plane. The features of a particular model are expressed in the fact that the structure stands on supports or on the very base of the floor without supports.
The front surface is most often covered with a decorative screen that masks the unsightly looking space under the bathroom. The hidden part can be used to store household chemicals, detergents and the like. It is not difficult to purchase a ready-made screen, and its installation does not cause any difficulties. There are a lot of options for screens, and you can always choose the best appearance for yourself.
Other differences between baths include:
- characteristics of materials;
- geometry;
- linear dimensions;
- colors;
- stylistic affiliation;
- functional features;
- country of origin.
Material properties comparison table
Baths come in a wide variety of materials.It is useful to take into account the basic nuances of such substances. The table will help to present them as clearly as possible.
Material | Severity | Strength | Transparency | Thermal conductivity |
Glass | Moderate | Low | Transparent | Low |
Steel | High | High | Zero | High |
Wood | Small | Various (depending on the breed) | Zero | Minimum |
Cast iron | Very big | Quite high | Zero | Average |
Acrylic | Lungs | Quite high | Zero (normal) | 285 times lower than cast iron |
Shapes and sizes
In modern apartments, the standard dimensions of baths are 1.6-1.8 m in length, with a depth of 0.6-0.8 m and a height of 0.6 m. The capacity of the tank varies from 90 to 120 liters. It is easy to purchase designs of this kind at any plumbing store. These include models of size:
- 180x70 cm;
- 170x70 cm;
- 175x75 cm;
- 160x70 cm;
- 180x75 cm;
- 165x70 cm;
- 180x80 cm;
- 175x70 cm.
Several decades ago, especially during mass panel construction, they were mounted by default. baths from 150x70 cm to 150x80 cm... However, today such designs do not suit the overwhelming majority of people. They can hardly be considered comfortable and convenient enough against the background of newer developments. In elongated rooms, narrow compact baths can be used.
Such solutions will help out even in a small bathroom with a total area of 3.5 sq. m. The smallest of the mass-produced products have a size of 100x70 cm or 120x70 cm... The intermediate value is 110x70 cm.
For obvious reasons, there is no need to talk about any serious comfort when using such structures. But the maximum amount of space is freed up for other things.
If convenience is critical, go for larger custom bathtubs, which are:
- 130x70 cm;
- 140x70 cm;
- 150x60 cm;
- 150x70 cm.
Rectangular design preferable corner in a limited area. By occupying the same floor space, it will guarantee slightly higher comfort. It is not for nothing that such a design was installed by default in old houses. The only exception was luxury housing, built before 1955. But finding a suitable living space today is hardly possible.
It can look bright, unusual and even bold semicircular bath... A similar solution is perfect for a small bathroom in a "Khrushchev" apartment. Larger semicircular products are recommended for use in new-build apartments, where the bathroom is quite large. Corner bath is very popular. Such designs can be very diverse, and they are successfully used even in small rooms (subject to asymmetric design).
They look pretty in modern bathrooms oval options... They are wider than most standard samples (often up to 85 cm). The length of the oval bathing field can reach 190 cm. In most cases, the practice is to equip with hydromassage devices. No other fixtures are required inside the oval bath.
A very important point is how deep the bowl will be in the bath. Even a long but too shallow bath is simply inconvenient in everyday life. Typical bath depths range from 37 to 40 cm. At greater depths, the water will cover even bent knees.
The high side allows in some cases to abandon the use of curtains, because it itself stops the spray, at least partially. You can safely roll over and splash. In addition, a large layer of water will cool down more slowly. But getting into a deep bath for young children, as well as the elderly, will be quite difficult.
Headrests can also be used for the bath, which are important to consider when assessing the size and shape of the structure. Responsible manufacturers use excellent safety materials for the headrests.
Color spectrum
Most often, colored bathtubs are made of acrylic. This material is easy to paint in a wide variety of colors, depending on design concepts. Bathing tanks of various colors began to appear on the Russian market quite recently. And they have already gained quite high popularity. In any case, we can already talk about the emergence of a clear niche.
But traditional white baths have not lost their popularity. Moreover, they are readily chosen by hundreds of thousands of buyers in various countries. White is subconsciously associated with cleanliness and hygiene, which serves as a very strong consumer incentive. Note that colored structures can be made not only from acrylic, but also from other materials:
- become;
- cast iron;
- wood;
- tempered glass;
- natural stone of various grades.
Important: when using colored plumbing, you need to use discreet accessories and the same fittings. It is also not recommended to use bright materials for wall and floor decoration. Otherwise, the bathroom space will look tasteless.
It is also necessary to take into account the nuances of certain colors in order to prevent a fatal mistake. Red baths will add a sense of security and are ideal for relaxing in a quiet room after a hard day.
Orange color differs in greater inconsistency. It will allow you to both calm agitated nerves and increase the concentration of internal forces. Therefore, such a solution is recommended for those experiencing constant mood changes. The yellow bath can be used by those who want to:
- deal with persistent negativity;
- improve mood;
- rather to restore the ability to work after strenuous work.
Green coloring will help cope with insomnia. This color will allow you to relax and activate the recovery of the body. But the blue color is better suited for calming and meditative procedures. With its help, you can put things in order in thoughts and emotions. Blue differs from blue not only in saturation, but also in greater activity, improved energy balance, it will make a person more cheerful.
Purple tones increase the tone. They are often recommended for people who are "early risers". The beige color has both a calming effect and adds visual warmth.
Such interiors will look romantic and attractive.
Black color immediately attracts attention. If the lighting is right, the bathtub will look good.
Of the combined solutions, we can safely recommend yellow-orange models. This combination looks "sunny" and adds energy. It will be possible to gain a charge of vivacity for the whole day. Bathing in such a bath is an extraordinary pleasure. The choice of a yellow bath and an orange pallet (or an alternative combination) is at the discretion of the owner.
Blue and purple colors are useful for people of a philosophical warehouse, for those who love to dream. To ensure a good blend of these tones, contrast will have to be carefully observed. If a dark purple color is used, then a light blue or unsaturated blue color is added to it. Together with the lilac decor, a bathtub painted in a deep blue tone will look optimal.
Green bath can be combined with finishes of the same color, only a few shades lighter or darker. In this case, care must be taken that the product is not visually lost against the background of the wall. Alternatively, you can consider finishing:
- dim blue;
- brown;
- golden;
- natural woody flowers.
Red and pink combination (in various versions) will immediately look romantic. But the main requirement here will be the correct addition of flowers to each other. Important: Do not add too much pink paint. Too much of it can ruin the best design idea.
A completely pink bathtub is appropriate in a deep red room - and even then, not every professional designer will immediately pick up the optimal combination.
Style and design
Decorating a room in a classic style, you can safely use the following baths:
- square;
- rectangular;
- oval;
- resembling a gravy boat.
But a very important requirement in this case is the external finish with tiles or hydrophobic paint. When choosing a Greek style, you need to use designs with a wide rim. The bathtub should be white, and the main part of the room is painted in yellow, beige, ocher tones.
Popular with suburban real estate tenants Provence style implies the use of bathtubs that do not have sharp corners. Colors traditional for this style and carved legs in the form of complex shapes are welcome.
If an ultra-modern style is chosen high tech, then this is expressed, first of all, in the emphasized severity of forms and rigidity of lines. A rectangular bathing place with a direct screen, surrounded by one-color tiles, will look quite appropriate. Important: hydromassage and other additional equipment are recommended in such an interior not only not to hide, but to openly demonstrate.
Stylistics country, if you describe it in general terms, it is simple and devoid of any frills. The emphasis is clearly on natural materials. But any pretentious, overly expressive accent will have to be abandoned. Oval or rounded bathtubs at the corners of the bath will most rationally fit into such an environment. Covering the sidewalls with wooden panels can emphasize the natural origin of the interior.
Some people adore Moroccan approach to the interior - and he also makes special demands on the finishing of the bathroom. The bath itself should be larger. An additional plus will be an imitation of an exotic fountain. You can also use a bathing bowl in the shape of a polygon, close to a marble hammam table. This will definitely reinforce the originality of the design.
The bathroom should be formed no less carefully in Mediterranean style... It is characterized by discreet tones and emphasized purity of lines. The bath should be in the form of an oval, the screen should be straight or in the form of a trapezoid. Traditional white colors are preferred. If the focus is on the Greek side of the Mediterranean approach, a stand-alone bathtub with a high backrest will help to emphasize this specificity.
Scandinavian style the default is fairly light. It is desirable to reinforce the basic white tone with single bright accents. The brighter and visually spacious the room, the better. These requirements must be taken into account when choosing a bath.
Concerning urbanistic approach, then it is aimed primarily at achieving maximum functionality in the smallest available space. An urban room should be dominated by a gray color. Glass and wood structures are often used. The clearer the lines are drawn, the less smooth they are, the more such a composition corresponds to the canons of style.
Thinking about decoration in the spirit of art deco, it is imperative to carry out the idea of the high cost and attractiveness of the interior. Emphasized dazzling, resplendent bathtubs fit perfectly into such a solution.
Typical for this approach:
- framing with Italian tiles;
- the use of geometric patterns;
- active use of accessories;
- angular bathtub.
Bathroom style baroque always planned with maximum swing in mind. This approach is appropriate only in a large space; in a limited area it will look ridiculous. The pompous mood is emphasized even by the selection of colors. Terracotta, burgundy, golden and dark blue colors are preferred. In this case, the dominant color should become gold.
Functionality
You can often hear that hydromassage Is a must-have feature of a modern bath. However, not all so simple. Such equipment should only be used as needed. Whirlpool equipment is quite expensive and difficult to operate. You can use it only if:
- the area of the room is quite large;
- the space is thoroughly waterproofed;
- the equipment will easily pass through the doorways;
- the floors are very reliable;
- water in the water supply system passes through fine filters;
- users are ready to systematically purge and clean the nozzles;
- bath foam will not be used;
- users are willing to pay extra for electricity.
But hydromassage also has clear advantageswhich make this option very popular all over the world. The effect of bubbles is just as good as the effect of a vertical shower jet. Relaxation and distraction from problems are even more complete. There are many hydromassage modes and each one is unique. You can swim in the jacuzzi while watching movies (video clips) and listening to melodies.
Those who appreciate cosmetic procedures will definitely like a bath with hydromassage and additions of honey, seaweed and healing mud. The same designs will work for aromatherapy aficionados as well.
An increasingly popular solution is to use chromotherapy. It is carried out using special lighting equipment. Models of bathtubs with disinfection and drying devices are considered the most comfortable.
Important: it is advisable to disinfect the bath not only after washing, but also before bathing, so that the pipeline works better.
Some models are designed for ozonation. This option allows you to deal with dangerous bacteria even directly during washing. The whirlpool tub can also be designed for long-term swimmers. Then it maintains the initially set thermal regime.
Forgetful people are guaranteed to love model with dry run protection. The main component of such protection is the water level sensor. If there are people with disabilities or people with disabilities in the house, a bathtub with a special door is suitable for them. Touch panels allow you to choose from ready-made options (or program to your liking) the most pleasant massage sessions in an individual mode.
But you need to understand that electronic control significantly increases the cost of the product.
The power of the bath with one hydromassage pump will be 0.8-0.9 kW. If 2 pumps are used at once, their total power will be equal to 1.5 kW. Additionally, an air compressor is used, which consumes 0.5-0.7 kW of current. For your information: elite baths with a sophisticated set of equipment and built-in drainage can consume 20 kW or more per hour. But such specimens are extremely rare.
The jets in the whirlpool tub can be located in the walls and in the bottom, and in different places. The functional features also differ depending on the type of nozzles. The bubble outlet located at the bottom of the bathtub allows for a very delicate treatment. But the rotary devices are as powerful as possible.
The larger the nozzle, the more force it can develop.
Additional features worth noting:
- Turkish bath mode;
- rain shower regime;
- ventilation equipment;
- voice control systems;
- air massage;
- turbomassage;
- radio;
- water lighting systems.
Manufacturers
They are quite popular bathtubs of the Cersanit brand. And among them stands out collection Joanna. This collection is prized for its minimal spirit and comfort. These bathtubs come in three different sizes, and any of them are compatible with both right-hand and left-hand devices. Thanks to the adjustment of the legs, you can set the most comfortable height, focusing on your personal needs.
Oval execution will allow you to relax and get pleasant emotions.
The 140 model has the following characteristics:
- allergy protection;
- protection against the formation of bacterial colonies;
- net weight 18.4 kg;
- height 0.43 m;
- length 1.4 m;
- legs are not included in the delivery set;
- central overflow;
- equipping with a shelf for accessories.
Alternatively, you can consider bathtubs Cersanit Virgo... These are solid rectangular products with maximum ergonomics. They will perfectly fit into the most modern interior. The inner bowl is spacious and the back is perfectly contoured. Therefore, swimming in Virgo is comfortable and convenient.
Among the products of the Universal plant, the Classic 150x70 model stands out favorably. This sturdy cast iron product is 150 cm long. Its elegant geometry allows it to fit into any classic interior. The style of the product is restrained, and its lines are smooth, support legs are sold separately.
You can also choose the model "Universal Sibiryachka" 170x75 cm. It is functional and aesthetic. With the help of such a bath, it is easy to embody the most original design ideas. The anatomical shape and deep capacity of the bowl ensure comfort. Legs, handles and polyurethane headrest are optional.
Attractive and bathtub Kolpa-San Norma 190x95. This is a great rectangular white model. The height of the container is 66 cm. The internal volume is 390 liters. The delivery set includes a drain and overflow. It also includes a frame and 3 panels, a proprietary warranty is given for 7 years.
You can take a closer look at the model. Kolpa-San Arianna 170x70 cm. This is also a rectangular design. Its capacity is 230 liters. Delivery set includes waste and overflow fitting. The brand's guarantee is given for 10 years.
The French plumbing also deserves attention. For example, a bath Jacob Delafon Ultima 150x70. The depth of the structure is 42 cm. After installing the legs, the total height reaches 57 cm. A solid white bathtub is made of selected cast iron.
Other features are as follows:
- weight - 98 kg;
- company guarantee - 25 years;
- the option of hydromassage is not provided;
- metal thickness - 0.8 cm;
- emphatically modern style;
- wall mounting type;
- anti-slip coating is not provided.
Model is worth considering Delafon Soissons 150x70. The official description indicates that this bathtub is elegant and technically perfect. As with the previous version, the warranty is 25 years. The depth reaches 41 cm. The product can only be placed close to the wall.
Some people prefer Italian baths. A striking example is acrylic construction. Kerasan Waldorf. Its dimensions are 167x82x65 cm. The delivery set includes a Clic-clac drain. Legs are not provided, however this is compensated by the noticeable depth of the oval white bathtub.
Free-standing bathtubs are also made in Italy Globo Relais. It is painted immaculate black. Its dimensions are 189x88x61 cm. The structure is made of artificial stone. The product is completed with an outlet, an overflow and a siphon, there are no legs or wheels.
Chinese baths are in great demand. In recent years, these products have become noticeably better than before. Example - wall-mounted model Appollo AT-941 170x75 cm... The design is designed to be equipped with a hydromassage unit and a headrest, but there are no handles. The acrylic bathtub is mounted near the wall and equipped with a reversible drain.
A good alternative could be BelBagno BB03. This solid acrylic bathtub is 176 cm long, 79 cm wide and 60 cm high. The model has a complex atypical configuration that adds chic to the bathroom. The product can easily fit into the retro style. In other styles BelBagno BB03 can be used as the main design element.
Another decent Chinese bath - Gemy G9025-II K. And she, like the previous ones, is made of acrylic. It is mounted directly to the wall. The thickness of the base material is 0.8 cm. Other characteristics are as follows:
- ozonation option;
- air massage and hydromassage;
- back massage;
- compressor - 0.3 kW;
- telephone (working only for receiving calls);
- radio;
- reliable protection against dry starts;
- a pair of headrests;
- internal volume - 250 l;
- drain-overflow and dismantled screen included.
How to choose?
Design, technical capabilities and even the reputation of a particular company are very important for the choice.But you should start from what you need to use for the room in a particular case. The bathing bowl should be such that all family members can comfortably sit in it. - and at the same time it should not take up too much space. Cast iron baths are often used. True, they have gone far enough from those prototypes that were produced in the early 1980s.
Cast iron allows for extraordinary mechanical strength and durability. It will last for several decades even in rather harsh conditions.
Important: cast-iron structures are very weighty, which causes serious inconvenience to residents of the upper floors. However, when it is possible to involve several assistants, this is not a very fundamental limitation. Much more serious is the fact that it is difficult to make a non-rectangular bath out of cast iron.
Steel baths are much cheaper than their cast iron counterparts. They are much lighter (a difference of 2-4 times in mass is quite common). On the basis of steel, you can form a structure of different types. It is often difficult to distinguish it from an acrylic bathtub. It should be remembered that an alloy of iron with carbon allows heat to pass very easily (and water will cool quickly), and that it is much more "sonorous" than cast iron.
Acrylic products are very popular. They are found in the lines of all major factories. The water in a container made of acrylic cools very slowly, and this material itself is lighter than steel. In addition, it is easy to form any geometric structure from it. And one more plus - acrylic is very easy to repair (restore).
Important: the popularity of this material leads to widespread fakes. There are even more of them than good quality plumbing. And the service life of the counterfeit is short.
Directly upon purchase, you need to check:
- uniformity of color;
- lack of extraneous odors;
- strength (the bottom should not bend);
- sheet thickness (minimum 0.4 cm);
- impermeability of the material to light along the entire perimeter (checked with a lantern or a match).
Glass, wood, marble and other exotic options for bathing bowls should not be seriously considered. They are quite expensive, and if someone decides to purchase just such a design, then he knows very well what should be obtained as a result. As for the capacity of the bowl, along with the dimensions, it is influenced by the geometric shape and inclination of the side.
It is recommended to select a bathtub in which the gap between the sides of the bathers and the walls is at least 5 cm. And of course, you need to pay attention to consumer reviews.
Beautiful examples in the interior
This is what a white bathtub might look like on a podium made of moisture-resistant cardboard. The combination of black and white paints looks very nice and pleasant. The presence of a step and a lamp only increases the aesthetic qualities of the structure.
And this is a beautiful oval bathtub. It goes well with brown floors and attractive décor items.
A white bathtub is quite appropriate when surrounded by beige walls. The graceful tiled finish looks very good. The difference in the color of the walls only makes the room more attractive. The lack of expressive decorative elements is quite justified. A stretch ceiling with spot lighting also looks quite logical in such a room.
How to choose a bath, see below.