If you’re considering a freestanding bath for your home, then congratulations are in order; they are, after all, a delight and are sure to grace your bathroom for years to come, offering you bathing pleasure in elegance and timeless style. Shopping for a freestanding bath can be difficult, however – there are so many models out there that it can be hard to choose. Actually, it really needn’t be that way. You can zoom in on your perfect freestanding bath by making a shortlist based on some of your requirements. Always start with what you require – the rest will come easily. Here’s your complete shopping guide to freestanding baths: sizes, styles, and materials.

Consider the Size First

The size of the bath will depend on two things. Firstly, it will depend on the size of your bathroom and how much space is available to place the bath. When measuring the bathroom, take into account dead space – meaning, space that is automatically taken up by opening windows, doors, and cabinets.

Secondly, your bath needs to be comfortable and should fit the largest member of your family. To ensure the right fit, don’t be shy to walk into a manufacturer’s depot or sales-outlet and try the bath physically. To get a better deal, though, look for the bath’s brand or model on the Internet for more competitive pricing.

Style is Objective

Often people differ when it comes to style and models – but here’s a little hint that works well: for modern bathrooms, try to keep it to straight lines and angular surfaces. For classical bathrooms, curves and rounded edges work best.

Material Matters

Don’t just pick the first bath that looks good and fits – think of the material as well. Cast iron is sturdy but heavy, and looks elegant. Acrylic is lightweight and easier on the budget. Solid stone is also very heavy (but as they are often hand-made, are more expensive) and make a bold statement in the bathroom. Materials also differ in how they absorb or reject heat, and how slippery they can get when wet.

There are of course also other things to consider – budget and allowable time for cleaning and maintenance, for example. However, these things should really not be your priority. For one thing, your freestanding bath should be considered an investment. You may spend a little more depending on the model of your bath, but it increases the value of your home so your expense is a form of home improvement. And when it comes to maintenance and cleaning – there are a lot of baths out there that require a lot more upkeep than your freestanding bath. Here’s the point: think about size, style and material, and the rest is just fun; the rest is all about bathing in elegance.