Toilet Tub & Sink
Bathtub Styles
By: Danielle McVicar
A bathtub is one of the key components of any bathroom, and choosing one deserves a great deal of consideration and thought. There are many different styles of bathtubs available, each offering different benefits. Determine your budget, size requirements and how you want to use your tub before examining the following styles further.
Alcove- This style of bathtub is only exposed in the front, being surrounded by walls on its three other sides. This is by far the most popular kind of tub. They tend to include a shower and are relatively shallow.
Tub and shower- This type of bathtub combines both a tub and shower to conserve space. Although any kind of tub can have a shower added, this style almost always refers to an alcove bath. The walls of the shower are usually lined with tile or other water resistant material. This kind of bathtub is perfect for small bathrooms where space is limited.
Whirlpool- This kind of bathtub incorporates electric pumps and jets to circulate water and provide the user with a relaxing massage. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors and tend to be on the pricier side. This type of tub will add a touch of luxury and a spa-like feel to your bathroom.
Soaking- This style includes Roman, Garden and Japanese bathtubs. Soaking tubs are categorized by their depth and size. You are able to completely immerse yourself in this style of tub and soak, hence the name.
Corner- This style of tub is designed to fit into the corner of a room. A corner tub creates an attractive focal point for a bathroom and adds a contemporary, modern touch. This type of bathtub can come with or without a shower, depending on your personal preference.
Freestanding- This is perhaps the oldest style of bathtub, reminiscent of the old clawfoot tubs of the past. Freestanding tubs come in a variety of colors and sizes. A freestanding bathtub can add both character and elegance to your bathroom. However, keep in mind that this type of tub will require pipes to be in sight; make sure that your décor will allow it.
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Bathtub Technology in Your Modern Bathroom
By: Jay Nelson
Bathtubs have come a long way since the early days when we depended on them for hot and cold running water and the promise of a relaxing soak. Technology has become a standard element in the design of contemporary bathtubs which offer features common to a professional spa. Whirlpool jets, foot jets, variable massage settings, spa seating, customized lighting, and integrated home theater systems have changed the way we bathe by offering new ways to pamper ourselves. After a dip in a modern hybrid tub, you are bound to feel a lot more than just clean.
With so many design possibilities available to consumers, choosing a tub which fits your décor and budget can seem like a daunting task. How do you narrow this quest for a personal aquatic retreat? Begin by forgetting about form. Choose function first. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your perfect date with Mr. Bubble. Are you alone? Do you hear music, or waterfalls? Are the lights turned down low? Are you watching a football game? Would you like a massage while you baste away in friendly waters? Decide first what “tub time” should do for you to inform your choices over appropriate design, length, depth and budget.
Whirlpool Spas
If you have a bad back or need to nurse the occasional sports injury, then a bathtub with whirlpool jets will ease discomfort and massage tired muscles. You can select a very basic model with four jets and a few optional pressure settings for under a thousand dollars. Or, you may wish to invest three to five grand in a high-end model featuring finger-tip controls over dozens of jets with an amazing range of pulse and pressure settings. Variable seating configurations allow the user to customize hydrotherapy settings for the back, legs and feet, depending on where you choose to relax in your spa. Better bathtub models for indoor use start around three grand.
Home Entertainment Bathtubs
Who says electronics and bathtubs don’t mix? The latest designs in tub tech now integrate every aspect of a home entertainment center. Hybrid units can include wireless 7.1 surround-sound, DVD players, big screen TV’s, even a docking station for your iPod. Your waterproof controller floats causally atop the high seas, awaiting your decision to crank up the stereo, or switch on the ballgame where your home team fights for glory in HDTV perfection. Bear in mind that if you plan to go swimming with electronics, be prepared to take a bath. Prices for bathroom designs devoted to integrated, waterproof gizmos can vary substantially, but you will easily spend five thousand bucks for top-o’-the-line amphibious entertainment centers.
Ambient Getaway Bathtubs
Perhaps “tub time” for you means a voyage toward a Zen-like island where sights and sounds should serve your need for inner peace. This niche stresses simpler forms whose designs frequently include exquisite drop-in models resembling an inviting pool of water. Technology still plays a role with the inclusion of features like recessed lighting, allowing you pinpoint control over lighting effects such as intensity and color. Soothing waterfalls enhance your aquatic getaway with continuous, natural sounds evoking a strong esthetic experience. Or, treat your skin to a bit of Champagne therapy as specialized jets tingle your skin with zillions of tiny bubbles. Better models start around two thousand dollars with the inclusion of heaters and lighting.
Kitchen Sink Hybrids
If you have a taste for luxury, and the budget to boot, then you can have it all. Today’s hybrid, high-end spas include everything but the kitchen sink. Fire up the jets, and enjoy a high-pressure massage while immersed in dazzling blue waters. Drift away to the sounds of falling water while watching your favorite show in HD on a 61” LCD big screen. Mute the commercials and crank up your iTunes. You will be limited less by your imagination than by your wallet. So if you want a spa that resembles Captain Nemo’s command center, plan on spending ten to twenty thousand dollars.
When considering a high-tech tub for your modern bathroom, choose function first. The design and budget will then find you.
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Stylish Sinks for your Bathroom
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
When thinking about your bathroom design you probably don’t spend a whole lot of time thinking about the sink. Instead, you might be imaging the wall paper, shower curtain, and scented soaps you plan on furnishing your bathroom with. The sink, however subtle a design aspect, can make a big statement in your bathroom.
The traditional sink that most people are familiar with is a standard vanity sink. It ‘sinks’ into the vanity countertop and the basin is hidden by the cabinets below. Definitely the most common form of bathroom sink on the market, this is a safe choice for your bathroom design. In master bathrooms you often see two sinks in the vanity, which is great for couples getting ready in the morning. This way you don’t actually get toothpaste on their hairbrush or put aftershave on instead of lotion!
In bathrooms that do not have the space for a vanity you might consider a pedestal sink. This style of sink is self-supported on an individual leg. These bathroom fixtures are well suited in bathrooms which don’t require storage or countertop space, such as a powder room or guest bathroom. Due to the supporting leg there is no space available below the sink and no room on the sink or objects either. Pedestal sinks are great for washing hands and cleaning up before dinner, but not ideal for a master bathroom. However, they can be very elegant additions with their unique design.
Wall mounted sinks, while fairly uncommon in homes, are still an option for a trendy bathroom. These are huge space savers, simply jutting out from the wall, but have a very distinct appearance to them. They do not allow for hidden storage beneath the sink and are simple in design. Another word to the wise is that they cannot hold much weight, so wall mounted sinks should not be installed around children that may try to climb up to reach the faucet. This bathroom fixture is a great choice for a dynamic look in your bathroom.
Similar to wall mounted sinks are console sinks. These are a much sturdier choice because they have front legs providing extra support. There is no hidden storage beneath the sink, but the area does make for a good space for baskets or plastic storage containers.
The last style of bathroom sink is a vessel sink. These have rapidly grown in popularity with modern home design styles because of their very unique appearance. Vessel sinks sit above the vanity countertop. This stark design makes it the focal piece of the bathroom. Unlike traditional sinks which typically feature a round basin, vessel sinks often have funky shapes, colors, and textures to them.
If you are performing bathroom renovations consider the different types of bathroom sinks that are on the market. Think of the function and design that works best in your home. Finally, to complete the project pick out a faucet that matches your sink style.
