Bathroom ideas

[applesandbananasandoranges]

We have a smallish bathroom - 2.1m by 2.3m - which we are planning to renovate . Two things I'd appreciate some advice on.

At the moment there is a regular sized bathtub and a shower unit at one end of the bath. Our bathroom fitter has told us that we could just about squeeze a stand alone quad shower unit in the room if we have a smaller tub, vanity etc. I'd love this as it would be so much handier and I don't mind having a smaller tub. I have also been told that with such a small space a free standing tub would not be possible - we are looking at max 1500mm. Just wondering if anyone has done a similar project and has any thoughts/suggestions on what worked well?

Also I am looking for inspiration on colour schemes for tiles - its currently partially tiled but I am looking to go fully tiled for a nicer look. I thought about a different tile colour for the shower area but wonder would this look ridiculous in such a small space. I'm thinking a nice off white for the walls but what would look best on the floor - a contrast or same?

Appreciate any advice - my mind is boggled looking at all the bathroom brochures and options available.

Can you change where the loo and sink are so you can adjust the space? I'd do a scale drawing and play around where things can go.
There's also the thought of some kind of corner bath, they're not popular but would possibly work depending on your space

Thanks @custardbear
In the design suggested to us, we will be moving the loo and vanity to be opposite each other rather than side by side to make space for the shower. It'll be tight but do-able.

We are having one of these because a standard bath won't fit. We went to the showroom and sat in it and its great!

Soaking tub

I did away with the bath and got a huge walk in shower. We don't have small children and no one used it.

We rehung the door, moving the hinges to the other side. For us this created a much more useable space to play around with.

This is gorgeous! But alas slightly too wide for us.

I'm very tempted by the huge walk-in's, but we all love a nice bath.

That is interesting. Our bathroom door opens to the landing/stairwell, so not sure it would be an option.

Sorry - I didn't explain very well. Door still opens onto bathroom but opens back against a wall now rather than into the room. Makes more room for me to manoeuvre!

We have a short deep bath (1500 long) but not quite a soaking tub. It's the Carron Advantage. My kids seem perfectly happy to bath in it - including my almost 6ft tall son who prefers a bath over a shower. I haven't tried it myself.

www.bathroomdeal.com/product/baths/carron-baths/carron-advantage-deep-bath-2/?gclid=CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4hde5iR_26DJC5W8B40Fb0eBZc2n8Ut_K7rojH4LfZWiS16k-A-utBoCcVUQAvD_BwE

I have a soaking tub and a walk in shower in my bathroom of similar size. It's brilliant -- much better than a normal bath.

I never think freestanding tubs look quite 'the biz' unless they have a good amount of room around them.
So in this bathroom I would be going for a straight sided 'fitted' bath and cubicle shower adjacent for a nice, flush look.

Just noticed you say how much you all love a nice bath - if this involves candles, bsthbombs, pillows, reading and drinking wine during a 1 hour soak then a shorter bath may not be the best option. Maybe a lovely extra deep freestanding bath with shower above and an oval curtain rail above with two curtains which open to either side.

Victorian slipper baths are small and narrow and also really comfortable.

We've just added an ensuite and have gone for a cosy 4 piece instead of a large walk in shower.
I wrote a thread asking for advice on this and many said not to bother if it was tight, however we went ahead and it's absolutely fine as a 4 piece.

My friend had one of these put in and says it is very comfortable. www.albionbathco.com/albion-iso-enamel-baths/tubby-tub-free-standing-bath/

We had a small bathroom put in downstairs last year. We put a 1500 bath in as wasn't room for a standard length one. We wanted the bath because we have three children under 5 and I thought it would be easier to bath them downstairs straight out of the garden after playing (it's worked out perfectly for us). To be honest I don't really notice that the bath is shorter than normal. Two kids can still be bathed in it with room to play (child three is too young to join them at the moment). I've had baths in it and not found it an issue at all. One of the builders who quoted for the work did say he was installing quite a few 1500 baths to give people more space in bathrooms

I really dislike freestanding baths in small rooms so that’s no loss but I think 1500 is just too short.

In that situation I’d decided if you’re more of a bath or shower person and do one properly. If you’re both or you are one and your partner they other, then a bath shower with a really good shower head (and a hand shower as well) would be a reasonable compromise no?

Did ye aye

Can you have a pocket door? That might give you more layout options. Also, could consider a D shaped bath with one side fixed to the wall but still giving a freestanding look.

Thanks for all the suggestions! Just coming back with an update as it might be helpful in case anyone else is considering this. I've done some more research and tested out the 1500 bath in a showroom over the weekend. It feels too small for me tbh and the shower unit size that we'd have to go for also feels a bit cramped.

All in all I've now decided to stick with our shower-over-bath format. We'll invest in a new (better) shower fixture and maybe consider removing the glass door and replacing with a nice curtain so the tub is not as awkward to get in and out of. New tiles and accessories will spruce it all up as well.