The Ultimate Bath Buying Guide

If you’re in the process of looking for baths in Perth for your bathroom, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the large number of choices that you have. Even if you have chosen a bath over a shower, you still need to consider what type of bath to get. However, don’t worry—all you have to do is follow some well-thought-out steps to choose the right bath.

But first, let me elevate your guilt of enjoying a bath: According to Yarra Valley Water, a half full bath uses 80 litres of water on average, while a full bath can use up to 140 litres of water. Given that the average person takes an eight minute long shower at 7-15 litres per minute, depending on your show head, it seems that taking a bath may actually be more efficient in lowing water consumption than a shower. With this in mind, now you can enjoy having a relaxing daily bath knowing you’re being water conscious.

As the head of purchasing at Ross’s, I’ve observed how our customers go about selecting baths. Thanks to this, I have more than a fair idea about this process and in this article, I will share with you simple steps to help choose the right bath for your bathroom.

Bath Positioning

There are many types of baths to choose from, but the position of the bath will usually determine which type is best for your bathroom. Therefore, first, consider your space to assess where your bath can fit. Then, you will know which type of bath to look at to find the perfect bath for your bathroom or ensuite.

Typically, you will have three options; to position it against a wall, which is the case with smaller bathrooms, to position it anywhere in the room, which is the case for larger bathrooms, or to position it in the corner of a room.

• Against a wall: This is common in smaller bathrooms, making insert baths or back-to-wall baths the best choices for a seamless fit along one wall.
• In the corner on the room: Positioning a bath in the corner is an excellent way to save space, especially in compact bathrooms. Corner baths like our Madrid Back to the Wall Corner Bath are designed for this purpose, providing functionality without compromising style.
• Anywhere in the room: If your space allows, positioning a bath anywhere in the room opens up a wider range of options. Freestanding baths and clawfoot baths work beautifully in open spaces, creating a luxurious focal point that suits larger bathrooms.

For those simply replacing an existing bath, your options may be limited to similar styles for ease of installation. Freestanding baths, while popular, require considerable space to avoid overcrowding and to maintain bathroom functionality. Choose a freestanding bath only if you have ample room or are planning a full remodel where space can be allocated accordingly.

Types of Baths

When it comes to bath types, there’s a wide selection to suit different styles, spaces, and preferences. The main options include freestanding baths, insert baths, and back-to-wall baths. Freestanding baths are the ultimate luxury choice, often serving as statement pieces that can be positioned anywhere in the bathroom. Insert baths, on the other hand, are built-in and practical, saving space by fitting flush against walls, while back-to-wall baths combine freestanding elegance with wall placement to save on space and cleaning.

Additional options include corner baths for compact spaces, clawfoot baths for a vintage touch, and spa baths for an at-home therapeutic experience. Each type offers unique benefits, whether you’re prioritising style, space, or relaxation.

Insert Baths

Insert baths, also known as “drop-in baths,” are a classic and practical choice, typically installed into a tiled hob or cavity, making them a popular option for budget-conscious renovations. They save space and are very affordable, though they tend to have a more traditional look, which may not suit ultra-modern bathroom styles.

Modern insert baths are crafted from durable acrylic, reinforced with fiberglass for added strength. Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers the budget-friendly Pavillion Insert Bath, with prices ranging from $280 to $320—a solid choice for those prioritising affordability.

Freestanding Baths

Freestanding baths are undeniably the most sought-after bath today. Unlike traditional insert baths, freestanding baths require no hob or wall support, which allows them to be positioned virtually anywhere in the bathroom. This versatility makes them a centerpiece and a true design statement, ideal for those looking to create a luxurious and spacious feel in their bathroom.

These baths are crafted from high-quality acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass for durability, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with oval and square designs being the most popular. While freestanding baths are generally more expensive than insert baths, they’re seen as an investment in both style and comfort. Prices start from around $900, with high-quality models like Ross’s Galaxy Oval and Galaxy Square freestanding baths beginning at $1100.00, offering a contemporary and elegant solution for any modern bathroom design.

Back to Wall Baths

Back-to-wall baths offer the perfect blend of functionality and style, sitting somewhere between an insert bath and a freestanding bath. Designed to install directly against a wall, they don’t require a hob, making them a space-savvy option for bathrooms that want the luxury look of a freestanding bath without needing extra floor space. With a straight edge for wall installation, they’re versatile and ideal for smaller bathrooms looking to achieve a contemporary, streamlined aesthetic.

These baths come in a variety of shapes, including oval, round, and square, offering flexible design options to suit different bathroom layouts. Back-to-wall baths are typically priced similarly to freestanding baths due to their versatile design. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, popular choices include the Morocco Back To The Wall Freestanding Bath, starting at $1,150, and the Rio Back To The Wall Freestanding Bath at $1,250. Both options are available in classic white or a striking black exterior with a white interior, adding a touch of sophistication to any bathroom.

To learn more about whether a back-to-wall bath suits your space, check out our post, Benefits of Back to Wall Baths Over Freestanding Baths.

Corner Baths

Corner baths are an excellent choice for compact bathrooms, providing elegance and functionality without compromising on space. Designed to fit snugly into a corner, they maximize floor area and are an attractive alternative to traditional insert baths. Made from durable acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass, corner baths offer a luxurious bathing experience even in smaller bathrooms.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers stylish corner bath options, including the Madrid Back to the Wall Corner Bath at $1,440 and the modern Cube Corner Freestanding Bath, starting at $1,480, both perfect for small-space solutions with a touch of luxury.

Clawfoot Baths

As one of the earliest baths ever designed, the Clawfoot bath was for those in the late 19^th century what freestanding baths are for us today: a luxury item. Clawfoot baths are freestanding baths that sit upon clawed feet. Today, we make them from lightweight acrylic rather than traditional cast iron. The superfluity of Clawfoot baths has never died down, and they continue to be a product that signified luxury, high society and charm in bathrooms today.

Spa Baths

A popular type of bath in the 1990s, spa baths feature whirlpool jets that draw in water and force it back out to create effervescence in the water. The design of these baths has come a long way over the last couple of decades and is a great choice for those looking to create a spa-like retreat.

Choosing the Material

One of the most important considerations when buying a bath is the material. Baths are available in a variety of materials, including acrylic, stone, steel, and cast iron, each with unique characteristics. Among these, acrylic stands out as the most popular and practical choice, and it’s the material of choice for our bath range at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.

Acrylic is lightweight yet strong, making it easier to install than heavier materials like stone or cast iron, which may require reinforced flooring. In addition to being durable, acrylic is also affordable, retains heat well, and has a non-porous surface that resists stains, making it easy to clean and maintain. This combination of practicality, cost-effectiveness, and ease of upkeep makes acrylic a top choice for modern bathrooms across Australia.

While other materials like stone and steel are also available, they come with added challenges. Stone baths offer a luxurious look but are extremely heavy, expensive, and porous, requiring additional floor support and more intense cleaning. Steel and cast iron baths are known for their durability and classic appeal but are significantly heavier and pricier than acrylic. Steel can also feel cold to the touch, which may be a drawback for those seeking a comfortable, warm bathing experience.

Ultimately, acrylic baths provide an excellent balance of quality, style, and affordability, making them the smart choice for both renovators and homeowners seeking lasting value.

Choosing the Bath Shape

Each bath type is available in a variety of shapes and designs; therefore, this is another consideration. The type of bath can, however, restrict the available shapes. For instance, insert baths are generally all rectangular as they have to fit into a hob or cavity. However, other baths, such as freestanding baths, can come in a plethora of shapes including square, circle, oval and organic also.

When deciding on the shape, consider the design style of your bathroom and the fixers also. A modern or contemporary design supports circular, oval and square baths. A minimalistic design lends best to square-set baths, while a cottage or Hamptons style bathroom supports clawfoot baths and more organic shapes.

In terms of your fixtures, if your fixtures are curved, opt for an oval or circular bath. If your fixtures are square-set, consider a more square-set bath.

Choosing the Bath Colour

When it comes to baths, there is very little choice for colour. While is and forever will be the most dominant and popular choice – you cannot fail in choosing a white bath. However, current trends see other colours emerging, black especially, which is why we have started to stock a range of black baths here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, including our Morocco Back to the Wall Black & White Bath and our Rio Black & White Back to the Wall Freestanding Bath.

White baths complement any bathroom design style, while black baths are more suited towards monochrome and contemporary bathrooms.

Choosing the Bath Size

Baths come in various sizes, but choosing the right size is just as important as selecting the type of bath. Bigger isn’t always better. Selecting the right size bath for your bathroom comes down to the space size.

If you are building a new home, you will have a little more flexibility in size than if you were to renovate or replace like for like. New builds and complete bathroom renovations have the luxury of playing with the positioning of things to get a suitable bath size to meet your needs and space. Renovations that replace one bath for one of the same size need to stick to the original size.

The most common bath sizes are 1300mm, 1500mm, and 1700mm long, but insert baths vary. For example, our Renovator Insert Bath is available in two lengths: 1520mm and 1670mm, while our Pavillion Insert Bath is available at 1525mm and 1700mm. Therefore, please don’t assume you will get the bath you want in the size you need; they all differ in size, which will play a role in the selection process.

Next Steps: Choosing and Installing Your Bath

Once you’ve decided on the ideal bath type and material, it’s time to consider the practical side of choosing and installing it. For step-by-step guidance on selecting the perfect bath and tips for a smooth installation, check out our article on How to Choose and Install a New Bath.

Selecting the perfect bath for your bathroom requires balancing style, comfort, and practicality. From freestanding to inset baths, this guide will help you make an informed choice. If you’re exploring different bath styles and installation tips, check out these related articles:

• Black Baths for a Black Bathroom!
• Transform Your Bathroom with a Statement Bath: Top Trending Styles in Perth

Conclusion

Deciding to include a bath in a bathroom is always a good idea. However, with baths now available in a variety of types, designs, shapes and sizes, it’s important to consider the most important elements before you choose one based on looks alone. When selecting a bath, consider the positioning, type of bath, material, shape, size and then colour – in that order. Doing so will ensure you get the best-suited bath for the size and design of your bathroom.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we have a great collection of baths for you to choose from. Our baths are genuine high quality products, which are available at competitive prices. Moreover, our warehouse in Guildford is stocked with over $1 million worth of products, so should you choose to buy baths from us, they will be delivered to you in no time at all.

Visit our showroom, or shop online to buy quality baths in Perth. If you have any questions about baths, do give us a call. Our expert salesmen will help resolve any query that you may have.

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