ᐅ Which bathtub shape should we choose?

Created on: 26 Mar 2020 20:52
P
Pinky0301
Pinky030126 Mar 2020 20:52
Hello,
I hope you are all still healthy!
I am currently overwhelmed by the incredibly large selection of bathroom fixtures. I’m stuck when it comes to choosing a bathtub.
A few key details: built-in bathtub, size 180x80cm (71x31 inches), 2-seater, so the drain is in the middle, material: this is a whole science on its own. Since we were happy with our Kaldewei tub before, we want steel enamel again.
Now I am faced with the dilemma of whether the tub should be oval or rectangular. Rectangular looks more modern, I think. But I don’t know how comfortable sitting in it is, or if you can even notice a difference compared to an oval shape.
The oval tub provides more ledge space in the corners. Our tub will be installed in a corner where there will already be shelf space on the sides, so that’s not very important.
Intuitively, I thought the internal dimensions of a rectangular tub would be larger. Surprisingly, when I compared them, the oval tub is actually bigger in that regard.
So I have no idea what criteria I should use to decide. Do you have any tips or ideas?
Attached are two pictures from Kaldewei to illustrate what I mean.

White bathtub seen from above with smooth interior shape and surrounding rim.


White rectangular bathtub photographed from above showing the interior space clearly
C
Curly
26 Mar 2020 21:11
We had considered that as well and went to a large bathroom showroom, but ended up feeling misled. The round bathtubs were very uncomfortable for me because I felt very restricted at the shoulders. I found the rectangular tubs much more comfortable, so the decision was easy. I would definitely recommend trying that out yourselves.

Best regards,
Sabine
Tina mit K26 Mar 2020 21:14
If you can, I would always recommend visiting a showroom and trying the bathtub out in person. The most important thing is that the tub is comfortable, especially since these products can be quite expensive. I wouldn’t want anything that might look better but doesn’t fit my body well.

There is also a combination of both shapes:
Oval, white freestanding bathtub, photographed from above, with central drain.

For example, this type of tub is not built-in or enclosed.

Otherwise, should the shape be based on the design of the sinks?
C
Curly
26 Mar 2020 21:20
Your pictured "Conoduo" has quite a sharp edge, we have the "Puroduo," which is more rounded in the head-neck area.

Best regards
Sabine
Pinky030126 Mar 2020 21:26
@Curly Thank you for the tip! Are you satisfied with the Puroduo? I really like the design, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have white plugs, which we like a lot. We also have neck pillows for the bathtub, so the edge probably wouldn’t be a big issue. And we could choose the matching undermount sink.

@Tina mit K Your suggestion doesn’t work for us because the bathtub is installed from both short sides. Still, thanks. During the pandemic, it’s probably difficult to try things out. Most stores usually don’t have all the models available anyway. Also, we will probably order online, which makes trying in-store even harder. My husband doesn’t really care if the bathtub and sink are from the same collection. I’m not sure. They’re at least not next to each other. Otherwise, see above.
Y
Ypsi aus NI
26 Mar 2020 21:59
Hello pinky, I find the rounded bathtub shape much more appealing. As my predecessor mentioned, I also find the 'neck edge' very uncomfortable. I cannot judge how much a cushion might help with that. However, I think this more rounded shape simply fits the shoulders and back better. It is really very comfortable to lie in. I can say that even after 8 years of using it 1–2 times per week!

Our bathtub does not come from the same range as our washbasin (from Esprit), but the washbasin and bathtub have a similar shape (no edges). Although the materials are different (acrylic vs. mineral cast) and both items stand next to each other, there is no visible difference! On the contrary, we were often asked which coordinated bathroom furniture series we have!

Good luck