If the results of yesterday’s poll is anything to go by, then we might be the only people celebrating the return of the tiled bath.
Currently we are working on nine bathrooms across four projects, so there have been a lot of questions and much debate around freestanding bath versus a built-in bath. During these explorations and research we’ve come to fully appreciate the beauty and smart design that is possible with a tiled built-in bath. Something we’re excited to share with you and talk you through today.
It’s also worth noting that some of the best examples use very few materials, a technique which makes small spaces feel unified and calm.
Take note of the high ledge and raised lip behind the bath in this bathroom design. A small design element that brings a lot of functional interest – and practicality – to the space.
Image Source: The Tile Cloud
In this beautiful pink bathroom, the floor tile was not only used as the bath surround, but the design feature was also extended around the room as the wall skirting. A beauitulf finishing touch that ties the whole look of the bathroom together.
Image Source: The Local Project
The most asked question on tiling a bath surround is whether we match the tiles to the floor tiles or to the wall tiles. There is no right or wrong answer here. It’s all about personal preference, which for us means the installation design.
We’ve already seen spaces where the floor matched the bath. In the these bathrooms we’re seeing options where the walls match the bath. We love the seamless floor to ceiling finish it brings to the setting.
Image Source: The Local Project + The Local Project
You’ll soon notice that in most situations, and for good waterproofing reasons, the bath is pushed right up against a wall edge. When you have a shower bath combination, this helps with water accumulation and water proofing around the bath tub.
However in this design they created an equal depth surround on three surrounds, which gives the bath a strong presence and sense of gravitas. More like a sauna or spa bath.
Image Source: Fire Clay Tile
If you want to take things one step further, you can consider a custom built bath, where the whole bath unit is tiled. Yes, a fully tiled bath. While we love the idea conceptually, we’re not a hundred percent sure on the comfort levels of the bath. We think it would need to be really deep, so that you can almost submerge yourself into the water.
Image Source: Homes To Love + Abi Interiors