Beckoning bathtubs

I spent the morning giggling as I watched my client climb in and out of various bathtubs. No, not this one, it feels too small. This one is too uncomfortable. But now this one, this one is just right! Does this sound familiar? While my client was not Goldilocks, he is like a huggable teddy bear who enjoys a good bath and we were doing our due diligence to make sure he got the perfect tub for his new penthouse.

I think that bathroom design and decor is often not given the time and energy it deserves. When it comes to refurbishing old or building new bathrooms, we often don't spend enough time customizing all the functions and items that come together to create this cleansing space.

Choosing the right tub is not something most of us pay enough attention to - after all, a tub is just a tub, right? Not necessarily. Don't you love a soothing hot bath at the end of a long stress filled day at the office in which to soak and relax.And let's not forget those romantic liaisons that happen in tubs filled with warm water, bubbles and champagne-filled flutes. A tub is often the focal point of a bathroom and deserves time and attention, ensuring that the right tub for your needs is chosen.

There are many different types of bathtubs on the market, and there is such a huge range, it is almost certain you will find one to suit your style. On the flip-side, failure to pay attention may find you stuck with a tub that is seldom used because it just doesn't fit, and an ill-fitting tub is a 'big' job to replace.

Shape and colour are your first two decisions when it comes to tub shopping. White is certainly in vogue but so is bone, linen and natural hues such as stone (yes stone tubes) copper, bronze or even glass. The shape of today's tub is varied, no longer are we stuck with the customary rectangular tube fitted between two walls, there are free standing tubs that sit on fabulous metal, acrylic or wooden bases, ovals, round bathtubs and, if you go to a specialist bathtub supplier, you can find tubs that are in all sorts of shapes and sizes, including leaf- and heart-shaped.

The next important decision is the size of the bathtub. If you are tall you probably want a tub that is 72 inches long, if you are shorter a long tub will be uncomfortable. There are wide ranges of two-person bathtubs available on the market, and although these will end up taking more space in your bathroom, it can be a great addition to the bathing experience. Designers picking up on the Zen theme have been specifying Japanese tubs, the original soaker tub. The only way to ensure the tub fits is to get in, dry test tubs in bathroom showrooms, don't be shy, get in and see if the tub fits.

You're almost there, just a few more decisions left to make. How about air jets, vibrational sound therapy and chromatherapy (coloured lights under the water)? Modern technology has found a home in the bathroom and the tub is the center of it all. I know there is lots to soak up with respect to buying a tub, but don't short change yourself, every time you 'soak' in that glorious tub you'll appreciate the efforts you made to find the one that's just right.