Round Baths

A Guide to Round Baths: Creating Your Personal Sanctuary

Picking a new bathtub is a pretty big deal. Look, you don't buy a new tub every day. Getting the right one can change the whole game for your bathroom, making it a room you actually want to hang out in, not just use. Rectangular tubs are fine, but lots of folks are after something with a bit more wow factor. Here at The Blue Space, we've seen first-hand how a circular tub can become the hero of a bathroom renovation, offering a bathing experience that’s a world away from the norm. It’s all about carving out a small piece of calm for yourself.

What on Earth is a Round Bath, Anyway?

In the simplest terms, it’s a tub that's circular. No long, narrow sides here. A round bath is all about its width and, crucially, its depth. You don’t get into this kind of bath for a quick scrub. It's designed for proper, long soaks. The circular design often means it’s deeper than your average tub, letting you get the water right over your shoulders. They are almost always freestanding, which means they are designed to be a standout feature in the room. Because you can walk right around it, it feels less like a plumbing fixture and more like a deliberate piece of furniture. It’s the perfect way to soften up a room full of hard lines and square corners, adding a curve that just makes a space feel a bit more relaxed.

Where Do Round Baths Actually Work?

You might picture a round bath needing a bathroom the size of a ballroom, but that’s a bit of a myth. They can actually work in more places than you'd think.

If you've got the space in a master ensuite, a round bath is a total show-off piece. Imagine it sitting in the middle of the floor or parked under a window... it's an instant dose of that fancy hotel feeling. It creates a dedicated 'relaxation zone' that feels separate from the sinks and the loo. It’s a real showstopper.

In a medium-sized bathroom, a round bath can be a clever move. Because it isn't long and skinny, a round tub can sometimes tuck into a corner or an odd spot surprisingly well. That can really open up your floor space, making the room feel bigger. You can get more creative with your layout, instead of just pushing everything against the walls.

And yes, even in some smaller bathrooms, a compact round bath can be a winner. A smaller diameter 'soaker' tub gives you that deep, luxurious soak without eating up all your precious floor space. These smaller, deeper models are all about a comfortable, upright bathing position. They're a fantastic alternative to other small baths, proving you don’t need a massive room to have a bit of indulgence.

The Different Kinds of Round Baths

Okay, so they're all round. But that's where the similarities end. Getting into the details of style, material, and size is how you'll find the one that’s just right for your bathroom – and your wallet.

How They're Installed

Nearly every round bath you’ll see is a freestanding model. It’s their natural state. This means you’ll need taps that come up from the floor or out of the wall, and the tub itself becomes a big feature. But there are a couple of other options. An island bath is a bit similar but often has a wider rim, which is handy for putting your shampoo on or for making it easier to get in and out. You can also find round tubs that are designed to be built-in. This is where the tub is dropped into a tiled platform or surround. This can look really integrated and gives you loads of shelf space, but it’s a more complex installation.

What Are They Made Of?

The material you choose changes the whole feel of the bath, not to mention its weight and price tag.

Acrylic

This is a very common choice, and for good reason. Acrylic tubs are light, which your builder will thank you for, especially if the bathroom is upstairs. You won't get that chilly shock when you lean back, as the material itself feels warmish to the touch. Plus, cleaning is dead easy because there are no tiny pores for grime to get stuck in. Good brands like Decina and Caroma make excellent, long-lasting acrylic models.

Solid Surface / Stone

If you want that super high-end, heavy feel, then a stone bath is the way to go. They’re made from a composite of natural minerals and resin. The result is a tub that looks like it was carved from stone, holds heat really well, and has a lovely smooth, often matte, finish. They are seriously heavy, so you absolutely must get your floor checked by a professional to make sure it can take the weight. Look at brands like Kaskade Stone and Bao for some beautiful examples.

Enamelled Steel

These are built around a steel core that's coated in a super tough enamel. It’s hard to scratch or chip them. The surface can feel a bit cool before you run the water, but give it a minute, and steel baths do a great job of keeping your bath hot.

Let's Talk Size

They're not all gigantic. You can get them in a few different diameters to fit the room you have.

• Compact Soakers (around 1200mm - 1300mm): These are brilliant for tighter spots.

• The Sweet Spot (1400mm - 1500mm): This is a really popular size. It’s generous for one person to really stretch out and relax. It fits well in most main bathrooms without feeling cramped.

• Go Big or Go Home (1600mm, 1700mm, and even bigger): These are properly massive baths. They can comfortably fit two people and create a true home spa experience. You’ll need a very generous room for one of these.

Why You'll Love a Round Bath

So, why go to all this trouble for a different shape? It really comes down to the experience.

1. It's All About the Soak

Round baths are built for depth. You can sit down properly and have the water come right up to your shoulders. It's a much more immersive feeling than a standard tub can give you. Great for sore muscles after a long week. Of course, if you want to add jets and bubbles to the mix, you might want to look at our dedicated spa baths.

2. It Looks Amazing

Simple as that. A round bath is a showpiece. Trust us, it'll be the first thing anyone comments on. The curved shape looks fantastic against the straight lines of tiles and vanities, or even square baths. It's a simple thing that makes the whole room feel like it was put together by a pro.

3. You Can Put it Anywhere

Well, almost anywhere your plumber agrees to. Because a freestanding tub is finished all the way around, you don't have to jam it against a wall. Put it in the middle of the room. Put it on an angle. This freedom gives you the chance to create a more interesting layout than you get with a typical back-to-wall bath or a tub designed for a corner.

4. It Can Make a Room Feel Bigger

Here's a weird one: they can make a room feel bigger. We know, it sounds wrong, but it’s true. With no sharp corners to bump into, walking around it just feels easier. Plus, being able to see more of the floor under a freestanding tub is a classic designer trick for making a space feel less cluttered.

Okay, Just a Few Final Pointers

Before you rush out and buy one, here are a few final practical points.

Finishes and Colours

Sure, glossy white is the go-to, and it always looks good. But you’ve got other options. A matte white has a softer, more modern look. If you’re feeling bold, a black bath is a knockout. We're also seeing some beautiful tubs in earthy colours like clay, which create a really chilled-out space. And don't forget texture – something like a fluted bath adds that little bit of extra detail.

Taps and Pipes

Your tap choice is important. For a freestanding round bath, you'll probably need a floor-mounted tap. These are tall taps that stand next to the bath and often come with a handy shower wand. The other option is to have the taps come straight out of the wall. Just make sure your plumber knows about this plan early on!

Weight and Flooring

I mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating. If you're going for a stone bath, you have to get your floor checked. They are incredibly heavy even before you add hundreds of litres of water and yourself. Get a builder to take a look. It's a step you can't skip. Lighter acrylic tubs don't really have this issue.

Can You Shower In It?

In a word, no. Round baths are terrible for showering. The shape is all wrong, there's nowhere flat to stand, and you can't really fit a shower screen. They are for bathing only. If you need a shower and bath in one, you'll need to look at a proper shower bath.

Brands You Can Rely On

Buying a bath is an investment, so you want to get it right. We work with some of Australia’s best and most reliable brands, so you know you’re getting quality that will last. You can find fantastic round bath designs from names like Fienza, ADP, Belbagno, Clark, and Turner Hastings. Each brand has its own spin on the round bath, which means you've got heaps of good choices.

Ultimately, picking a round bath says you want your bathroom to be a proper retreat, not just a utility room. It's a confident move, and it's how you get a room that you, and your guests, won't forget.

Frequently Asked Questions