Price Points: Copper baths

Copper baths

Even though we did a bit of a quick bathroom refurb when we first moved into our cottage, we always knew it was never going to be the finished article. I really wanted to install a power shower; at the time, we didn’t know whether we had the proper plumbing in place that would allow it. Luckily, a heating engineer has since told us that we do. Also, I’d like an update on the plain white acrylic bath that we inherited. That’s why I’ve been looking around at smallish copper baths.

After much online research, there didn’t seem to be a huge discrepancy in price; they’re all between £2,000 and £3,000.

The ‘Japanese’ tub (example ) is based on the country’s furo. You sit in it rather than recline, and it’s traditionally straight-sided and made from wood. This, of the three choices we’ve short-listed above, is probably the best option for us. Our bathroom is compact, to say the least; so the smaller the bath, the better. It may even give us the option of installing a separate shower cubicle.

Copper is a wonderful material to use for a bath tub. Firstly, it’s a great conductor of heat; meaning bath water stays hot for longer. I enjoy a really long soak with a book and/or glass of wine – so I won’t need to top up when the temperature gets too low.

Secondly, it’s an antimicrobial material. Apparently, it ‘contact kills’ 99% of harmful bacteria, which means you don’t need to use harmful chemicals to keep it clean.

Lastly, it’s a beautiful looking metal. It looks warm and inviting and, as patina develops with use, it gets even more attractive.

  1. Japanese copper soaking tub (121 x 81 x 92cm): £2,220.74, Etsy
  2. Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / pop-up bath, waste included (172.72 x 81.28 x 71.12 [one end] 48.26cm [other end]): £2,299.00, eBay
  3. BC Designs boat freestanding bath, copper (150 x 72.5cm): £2,656.25, Plumbworld

shop copper baths

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74

Creating a vintage-feel bathroom

'Creating a vintage-feel bathroom' blog post banner

Grey, vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

No matter how many modern bathroom designs and features we’re exposed to now and in years to come, there’ll always be a special affection for traditional, vintage-feel bathrooms. These designs were, of course, modern once upon a time, so here are some products and styles that The Bath House Online believe to be key in helping create a real vintage-inspired bathroom.

roll-top bathtub in a vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

Free-standing roll-top bath

The focal point of any traditional bathroom suite is more often than not the bathtub, and what could provide a more period look than a shiny free-standing bath with feet and a roll-top edge. With the bath interior extending out and overlapping the exterior before rolling back on itself to create a smooth, rounded edge, you know you have a bathtub worthy of any vintage bathroom. The addition of feet elevates the bathtub slightly off the ground as well and adds to the already traditional design, especially when matched with the taps.

pedestal basin in a vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

Pedestal basin

There was a time when bathroom basins weren’t settled on a counter top with storage space underneath or hanging from a wall with no additional support. This was the time of pedestal basins; free-standing from the ground, with all pipework hidden by a hollow yet solid looking plinth. These plinths, or pedestals, provide the same effect on basins as feet on bathtubs – not always a necessity but add a unique element of style that was so popular in years gone by. For that even more vintage feel, fit separate taps for hot and cold rather than one single mixer tap.

high-level cistern in a vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

High-level cistern

Sometimes, practicality in the bathroom is key and a toilet that’s compact enough to almost be hidden away and blended into the background is the best option. Going back half a century, however, there must have been quite a different mentality when you consider the high-level cistern. The toilet bowl and seat are the same, but the actual cistern stands tall above the rest, connected by a thin pipe and a pull-chain dangling down. If a traditional WC is what you’re after for a vintage bathroom, they don’t come much more traditional than a high level cistern.

wooden floor & panelling in a vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

Wood

Adding not just a vintage feel to your bathroom, but a warm, homely one too, wood remains a popular material choice for everything from floor to ceiling. Start with specially glazed wooden floorboards and match this particular tone of wood with other objects that eyes will be drawn to such as storage cabinets, intricately carved mirror frames and toilet seats. Right down to the finer details, wood maintains that effect; door handles and shelves may go unnoticed, but go a long way in contributing to the picture as a whole.

Lighting

The right lighting is key in rounding out the vintage ambiance of your bathroom. In vintage design, lighting isn’t just functional; it’s a crucial element of style. Go for softer, diffused light sources that mimic the warm glow of a bygone era. Wall sconces with frosted glass or antique brass finishes, chandeliers with exposed filament bulbs, or even candle-style lights can dramatically enhance the vintage feel. During the day, natural light plays a significant role in how the space feels. Installing custom blinds can help you control the intensity and flow of daylight, allowing you to adjust the ambiance to suit your mood or the time of day, enhancing the nostalgic charm of your vintage-inspired bathroom.

The Bath House Online has a fantastic range of affordable bathroom products perfect for creating your very own vintage bathroom. They house collections from many leading bathroom brands to cater for all sizes, styles and budgets.

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