When it comes to buying baths think space, comfort, usage and, of course, budget.

• Space: Do you have enough room to accommodate a bath and if so, how much? The size of tubs vary and freestanding styles are generally bigger than fitted baths.

• Comfort: If bathing is your ‘me time’ then comfort is going to be pretty key, so carefully consider the design of the baths you’re looking at and which will best suit your needs.

• Usage: Practically, do you use your bath a lot and do you have children to consider, as this will influence whether you go for a deep freestanding tub or a more practical fitted style. You may also prefer a bath-shower combination for functionality and to save on space.

• Budget: No matter what type of bath you’re considering, knowing your budget from the outset will help you select the right tub for your home.

• Acrylic: Durable and versatile, acrylic is the most popular bath material and has high heat retention, while also being more resistant to scratches and stains.

• Cast-iron: More expensive and much heavier than other materials, cast-iron requires a strong floor but remains popular with customers who want a more traditional look. These baths have good heat retention and can also be re-surfaced later, if required.

• Enamelled steel: A more cost-effective material, enamelled steel is incredibly strong, though it’s more prone to chips and scratches, which are then at risk of rust. Steel baths do not have the heat retention benefits of acrylic and cast-iron, however.

• Natural stone: A mixture of stone and minerals, combined with strong resin, this is another heavy material which requires a sturdy floor, although it does also offer good heat retention.

Straight baths: These commonly measure 1700mm x 700mm, although sizes range from 1200mm to 2000mm in length. You can add a bath screen to most straight baths for shower-bath options and purchase bath panels or tiling separately to go around them. If your bath is between two walls, you’ll only require a front panel, but corner baths will need both a front and end panel.

Single-ended baths: These usually have a gentle slope at one end for better back and shoulder support, while the opposite end, with the waste, overflow and taps, is straight.

Double-ended baths: These baths have the waste and overflow located in the centre, while both ends of the tub have a gentle slope for bathing at either end for that enhanced comfort.

Shower-baths: A great space-saving option, these tend to be larger at one end to allow space for showering, with a bath screen fitted to prevent water splashing onto the floor. The two main shower-bath designs are curved and square, although you can also get some straight baths in this style, for example, the keyhole-style shower bath.

Freestanding bath: Great as a focal point in your bathroom, freestanding baths come in a range of sizes but are generally larger than fitted tubs and can sit away from walls. Styles include baths with claw feet or flush-to-floor designs which don’t have a gap between the bath and floor.  

Whirlpool baths: If you want some spa-like vibes in your bathroom then whirlpool baths will give you a relaxing experience with in-built water jets and massage functions. As well as enhanced comfort, they’re also great for boosting circulation and relieving muscle aches and joint pain. You can also add a heater and underwater LED lights for further effect.

• Measure from the edge of the bath to the other side and repeat this for the height (top edge of the bath to the floor) and width (the most outer edge or widest curve to the front of the bath).
• Measure the depth of the bath – from the inside, measure from the deepest point of the tub to the overflow point. Always remember to measure from the most outer point of the bath’s edges. 

The short answer is, no. Freestanding baths do generally require more space, although there are smaller slipper styles available even within this type of design. Meanwhile, with corner baths, straight baths and shower-bath options, you might just be surprised by what you can fit into a smaller space!