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Bath Styles and the history of the bath.
The timeline of baths in Great Britain is long and varied, with baths for hygiene and relaxation dating back to ancient times. In the earliest days, people would have bathed in rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. Over time, public baths began to appear in cities and towns, and by the Roman era, baths were an essential part of daily life.
The Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset, were hugely popular, and the setting remains a popular tourist attraction today.
As you’d expect, the influence of other bathing cultures was felt in Britain; in some ways, early traditions are still alive today. Cleopatra springs to mind if you mention Egypt and baths, bolstering her beauty by bathing in milk. However, Egyptians would wash together, ensuring they were thoroughly clean, to combat the intense heat in the country.
This way, a line can be drawn to the modern-day double ended baths, with taps in the middle, simultaneously facilitating two people in the same bath. Whether you want to speed up bath time for your children or enjoy a long, luxurious soak with a partner, the ways of doing so go back thousands of years.
During the Middle Ages, public baths began to decline in popularity, and by the 16th and 17th centuries, people primarily used them for medical treatment rather than personal hygiene. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, baths' popularity began to rise again, and by the 20th century, baths were again an essential part of daily life in England.
The discovery of mineral springs in 1716 made Cheltenham a popular destination for bath and spa treatments, which intensified after a visit by leading Royals in 1788.
Some key points in the next steps in the evolution of baths include:
· In 1829, Liverpool played host to the first modern public bath
· In May 1842, fresh-water public houses started to appear
· In August 1846, the Public Baths and Wash-houses Act was granted Royal assent
· In 1847, the first public bath in the capital was opened in Whitechapel
What are some of the leading benefits of washing in a bath?
Leading benefits of washing in a bath include:
· Washing in a bath can help to relax the body and mind.
· Washing in a bath can help to improve circulation.
· Washing in a bath can help to detoxify the body.
· Washing in a bath can help to improve the appearance of the skin.
· Washing in a bath can help to reduce stress levels.
While the benefits of bathing in a bath were well known, many UK households didn’t have a bath fitted permanently until the 1970s. Many TV shows of the 1960s reinforced how many families washed in a portable tin bath, often placed in front of the living room’s fireplace.
The state of the plumbing in UK homes was the critical factor which held back the presence of domestic baths, but in the past 50 years, they have virtually become standard.
Showers trailed baths across the United Kingdom, and many people today recall using a makeshift shower, with attachments to the hot and cold water tap of the tub connecting with a shower head. These were prominent until the 1990s, but since then, there has been a swift and significant movement towards bathing suites.
What are some of the most popular bath styles?
There are many types of bath styles, and which is considered popular can vary depending on the location and personal preferences. Some popular kinds of bath styles include:
Freestanding baths: These are standalone baths that are not attached to a wall and commonly consist of materials such as acrylic, stone, or cast iron.
Drop-in baths: These are baths installed into a deck or platform, with the top of the bath level and the surrounding surface.
Alcove baths: These baths fit in a three-sided alcove or recess in a bathroom.
Clawfoot baths: These freestanding baths with feet, often in the shape of claws, that support the tub's weight.
Whirlpool baths: These have jets that create a whirlpool effect, providing a massage while you bathe.
Walk-in baths: These are baths with a door or other opening that allows the user to walk into the bath rather than stepping over the side.
What are L-shaped baths, and why are they a great option for so many households today?
L-shaped baths are an innovative solution to modern bathroom design. By diverting the traditional bathtub shape along two walls instead of one, L-shaped baths are a great space-saving solution that makes taking a soak in your bathroom easy and expansive.
Several vital benefits make L-shaped options worth exploring for those interested in incorporating this type of bath.
L-shaped baths create improved levels of accessibility when entering and exiting the tub - making them ideal for disabled users or elderly individuals.
L-shaped baths provide plenty of valuable shelf space around their inner walls for storing cleaning products or placing decorative pieces within the room.
L-shaped designs offer easier access for cleaning and maintenance around the front of the tub feet – consolidating effort into one area without moving furniture from corner to corner. Overall, L-shaped designs provide many valuable benefits for homeowners seeking additional comfort and convenience in their bathrooms.
Why do straight baths stand out as a great option for many homeowners?
A straight bath is a tub with straight edges along the long sides, resulting in an oblong shape. This type of bathtub can add elegance to a bathroom and is space-saving too. It takes up less room than traditional rectangular or oval tubs while providing adequate soaking space. Some straight baths have rounded corners on the short sides, with feet at each for stability.
The straight bath also offers plenty of other advantages, such as being easier to clean and requiring fewer materials during installation than a corner bathtub. Straight baths provide more comfort and come in various sizes that fit most bathrooms. With all of its benefits and stylish look, it is no surprise straight bathtubs are increasingly popular!
The amount of space available in the home, or bathroom, significantly influences the style of bath a homeowner opts for.
Free standing corner baths save space, even if they take up more floor space
Free-standing corner baths are a great way to make the most of small spaces. Keeping the bath against two walls makes bath time more comfortable, as there is no need to stretch forward to reach a linear bath.
The bath also offers aesthetic benefits as these designs usually feature modern and stylish exteriors, which can add to your bathroom's look. In addition, many free-standing corner baths offer hydro-massage jets, providing an improved bath experience that gives a therapeutic massage while you soak in the tub. All this makes free-standing corner baths ideal for those looking for space and luxury in one bathing solution.
This bath style is likely to take up more floor space than a straight bath, but their unique shape makes them a more attractive choice for many bathrooms. Not all bathrooms have space for large baths, but a free-standing corner bath gives people plenty of room to relax and unwind.
Do shower bath suites provide the best of both worlds?
Yes, for many households, shower bath suites contain the best of both worlds, allowing bathing and shower opportunities, alongside the other leading bathroom accessories.
Key components of shower bath suites include:
· A shower bath suite typically includes a shower, a bathtub, and a sink.
· The shower is typically a walk-in shower with a glass door. The bathtub is usually a standard size tub. The sink is typically a pedestal sink or a vanity sink.
· Most suites also include a toilet and a bidet.
· Some suites also include a towel rack, shelves, or cabinets for storage.
· Shower bath suites are available in a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metal.
· They are also available in a variety of colours and styles to match any bathroom décor.
If you are keen to undertake a rewarding DIY project that makes life easier, and adds value to your home, installing a shower bath suite is an excellent option.
At Mega Bathrooms, we love the history of baths, but we have far more interest in the future of your bath. Whatever bath or bathroom style you want to enjoy at home, and no matter your washing and bathing personality, we have the products that will transform your house, bathroom, and life. Contact Mega Bathrooms today to see how the right bath style fits perfectly with your needs.
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