If your bathroom real estate is at a premium, you probably don't have a bathtub. While this may be okay for some people, it can be a hassle if you have small children, mobility issues, or even just like a good, hot soak once in a while. Just because your have a small bathroom, however, doesn't mean you have to go without a tub. Here are four solutions for small spaces that you might be able to use in your home when a conventional tub isn't an option.
Shower Bench
Sometimes the desire for a bathtub can stem from wanting to be able to sit down while washing. This could be due to physical problems with standing for long periods or simply wanting the comfort of a seat to shave your legs or wash your hair.
If this is your issue, consider adding a bench to your shower. A freestanding bench made of teak wood will withstand moisture and can be moved out when you don't need it or want it in another area of the bathroom. There are also fold-down models you can mount to the wall for an impromptu seat whenever it's needed.
Portable Bathtub
A portable bathtub is a perfect option if you are a renter or don't have any budget for remodels. These can be purchased online in several different styles, depending on your needs:
Repurposed Tub
If you have a little money for remodeling and want a look that's unique, how about converting a livestock tank to a tub? This is a popular option for many people, as a metal stock tank can work with both rustic or antique decor and more modern, industrial design.
You can place a tank inside an existing shower or remove the shower stall and replace it with the tank. Depending on where on the wall you place your plumbing, you can use this solution as just a bathtub or as both a tub and shower.
Look for a trough that has a plug on the bottom to drain water out if you're using it inside a shower. Otherwise, have your contractor rig a way to drain the bath water through a hole in the floor or a pipe running to an existing drain. Use an old-fashioned oval shower curtain rod with a curtain to prevent splashes if necessary.
Walk-In Tub
If you want a more permanent or high-end solution, a walk-in tub is the way to go. Like the options above, walk-in tubs can fit in a shower footprint, whether circular, square, or even in a bathroom corner. With grab bars and walls that open to the floor level, they offer safe and easy entry and exit for seniors or people with mobility issues. There's no back strain lifting kids in and out either.
Walk-in tubs today have wonderful amenities. Many models have built-in benches, so you don't have to sit at floor level--another boon for mobility challenges. You can find many designs with jets for water therapy on different parts of the body, and there are also models with head rests and spray nozzles.
Don't let living in tight quarters keep you from having a bathtub. Try one of the solutions above, and you may never want to go back to regular old showering again.
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Share11 November 2015
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