A slipper bath features one raised sloping end, enabling the bather to relax and soak in a comfortable lounging position. Since one end of this freestanding bath is higher than the other, it looks like a traditional slipper.
One raised end of a slipper bath makes it an effective solution for a small bathroom, as it takes up much less floor space than a regular bath. In addition, the sloping sides permit quick entry and exit.
Double-ended variants of this bath are large enough for two people to relax and soak in comfort and luxury.
Slipper baths are available in a variety of claws and feet for a stylish finish. These durable baths withstand dents, cracks, and scratches easily.
- History of Slipper Baths
- What Are Slipper Baths Made Of?
- The Shape, Design, and Sizes of Slipper Baths
- What Style of Bathrooms Do Slipper Baths Suit?
- Things to Consider When Buying a Slipper Bath
- FAQs
- Shop Slipper Baths
Navigate to any section of this post by clicking on the links above.
History of Slipper Baths
The slipper bath made its appearance initially in the washhouses and bathhouses during the Victorian era. During this period, the link between personal hygiene and healthiness was being emphasised by authorities.
As a result, the first known fresh-water public washhouse was opened in May 1842. The early slipper baths were made of cast iron and coated with enamel.
The distinct higher end was curved slightly to offer adequate support for the bather’s back and shoulders. This largely working-class bathing option was popular due to the privacy its sloping sides offered to the bather.
The slipper bath was, in essence, designed to retain heat, allowing the bather to soak in warm water for a long time.
What Are Slipper Baths Made Of?
1. Cast Iron
Slipper baths were originally made of cast iron and coated with enamel. This combination is incredibly durable. Hence, slipper baths made of these materials are available even today.
Cast iron baths are a timeless design, existing since the 1880s. These baths are made of iron fused with porcelain. The iron is first cast in the desired shape and then coated in a layer of enamel to safeguard it from chipping.
Cast iron baths resist scratches and cracking naturally. The earliest versions of these baths were freestanding and had claw feet.
Many cast iron bath models mimic vintage designs, though some models are available in modern shapes and designs. With proper maintenance, a cast iron bath can last for generations.
While baths made of other materials are lightweight, cast iron baths are decidedly heavy. As a result, installing a cast iron bath can be a bigger project compared to installing a bath made of other materials and, hence, more expensive.
2. Acrylic
Acrylic is a proven winner. This highly durable material is used to manufacture hardwearing, low-maintenance baths.
Whether you want a vintage claw feet bath or a luxury Slipper bath, you can get the desired bath model made of acrylic.
Acrylic baths are resistant to dents, scratches, and cracks. They are easily repairable, as well. It’s also easy to keep this smooth, non-porous surface clean using just non-abrasive detergent and micro-fibre cloth.
An acrylic bath can handle anything you throw at it – a busy family bathroom, a one-bedroom house, or washing your pet in the bath. So investing in an acrylic bath is a wise decision.
Advantages of Acrylic Slipper Baths
1. Inexpensive and Budget-Friendly
Affordability is one feature that sets acrylic baths apart. Fibreglass baths are the only baths that are cheaper than acrylic baths. So whether you intend to remodel your bathroom or simply upgrade an old bath, an acrylic bath will definitely fit your budget.
2. Lightweight
An acrylic bath comprises vacuum-formed acrylic sheets, frequently reinforced with fibreglass for extra durability. Acrylic is inherently soft, supple, and light. The light weight of the bath makes it easy to install. You can install an acrylic bath on any level since it is light and doesn’t need any floor reinforcements for installation.
3. Durability
Acrylic baths are durable and easily last for decades because they’re reinforced with fibreglass.
Some acrylic bath models with Beauforte reinforcement are essentially install-and-forget, as they come with an extended guarantee of 30 years for extra peace of mind.
4. Easy Maintenance and Repairs
Acrylic baths are easy-to-maintain and repair, so you won’t need to replace your bath for many years. You only need to use appropriate cleaning materials and methods.
Borax, cream of tartar, dish soap, or hydrogen peroxide is safe to use for cleaning an acrylic bath. But avoid harsh household cleaners such as ammonia, vinegar, and bleach, as they can cause permanent damage to the acrylic surface.
While an acrylic bath isn’t resistant to all damages, it’s easy to repair should any damage occur. You can easily polish out or fill in scratches, making an acrylic bath one of the easiest to repair.
5. Heat Retention
Heat retention is a crucial property to consider when you purchase a bath. Thankfully, acrylic baths retain a higher water temperature for a longer time compared to other materials.
The major convenience is that you don’t need to keep adding hot water to the bath water to keep it warm, making your bath more enjoyable.
The Shape, Design, and Sizes of Slipper Baths
A slipper bath is shaped like a shoe, with one side more pronounced. This design is ideal for bathing in a comfortable sitting position.
Slipper baths are available with feet and without feet. You can opt for a bath with feet to maximise space. But if space is not an issue, you can opt for a boat-shaped bath that sits flat on your bathroom floor.
The Emperor Slipper Bath, one of the smallest in our collection, has symmetrical sloping sides. The steep, high sides of this bath make it a comfortable place to relax with a glass of wine or a good book. This deep bath is designed to tuck your legs up comfortably.
A single-ended bath has a unique design. It has one square end for taps and one sloping end for the bather to lie back and relax.
In a double-ended bath, the bath taps are fitted in the center of the bath.
The Marlow Freestanding Oval Classic Bath is deep and wide. The extra room on the sides of this oval-shaped bath allows the bather to sit up comfortably.
The Chester Freestanding Classic Bath is rectangular. Its smooth curves and exquisitely molded detailing are impressive.
Sizes of Slipper Baths Available at Bathroom City
We have an assortment of slipper baths in our collection.
The length of slipper baths varies from 1500mm to 1780mm. The height varies from 575mm to 800mm, and the depth varies from 455mm to 800mm. As you can see, the range of the available bath dimensions is really wide.
What Style of Bathrooms Do Slipper Baths Suit?
Slipper baths are incredibly stylish, elegant, and comfortable. Since they are freestanding and not attached to any bathroom wall or fitting, they are suitable for both traditional and ultra-modern bathrooms.
A slipper bath can be accommodated in a bathroom of any size. But if your bathroom is small and the floor space is limited, you can opt for a slipper bath that stands on a ball and claw-style feet.
The variety of colours – white, black, grey, gold, copper, and more – available in Bathroom City means it’s easy to find a slipper bath that complements your bathroom decor. You also have the choice of painting the bath exterior to match your colour scheme.
Things to Consider When Buying a Slipper Bath
Bathroom Space
Space is of utmost importance when buying a slipper bath. You need space on either side of the bath for easy entry and exit. So make sure the bath isn’t oversized if your bathroom is small or undersized if your bathroom is large.
Since a slipper bath is a freestanding model, you need to ensure there is a generous amount of space on both sides of the bath. A slipper bath that stands on a ball and claw-style feet needs much less space, though.
Design & Style
Slipper baths are available in an assortment of designs and styles. From oval baths to rectangular baths and elongated baths to smooth-curved baths, you can find the bath design that matches your taste.
While homeowners preferred rectangular and elongated baths in the past, oval and smooth-curved baths are popular these days. That is understandable, as curved bath surfaces convey a sense of luxury.
Tap & Waste Location
The water supply for the bath tap of a slipper bath comes from below the floor. Hence, a complex under-floor plumbing installation – that’s not attached to the bath – is required.
Tap holes are not needed on the bath, as you can position the tap anywhere next to the bath.
You’ll also need to consider how the wastewater can be drained quickly after use. So connect the waste pipe correctly to ensure there are no leaks and the water from the bath drains quickly after use.
Also, remember the wastewater will run under the bathroom floor before joining the main drain.
FAQs
Are Slipper Baths Comfortable?
The sloped design of a slipper bath allows the bather to relax in a comfortable sitting position.
The bath is sculpted to support the bather’s whole body – back, shoulders, neck, and head – in a naturally relaxed position. The sides of the bath also act as armrests.
Can You Have a Shower in a Slipper Bath?
Slipper baths typically don’t have showers. But you can retrofit a slipper bath with a shower rod and shower screen.
It’s easier to have a shower in a slipper bath if one end of the bath is placed next to a wall. You can then place the shower head and other accessories on a mount on the wall.
However, if the slipper bath is positioned in the centre of your bathroom, the plumbing work needed to fit a shower head and other accessories will be more extensive.
Shop Slipper Baths
Bathroom City has a fine range of slipper baths, from Chester Traditional Roll-Top Bath to BC Designs Acrylic Boat Bath, from Burlington Emperor Slipper Bath to Blenheim Roll-Top Single-Ended Bath, from King Charles Roll-Top Bath to Leinster Double-Ended Bath, and more.
The selection is so extensive that you’ll easily find the right slipper bath for your bathroom. Our friendly team is always ready to help you pick the best slipper bath.
Additional articles you may enjoy reading: