Victoria + Albert share their expertise in bath design, offering advice for choosing a freestanding or built-in bath.

Victoria + Albert design both freestanding baths and built-in (also called drop-in or inset) baths. Each has its pros and cons. Brand manager Emma Joyce shares her view of current trends, and offers advice for choosing the right bath.

“At Victoria + Albert, we see a consistent trend towards freestanding baths at the premium end of the market,” she said. “Even in the UK, where bathrooms are some of the smallest in Europe.

“This may be because we have expanded our range of compact freestanding baths. These are just 1,500 mm long and fit into spaces where a built-in bath would normally be the only option.

“They add a touch of luxury to smaller bathrooms, and actually increase the feeling of space, as more floor space is exposed. Last summer, we launched smaller versions of our bestselling Barcelona, Toulouse and Amiata freestanding baths, and they have immediately become strong sellers.

“The advantage of a built-in bath is its suitability for bathing and showering. They can still be a stylish choice – Victoria + Albert’s Kaldera has a crisp profile and an ergonomic 32-degree angle of recline.

“The material choice matters. Typically, built-in baths are pressed steel. These are strong, but cold to the touch. Victoria + Albert’s Quarrycast stone composite baths are naturally warm, and retain the heat of the water. They are easy to maintain, stain- and scratch-resistant, and come with a 25-year warranty.

“But for any built-in bath, the quality of installation is key. A beautifully installed bath, surrounded by bold geometric tiling around the front panel and back wall, will create a genuinely luxurious feel for any domestic or hotel bathroom.”

For further information about any Victoria + Albert bath or basin, please email [email protected] or phone +44 1952 221 100. Victoria + Albert is part of the House of Rohl group, alongside Perrin & Rowe, Shaws of Darwen and Riobel.