1800mm Baths & Large Bathtubs Buying Guide
Picking a new bathtub is one of the best parts of a bathroom reno. Let's be honest, if you have the room for it, going big with your tub is a total game-changer. Your bathroom stops being just a room you use and starts being a room you enjoy. A proper 1800mm bath is more than just a bath; it's a promise to yourself to actually relax. You can stretch out, lean back, and just forget about the day. We get it here at The Blue Space, and we’ve seen firsthand how a generous tub can become the hero of a new bathroom.
So, What Exactly Is a Large Bathtub?
In Australia, most standard tubs are about 1500mm or maybe 1700mm long. An 1800mm bath gives you that crucial extra bit of length. We'd say anything from 1800mm up qualifies as one of these large bathtubs. That extra space means a world of difference in comfort. It's a dream for taller folks, or really, for anyone who's tired of having to choose which end of their body gets to be warm. These tubs are built for comfort, turning a quick wash into a proper soak. They have a real presence in a room and easily become the main design feature.
Who Are Big Baths Good For?
A large bathtub is a fantastic choice for any home that can fit one in. We see them used most often in a few key places:
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Master Ensuites: People want their ensuite to be a bit of a retreat, a private space to shut the door on the world. A big, comfy tub is pretty much step one in creating that vibe.
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Main Family Bathrooms: Bathtime with little kids is a lot easier with more space for splashing and toys. And once they're tucked in, it’s a properly comfortable bath for the grown-ups to use.
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New Builds or Big Renovations: When you’re working with a blank canvas, you can design a layout that makes a feature of the tub. It’s your chance to create a bathroom that really wows.
What Kinds of Large Tubs Can You Get?
Just because you're going big doesn't mean you're limited in style. You can find large tubs in pretty much every design you can think of, so you’ll find one that matches your vision. Let's break down the most popular types.
Freestanding Baths
Nothing says luxury quite like a freestanding bath. It's a piece of furniture in its own right, standing proudly in the middle of your space. An 1800mm freestanding model is a serious statement. You'll need a bit of empty floor around it, both for the visual effect and to make cleaning easier. They look amazing with floor-mounted taps and give your bathroom that five-star hotel feeling.
Back to Wall Baths
Love the solid, modern look of a freestanding tub but worried about cleaning behind it? A back to wall bath is a clever compromise. It has the beautiful curves of a freestanding model on three sides, but the fourth side sits flush against your wall. This gets rid of that annoying dust-trap gap and can save you a little bit of floor space too.
Built-In Baths
The good old built-in bath (or inset bath) is a classic for a reason. It's installed within a tiled frame, known as a hob. This is a super practical choice. The tiled ledge around the tub is the perfect spot for your shampoo, a candle, or your kid's bath toys. Getting an 1800mm built-in version gives you all that soaking space in a really tidy, efficient design.
Shower Baths
When you need a shower and a bath but don't have room for both separately, a shower bath is your answer. These are cleverly designed to give you the best of both worlds. They usually have a wider, squarer end for a roomy shower, often with a steeper wall to contain splash, while the other end is shaped for comfortable bathing. A long one means your shower feels spacious and your bath feels genuinely relaxing.
Corner Baths
A corner bath can be a smart way to use an awkward space. They tuck right into the corner, and their shape often provides a surprisingly generous amount of internal space, sometimes with a moulded seat. A big corner tub can feel incredibly roomy and turns a tricky layout into a real asset.
Island Baths
Think of an island bath as the next level up from a built-in. The tub itself is set into a large tiled platform that stands away from the walls, like an island. This creates a very grand and dramatic look. The huge platform area is perfect for sitting on, or for arranging towels, plants, and anything else you need for your personal home spa.
Spa Baths
If you want the absolute peak of relaxation, you can't go past a spa bath. With built-in jets that massage your muscles, it’s a therapeutic experience. An 1800mm spa bath gives you all the room you need to lie back and let the water jets do their work. It’s a bit of everyday indulgence that can make a real difference.
Let's Talk Shapes
The shape of your tub affects the whole look of your room and how comfortable the bath is. Luckily, large tubs come in plenty of different shapes.
Rectangular Baths
The familiar, classic shape. A rectangular bath is a safe bet. It's efficient with space, and its clean lines fit in just about anywhere, from super modern to traditional. A long rectangular tub is simple, comfortable, and effective.
Oval Baths
An oval bath brings a softer, more organic feel to a bathroom. The curved shape is really comfortable to lie in because it follows the natural lines of your body. They are often freestanding and help create a calm, spa-like atmosphere.
Round Baths
Want to make a real statement? A round bath is an unforgettable feature. They are often deeper than standard tubs, allowing for a full-body soak that feels amazing. You need a fair bit of space for one, but the bathing experience is quite special.
Slipper Baths
A slipper bath has a high, sloping back at one end (or sometimes both). This is designed specifically for leaning back, giving excellent support for your back and neck. It’s probably the most comfortable shape for someone who loves to read in the bath. It has a bit of a vintage feel but looks fantastic in modern spaces too.
Other Shapes
You can also find some more unique designs. Square baths offer a very sharp, architectural look for a minimalist bathroom. And a new favourite is the fluted bath, which has a textured, grooved exterior that adds a beautiful, subtle detail to your bathroom.
The Best Things About a Big Bath
So, is it worth going bigger? Absolutely. The perks are pretty clear.
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Real Comfort: This is the main reason. You can actually lie down flat and be covered in water. No more scrunched-up knees. For anyone on the taller side, it’s not just a luxury, it’s a necessity for a good bath.
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Room for Two: A shared bath becomes a genuinely nice experience instead of a logistical puzzle. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of resort-style luxury into your own home.
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It Looks Amazing: A big, beautiful tub is an instant focal point. It makes the whole room feel more expensive and luxurious. It's an investment in your daily happiness and your home's value.
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A Better Soak: Many of these bigger bathtubs are also deeper. A deeper soak is better for soothing tired muscles and properly warming you up.
What Are They Made Of?
The material of your bath makes a difference to how it looks, feels, and holds heat. The three main players for large tubs are acrylic, stone, and steel.
Acrylic Baths
Most baths sold today are acrylic, and for good reason. It’s relatively light, which makes getting it into your bathroom a lot easier. The material itself isn't cold to the touch, and it does a good job of keeping the water warm. It's smooth, easy to clean, and because it can be moulded easily, you can find it in all sorts of interesting shapes.
Stone Baths
For that top-tier, luxury feel, you can't beat stone. Usually a mix of natural minerals and resin, these tubs have a solid, silky feel. Their biggest advantage is that they hold heat incredibly well. Your bath will stay warm for ages. They are very heavy, so your floor will need to be properly supported, but the look and feel are pure indulgence.
Steel Baths
Enamelled steel baths are workhorses. They are incredibly tough. The enamel coating on the steel base is resistant to scratches and chemicals, so they stay looking good for a long, long time. They can feel a bit chilly before you fill them up, but they warm up fast with the hot water.
A Pop of Colour
You're not just stuck with white anymore (though white is a great choice!).
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White Baths: The go-to for a reason. A white bath is a timeless choice that will work with any tile or tapware colour you ever choose.
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Black Baths: A black bath is confident and dramatic. It creates an instant feature and looks amazing in a modern or industrial-style bathroom.
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Clay Baths: For a warmer, softer look, earthy tones are a beautiful option. Clay-coloured baths and other muted shades help create a calm, natural vibe.
Brands We Trust
We're pretty picky about the brands we stock. Here are some of the names you can rely on for a great large bathtub:
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Caroma: A true blue Aussie icon, known for quality that lasts.
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Decina: Masters of acrylic and spa baths, always focused on comfort.
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Fienza: Great at delivering on-trend, modern designs at a good price.
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Kaskade Stone: The specialists when it comes to gorgeous, high-end stone baths.
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ADP: Australian-made quality with a sharp eye for designer style.
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Bao: Known for their simple, elegant shapes and stunning stone designs.
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Turner Hastings: Your go-to for beautifully made, classic English-style baths.
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Belbagno: Bringing that slick European and Italian design flair.
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Clark: A household name in Australia that delivers reliable and practical tubs.
A Few Last Checks
Before you hit 'buy', just run through a quick mental checklist. Get the tape measure out and double-check your bathroom space. And don't forget to measure the doors and hallways you need to get the tub through! If you're looking at a heavy stone tub, have a quick chat with your builder about the floor support. Also, think about your taps – will they come out of the wall, off the floor, or be mounted on the tub's rim? Thinking about this stuff now saves headaches later. A big bath is a fantastic addition to any home, and with a little planning, you'll be enjoying your first perfect soak in no time.
