Caroma Urbane II Baths: The Perfect Centrepiece for Your Bathroom?
There’s a moment in every bathroom renovation project where you have to choose the hero. The one piece that will define the entire space. It sets the mood, and it will be the thing you look forward to using at the end of a long day. For so many Australians, that hero piece is the bathtub. When people walk into our showroom or browse our site, The Blue Space, they’re often looking for something that simply feels right. Something with clean lines. A contemporary feel. But also deeply comfortable. That’s when we start talking about the Caroma Urbane II baths. (and our eyes light up a little, to be honest).
So, you’re thinking about a new bath. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through pictures, imagining how a generous, beautiful tub would look in your own bathroom. It’s exciting, but it can also be a bit dizzying with all the choices out there. We get it; we’ve been helping people create their dream bathrooms for years and we have seen it all. We’ve seen trends come and go. Although some things just stick around for a reason. Quality. Design. Comfort. And that’s truly the heart of the Urbane II collection from Caroma.
So What Exactly is a Caroma Urbane II Bath?
Look, the way we see it is this. The Caroma baths in the Urbane II range are Caroma’s answer to contemporary Australian style. Simple as that, and it's a collection of baths designed with a distinctive look and feel. Think soft curves and clean, uninterrupted lines. They have these beautifully thin edges, which give them a seriously refined, almost architectural appearance, without feeling cold or stark. They’re not trying to be overly decorative or shout for attention; they’re quietly confident.
But it's more than just looks, because these are baths made for bathing. That might sound obvious, yet you’d be surprised how many stunning tubs are not that comfortable. (we've sat in a lot of them!) The team at Caroma spent a lot of time getting the ergonomics right. That means they have solid lumbar support so you can truly relax without getting a sore back after ten minutes. They’re also made from high-quality sanitary grade acrylic, a material which feels warm to the touch and is phenomenal at keeping your water warmer for longer. No more constantly topping up the hot water. It's a small detail. But it makes a massive difference to your daily soak.
Essentially, a Caroma Urbane II bath is a piece of design that combines form and function flawlessly. It’s a showstopper. It's something you’ll want to use every single day. A true centrepiece for your new bathroom.
Where Does a Bath Like This Actually Work?
Our team gets this question all the time. People fall in love with a specific style of bath. Then they worry it won’t fit the character of their home. The brilliant thing about the Urbane II Collection is its chameleon-like quality. The design is so uncluttered and current. It can slot into almost any bathroom style you can think of.
We’ve seen them installed in brand-new, minimalist homes in the city, where the bath’s smooth white finish contrasts strikingly with concrete floors or dark tiles. In that setting, it becomes a piece of sculpture—a focal point. But then we’ve also seen the exact same bath used in a renovated Hamptons-style home on the coast, where it was paired with shaker cabinetry and light oak floors. It works there, too. Its simple elegance doesn’t compete with the other design elements. It complements them. It just fits.
Got a classic family home? An Urbane II back-to-wall bath can give the main bathroom a much-needed fresh update so it won't feel out of place. It’s clean, super easy to maintain (no cleaning behind the tub!), and provides that indulgent feel the whole family can enjoy. What about a smaller bathroom or an ensuite? The collection includes more compact models, and they still offer that deep, relaxing soak without swallowing up the entire room. It’s all about bringing that touch of luxury into a space, no matter its size or style.
Let’s Break Down the Different Bath Types
When you're looking at bathtubs, one of the first things you need to decide on is the installation style. This is all about how the bath physically sits in your room, and it has a profound impact on the final look and feel. The Caroma Urbane II baths primarily come in two of the most popular styles our customers ask for: Freestanding and Back-to-Wall.
But to give you the full picture, let's talk about all the main options you'll find on our site, as it helps to understand the whole landscape.
Installation Styles: Where Will It Go?
Freestanding Baths: This is the ultimate statement piece. A freestanding bath stands on its own, completely unconnected to any walls. The Urbane II freestanding models are breathtaking. Their seamless lines and graceful presence command attention. They require more floor space. The plumbing needs to be planned for, usually coming up through the floor. But the visual payoff is immense. It creates an instant sense of luxury, like your own private spa.
Back-to-Wall Baths: Our team loves recommending these. A back-to-wall bath gives you the solid, contemporary look of a freestanding tub from the front. But it sits flush against the wall. This is a godsend for cleaning. (no more lost shampoo bottles back there). It’s a really sensible choice for family bathrooms. It provides a clean, built-in look while still feeling very current. The Urbane II back-to-wall baths are a runaway favourite for this reason.
Built-In Baths: A built-in bath, or inset bath, is dropped into a tiled hob or frame. This is a very traditional style, and it’s unbelievably practical because it gives you a ledge for shampoos, soaps, or even a glass of wine. While the Urbane II collection focuses on freestanding and back-to-wall, this style is still hugely popular for its functionality.
Shower Baths: Perfect for saving space, a shower bath combines your bath and shower into one footprint, often with a wider end for comfortable showering and a screen. It’s the workhorse of many smaller bathrooms and apartments.
Corner Baths: Another clever space-saver is the corner bath. It tucks neatly into a corner. It often provides a larger internal bathing area than a standard rectangular bath of the same length.
Island & Spa Baths: An island bath is like a built-in bath, but it’s set into a larger tiled 'island' away from the walls. For ultimate relaxation, spa baths come with built-in jets for a hydrotherapy massage experience at home.
Shapes and Forms: What’s Your Style?
The shape of your bath is just as critical as how it’s installed. It affects both the aesthetic and the comfort. The Urbane II range celebrates the soft curve of the oval, but there are many shapes to consider.
Oval Baths: This is the signature shape of the Urbane II collection. Oval baths are supremely comfortable. Their curved ends naturally support your back and shoulders. They have a softer, more organic look. It feels very calming and spa-like.
Rectangular Baths: An enduring classic. Rectangular baths are space-efficient. They offer a clean, geometric look that works well in structured, modern bathrooms. They are often the go-to for shower-bath combinations.
Round Baths: A bold statement piece, round baths, or circular baths, are all about indulgence. They require a lot of space. But they offer a unique, social, and deeply relaxing bathing experience.
Square Baths: Less common but very striking. A square bath can be a fantastic choice for a larger bathroom, offering a different geometric feel and often a deeper soak.
Slipper Baths: These are a type of freestanding bath where one end is raised higher than the other. This high back on slipper baths provides excellent support for your back and head. This makes them incredibly comfortable for long soaks, and they often have a more traditional, vintage feel.
Fluted Baths: A massive trend right now is the fluted bath, which has a textured, vertically ribbed exterior. This adds a lovely architectural detail and a play of light and shadow. While the Urbane II focuses on a smooth profile, we've seen customers pair its minimalist tapware beautifully with a more textured bath.
Materials: What’s it Made Of?
The material of your bath affects its weight, heat retention, feel, and durability. It’s a big decision.
Acrylic Baths: This is what the Caroma Urbane II baths are made from, and for good reason. Acrylic bathtubs are lightweight, which is great for installation, especially on upper floors. The material is warm to the touch and non-porous, making it stain-resistant and easy to clean. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that offers awesome design flexibility.
Stone Baths: The peak of luxury. Stone baths are made from a composite of natural stone and resin. They have incredible heat retention, and their finish is stunning, solid, and matte. They are very heavy, so you need to make sure your floor can support the weight. (always check with your builder on this one!) A true forever piece.
Steel Baths: Enamelled steel baths are incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and chemicals. Although they can feel a bit colder to the touch initially, they are a tough and long-lasting option often found in high-use family bathrooms.
The Real Benefits of Choosing Urbane II
So, why do we find ourselves recommending the Caroma Urbane II baths so often? It boils down to a few key things. We know these are important to our customers.
1. A Complete, Cohesive Look
This is probably the number one advantage. The Urbane II isn't just a bath; it’s an entire collection of bathroomware. This means you can get your bath, basin, taps, toilet, and accessories all from the same design family so everything just works together. You don’t have to stress. You don't have to wonder if the curve of your tap will match the curve of your bath. Caroma has done that work for you. It takes the guesswork out of designing your bathroom. It gives you a polished, high-end designer look. Effortlessly. (this is the secret to those magazine-worthy bathrooms).
2. Comfort is King
A bath can look amazing. But you'll never use it if it feels like you're lying on a pile of rocks. The Urbane II baths are genuinely designed for the human body. The gentle recline, the built-in lumbar support—these features are designed to let you lie back and properly unwind. It’s this focus on the user experience that really sets them apart. We've had so many customers come back and tell us it’s the most comfortable bath they’ve ever owned.
3. Quality You Can Trust
Caroma is an iconic Australian brand for a reason, with a reputation for quality and reliability built over decades. These baths are made from sanitary grade acrylic which is durable, chip-resistant, and easy to look after. Plus, they come with a rock-solid warranty. When you’re investing in a big-ticket item for your renovation, you want peace of mind, and you want to know it’s going to last and look great for years to come. That’s what you get here.
4. Timeless Modern Design
While trends are fun, your bath is a long-term commitment, so you don't want to pick something that will look dated in five years. The design of the Caroma Urbane II baths is contemporary, yes, but it’s also incredibly timeless. The simple lines and soft curves won’t go out of style. It’s a smart bet in the best way possible. It’s a design that will continue to look fresh and sophisticated as you update other elements in your bathroom over the years.
Some Other Things to Keep in Mind
Choosing your dream bath is the fun part. But there are some practical things our team always advises customers to think about before they click 'buy'. A little planning goes a long way.
Measure, Measure, Measure!
The number one rule of renovating is to measure your space carefully. Know exactly how much room you have for your bath. Don't forget to account for door swings, vanity drawers, and walking space around the tub. You need to be able to move comfortably in your bathroom. We have a great selection of small baths for compact spaces, with common sizes like 1200mm baths and 1300mm baths. Standard sizes are also widely available, including 1400mm baths, 1500mm baths, and 1600mm baths. For a truly luxurious soak, if you have the space, look at 1700mm baths or even our collection of baths over 1700mm. Map it out on the floor with tape if you have to. Visualise it. (it sounds silly, but it works every time).
Weight and Floor Support
This is especially important for freestanding baths and even more so for heavy stone ones. An acrylic bath like an Urbane II is lighter. But you still have to account for the weight of the water and the person in it. A full bath can be very heavy, so always have a chat with your builder or installer to make sure your floor structure is up to the task, particularly in older homes or on second storeys.
Plumbing is Key
You need to know where your waste pipe is going. For a built-in or back-to-wall bath, the plumbing is usually straightforward. For a freestanding bath, the waste and taps often need to come up through the floor. This needs to be planned well in advance. Plan it before your floors are finished. Talk to your plumber early in the process because it will save you a lot of headaches later on. (and probably some money, too).
Tapware Choices
How are you going to fill your bath? With a freestanding bath, you'll typically use floor-mounted tapware (a floor filler) or wall-mounted taps that are long enough to reach. With a back-to-wall or inset bath, you can use wall-mounted taps or deck-mounted taps. These sit on the rim of the bath or the tiled surround. Again, this is where the Urbane II collection shines. You can choose matching Urbane II tapware for a beautifully coordinated look.
So, are the Caroma Urbane II baths the right choice for you? If you’re looking for a bath that is beautifully designed, incredibly comfortable, and part of a wider collection that makes styling your bathroom a breeze, then our answer is a resounding yes. It’s a modern classic. We believe it truly stands the test of time. It's a piece that can turn any bathroom into a sanctuary.