1400mm Baths: Your Secret Weapon for Small Bathrooms
Let's be real. The Aussie dream of a giant bathroom with a tub you could swim in doesn't always match reality. So many of us are working with bathrooms that are, shall we say, a bit cosy. Maybe it's a city apartment, a classic terrace house, or a modern ensuite that’s more about function than floor space. You look at the room and think, "There's no way I can fit a proper bath in here." Well, we're here to tell you to think again. The 1400mm bath is the clever solution you might not know about, and it's a total game-changer. We at The Blue Space see these compact tubs work magic every day, turning cramped spaces into relaxing retreats.
So, What is a 1400mm Bath, Anyway?
No complicated jargon here. It’s a bathtub that’s 1400 millimetres, or 1.4 metres, long. Most baths you see are around 1500mm or even 1700mm. That extra 10 to 30 centimetres makes a huge difference when you're planning a layout. It can be the deciding factor between having a walkway and having to shimmy past the toilet. A 1400mm tub fits squarely into what we call the small baths category, but don't let the name fool you. It's more than long enough for a seriously comfortable soak (you might just need to bend your knees a bit) and it’s the absolute perfect size for bathing the kids. It’s not about compromise; it’s about being smart with your space.
Real-World Scenarios: Where This Tub Fits Perfectly
This isn't some niche product for a tiny home. The 1400mm bath is a problem-solver in loads of common Aussie reno situations.
The Ensuite Escape
You want a private bath, a little sanctuary away from the rest of the house. But ensuites are often tight. A compact tub lets you have that little piece of luxury without making the whole room feel claustrophobic. You can still have your shower, your vanity, and room to move.
The Hard-Working Family Bathroom
In apartments or townhouses, the main bathroom has to do it all. A 1400mm tub is the hero here. It handles kid's bath time with ease but leaves that crucial extra floor space for the morning rush hour.
The Ultimate Combo
The shower-over-bath setup is a classic for a reason. It saves a tonne of space. A 1400mm shower bath is the ideal foundation for this, giving you a proper showering area and a comfortable bath in one neat footprint.
Awkward Spaces
Got a weird alcove? A strange L-shaped room? A shorter bath gives you way more flexibility. You can tuck it into places a standard bath just won't go, helping you create a layout that actually makes sense.
Finding Your Style: A Look at 1400mm Bath Types
Going small on size doesn't mean you go small on style. The range of bathtubs in this size is massive, so you can absolutely find one that nails the look you're going for.
Freestanding & Island Baths
Want that 'wow' moment when you walk in? This is it. A 1400mm freestanding bath is a piece of sculpture for your bathroom. Because you can see the floor all around it, it tricks the eye into thinking the room is bigger. Some are designed as true island baths, meant to be the absolute centre of attention. You just need to make sure you have space for the floor-mounted taps and enough room to clean around it.
Back to Wall Baths
This is the genius hybrid design that’s become incredibly popular. You get the solid, modern look of a freestanding tub, but the back sits totally flush against your wall. A back to wall bath gives you a clean, streamlined look and, best of all, gets rid of that dusty, impossible-to-clean gap behind the tub. Practical and beautiful.
Built-in Baths
The classic workhorse. A built-in bath, or inset bath, is dropped into a tiled frame. This is a great, budget-friendly option that creates a really cohesive look with your wall and floor tiles. Plus, that tiled ledge is super handy for sitting on, or for lining up all the bath toys and bubble bath bottles.
Corner Baths
If you have a corner that's just not working, a corner bath can be a clever way to use that space efficiently. They often feel surprisingly roomy inside because of their shape.
Spa Baths
Think a small bath can't be luxurious? Think again. You can find 1400mm spa baths complete with jets. It’s the perfect way to bring a bit of that day-spa hydrotherapy experience home, even when you're short on space. A fantastic option for your ensuite retreat.
Why a Smaller Tub is a Big Win
The benefits go way beyond just fitting in the room. There are some real perks to this compact choice.
More Room for Everything Else
It’s simple. The space you save on the bath can go towards something else you really want. A bigger shower. A double vanity so you’re not fighting over the sink. Or just more open floor space so the room feels calm and uncluttered.
Saves Water and Power
A smaller tub needs less water to fill up. That’s good for your water bill and good for the planet. It also means your hot water system doesn’t have to work as hard, which saves on your energy bills too.
Fills Up Faster
Nobody likes waiting. A 1400mm bath fills up noticeably quicker than a big old 1700mm one. That means less time waiting and more time soaking. A simple pleasure, but one you'll appreciate on a busy night.
Awesome for Kids
Bathing little ones in a huge tub can feel a bit like they're lost at sea. A smaller, shallower bath is much more manageable and feels safer for both kids and parents.
More Things to Chew On
Okay, you're sold on the size. But there are a few more choices to make to find that perfect tub.
The Material World
What your bath is made of affects how it looks, feels, and lasts.
Acrylic
The crowd favourite. Acrylic baths are light, which makes them easier to install, especially upstairs. They’re warm to the touch and a breeze to keep clean. You'll find the biggest variety of styles in acrylic, with great options from brands like Decina and Clark.
Stone Composite
This is your high-end, luxury option. Stone baths have a beautiful, matte finish and hold the heat in the water for an incredibly long time. They are seriously heavy, so you have to get your builder to confirm your floor is strong enough. The visual payoff is huge, with brands like Kaskade Stone leading the way.
Steel Enamel
Tough as nails. A steel bath is incredibly durable, resistant to scratches and looks sharp and defined. It might feel a bit cool at first, but it warms up in a flash. Brands like Caroma have some great steel options.
It's All in the Shape
Even within the 1400mm length, the form makes a difference.
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Rectangular: The classic. A rectangular bath is the go-to for shower-over-bath setups and for fitting snugly into an alcove. No fuss, just clean lines.
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Oval: An oval bath gives a softer, more designer look. The curves are often super comfy for leaning back against. A popular choice for freestanding models from brands like Bao.
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Slipper: The slipper bath has a high back at one end, designed to support your head and shoulders perfectly. It’s built for long, lazy soaks with a good book.
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Fluted: If you want some texture and detail, check out a fluted bath. The vertical groove pattern adds a touch of sophistication and really catches the light.
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Other Shapes: While 1400mm is a length measurement, you might see compact square baths (often called 'soakers') or even small round baths. These are less common but can be amazing solutions for uniquely shaped rooms.
A Splash of Colour
White is always in style, but it's not your only option.
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Classic White: A crisp white bath is timeless. It will work with any colour scheme you can dream up.
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Bold Black: A black bath is pure drama. It's an instant focal point and looks incredible with brushed brass or gunmetal tapware.
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Earthy Tones: We’re seeing more baths in beautiful, soft colours. Think muted grey, dusky pink, or a warm clay colour. It’s a great way to add personality and warmth to your bathroom.
The Nitty-Gritty: Installation
This is the boring but important bit. Before you click "buy," have a quick think about the plumbing. Where is your waste pipe? This is the number one thing to check, especially if you have a concrete floor and want a freestanding tub. You also need to decide on your tap style – are they coming out of the wall, mounted on the bath itself, or standing on the floor? Your plumber is your best friend here. A quick chat with them can save you a world of pain later. Get them to look at the spec sheet for the bath you love from a brand like Fienza or ADP to make sure it all lines up.
So, Is the 1400mm Bath for You?
Look, if you're a basketball player who needs to lie completely flat, maybe not. But for most of us, it’s a brilliant option. It's for anyone who thought their bathroom was too small for a bath. It's for the family that needs practicality without sacrificing the whole room. It's for the renovator who wants that designer look in a compact ensuite. The 1400mm bath proves that good things really do come in small packages. With gorgeous options from European designers like Belbagno and timeless pieces from Turner Hastings, there’s no reason to let a small floor plan kill your dream of a good soak.
