Oval Baths

Oval Baths: A Simple Guide for Your Aussie Bathroom Reno

Let's be honest, picking a bathtub is a bigger deal than it sounds. It’s the one spot in the house that’s all about pure relaxation. Trying to find a tub that’s comfy but also a proper stunner? Chances are, you've landed on ovals. They just have a vibe, don't they? The curves are way friendlier than a boxy rectangle tub. It’s a look that’s been around forever but still looks bang on trend. We see them go into amazing new bathrooms every day here at The Blue Space, so we wanted to put together a proper guide to help you figure out if an oval bath is the right fit for your project.

So, What Is an Oval Bath, Really?

Well, yeah, it’s a bath shaped like an oval. But that’s selling it a bit short. It's more than just a pretty shape. Those curves totally change the mood of the room, making everything feel a bit more relaxed. It's less like a bathroom fixture and more like a carefully chosen piece of furniture. And the inside? It’s shaped for actual people, so you can properly slump back and relax. No more awkward angles. It’s a choice that says you want your bathroom to be a proper retreat, not just a room for getting ready in.

Where Does an Oval Bath Fit In?

The great thing about an oval bath is its flexibility. It's not a one-trick pony. These tubs work brilliantly in all sorts of Aussie homes.

Got a big master ensuite? A freestanding oval tub is a proper showstopper. Stick it under a window or right in the middle of the floor, and suddenly your bathroom has that luxe, hotel feel. And the curves are great for big spaces – they fill the room without being a big, clunky block.

But what if your bathroom is on the cosy side? You're not out of luck. A back-to-wall oval bath is your best friend. You get that lovely curved front, but the back sits straight against the wall, saving you a heap of space. The rounded edge can also make the room feel a little bigger because your eye just flows past it. It's a clever design trick.

They also play nicely with different interior styles. Got a clean, minimalist bathroom? A sleek oval bath will look unreal. But that same shape can feel totally different somewhere else. In a breezy coastal or Hamptons house, it just comes across as soft and classic.

Breaking Down the Different Oval Baths

Okay, you're sold on the shape. Now what? Now for the details – the style, what it’s made of, the size, the colour. I know, it sounds like a massive checklist, but it's actually not that complicated once you break it down. Let’s look through the different bathtubs available.

The way the bath is fitted into your room makes a huge difference to the end result.

Freestanding

This is the icon. The tub that stands all by itself. A freestanding bath is a real statement piece. It needs a special floor-mounted tap or long wall-mounted taps. It gives you that ultimate spa vibe but you need to have the floor space and the right plumbing setup for it.

Back-to-Wall

Then you've got the Back-to-Wall style. This is a really clever option. You get that cool back-to-wall look from the front, but the back is flat against the wall. You save a bunch of space, and bonus – no annoying gap behind the tub to gather dust.

Built-In

A built-in bath, or inset bath, is fitted inside a tiled frame (called a hob). This is a super common and practical way to install a tub. You get the comfy oval shape on the inside, lots of handy ledge space for your shampoo bottles, and the plumbing is simple.

Island Baths

An island bath is another centrepiece style, where the tub is set into a tiled platform. This gives you a wide ledge all the way around, which can look very grand and offers plenty of surface area.

You'll also find niche styles like space-saving corner baths and practical shower baths. And for that next-level relaxation, you can't go past a spa bath with jets, many of which now come in lovely oval shapes.

What's the Tub Actually Made Of?

The material you choose is a big deal. It's going to influence the price tag, how heavy the thing is, how warm the water stays, and what's involved in keeping it clean.

Acrylic

Acrylic is the go-to for a reason. Most of the baths you see are made from it. It doesn't weigh much, making it much easier to get into the bathroom and install. The material itself isn't cold, so it's warm to the touch when you hop in. It's also a breeze to clean. A great, reliable choice that comes in endless oval designs.

Stone

If you want that proper luxury feel, a stone bath is the answer. They're usually a mix of crushed stone and resin. Stone baths hold the heat in the water for an amazingly long time. They feel solid and have a beautiful matte finish. The only catch is they are incredibly heavy, so you must get your floor checked by a builder to make sure it can take the weight.

Steel

Enamelled steel baths are tough as nails. The surface is hard to scratch or chip and it will look brand new for years. Steel heats up fast with the hot water, so the whole tub feels warm quickly. They're a solid middle ground between acrylic and stone in both weight and cost.

Colour and Finish Choices

You don't have to stick with plain old white anymore.

White

You can't go wrong with white baths. They just work. A white tub always looks clean, and it gives you total freedom with your tiles and taps. You've got the choice of a classic shiny gloss or that newer matte finish, which feels really soft.

Black

Black bathtubs are all about making a statement. A black tub brings a bit of drama to the room and just has a really sophisticated edge. It works as a grounding focal point in the room, especially with brass or chrome taps.

Other Colours

We're seeing more people go for coloured baths lately. Think soft, earthy colours like clay or different shades of grey. A bit of colour in your tub is an awesome way to make the whole room feel more unique to you.

Getting the Size Right

This is super important. Measure your room first. Then measure it again. Make sure you know exactly how much space you have to work with.

Small Baths

Working with a smaller room doesn't mean no bath. Our collection of small baths includes compact oval models. You can find options at 1200mm and 1300mm long, but a 1400mm is often a great small size that still allows for a decent soak.

Medium Baths

A 1500mm bath is sort of the sweet spot – it's a super popular size and works for most people. But if you're on the taller side, or you just want to properly stretch out, bumping up to a 1600mm or 1700mm bath is well worth it for the extra soaking room.

Large Baths

Large bathtubs are for when you have the room and want to go all out. And why wouldn't you? A bath over 1700mm is pure indulgence. Perfect for a really deep soak, and some are wide enough for two.

A Few Great Brands to Look For

We work with brands we trust. You'll find great quality oval baths from names you know like Caroma, Decina, and Clark. For something with a bit more of a designer edge, check out Fienza and ADP. If it's a stone bath you're after, Kaskade Stone and Bao make some stunning pieces. And for a touch of European style, have a look at Turner Hastings and BelBagno.

The Best Things About an Oval Bath

When it comes down to it, what are the real advantages? What makes people so happy with their oval tubs?

1. It's Just More Comfortable

This is the big one. The curved shape is made for the human body. It supports your back and lets you recline properly. No more trying to get comfortable against a flat, upright end. It’s built for long, lazy soaks.

2. They Look Fantastic

An oval bath is a beautiful object. It’s got a gentle, sculptural look that makes a bathroom feel more refined. It softens all the hard edges of tiles and glass and creates a more peaceful feeling in the room.

3. Makes the Room Feel Bigger

With no chunky corners to get in the way, the room just feels like it flows better. It doesn't look like a solid block sitting in your bathroom, so even a small room can feel a bit more open.

4. Works With Any Style

It's a really safe bet for any style. The shape is so classic it just works, whether your vibe is modern, traditional, coastal... you name it. It won't pigeonhole you.

A Few Final Practical Tips

Before you click "buy", just run through these last few points.

Taps and Pipes

A quick heads-up on taps: the bath you choose dictates the taps you can get. If you go freestanding, your plumber will likely need to run pipes up through the floor for a floor-mounted tap. For a back-to-wall style, you've got options like taps coming out of the wall. Talk to your plumber about your choice early on so they can plan for it.

Check the Weight

This is a big one for stone baths. They weigh a ton. Seriously. You must be sure your floor can handle it, plus all the water, plus you. If you’re putting it on a second floor or in an older house, get a builder to check the structure. It’s a step you can't skip.

Can You Get It In?

This sounds silly, but we've heard the stories. Measure your front door. Measure the hallway. Measure the bathroom door. Will the bath actually fit through? A big one-piece tub can be a real pain to move, so plan its route into the bathroom beforehand.

At the end of the day, an oval bath is a brilliant option that gets you the best of all worlds – it looks great, it’s a dream to relax in, and it's a style that will last. We hope this guide has helped clear things up and makes finding the right tub for your reno that little bit easier.

Frequently Asked Questions