Sitz baths for small bathrooms: types, design + how to choose the right one
By thinking through the furnishings of a small hygienic room, you can make it as comfortable and equipped as possible.Hip baths for small bathrooms, varying in size and shape, fit perfectly into limited spaces. But to make the right choice, you need to understand the features of mini plumbing fixtures.
We will talk about how to choose small-sized plumbing fixtures that can provide the opportunity to perform daily procedures. You will learn which models are best to choose and why you should choose them. Taking into account our advice, buying a mini bathtub will not be a problem.
The content of the article:
Pros of sitz baths
At first, the seated structure was created for comfortable care for sick and elderly people. Now its functions have expanded significantly. It has become a real find for small bathrooms. Its ergonomics not only saves space, but also reduces water consumption and allows you to place some new interior items.
If there is a niche in the bathroom, it can be put to good use by placing a 0.7 x 1.0 m seating structure there. People with problems with the musculoskeletal system will appreciate the presence of handrails and anti-slip coating. This design is also convenient for pregnant women, who should not particularly strain their abdominal muscles.
When bathing in a bath, it is much safer if the warm water does not cover the level of the heart. The Japanese believe that if incense and aromatic oils are added to the water, then it is better to take a sitting position to relax and restore the body.
The negative side of this decision is that not all family members will be happy with it. It is not a suitable option for those who like to soak in the bath. A corner bath will satisfy the needs of everyone - in it, in addition to a specially equipped seating area, it is possible to bathe while lying down or standing up.
Classification by shape and material
These plumbing products are classified according to shape, size, and materials. Among them there are models equipped with a movable side wall. When entering the bath, it rises freely, and after entering it takes its original position. Manufacturers provide some products with a special door, which is very convenient.
Geometry and dimensions of seated models
The most common shape is a rectangle. Popularity of the classical short plumbing due to the fact that it can fit into the interior of any style and into a room of any size.
The reliability and practicality of this standard product have been proven over years of use. The rectangular shape allows installation close to the wall or in the center of the room.
Round or oval bowls are more suitable for large bathrooms. But even in this line there are baths that can be installed in a small room. Corner or triangular models are especially comfortable.
An important point when choosing such a product is the direction of the angle. Asymmetrical containers look attractive.It can be a trapezoid, a polygon, an irregular triangle.
Such models with an unusual design are most often made of acrylic, because... This material is the easiest to shape into the desired shape. In small rooms it is possible to install asymmetrical types that are simple and do not clutter up the space. Their length is 1.2 or 1.3 m.
Rectangular models for installation in small bathrooms are produced in a large size range:
- 1 x 0.7 m;
- 1.2 x 0.7 m;
- 1.5 x 0.7 m;
- 1.2 x 1.1 m.
Bathtubs in the shape of a triangle have a side length of 0.7 x 0.7 m or 0.7 x 0.5 m. The choice of the size and geometry of the bowl is made in accordance with the outlines and dimensions of the room. The main thing is that everything looks organic, and every part of the free space is used rationally.
Division based on the material used
In addition to the fact that hip bathtubs come in a variety of geometries and sizes, they are also made from different materials. Leading the market acrylic models. Bowls made from it have different colors and shapes.
Acrylic often imitates expensive materials such as marble and onyx. Skillfully used lighting, original wall decoration, and a hygienic room will look simply luxurious.
The disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs are mitigated by products made from quaril. This synthetic material contains a combination of acrylic and quartz sand. These components increase strength characteristics.
The first component provides a magnificent appearance, and the second provides hardness. The result is obvious - quaril baths combine quality and sophistication. During manufacturing, they are cast into a mold.
The Ceramic Plus technology used in their production makes it possible to obtain an absolutely smooth surface that does not attract dirt. And the use of Acivecare technology provides a surface with antiseptic properties, where silver ions prevent the development of harmful microflora.
Such plumbing fixtures will not bend under loads, they are abrasion resistant, non-slippery, have a high heat capacity, and are silent when filled with water. However, quaril does not tolerate high temperatures. Boiling water may cause the container to deform. Visually, it is not always possible to distinguish a bowl made of quarry from an acrylic one, especially if there is a glossy coating.
Seated options cast iron plumbing fixtures good because they keep heat for a long time. In addition, their coating has excellent noise absorption. For a small bathroom, a model with parameters of 1.5 x 0.7 m is suitable. As a rule, it has high-quality casting, compact dimensions combined with good internal capacity and an affordable price.
The excellent characteristics of a deep cast-iron sit-down bathtub, complemented by handle-shaped supports, allow us to call it a product of increased comfort. The only thing that forces you to choose other materials is the fairly heavy weight.
The weight of the container ranges from 95 to 110 kg. This drawback can also be presented as an advantage - due to its significant weight, the bowl has good stability.
A cast iron bowl installed in a small bathroom, which has great mechanical strength, will last for decades. In a container with dimensions of 1.5 x 0.7 m, you can take a reclining position. This level of comfort is quite enough for many. In addition, bathing water is consumed more efficiently than with a large bowl.
Sitz baths made of steel alloy have significantly less weight. They are durable, cheaper than cast iron, but they absorb noise poorly, and the water in them quickly loses temperature.
The layer of protective coating here is thin, so you need to monitor its integrity and periodically restore it. The service life is short - manufacturers provide a maximum warranty of 10 years.
Some companies encase their steel structures in plastic. The resulting gap is filled with a filler that has low thermal conductivity. Thus, the water in steel bowl stays warm longer.
Recently, the demand for sedentary seating has been growing bathtubs made of natural wood. They are made from solid oak, wenge, cedar, larch or beech. These rocks do not lose their attractiveness and strength characteristics for many years.
The service life of a wooden bathtub is increased by treating its surface with water-repellent compounds. Fine wood in the bathroom is part of nature. It is non-allergenic, pleasant to the touch, and looks organic in any interior. There is also a disadvantage - the high price.
You cannot wash thoroughly in such a bowl; it is used only for a short time.It is unacceptable to bathe pets in it, or to wash it. In a sufficiently spacious room, it can serve as an additional place for receiving medical procedures or for relaxation.
Additional equipment for sitz baths
To make sitting plumbing as comfortable as possible, manufacturers equip it with all sorts of devices. More often than others, they are equipped with a bowl made of acrylic or quarry.
The most popular features include:
- Special shelves for placing items needed during water procedures.
- A door for comfortable entry with a locking device to prevent it from opening spontaneously.
- Additional shower.
- Armrests, which are especially necessary when using sitz baths, are intended for the elderly, disabled, and pregnant women.
- Steps with handrails.
- Massage devices. If available, designs are often supplemented with a display showing water temperature and pressure.
The latest addition is not for everyone. Before you buy hydromassage bath, you must obtain your doctor's approval. There are baths that are optimally optimized for the capabilities of disabled people using a wheelchair. These include containers with a flip-over bowl.
Such a bath, which helps you perform many actions on your own, is an invaluable gift for a loved one who is in a difficult life situation. Special lifts have also been created for people who have difficulty moving. These devices lower the disabled person into the bathtub, having previously given his body a sitting position.
Offers from the best manufacturers
Bathtubs designed for bathing in a sitting position are produced by many reputable companies. Traditional cast iron models are supplied to the plumbing market by Roca from Spain. She completes her models with legs. As additional accessories, it comes with a seat and steps.
Another miniature model is the Roca CONTINENTAL with a height (including legs) of 0.57 m and a depth of 0.42 m. The capacity of 95 liters has a durable enamel coating applied using the “hot technology” principle.
Rectangular built-in or triangular steel bathtubs from Emalia come to our market from Poland. They are distinguished by a high-quality snow-white coating. With a depth of 36 cm and dimensions of 1 x 0.7 m, the bowl has a volume of 97 liters.
The Bach Laura bathtub from the Russian manufacturer Bach is also designed for small bathrooms. It has a rectangular shape with sides 1.2 x 0.7 m. Made of acrylic, equipped with hydromassage.
The domestic manufacturer “1MarKa” also produces small-sized acrylic bathtubs with parameters of 1.2 x 0.7 x 0.625 m. These bowls are produced in three versions: built-in, with legs, with a mounting frame. Some models are equipped with aero- or hydromassage and other devices.
Aquanet Fregate acrylic models, a Russian-Slovenian product, are popular.This corner model has a large capacity of 120 liters and a side massage. The more additional options a product has, the more expensive it is.
Choosing the right mini bath
Having decided to purchase a bathtub for sitting bathing, first of all, you need to resolve the issue of design and material. The next step is to determine where to install the plumbing fixture.
Next, measurements are taken to know what dimensions the model will fit into this space. The selection process is based on the anatomical and age characteristics of family members.
If the bathroom area is very cramped, its size will be visually increased by the corner design. You should not install dark-colored plumbing fixtures in such a room - it will create a feeling of discomfort. Light colors will visually expand the boundaries of the room.
When you arrive at the salon, be sure to check the condition of the coating. A high-quality surface will be smooth, without cracks or other defects. The mounting holes in the bowl must be located so that it can be connected to existing communications.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Video #1. Sitz bath as part of the design:
Video #2. Demonstration of a sitz bath for people with physical disabilities:
Video #3. Demonstration of a conventional acrylic sitz bath:
Sitz baths are the best solution if your bathroom is not very spacious. Their acquisition makes it possible to use limited space rationally. A large assortment allows you to choose a product that suits all parameters.
Would you like to talk about how you chose a sitz bathtub for your small apartment? Would you like to share the nuances that influenced you to determine the best model for you? Please write comments, post photos related to the topic of the article, and ask questions in the block below.
I have a very small bathroom. Previously, there was only a bathtub and that’s it. Now we have done some repairs and bought a washing machine. And now I had to choose what to keep: the bathtub or the car. I searched the Internet for the best option, found seated models, and took a closer look. Interesting plumbing fixtures, they look nice, compact. Now you don't need to choose. We will install a sitz bath.
Hello. I also advise you to consider the option of installing a washing machine in the kitchen module, if possible. I’m telling you this as a person who bathed in a sitz bath for 2 years. This is a huge inconvenience and, in my opinion, is important for people with disabilities and children.
Hello. I used a sitz bath for several years during my student years. This is very inconvenient, especially in an apartment. I would also recommend a shower cabin, or there is another excellent option - a corner bathtub with a special configuration.
It is also worth considering whether a sink is really needed in the bathroom if there is too little space. Washing machines are also often installed in kitchen modules or simply installed if there is no desire to disguise them. But these are just tips, it’s up to you, of course :)
Sitz baths are not as relaxing as lying baths. I would rather put the washing machine under the sink, but leave the standing bathtub.Which is what we did =) we have a spacious bathroom am pm. I didn’t regret leaving her. I sometimes need relaxation after work)).
Actually, for small bathrooms there is such a thing as a shower. It’s really more convenient, more compact and more practical than any bathtub. Yes, and it costs comparable. If you are a very elderly person, then you can provide a cabin with a seat. They will say that you need relaxation, relaxation. But we are talking about mini-tanks and sitz baths, relaxation in which is clearly problematic. Definitely, a small bathtub only wastes space.