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Want to turn your tired bathroom into an elegant oasis? Do you dream of a bathroom that looks just like it belongs in a boutique hotel? Then a slipper bath could be just what you are looking for. This fine tub with an interesting history comes in traditional and contemporary styles, and not only looks the part, it offers the height of comfort for long leisurely soaks. Find out more about this luxurious tub in our ultimate guide.

What exactly is a slipper bath?

The slipper bath is an iconic freestanding bath, traditionally with one end deeper than the other. Taps are located at the shallower end, giving the bather plenty of shoulder support and room to relax at the deeper end. In more traditional designs, the edge of the slipper bath usually has a rolled top, making it easier and more comfortable to get in and out.

Slipper bath origins

The slipper bath began its existence in the washhouses and bathhouses of the Victorian era. While many wealthy households of the same era had splendid bathrooms, most homes did not. A push on cleanliness and public health brought bathhouses back into existence. The baths became known as slipper baths because towels were draped across them to protect modesty, making them look just like slippers. The deeper end design of these baths also gave bathers a bit more privacy.

Bathhouses made an appearance in the UK prior to Victorian times during the reign of Henry II (1154-89). These were more based on Roman style baths. At that time they were commonly referred to as ‘stewhouses’ as the bathers ‘stewed ‘ themselves in hot water. During the reign of Henry VI (1422-71), the bathhouses were closed down, as they had become a front for brothels. Twelve bathhouses remained, but were permanently closed by Henry VIII, in 1546. It wasn’t until the Victorian era when a link between cleanliness and public health was accepted that bathhouses cam back into existence.

Why choose a slipper bath?

The slipper bath remains a popular choice in bathroom design, and it’s not hard to see why. Many period homes are being restored to maintain original features, and the heritage slipper bath is one of the fittings being used to help achieve that. Even modern homes are sporting the slipper bath look with more contemporary versions of this old classic. It’s a bath that looks good and is luxuriously comfortable too.

How to choose a slipper bath

There are quite a few things to consider when choosing a freestanding bath. These include:

• Modern or contemporary?

The slipper bath has come a long way since Victorian times. These days there are many modern versions to choose from, as well as more traditional styles, which may be the preference for period homes. There are also double slipper baths, which are high at each end with a dip in the middle. Some people prefer this more symmetrical form. Taps are located in the middle of the bath in these double-ended styles. Select a bath style that fits in with your bathroom décor and suits your property.

• Which material?

These days, slipper baths are constructed from a range of materials, though traditionally they were made from cast iron. Nowadays, you can get baths made in a wide range of materials from cast iron with an enamel coating, to copper, acrylic and even wood or stone.

• The design details

The slipper bath traditionally stands on cast iron claw feet, but there are now many contemporary versions of this bath type, which stand on wooden blocks or plinths. Some come without feet, with the bath resting flat on the floor.

The bath exterior can also be painted in almost any colour, and can be selected to match your bathroom décor. Choose silver for powder room glamour, copper or gold for romantic opulence, or any colour to go with your choice of décor. Simple classic white works for both traditional and contemporary bath designs.

• Positioning

The beauty of the freestanding slipper bath is that it can be positioned more or less anywhere you want it to be. Place your bath against a wall, under a window, or in the middle of your bathroom for that extra wow-factor.

• Taps

Where you place your bath will obviously impact on your choice of taps. Placement of your slipper bath in a central position, or away from the wall will dictate the requirement of freestanding waterfall taps. Either way, you’ll need to select a tap style that suits the bath. Modern taps go perfectly with contemporary bath designs, while elegant Georgian-style taps are the crowning glory for more traditional slipper bath styles.