Are you afraid that your bathroom is too small to fit a bath tub? Worry not, because there are a lot of big ‘Lilliputian’ solutions that would enable you to still have the luxury of a bath tub even if your bathroom is less than 50 square feet. A lot of bathroom fixture manufacturers now sell (off the shelf) undersized bath tubs. There are also a number of companies willing to design a tub especially for your bathroom’s dimensions. You can even design your own bath tub and have it professionally made and installed.

Planning for and buying a small space bath tub, however, may not be as easy as it sounds. There are a number of functional and safety considerations to keep in mind. Here is a complete guide to buying (or designing) a small space bath tub.

Go small

The standard bath tub size is about five feet long and about 32 (sometimes 30) inches wide. It might be difficult to find smaller versions in non-specialty stores, but it is certainly not impossible. If you do not see any regular rectangular bath tub to fit your room’s dimensions, consider a corner tub – most of them are less than five feet in length. For example, the economy McKenzie bath tub (manufactured by American Standard) is only four feet long. Made of enameled steel, you can get it for a very low price from Home Depot and other major bathroom fixture retailers. There is also the popular Kohler Mayflower corner bath, also designed for tight rooms. It is a little pricier, but it comes in colored finishes.

Personalize a tub for your bathroom’s dimensions

Do you want your small space bath tub to have specific dimensions? Then have one custom-made to fit your bathroom’s specific dimensions. Contact bathroom contractors in your area and have the space surveyed. Most companies offer free estimates – be sure to call around first before signing up with a contractor, or you may be passing up great savings.

With some planning, you can even have a custom tub and shower combo built for your space to imitate units that can be bought ready made (they usually measure 29 5/8” x 31 ¾”). These space saving units may cost a little more, but they sure do go a long way. Have shelves, soap dishes, and perhaps even a seat built into the unit to get the most out of the space.

Other options

You may turn out to have enough room for a bigger bath tub if you just downscaled your other bathroom fixtures. Why not try using a smaller sink? Go for wall mounted units, corner units, and pedestals. Do not worry about using smaller lays – you can still wash your hand in them comfortably if your faucet is positioned properly.

Do you have free standing cabinets in your bathroom? Then it’s time you traded them in for wall mounted shelving, which does not take up any floor space.

If your bathroom is really tiny, a tub may just not be the best option. Invest instead in a good shower stall with angled showers and fancy water modes. A good shower stall may very well replace a luxurious whirlpool bath tub. Angled shower heads, for example, can give you an even better massage! You might just step out of your shower stall more relaxed than you would feel even after an hour in the fancy tub.

Important reminders

• If your bathroom is small, you probably will not be able to fit in a whirlpool bath tub, which needs at least five feet to work properly. Most whirlpool jets push force (lots of it) – sometimes up to eight gallons every minute. If the whirlpool is too small, the water will just go right out of the bath tub.
• Also be sure that your small bath tub has enough rim height, so you can enjoy better water coverage. Low tub rims are not useful to tall or people.
• Most states have no code requirements when it comes to bath tub size, but the free floor space next to your bath tub should always be a minimum of 30 inches wide and 60 inches long (which is roughly the length of an average standard bath tub). Be sure that there is enough clear space so that the plumbing and whirlpool motor (if any) can be easily accessed.

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