The best bathtubs for maximising space in typical UK small bathrooms (often under 4m² are compact straight baths (1200 mm to 1500 mm in length), L- or P-Shaped Shower Baths, and Corner Baths. These designs trade minimal length for a more practical footprint, allowing you to fit a full bathing and showering experience into tight layouts often found in UK terraced and semi-detached homes.
The average UK main bathroom size is often tight (around 4.4m² and a standard 1700 mm bath can feel like it dominates the entire space. Choosing the right shape and size of a compact tub is the key to creating a functional yet comfortable family bathroom or ensuite.
Here is your definitive guide to space-saving bathtubs, their pros, cons, and how they fit into common small bathrooms in the UK.
Understanding Small UK Bath Dimensions
Before you shop, know that a small UK bathroom often means a room that is too short or too narrow to accommodate a standard 1700×700 mm bath comfortably while leaving the 500mm-600mm clearance space needed for movement.
The key to space-saving baths is their length, which can be significantly reduced:
| Bathtub Type | Smallest UK Length/Size Range | Space Saving Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Straight Bath | 1200mm x 700 mm to 1500 mm 700mm | Reduces overall footprint length by up to 500 mm |
| Corner Bath (Offset) | 1500 mm x 1000mm (offset) or 1200 mm x 1200 mm (square) | Uses corner space that might otherwise be dead space. |
| L- or P-Shape Shower Bath | 1500 mm x 700 mm (narrow end) up to 850 mm (shower end) | Combines two functions into one footprint, freeing up space for storage/WC. |
The Best Space-Saving Bathtub Styles
Here we have discussed the best space-saving bathtub styles for UK bathrooms.
The Compact Straight Bath (Short Baths)
These are the most common solutions for short walls, often seen in older UK properties or new-build en-suites. They look exactly like a standard bath but are shorter.
| Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Easiest to install (like-for-like swap). | Shorter length means less room to stretch out. | Narrow rooms or when replacing an existing short bath in a terrace house. |
| Perfect for a shower screen and shower mixer over the bath. | Often shallower than standard tubs. | Family bathrooms where children will use the bath. |
*Check for deep soaking tubs within this category. They compensate for the reduced length by being slightly deeper than standard, allowing a more immersive soak while maintaining the small footprint.
The L- or P-Shape Shower Bath ( Combo Shower & Bath)
The ultimate functional choice for small UK family bathrooms that require both a proper soak and a spacious shower area.
| Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Best of both worlds. Provides a full, flat showering area. | The wider end can restrict movement near the toilet or basin. | Bathrooms where the shower will be used more frequently than the bath. |
| L-Shape offers a more contemporary, squared look. | Requires specific panel and screen fittings (usually supplied as a kit). | Standard-width bathrooms where one wall can accommodate the
1500mm -1700mm length. |
The Corner Bath (Using Dead Space)
Corner baths are highly effective in square-shaped bathrooms or those with awkward layouts, as they turn an unused corner into the main feature.
| Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Feels surprisingly spacious for soaking due to the triangular shape. | It can look bulky in long, narrow rooms. | Square-shaped bathrooms or en-suites where a straight bath would block the room. |
| Creates a wide shelf space around the rim for toiletries. | Uses more water than a compact straight bath. | Maximising the feel of space, rather than reducing the overall footprint. |
The Back-to-Wall Freestanding Bath (The Luxury Space Saver)
A newer trend that addresses the desire for a freestanding look without the cleaning nightmares or space restrictions.
- How it saves space: These tubs have a straight back that seals flush against the wall, eliminating the 1500mm gap that traditional freestanding tubs require.
- Best for: Giving a small family bathroom a modern, luxury statement without committing to a full wall-fitted unit.
- Caveat: They still usually start at 1500 mm length, so ensure you have the full wall space available.
Choosing the Right Compact Material
In a small space, material choice matters less for structure and more for the user experience and installation.
| Material | Why it’s good for Small Spaces | Pricing Level (Supply Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Lightweight and easiest for installers to manoeuvre into tight upstairs UK bathrooms and hallways. | £120 – £400 |
| Fibre-glass Reinforced Acrylic | Offers better stability and heat retention than standard acrylic without the excessive weight of steel or stone. | £300 – £600 |
| Steel Enamel | Highly durable and scratch-resistant, great for heavy family use where a shower is installed over the bath. | £250 – £550 |
Top 3 Tips for Maximizing Space Around the Tub
- Use Wall-Hung Fixtures: Pair your compact tub with a wall-hung toilet and a wall-hung vanity unit. Lifting fixtures off the floor creates the visual illusion of more space and simplifies cleaning.
- Use the Tub Panel for Storage: Although not very common in the UK, but definitely doable, you can choose a bath panel with an integrated push-to-open drawer or niche, turning the otherwise wasted space under the bath into accessible storage for cleaning products or children’s toys.
- Opt for a Bi-Fold or Slider Screen: Instead of a fixed or hinged bath screen (which cuts into your movement clearance), choose a bi-fold or sliding screen. These retreat completely against the wall, maintaining maximum open space when the bath is not in use.
Ending Thoughts
The best compact bathtub is the one that allows your bathroom to function the way your family needs it to. By accurately measuring your available space and considering the pros and cons of the compact straight, shower bath, and corner bath styles, you can avoid the common mistake of letting a standard 1700 mm tub dominate your entire design. You can pair it with savvy accessories like wall hung fittings and fixtures, including a bifold shower screen.
