Modern Baths

A modern bath sets the tone for the whole room. Whether it's a freestanding centrepiece or a straight bath fitted neatly into an alcove, the right shape, material and finish can turn a functional space into somewhere you actually want to spend time. Our contemporary range covers freestanding, back to wall, double-ended and straight baths in a variety of sizes — from compact 1500mm options to generous 1800mm designs.

Every bath in the range is built around clean lines, comfortable proportions and materials that hold heat and hold up over time. Choose from lightweight acrylic, solid surface composites and stone resin in finishes that complement the rest of your modern bathroom.

Modern baths — more than just somewhere to soak

A bath is one of the few fixtures in a home that's as much about how it makes you feel as what it does. A modern bath takes that further by making it a design feature — something that lifts the look of the room even when it's not in use. Clean profiles, considered proportions and quality materials give a modern bath a presence that older, boxier designs simply don't have.

Freestanding modern baths

A freestanding bath is the statement piece of a modern bathroom. Positioned away from the wall — or at least visually independent of it — a freestanding bath becomes a focal point that anchors the room. Our range includes single-ended and double-ended designs, slipper baths with a raised back, and contemporary oval shapes that suit both large bathrooms and surprisingly compact spaces. Freestanding baths work best when you have room to walk around at least two sides, but even placed against a wall they carry more visual weight than a built-in alternative. Most are acrylic or composite, keeping the weight manageable while still feeling solid underfoot.

Back to wall modern baths

A back to wall bath gives you the freestanding look without needing space on all sides. The flat rear edge sits flush against the wall, saving floor space while keeping the sculpted front and sides on show. This makes them ideal for bathrooms where you want the impact of a freestanding bath but the layout doesn't allow for a fully exposed installation. Back to wall baths also simplify plumbing — the wall connection is hidden behind the bath rather than running across the floor.

Straight modern baths

A straight bath is the practical backbone of most bathroom layouts. Designed to fit into a three-wall alcove, straight modern baths make the most efficient use of space and work well with shower screens or enclosures over the top. Modern straight baths have moved on from the generic curved designs of the past — today's options feature squared-off edges, thin rims and flat, wide bases that are more comfortable to stand in when showering. Available in standard lengths from 1500mm to 1800mm and widths from 700mm to 800mm, they suit everything from a compact family bathroom to a generous main suite.

Double-ended modern baths

A double-ended bath has the waste and overflow positioned centrally, with a sloped or curved end at both sides. This means two people can bathe comfortably, or you can simply choose which end to lean against depending on your mood. Double-ended designs also look more balanced and symmetrical, which suits the clean aesthetic of a modern bathroom. They're available in freestanding, back to wall and straight formats, so you're not locked into one installation type.

Materials — acrylic, composite and stone resin

The material of a modern bath affects its feel, heat retention, weight and price. Acrylic is the most common — it's lightweight, warm to the touch, easy to repair and available in the widest range of shapes and sizes. Composite and solid surface materials (a blend of natural minerals and resin) are heavier and more rigid, with a dense, stone-like feel and excellent heat retention. Stone resin baths sit between the two — they're thicker-walled than standard acrylic, retain heat longer and have a more substantial feel without the full weight of a solid composite. All three are suitable for modern bathrooms, so the choice comes down to how much you value heat retention and that solid, weighty feel versus ease of handling and budget.

Sizing a modern bath for your space

Bath length is the starting point. A 1500mm bath suits smaller bathrooms and is the minimum comfortable length for most adults. A 1700mm bath is the UK standard and fits most alcoves. An 1800mm bath gives you extra room to stretch out and suits larger spaces. Width matters too — 700mm is standard, but 750mm and 800mm options make a noticeable difference to comfort, particularly in double-ended designs. If you're fitting a freestanding or back to wall bath, you'll also need to account for the space around it — allow at least 50–100mm clearance from walls and furniture for access and cleaning.

What types of modern baths are available?

Our modern bath range includes freestanding baths, back to wall baths, straight baths and double-ended baths. Freestanding designs stand independently as a centrepiece. Back to wall baths sit flush against one wall. Straight baths fit into a three-wall alcove. Double-ended baths have central waste placement for comfort at either end. Each type is available in a range of sizes, materials and finishes.

What is the best material for a modern bath?

It depends on your priorities. Acrylic is the most popular material for modern baths — it's lightweight, warm to the touch, affordable and available in the widest range of shapes. Composite and solid surface materials offer superior heat retention and a denser, more stone-like feel but are heavier and more expensive. Stone resin sits in the middle — thicker-walled than acrylic with better heat retention, without the full weight of a composite bath.

What size modern bath should I choose?

For a standard alcove, measure the distance between the three walls and choose the closest standard length — 1500mm, 1600mm, 1700mm or 1800mm. A 1700mm bath fits most UK bathrooms. For freestanding or back to wall modern baths, you'll need the bath length plus 50–100mm clearance on each exposed side. Width is also worth considering — moving from 700mm to 750mm or 800mm makes a real difference to bathing comfort, especially in double-ended designs.

Is a freestanding modern bath suitable for a small bathroom?

It can be, with the right model. Compact freestanding modern baths are available at 1500mm and 1600mm lengths, which can work in smaller rooms if you have enough floor space to walk around at least two sides. That said, if space is genuinely tight, a straight or back to wall modern bath will usually make better use of the layout. A back to wall design gives you much of the freestanding look while saving the floor space behind the bath.

Can I have a shower over a modern bath?

Yes, but the bath type matters. Straight modern baths are the most practical for over-bath showers — their flat base and three-wall alcove make it easy to fit a shower screen or curtain. Some back to wall baths work with a wall-mounted shower, though you'll need a screen and the bath profile needs a flat enough base to stand in safely. Freestanding modern baths are generally not ideal for showering over — the lack of surrounding walls makes it difficult to contain water, and the curved base can be uncomfortable to stand on.

How long does a modern bath retain heat?

Heat retention in a modern bath depends on the material. Standard acrylic baths hold heat reasonably well but will lose noticeable warmth over 20–30 minutes. Stone resin and composite modern baths retain heat significantly longer — often staying comfortably warm for 45 minutes or more. Thicker-walled baths of any material perform better than thin ones. If long, hot soaks are important to you, choose a stone resin or composite bath, and consider an insulated bath panel or underside coating to reduce heat loss further.

Do modern baths come with wastes and overflows included?

It varies by product. Some modern baths include a waste and overflow as part of the package, while others are sold as the bath shell only so you can choose a waste finish that matches your brassware (chrome, matt black, brushed brass, etc.). Every product page specifies exactly what's included. If the waste isn't included, we stock compatible options in all popular finishes — get in touch if you need help matching one to your bath.