Traditional Baths

A traditional bath is the centrepiece of a period bathroom — the piece everything else is arranged around. Roll top edges, sculpted feet, generous curves and a shape that invites you to slow down and stay a while. Our range covers freestanding roll tops, slipper baths, double-ended designs and traditional straight baths in sizes from 1500mm to 1800mm.

Every bath is built for comfort and heat retention, with acrylic and composite options that keep the weight manageable while delivering the solid, substantial feel a traditional bath deserves. Many can be painted on the exterior to match your colour scheme, turning a white bath into something with real personality.

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Traditional baths — the heart of a period bathroom

There's something about a traditional bath that changes the pace of a room. It doesn't just fill a space — it defines it. The curves, the weight, the proportions all signal that this is a room designed for taking your time, not rushing through. A well-chosen traditional bath makes the bathroom feel like a destination rather than a utility, and that shift in feeling is what separates a good renovation from a great one.

Roll top traditional baths

The roll top is the most iconic traditional bath shape. The defining feature is the curved, rolled rim that runs around the top edge of the bath — a detail borrowed from cast iron originals of the Victorian era. Modern roll top traditional baths replicate that profile in acrylic or composite materials, giving you the same distinctive silhouette at a fraction of the weight. The rolled edge is comfortable to rest your arms on and gives the bath a softness that squared-off modern designs don't offer. Roll tops are typically freestanding with exposed feet, making them the natural choice when you want the bath to stand as an independent piece in the room.

Slipper traditional baths

A slipper bath has one raised end — higher and more steeply curved than the other — creating a natural backrest for reclining. It's the most comfortable traditional bath shape for solo bathing, angling you into a relaxed position without needing to prop yourself up. The asymmetry also makes slipper baths visually striking — the raised end creates a profile that catches the eye and adds drama to the room. Double slipper baths raise both ends, giving you the option to recline from either side — useful for two bathers or simply for variety. Slipper baths pair beautifully with freestanding taps positioned at the lower, flatter end of the bath.

Double-ended traditional baths

A double-ended traditional bath has identical curves at both ends with the waste positioned centrally. This creates a symmetrical shape that looks balanced from every angle — particularly important for freestanding baths that are visible on all sides. The central waste also means two people can bathe comfortably, each using one end, or a single bather can choose either end depending on preference. Double-ended designs are available in freestanding, back to wall and straight formats, giving you flexibility regardless of your layout.

Feet — ball and claw, lion's paw and more

The feet on a traditional bath are a small detail that makes an outsized difference. Ball and claw feet are the most classic — a sculpted claw gripping a ball, referencing Georgian and Victorian furniture design. Lion's paw feet are bolder and more ornate, with a carved animal foot that adds drama. Eagle claw and scroll feet offer variations on the same theme. Simple turned feet or chrome cradle feet suit traditional baths in rooms with a slightly more contemporary backdrop. Feet are typically available in chrome, brushed brass, polished nickel and matt black, and matching the finish to your taps and towel rails pulls the scheme together.

Painting the exterior

One of the best things about a traditional freestanding bath is the option to paint the outside. A white bath with a painted exterior transforms from a standard fixture into a statement piece. Deep heritage colours work particularly well — navy, forest green, plum, charcoal and heritage grey are all popular choices that add depth and personality. A softer palette — pale pink, duck egg, sage — suits lighter, more relaxed schemes. Check the product page for painting suitability, and use a bathroom-grade paint that can handle humidity and occasional splashes. Some baths in our range come pre-finished in a selection of colours if you'd rather not paint yourself.

Materials — acrylic and composite

Traditional baths were originally made from cast iron, but modern alternatives are far more practical. Acrylic traditional baths are lightweight, warm to the touch and available in the widest range of shapes and sizes — easy to manoeuvre into position and comfortable from the moment you get in. Composite and stone resin baths are heavier with a denser, more rigid feel that comes closer to the solidity of cast iron. They retain heat longer and have a more substantial feel underfoot. Both materials are well suited to traditional designs and both are significantly lighter than a genuine cast iron bath, which can weigh over 100kg before you add water.

Sizing a traditional bath

Traditional baths are available in lengths from 1500mm to 1800mm. A 1500mm bath suits smaller bathrooms and is the minimum comfortable length for most adults. A 1700mm bath is the most popular size and works in the majority of UK bathroom layouts. An 1800mm bath gives you room to stretch out fully and suits larger spaces. For freestanding traditional baths, remember to account for the feet — they add 50–100mm to the overall footprint — and leave clearance of at least 50mm around exposed sides for access, cleaning and visual breathing room.

What types of traditional baths are available?

Our traditional bath range includes freestanding roll top baths, slipper baths (single and double), double-ended baths and traditional straight baths. Freestanding designs stand independently on decorative feet. Slipper baths have one or both ends raised for comfortable reclining. Double-ended baths have a central waste and symmetrical shape. Traditional straight baths fit into a three-wall alcove with panelled side panels for a period look.

What is the difference between a roll top and a slipper traditional bath?

A roll top traditional bath has a continuous curved rim of equal height around the entire bath, creating a symmetrical profile. A slipper bath has one end raised higher than the other, creating an angled backrest for more comfortable reclining. Double slipper baths raise both ends. Roll tops offer a more classic, balanced silhouette. Slipper baths are more ergonomic for solo bathing and create a more dramatic visual profile.

Can I paint the outside of a traditional bath?

Many of our traditional freestanding baths are suitable for exterior painting, allowing you to add colour and personality to the room. Popular choices include navy, forest green, charcoal, plum, sage and duck egg. Use a paint designed for bathroom environments that can handle humidity. Some traditional baths in our range come pre-finished in a selection of colours. Check the product page for painting suitability and any preparation instructions.

What feet options are available for traditional baths?

Traditional bath feet are available in several styles including ball and claw, lion's paw, eagle claw, scroll and simple turned designs. Finishes include chrome, brushed brass, polished nickel and matt black. The feet are typically sold with the bath but can sometimes be purchased separately or swapped for a different style. Matching the foot finish to your taps and other bathroom hardware keeps the room feeling cohesive.

What size traditional bath should I choose?

For most adults, a 1700mm traditional bath is the most comfortable standard size and fits the majority of UK bathrooms. A 1500mm bath works in smaller rooms but may feel snug for taller bathers. An 1800mm bath suits larger spaces and offers the most generous bathing area. For freestanding traditional baths, add 50–100mm for the feet and leave clearance around exposed sides. Measure the room carefully, including doorways — a freestanding bath needs to fit through them during delivery.

Are traditional baths heavier than modern baths?

Not necessarily. While original cast iron traditional baths were extremely heavy (often over 100kg empty), modern traditional baths are made from acrylic or composite materials that are significantly lighter. An acrylic traditional bath typically weighs 25–40kg, making it manageable for two people to carry and position. Composite and stone resin traditional baths are heavier — around 40–70kg — but still well below cast iron. Both materials offer the period look without the structural and handling challenges of the original material.

Can I have a shower over a traditional bath?

It depends on the type. A traditional straight bath fitted into a three-wall alcove works well with an over-bath shower and screen. Freestanding traditional baths are generally not ideal for showering — the lack of surrounding walls makes it difficult to contain water, and the curved base can be uncomfortable to stand on. If you want both a freestanding traditional bath and a shower, the most practical approach is to install them as separate fixtures. Some customers add a freestanding bath filler with an attached hand shower for rinsing, but this isn't a substitute for a proper shower setup.

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