How do you integrate a bathtub into a modern bathroom?

Defining the modern bathroom style you want

The harmony of a modern bathroom depends above all on a coherent choice of style. Even before selecting your bathtub, take the time to define the atmosphere you wish to create in this space dedicated to relaxation and well-being.

Minimalist, Scandinavian, industrial: which style to choose?

Each style has its own codes that will directly influence the choice and integration of your bathtub.

The Scandinavian style stands out for its natural comfort and elegant simplicity. It honors wood and other natural materials as essential elements of decoration. Straight lines and discreet accessories are its visual signature. Light shades - white, beige, cream and light gray - dominate this universe, reflecting light to create a sense of space and tranquility.

The minimalist style perfectly embodies the "less is more" philosophy. It brings a sense of peace through clean lines and uncompromising functionality. In this approach, each element finds its place with precision. The bathtub, often recessed or with simple shapes, becomes a central element without ever overloading the space.

For an industrial style, take inspiration from the raw aesthetics of old workshops. This style is characterized by its urban, minimalist look, while still allowing for a few select decorative elements. Raw walls, a concrete or brick look, and exposed pipes define this trend. Sharp contrasts between black and white create a strong, contemporary visual signature.

Matching the bathtub to the rest of the design

The bathtub must blend harmoniously with the rest of your bathroom.

In a Scandinavian layout, prefer a bathtub with simple lines, ideally in matte white. Comfort comes first, with warm materials like wood adding a natural touch to the whole. A modern island bathtub paired with chrome or brushed gold fittings completes the mood perfectly.

For a minimalist interior, choose a bathtub with clean edges that conceals technical elements such as bungs as much as possible. Models in matt white with a velvety feel enhance the feeling of comfort while preserving the sleek aesthetic you're aiming for.

In an industrial setting, your bathtub can either be integrated under a concrete-effect cladding, or on the contrary stand out with an island model that contrasts with metal accessories. Black or copper fittings add a particularly interesting graphic touch.

Choosing the ideal location for your bathtub

The location of your bathtub influences not only the aesthetics of your bathroom, but also your everyday comfort. Well thought-out positioning optimizes space while creating a truly pleasant bathing experience.

Installing a bathtub in an attic bathroom

Attics offer undeniable charm, but also present particular challenges. The slope of the roof imposes constraints that must be transformed into assets if you are to make a success of your layout.

Ideally, place the bathtub under the lowest part of the roof. This area, which is difficult to exploit for other equipment such as a shower or wall unit, is ideally suited to a bathtub, since it's usually where you lie. Allow for a minimum height of 60 cm above the bathtub to enable you to sit comfortably.

If space is limited, opt for shorter models (160 cm instead of 170-180 cm). With their asymmetrical shape, clawfoot bathtubs are particularly well suited to atypical attic configurations.

Natural lighting plays an essential role in this type of layout. Position your bath near a skylight if possible, to enjoy daylight and a view of the sky while you bathe. However, pay particular attention to thermal insulation to avoid heat loss.

6m² to 10m² bathroom layout: optimizing space

In a medium-sized bathroom, every centimetre counts. Several configurations are available for a harmonious layout.

The L-shaped layout is particularly effective, with the bath placed along the longest wall. This configuration frees up the center of the room and facilitates circulation. Corner installation also saves space while creating a well-defined bathing area.

For a bathroom between 8 and 10m², consider a U-shaped layout that places the equipment (bath, washbasin, toilet) along three walls. This organization frees up the center of the room and creates a feeling of space despite the modest surface area.

Adapt the dimensions of your bathtub to the size of your bathroom. For spaces of 6 to 8m², opt for a standard 170 x 70 cm bathtub. Bathrooms between 8 and 10m² can accommodate larger models measuring 180 x 80 cm. Asymmetrical bathtubs that fit into corners are also an excellent solution for maximizing available space.

When it comes to circulation, leave at least 70 cm in front of the bath to facilitate movement. This distance allows you to get in and out comfortably without feeling crowded.

Island or recessed bathtubs

The choice between an island or recessed bathtub depends on both your aesthetic preferences and the practical constraints of your space.

The island bathtub is a real centerpiece, requiring a substantial amount of space to show it off to its best advantage. Ideally, leave 30 to 40 cm of free space all around to facilitate circulation and maintenance. Its installation requires a floor-mounted water supply and drain, as well as floor-mounted or wall-mounted fittings. However, these technical constraints are offset by the spectacular visual effect they produce in your bathroom.

The recessed bath offers a number of practical advantages. It allows you to create storage space in the immediate vicinity (niches or shelves) and greatly simplifies cleaning by eliminating hard-to-reach spaces between the floor and the bathtub. Installation is generally simpler, as it can be connected to existing wall-mounted water inlets.

For a contemporary touch with a recessed bathtub, choose an apron in modern materials such as glass, waxed concrete or large-format tiles to match the floor or walls. This visual continuity enlarges the space and reinforces the uncluttered look characteristic of modern bathrooms.

Whatever your configuration, the placement of the bathtub must allow for easy maintenance while creating a pleasant bathing experience, two essential criteria for a successful bathroom.

Integrating the bathtub into a functional plan

Technical planning is the key to successfully integrating a bathtub into your bathroom. A harmonious layout requires the consideration of several essential parameters well before the final installation.

Creating a bathroom plan

To design a functional plan, start by measuring your space precisely. Then draw a diagram to scale, including all fixed elements - windows, doors and load-bearing walls. This step will save you a lot of trouble during installation.

Don't forget to take into account the considerable weight of a full bathtub - up to 450 kg for some models. If your bathroom is on an upper floor, this is particularly important when checking the strength of the floor.

Ceiling height also deserves your attention, especially in an attic layout where the available space varies considerably. We recommend a minimum height of 1.80 m above the bath to ensure optimum comfort.

The orientation of your bathtub in relation to natural light sources will greatly influence your daily experience. A position facing a window offers a pleasant view while bathing, provided of course that you maintain your privacy.

Positioning water inlets and drains

The position of the water supply and drainage system plays a key role in your layout. Ideally, place your bath close to existing pipes to minimize plumbing work.

The drain slope should be at least 1 to 2% to ensure good drainage. For water inlets, use a standard connection with 150 mm centres. If you choose an island bathtub, anticipate the installation of floor-mounted faucets requiring a floor-mounted water inlet.

When it comes to finishes, drain systems come in a variety of metallic surfaces - from classic chrome to more original finishes such as brushed bronze or matt black - enabling you to harmonize them with the other elements of your bathroom.

Plan circulation and comfort zones

For a harmonious layout combining bath and shower, respect the recommended minimum distances. Leave at least 70 cm of circulation space in front of the bathtub, ideally 90 cm for optimum ease of movement.

The ergonomics of the bathtub itself deserve your full attention. Newer models offer a more spacious interior design, with side walls that run parallel to each other rather than narrowing towards the feet, guaranteeing greater comfort. An enlarged back area and a generous footwell considerably enhance your bathing well-being.

When combining shower and bath, make sure each element has its own space. This separation prevents unwanted splashing and facilitates daily maintenance. To make the most of every square centimetre, install built-in storage around the bath - such as recessed niches for your bath products.

Don't forget to include a nearby towel warmer, ideally visible from the bath, for easy access to a warm towel when you get out of the tub. This small, practical detail makes all the difference to your daily comfort.

Combining the bathtub with other modern elements

To create a truly modern bathroom, pairing the bathtub with other contemporary elements is essential. This harmonization transforms a simple functional space into a veritable haven of well-being where comfort and design meet.

Combining bath and shower in the same space

There are many ingenious ways of combining bath and shower. One option is to integrate the two elements in an open, perfectly sealed space, promoting fluid circulation and easy access for all users.

A more compact solution is to install the shower at the end of the bath, separated by a glass wall. This configuration is ideal for 6 m² bathrooms, as it optimizes the available surface area without compromising functionality.

There are also 2-in-1 models that combine bath and shower in a single unit, with an integrated watertight door. Practical and space-saving, they are ideal for small areas or specific accessibility needs.

Choosing built-in or free-standing fittings

Faucets have a major influence on the modern look of your bathroom. The concealed version, which hides the technical elements in the wall, offers a streamlined appearance while facilitating daily cleaning. It also frees up the space around the bathtub, creating an appreciable sense of visual lightness.

On the other hand, free-standing faucets become a decorative element in their own right. Indispensable for island bathtubs, they are now available in a range of contemporary finishes - matte black, brushed copper or satin-finish gold - that blend perfectly with the overall style of your modern bathroom.

Adding connected or whirlpool elements

Intelligent technologies now enrich the everyday bathing experience. Balneo systems, with their water jets and air jets, transform a simple bath into a relaxing massage session. The most sophisticated models even feature customizable programs activated at the touch of a button or via a mobile app.

Chromotherapy using colored LEDs and aromatherapy diffusing essential oils complete this multi-sensory experience. Your bathroom is transformed into a veritable domestic spa, where relaxation and well-being are the order of the day.

For optimum comfort during your moments of relaxation, also consider installing an integrated heating system that maintains the water at a constant temperature, avoiding unpleasant chills while bathing. These technological innovations may represent a higher initial investment, but they significantly enhance your daily comfort and add value to your property.

Adapting to specific needs

A truly successful modern bathroom design must adapt to the specific needs of its users. Whether it's a question of accessibility, space optimization or ingenious storage, these considerations deserve specific attention to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Solutions for people with reduced mobility

Accessibility is a major issue for people with reduced mobility. A adapted bathtub with side door and integrated seat makes getting in and out of the bath considerably easier. Provide a transfer space of at least 80 cm beside the bathtub for wheelchair users.

Grab bars securely fixed to the walls provide essential support. We recommend placing them at a height of around 80 cm around the bathtub to ensure safe movement. Choose single-lever or thermostatic fittings, which are much easier to handle with limited dexterity.

Optimizing small spaces

In a small bathroom, every centimeter counts. Compact 150 cm bathtubs or asymmetrical models are perfect for small configurations without sacrificing comfort.

Choose multifunctional solutions such as a bathtub with an integrated shower area. This configuration preserves all essential functionality while saving floor space. Transparent glass panels, rather than shower curtains, create a sense of enlarged space and add a contemporary touch to your shower room.

Discreet, functional storage

Storage is a fundamental element of any successful design. Built-in niches around the bath provide discreet storage space for your hygiene products without taking up floor space.

Bathtub aprons with access hatches are a particularly clever solution. They elegantly conceal pipes while creating additional storage space. Floating shelves installed above the bathtub maximize the use of wall surfaces while adding a modern decorative touch.

It's a good idea to enlist the help of a professional to design these special features, especially when it comes to installations for people with reduced mobility, where safety and comfort need to be perfectly balanced.

Conclusion

Integrating a bathtub into a modern bathroom represents an exciting challenge that combines technology and aesthetics. Throughout this article, we've explored the many facets of this project, which transforms a simple functional space into a veritable haven of well-being.

The choice of style - Scandinavian, minimalist or industrial - determines the overall ambience of your bathroom and directly influences the selection of your bathtub. Its strategic location, adapted to the specific configuration of your space, is the cornerstone of a successful layout. Technical constraints such as water supply and drainage must be carefully planned to avoid unpleasant surprises during installation.

The bathtub cannot be considered in isolation. It is part of a coherent whole in which each element - taps, shower, connected systems - contributes to the overall experience. Solutions adapted to specific needs, such as accessibility for people with reduced mobility or optimization of small spaces, demonstrate that each configuration deserves a tailor-made approach.

The design possibilities are numerous, whatever the available surface area. From the majestic island bathtub in a large bathroom to the compact bathtub cleverly integrated into a small space, the key is to create a balance between functionality and aesthetics.

As a result, your modern bathroom with bathtub becomes much more than just a place for daily hygiene. It becomes a genuine space for relaxation, where contemporary design and well-being meet in harmony. It's this successful blend of beauty and practicality that makes your bathroom a truly modern space, reflecting both your personality and current trends.