Which bath should I choose based on my space and preferences?

First and foremost: is a bathtub really right for you?

The first question isn’t ‘which bath?’, it’s ‘why a bath?’. The answer determines everything that follows.

Is taking a bath a daily habit or just a passing fancy?

In Belgium, the majority of homeowners who have a bathtub admit to using it only once or twice a month. That’s no reason to do without one; it’s a reason to choose a different kind. A bathtub that’s only used occasionally doesn’t need to be the centrepiece of the bathroom.

Conversely, if you take a bath several times a week – whether for relaxation, to soothe muscle aches, or as part of your evening routine – the bathtub becomes a key practical investment. In this case, factors such as depth, length, a whirlpool system and accessibility take on real significance.

Bathtub or walk-in shower: the real choice to make

In standard-sized Belgian bathrooms (8 to 9 m²), the choice between a bath and a walk-in shower is often a binary one. The two only coexist comfortably in spaces larger than 10–11 m². In smaller spaces, it’s a decision you have to make: either maximise everyday comfort with a spacious walk-in shower, or choose a bath for ritual and sensory experience.

A rule of thumb: if you take a bath less than twice a week, a walk-in shower is almost always the best investment. If you do so more often, or if you anticipate use by children, elderly people or for therapeutic purposes, a bathtub is the obvious choice.

Belgian feature: In Belgium, houses built before 1970 often have bathrooms designed around a built-in bath with a skirting. Renovation is an opportunity to rethink how the space is actually used — and often to gain 0.8 to 1.5 m² by switching to a shower. But it’s also a chance to finally install the freestanding bath you’ve been dreaming of for years.

The 5 types of bathtubs: finding the one that suits your project

Each type of bath suits a different layout, level of renovation and style. Here’s how to choose the right one for your specific situation.

The freestanding bath: the piece that transforms a space

Freestanding baths are no longer the preserve of the spacious bathrooms featured in magazines. They can be fitted into a space as small as 9 m², provided they are the right size (compact models are as short as 140 cm in length) and the water supply is connected at floor or ceiling level. They make an immediate architectural statement; they are the feature that gives the whole room its character.

The taps for a freestanding bath are a topic in their own right. There are three options: a tap mounted directly on the bath (requiring a rim or a base plate), a wall-mounted tap (installed in the wall, with concealed pipework), and a floor-mounted tap (on a freestanding column, with a highly architectural look). Each option has its own plumbing requirements and visual impact.

The detail that’s often overlooked: A freestanding bath in a small space (7–8 m²) is possible — on one condition: don’t combine it with a separate shower. You must choose between the two. Many homeowners forget this and end up with a room where everything fits but nothing breathes.

The freestanding bath: more than just a vintage trend

The freestanding bath is often seen as a purely aesthetic choice, even a nostalgic one. This view is perhaps a little too simplistic. Contemporary models from Duravit, Kaldewei and Villeroy & Boch incorporate modern features (optimised depth, wear-resistant enamel coating, integrated drainage) in designs ranging from unapologetically retro to minimalist styles on slender legs.

Its main advantage is that it leaves the floor unobstructed, making the room feel more spacious. And it is often easier to install than a built-in bath. There’s no need to build a surround or redo the screed.

Materials: acrylic, enamelled cast iron or composite resin?

The material of the bath determines three factors at once: weight (and therefore structural loads), texture and heat retention, and long-term durability. All too often, this choice is made based solely on price.

Acrylic: the sensible choice, properly understood

Acrylic accounts for the vast majority of bathtubs sold in Belgium. It is lightweight, easy to install, available in all shapes and sizes, and affordable. Its main drawback is that it scratches more easily than other materials, and its appearance deteriorates more quickly with heavy use.

Reinforced acrylic (with a fibreglass layer) is significantly stronger than standard acrylic. If you choose acrylic, always opt for this version. And look for brands that offer a substantial shell thickness — a simple test: the shell should not bend under finger pressure.

Enamelled cast iron and Kaldewei steel: an investment that lasts

Enamelled cast iron is the material of choice for a bathtub that will last a lifetime. Its heat retention is unrivalled: the water stays warm for much longer than in an acrylic bathtub. Its enamelled surface is resistant to scratches, household cleaning products and yellowing. Its only real drawback is its weight (100 to 200 kg depending on size), which means the floor’s load-bearing capacity must be checked before installation.

Kaldewei enamelled steel occupies an interesting middle ground: it is lighter than cast iron (30 to 60 kg), yet features an enamelled surface of the same quality. Kaldewei is the only manufacturer in the world to offer a guarantee on the surface of its enamelled steel baths. This is a compelling selling point in a market where guarantees are rare.

Composite resin (solid surface): the architect’s material

Solid surface is the material of choice for contemporary freestanding bath projects. Its matt finish and warm-to-the-touch surface create a unique sensory experience. It is repairable — a scratch or mark can be removed by sanding, unlike acrylic. And it allows for organic shapes that cast iron or steel cannot achieve.

Although they are expensive, the cost is justified in ambitious projects where the bath is the focal point of the room. At Facq, the brands Duravit and Villeroy & Boch offer freestanding solid surface baths with a level of finish that rivals the finest architectural designs.

Dimensions: what size bath is right for your space and comfort?

The size of a bath isn’t just a question of available space. It’s also a question of physical comfort, particularly depth – a factor that many people underestimate when making a purchase.

Standard-length vs. large bath

Standard bathtubs are between 150 and 170 cm long. This is sufficient for a person of average height (up to 1.75 m). For taller people, or for regular use where being able to lie down fully is important, models measuring 175–180 cm or more are the standard. Anything over 180 cm falls into the category of large baths or two-person baths.

Depth: the key factor for a proper bath

This is the most important factor in the bathing experience, and yet it is often overlooked. A bath with an internal depth of 35 to 40 cm is considered shallow: you sit rather than lie down in the water. A bath with an internal depth of 45 to 55 cm is the depth at which you are truly immersed and the warmth envelops your body.

Japanese bathtubs (or deep soaking tubs) take this concept to the extreme: 60 to 70 cm deep, with an upright seated position and full immersion. They take up less floor space but require vertical clearance. They are still rare in Belgium but are beginning to appear in the most contemporary designs.

Good to know: To check the actual depth of a bath, don’t look at the external depth — look at the internal depth (from the bottom to the drain). This is what determines the actual water level. Some baths are listed as having a total height of 45 cm but only 38 cm of usable internal depth.

Bathroom taps: the choice that makes all the difference

Bathroom taps are one of the areas where the investment is most visible and most noticeable. A beautiful tap on a beautiful bath is the combination that brings the room to life. A generic tap on a premium bath is the detail that leaves you regretting your choice.

Wall-mounted tap, bath-mounted tap or floor-mounted tap: three installation options

A wall-mounted tap is the most common choice for built-in baths and wall-mounted baths. The supply pipe is concealed within the wall, with only the tap body and spout remaining visible. It is the most visually streamlined option and the easiest to maintain.

A bath tap mounted on the bath (on a rim or a base plate) is the classic choice for standard built-in baths. It is easier and cheaper to install than a wall-mounted tap. It is available in single, double or integrated column versions for baths with a rim.

The floor-mounted tap (on an offset column) is the architectural choice for freestanding baths. The supply column is visible, often decorative, and contributes to the visual composition of the bath within the space. It is the most technically demanding option (the supply runs under the floor), but also the most visually striking.

Thermostatic or conventional: everyday comfort

A thermostatic mixer is even more useful for a bath than for a shower. Filling a bath takes time, and having to adjust the temperature manually each time is both inconvenient and potentially dangerous when there are children around. A thermostatic mixer remembers your preferred temperature and maintains it regardless of what happens elsewhere in the system. It offers real comfort, which you’ll notice from the very first use.

The Hansgrohe and Grohe brands offer thermostatic bath taps in a range of finishes, from classic chrome and matt black to brushed brass and bronze. At Facq, our advisors will help you find the finish that complements the rest of your bathroom.

Finishing and integration: apron, edge and recess

A built-in bath leaves a visible section known as the apron. This apron can be tiled, painted, panelled with wood, or replaced with a removable panel. It is a decorative feature in its own right, and a choice that also determines access to the pipework.

Tiled, panelled or timber cladding: choose the option that suits your style

A tiled bath surround is the most common and seamless solution: the room’s tiling continues onto the front of the bath. The result is a clean, durable and easy-to-maintain finish. However, this makes it more difficult to access the pipework should repairs be needed. It is advisable to include an access panel at the design stage.

Removable panels (made from treated wood, solid surface or lacquered MDF) are currently all the rage. They offer a clean finish, easy access to pipework and stylistic flexibility. Panels made of teak or natural treated oak bring an organic warmth that blends beautifully with wabi-sabi, spa or biophilic styles. It is also the easiest option to replace if you wish to change the atmosphere of the room.

The built-in bath with a rim: making a comeback

The built-in bath with a rim – that is, a lip protruding 10 to 20 cm around the tub – is one of the key trends in bathroom design for 2026. This rim is not merely an architectural feature: it is the space where you place candles, a book, a glass of wine and bath products. It recreates the atmosphere of bathing as an intimate and deliberate ritual.

This type of layout requires sufficient space around the bath: the rim must be accessible from both sides or at least on three sides. In a bathroom measuring 8–9 m², this usually means either doing without a separate shower or completely reworking the layout.

Accessibility and sustainability: planning ahead rather than reacting

Designing a bathroom in 2026 without considering accessibility means designing a bathroom for the next decade only. Anticipating long-term use – for yourself, your loved ones, or a future buyer – is a sensible decision that costs almost nothing at the design stage.

Baths and accessibility for people with reduced mobility: options that don’t compromise on design

A bathtub isn’t immediately the go-to choice for people with reduced mobility; that role is typically filled by a walk-in shower. However, several modifications can make a bathtub much more accessible without compromising its appearance: a lower rim height (36–38 cm instead of 50–55 cm), a discreet grab rail in brushed stainless steel, and an integrated or retractable step.

In Belgium, financial assistance is available in all three regions for accessibility modifications (up to €8,000 excluding VAT in Wallonia via the AVIQ, with similar grants available in Flanders and Brussels). This assistance can cover part of the cost of an adapted bath, provided that the application is submitted before work begins.

Long-term durability: choices that stand the test of time

Three factors determine how long a bathtub will last:

• The materials used for the bowl – enamelled steel, cast iron or solid surface – age gracefully without yellowing or scratching easily.
• Taps and fittings: PVD (physical vapour deposition) finishes are far more resistant to household cleaning products and Belgian limescale than traditional chrome plating. Matt black PVD, in particular, remains flawless for years after installation.
• Maintaining the seals: the silicone seals around the bath are the weak point of any installation. High-quality silicone, applied correctly and replaced every 8–10 years, is enough to prevent leaks and mould.

Good to know: Belgian water is hard in most provinces (TH > 20°fH in Brussels, Walloon Brabant and Flemish Brabant). A water softener protects thermostatic taps, reduces limescale marks on the bath and extends the lifespan of your fittings. This is a decision to be made before installation, not after.

Brands available at Facq: a guide to help you find your way

Facq works with a carefully selected range of partner brands, all of which can be explored at the EXPOcenter. Here’s a guide to understanding what each one specialises in.

Budget and financial support in Belgium: what you need to know in 2026

A bath isn’t just about the price of the product itself. It’s about the total cost of the project: the bath itself, installation, plumbing, and possibly electrical work for a whirlpool bath, a bath screen, and taps. Here are some realistic price ranges for the Belgian market.

6% VAT: a benefit available to everyone

For properties over 10 years old, the VAT rate applicable to renovation work — including materials and labour — is reduced to 6% instead of 21%. On a project costing €6,000 excluding VAT, the saving amounts to €900. Condition: the work must be invoiced by a professional contractor. This is one of the reasons why working with a qualified installer is not only a guarantee of quality: it is also a direct tax benefit.

Situation as at 1 April 2026 — please check before starting any project. Renovation grants are subject to rapid change. In Wallonia, a temporary scheme is in place until 30 September 2026. In Brussels, Renolution grants are currently suspended. In Flanders, bathroom fixtures have been excluded from the Mijn VerbouwPremie since July 2025. Always check the current situation with your regional authority or ask a Facq advisor.

6 mistakes to avoid when planning a bathroom

These errors have been identified based on feedback from Facq advisers at EXPOcenter. Almost all of them stem from a lack of foresight during the design phase.

1. Choose the bath before finalising the plumbing plan. The position of the water supply and drainage points determines the installation requirements. Some freestanding baths require a floor-level water supply — something that cannot be fitted retrospectively without breaking up the screed.
2. Underestimating the weight of a cast iron or solid surface bath. An old wooden floor may need structural reinforcement. Always have the load-bearing capacity checked before purchasing.
3. Don’t forget the power socket for a spa bath. A socket in Zone 2 (at least 60 cm from the edge) must be installed before the tiling is laid. Cutting into a tiled wall after the fact is expensive and spoils the finish.
4. Neglecting the taps. A premium bath with entry-level taps: the mismatch is glaringly obvious. Taps often account for 15 to 25 per cent of the total budget for a beautiful bath, so this is not an area where you should cut corners.
5. Covering up a damp problem without fixing it. Mould under the skirting board won’t disappear beneath the tiles. It will come back, often worse than before.
6. Forgetting to check eligibility for the 6% VAT rate before signing. Once the work has been invoiced, it is too late to change the rate.