Corner Bathtub 101 – Important Things to Know Before Buying in 2023

The corner bathtub is very different from other types of bathtubs in current trends, which are freestanding and clawfoot bathtubs. And there are good reasons for freestanding and clawfoot to be popular among users, which are the variety of shapes and bathtub materials. But one advantage that corner bathtubs possess is the placement. You can put corner bathtubs where you can’t install either freestanding or clawfoot tubs. 

But is it worth buying in 2023?

That is the question we will discuss this in detail in the upcoming sections!

Corner Bathtub – What Is It?

Unlike freestanding or clawfoot bathtubs (which can stand independently without any external support), corner bathtubs require external support. It is a bathtub where two of its sides are fixed by walls.

Since it is anchored by two walls in your bathroom, you can probably guess the shape. It is triangular in shape. But, that is not necessarily the case for all corner bathtubs. There might not be as much of a variety of shapes and sizes as freestanding bathtubs, but corner bathtubs do come with some notable shapes and sizes. 

All the physical aspects of a corner bathtub are made in such a way that it can fit perfectly into a corner in your bathroom. 

As said, the main advantage of a corner bathtub is its placement. Meaning, even if you have a small bathroom, where installing a freestanding bathtub can be difficult, you can put in a corner bathtub given that you have two adjacent walls to support the tub. 

The next advantage is the functionality to change the corner bathtub into a jacuzzi when needed. 

Now, one of the main reasons why people install a bathtub in their bathroom is to relax their body and mind. Taking a dip in a jacuzzi (known as hydrotherapy), high-pressure water helps your muscles relax and improves overall blood circulation. 

Instead of spending money each time (which is quite expensive), you can invest your money one time into your corner bathtub and get all the benefits in the comfort of your home. 

Corner Bathtub – Who Should Get One?

Users who have a small surface area in their bathroom should go for corner bathtubs. Now, the trendy freestanding and clawfoot tubs have a long horizontal structure, meaning, it requires at least 25-30 sq. ft of bathroom space. But, when it comes to corner bathtubs (which are triangular or sometimes circular in shape), that much space (30 sq. ft) is not necessary. 

Also, thanks to its triangular or round shape, more than one person can fit into the tub easily unlike freestanding or clawfoot bathtub, which requires larger sizes. 

If you have elderly individuals in your household, it is recommended to get a corner bathtub. 

The main reason is the easy entrance into the tub. Yes, you can enter the freestanding bathtub easily, but for elderly people, it may not be easily accessible. The design is also child-friendly. Meaning, they can take a bath alone without any trouble. But, it is still recommended to have a parent or guardian be on stand-by when your child takes a bath. 

As said, the corner bathtub can be converted into a hot tub or jacuzzi. It is the best setup for elderly people. A hot bath with a good amount of water pressure helps them to relax their muscles and can destress them. Along with that, it helps to improve blood circulation. If they are suffering from any skin-related abnormalities, it can be helped to soothe the pain. This is the main reason why doctors recommend taking a nice, warm bath in the jacuzzi for elderly individuals. 

The bathtub is comprised of two things: Functionality and aesthetics (50%/50%). You now know the functionality and general benefits of a corner bathtub. What about aesthetics? Surely it is not better than a freestanding bathtub, is it?

The Aesthetics of a Corner Bathtub

The level of aesthetics from corner bathtubs is entirely different from other types of bathtubs. For example, if you have a standard-size bathroom, it is good to choose the freestanding bathtub, since it may be much more aesthetically pleasing. 

But, if you have a master bathroom (large bathroom), you should buy a corner bathtub instead of the freestanding bathtub. The main reason is the shape. Even if you buy a large freestanding bathtub, it may not be aesthetically pleasing when it comes to a larger bathtub, like in the master bathroom. 

Thanks to its shape, the corner bathtub elevates your large bathroom’s aesthetics to the next level. Some corner bathtubs come with storage and other functionalities, if you can afford it and have a master bathroom, you don’t have to look any further. A corner bathtub is your best choice. If you are looking for a spa experience in your home, a corner bathtub is the best option. 

The Disadvantages of a Corner Bathtub

But where there are advantages, there must be disadvantages.

One of the main disadvantages of a corner bathtub over a freestanding bathtub is the cost. 

You can get a freestanding bathtub at a cheaper price (an acrylic bathtub costs you $600) than the corner bathtub. 

And the maintenance is much more challenging than a normal bathtub.  There are several steps involved in cleaning and maintaining a corner bathtub, and it does take a long time, compared to other types of bathtubs. 

Installation is also a little bit more complicated if you are installing the bathtub by yourself. 

Average Cost of a Corner Bathtub

A corner bathtub can be a little more expensive than a freestanding or clawfoot bathtub. The smaller ones can start from $500, and this can vary depending on various factors, such as size, shape, and bathtub materials. 

A medium or standard-size bathtub can cost you from $800-$1200. High-quality materials bathtubs can cost you around $1500.

This is only for the bathtub. If you want to add more functionality, such as air pressure jets, that can cost anywhere from $300-$500, depending on how many benefits you are expecting from the jets. 

Lastly, you want to add a hand-shower system. The shower system can cost you from $100-$200, depending on the material and finish of the shower system. 

So, in summary, the bathtub can cost $1200, air jets can cost $300 and a shower system can cost $100. In total, you can expect the corner bathtub with all the necessary benefits can cost you $1600*.

*This cost does not include the installation cost and other costs imposed by the seller. 

Common Corner Bathtub Materials

Acrylic

Acrylic is one of the most common materials not only for corner bathtubs but also for other bathtubs, including freestanding bathtubs. Acrylic is a material made of vacuumed acrylic sheets joined together to get the desired shape for the bathtub. Alone, acrylic is weak and prone to structural damage if an external force is applied. In order to avoid that, reinforced fibreglass is placed in between the acrylic sheets to increase its strength and durability.

Other main reasons why acrylic is popular are cost and the availability of a variety of shapes and sizes. One important thing to note is that acrylic is a non-porous material meaning it does not absorb moisture, and gives a very good life for your bathtub (considering good maintenance implemented)

Fiberglass

When it comes to affordability, fiberglass is the top of the food chain, next to acrylic. Fiberglass is one of the most lightweight materials and is perfect for getting any shape and size for your bathtub. But, this comes with a downside, which is the durability of the bathtub. Any external pressure can cause structural damage and even render the bathtub from functioning as intended. 

On top of that, fiberglass is porous, unlike acrylic which is non-porous. Meaning there is a high probability of water or moisture getting trapped into the surface of the bathtub and causing water damage to the tub. 

Stone Resin

The bathtub is all about taking a nice and warm bath. If your bathtub does not have good water heat retention, you may be wasting a lot of money on your electricity bill. This is where the stone resin shines. Stone resins are known for their good heat retention capacity, and can help you to take a warm bath for a long time. 

From the name, we can interpret that stone-resin are made of natural stone (crushed form) mixed with a polyurethane resin, along with natural minerals. Thanks to the presence of stone, structural abnormalities are minimal in this bathtub material and it is scratch-resistant.

Lastly, it is a tad bit more expensive than the acrylic bathtub, but the benefits outweigh the cost. 

FAQs

Are corner bathtubs worth it in 2023?

The short answer is, yes. A corner bathtub can bring great value to your bathroom and has a lot of functionalities that can rival the spa experience. If you have a constrained space in your bathroom, a corner bathtub can be a good choice. There are good varieties of corner bathtubs available in the market, which can satisfy your taste. 

Does a corner bathtub use more water?

Yes, corner bathtubs use more water. This is due to its shape. The overall shape of the bathtub can be larger than normal bathtubs, and this warrants more water usage. One of the objectives for a corner bathtub is to fit more than one person. That is why the depth of the bathtub can be quite deeper than normal bathtubs.

Can you shower in a corner bathtub?

Yes, you can shower in a corner bathtub if you prefer. You can attach a shower system to your bathtub and take a shower. The shower system can cost you from $100-$200, depending on the material and finish of the shower system. 

Final Thoughts

The average life expectancy of a corner bathtub ranges from 10-15 years, depending on various factors, such as bathtub material and your maintenance habits. With proper maintenance care, you can achieve that life expectancy with ease. 

Bathtubs are great ways to destress after a long day, especially corner bathtubs. It works really well to relax your muscles and improve blood circulation. It is more suitable for the elderly who can be weaker, and suffer from skin-related issues. 

 So, is the corner bathtub worth it in 2023? 

Yes, it is definitely worth it in 2023. If you have a small bathroom and can afford a corner bathtub, it is best to buy one. But that does not mean you should not buy other bathtubs. 

In the end, it all comes down to your choice!

If you are looking for a modern tub, you are in the right place. We, at Maguns home products, provide best-in-class bathtubs, and you can access the collection here.