The size and style of bathtubs vary worldwide, but their overall dimensions are determined by factors such as cost, cultural norms, bathing trends, available space in the house, and safety considerations.
Imagine being on a business trip in a new city, navigating unfamiliar office spaces, and all you want to do after arriving at your hotel is relax in a bath. You don’t have a bathtub at home, and you want to treat yourself. However, after patiently waiting for the tub to fill, pouring yourself a drink, and undressing, you slide into the tub only to realize that you feel like a giant. In order to fully recline, you have to bend your knees out of the water, and if you stretch your legs straight, your torso sticks out of the steamy water.
Your initial reaction might be surprise at the small size of the tub, but you’re not the first person to complain about the average size of bathtubs, which many people nowadays consider too small! If this is such a common complaint, we must ask ourselves… why are bathtubs typically shorter than a person’s height?
Bathtub Design and History
The concept of a bathtub dates back over 5,000 years to the earliest plumbing systems discovered in the Indus Valley of ancient India. Even personal bathtubs have existed for thousands of years. From wooden barrels and copper basins to modern porcelain tubs, the idea of personal bathing has always been a source of innovation and fascination. However, the act of taking a full bath has gone in and out of fashion and has often been restricted to the wealthy. In the past 200 years, personal bathtubs for the average person have become more popular.
Clawfoot Bathtub with Platinum Claw Feet (Photo Credit : Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock)
In Europe, bathtubs were often made of iron, tin, and copper, and the clawfoot style with four small claws or feet supporting the larger bathing basin was common. By the early 20th century, it was discovered that porcelain could be bonded to cast iron, making the tubs more durable, easier to manufacture, and easier to clean. Fiberglass tubs became the standard by the mid-20th century due to their durability and lighter weight.
Even today, you can find antique clawfoot tubs and modern replicas, as well as large custom-designed tubs. However, the standard size for most homes and shower/tub combinations is 36″ x 60″ (3 feet by 5 feet). Considering that most people are taller than five feet, it seems illogical to design a standard bathtub size that doesn’t accommodate most individuals. What could be the reason behind this?
Factors Influencing the Size of Bathtubs
While there is no definitive answer to why bathtubs are typically small, there are several reasons that have likely contributed to their size. These factors include safety concerns, functional considerations, cultural norms, cost, and efficient use of space.
Safety
Bathing is commonly associated with relaxation, allowing individuals to unwind and enjoy the therapeutic benefits. However, falling asleep in the bathtub, especially after consuming alcohol, can be extremely dangerous if the person accidentally slips beneath the water. By having a bathtub that is slightly shorter than average, it reduces the risk of submerging the face in case of a slip. This may make it challenging for taller individuals to fully submerge their bodies, but it ensures the safety of shorter bathers.
In addition, the weight and size of a bathtub, even if it is made of fiberglass, can make it difficult to move and install. If the tub is too wide, it may not fit through the bathroom door, and if it is too long and heavy, it may require more than two people to move it safely.
Function
In many parts of the world, baths are primarily associated with children rather than adults for daily hygiene purposes. Considering the smaller size of children and the infrequent use of bathtubs by adults, having smaller tubs is practical. Most homes and apartments come with shower/tub combinations, but residents often prefer using the shower most of the time. Some regions prioritize compactness and efficiency in architectural and domestic design, which aligns with the use of smaller bathtubs. Additionally, taking baths is becoming less common in the fast-paced modern world, especially in the United States.
Baby inside the bathtub (Photo Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock)
Cultural Norms
As mentioned earlier, bathing habits vary across different cultures. In some parts of the world, baths are more common for adults and bathtubs are considered luxurious. In contrast, Europe often has larger standard sizes for bathtubs. Certain regions in Asia and Europe prefer larger bathing spaces, smaller and deeper seated bathtubs, or larger public bathing areas. While there are exceptions, the cultural norms of the country you are in may influence your bathtub preferences.
Cost
Having standardized sizes and materials for bathtubs has facilitated mass production and affordability. Basic bathtubs can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, although the overall cost of installation and bathroom renovation may be higher. Opting for a custom bathtub, such as one that is wider or longer, can significantly increase the cost into the thousands of dollars. Considering that many families only use the bathtub a few times a year, investing in extra tub room may not be financially worthwhile.
Efficiency in Space Utilization
When it comes to the size of rooms in homes and apartments, most designs are based on standard expectations for the size of appliances. If you choose to buy a pre-made home instead of designing it yourself, the bathrooms are likely to have been designed to accommodate a basic bathtub. Any modifications you want to make to the bathtub size will likely result in a loss of space in another room. Since the square footage of a property is valuable, architects and engineers strive to use it as efficiently as possible. A smaller bathtub creates the illusion of more space and allows for more high-value aspects or rooms in a house.
A Final Message
The next time you feel cramped in your bathtub and wish you had a few extra inches to stretch your legs, remember that the compact size of the tub is intentional! Having a tub that is only five feet long can enhance your safety, save you money, conform to cultural norms, and make efficient use of the space in your home!