Standard Bathtubs vs. Modern Bathtubs: Which One Fits Your Home Best?

When it comes to choosing the perfect bathtub, homeowners often find themselves caught between the charm of a traditional standard bathtub and the sleek sense of sophistication of a modern bathtub. In either case, it will greatly affect the overall look, functionality, and safety of your bathroom, whether you're renovating an existing one or just building a new home.

While modern bathtubs exhibit sleek designs and innovative features, there’s something classic about the standard bathtub that has graced American homes for generations. And products like the SoftSide Bathtub Cushion are specifically designed to ensure standard bathtubs are safer and more comfortable.

Choosing between a standard bathtub and a modern bathtub can be a tough decision, especially when you’re trying to balance aesthetics, functionality, and safety. In this blog, we’ll see the key differences between these two options to help you decide which one fits best for your home and lifestyle. Let’s take a closer at both types of bathtubs across several crucial factors:

1. Design and Aesthetics

Standard Bathtubs:

Typically installed in a three-wall setup, standard bathtubs are ideal for smaller bathrooms, making efficient use of space without compromising on comfort. They are known for their simple and versatile design.

Modern Bathtubs:

Modern bathtubs can be placed almost anywhere within a bathroom's walls, giving greater flexibility to the bathroom's layout but often at the expense of a great need for space. Modern bathtubs often serve as a statement piece in the bathroom, with sleek, eye-catching designs.

2. Safety and Accessibility

Standard Bathtubs:

The shorter height of entry makes standard bathtubs relatively easier to step in and out of for the elderly. Additional accessories, such as the Softside Bathtub Cushion, can be added to standard tubs to provide safer entry with reduced likelihood of slipping and falling.

Modern Bathtubs:

Modern bathtubs often have a higher lip, making it more challenging to get in and out, which can increase the risk of accidents. The support characteristic of a standard bathtub where the walls hug a normal tub can make these modern tubs seem less stable when entering and exiting.

3. Comfort and Functionality

Standard Bathtubs:

The bathtubs are apt to use in the bath or shower. Spacious for the ultimate relaxing and luxurious bath, yet compact for a quick refreshing shower. Adding Softside bathtub cushion , it also becomes suitable for bathing children or pets and bathtubs leave enough room for movement which makes bath time safer and more fun for them.

Modern Bathtubs:

Modern tubs are designed for relaxation, often featuring deep space that allow for full immersion, which is great for a luxurious bathing experience. most modern bathtubs offer features like integrated jets, heated surfaces, even lighting, everything that is a perfect way to enhance your bathroom experience.

4. Maintenance and Durability

Standard Bathtubs:

The simple design of standard bathtubs usually makes them more hygienic as well as easier to maintain. They tend to have fewer spaces where dirt can stick. Standard bathtubs are often made from sturdy materials like cast iron or acrylic, which stand up well to everyday wear and tear.

Modern Bathtubs : 

Modern bathtubs have more complex designs, so they cover more surface area and edges with which the dirt can easily reach, especially if they were designed into complex shapes. Some of them may look stunning, but they require special care, such as stone resin or copper, and can be easily damaged or stained.

5. Cost and Installation

Standard Bathtubs :

Generally, standard bathtubs are cheaper to buy, including installation costs. Provided that they already feature in many homes, replacing or upgrading a standard bathtub is usually hassle free and cheap.

Modern Bathtubs :

Modern bathtubs are often expensive because of the type of material used, design, and extra features.

Sometimes, freestanding tubs or advanced feature tubs have specific plumbing and structural requirements that increase the length of the installation time and costs.

Final Verdict

Both standard and modern bathtubs have their unique advantages, but when it comes to practicality and safety, standard bathtubs often come out on top. They’re a tried-and-true choice that provides flexibility, ease of use, and a sense of comfort that modern tubs may struggle to match. Plus, there are accessories, such as the Softside Bathtub Cushion, that make it easier to make a standard tub safer and far more comfortable. So, before you dive into a new bathtub purchase, consider what truly fits your needs and lifestyle.