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Built-In Baths: Craft Your Perfect Bathroom with The Blue Space

Renovating a bathroom? Let’s cut to the chase—your bath choice can make or break the space. Built-in baths (sometimes called inset or alcove baths) are the unsung heroes of smart design. At The Blue Space, we’ve helped thousands of Aussies nail their bathroom projects with baths that slot seamlessly into walls or corners. No fuss, no fluff—just practical advice and options that work. Ready to see why inset baths might be your renovation’s MVP? Let’s get into it.

Why Built-In/Inset Baths? The Lowdown

Imagine a bath that hugs the wall, freeing up floor space for that double vanity you’ve been eyeing. Built-in baths—aka inset or alcove baths—are the ultimate space-savers. Unlike freestanding models, these designs tuck neatly into niches or under windows, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms or clever storage setups.

Got a bathroom that’s cosier than a beachside studio? Our small baths collection includes compact models starting at 1200mm. For those with room to spare, the baths over 1700mm collection offers deep soaks perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Materials: What’s Your Bath Made Of?

Let’s talk durability. The material you pick decides whether your bath ages like fine wine or soggy cardboard:

Acrylic

Lightweight and budget-friendly, acrylic’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s warmer to the touch than steel and comes in heaps of shapes. Peek at our acrylic bathtubs collection—perfect for families (toy drops won’t crack it).

Stone Resin

Love the luxe look of natural stone but hate the upkeep? Our Kaskade stone baths collection mimics marble without the polishing marathons.

Steel

Tough as nails and shiny as a new ute. The enamel-coated options in our steel baths collection handle kids, pets, and clumsy partners without a scratch.

Pro tip: Glossy finishes show water spots. If you’re time-poor, go matte—it hides splashes better.

Size & Shape: Nailing the Fit

Inset baths come in more shapes than a Bunnings sausage sizzle. Here’s how to avoid a layout disaster:

Measure Like Your Reno Depends On It (Because It Does): Note where your pipes live—relocating them costs more than a Sydney parking ticket.
Shape Shifters:
- Rectangular: The classic workhorse. Fits most spaces and pairs with shower screens. Our rectangular baths collection has options from basic to boutique.
- Oval: Soft edges = fewer bumped knees. Ideal for family homes. See the oval baths collection.
- Square: Bold and boxy. Pair with subway tiles for a retro-meets-modern vibe. Check the square baths collection.

Stuck between sizes? Our mid-range 1500mm to 1700mm Baths suit most Aussie bathrooms.

Colour: Keeping It Clean with White

White baths are like Vegemite—timeless and universally loved. Why? They’re crisp, clean, and match anything. Our white baths collection offers everything from glossy showstoppers to matte finishes that hide fingerprints.

Want to add personality without straying from white? Pair with bold tiles or metallic taps. Gold or black fixtures against a white bath scream “designer,” minus the price tag.

Brands We Trust (So You Don’t Have To)

We’re pickier about partners than a contestant on The Bachelor. Here’s why our brands deliver:

Caroma: Aussie-made and water-wise. Their Caroma baths collection cuts water use without cutting comfort.
Clark: No-nonsense durability. The Clark baths collection offers fuss-free designs built to last.
Decina: Clean lines, zero clutter. The Decina baths collection is for minimalists who hate dusting.
Turner Hastings: Understated luxury. The Turner Hastings baths collection turns everyday baths into spa experiences.

Pro Design Hacks for Inset Baths

Storage Ninja Moves: Carve a niche into the wall for shampoo. No room? Our island baths collection has models with built-in ledges.
Lighting Magic: Waterproof LED strips under the rim—mood lighting that actually works.
Tap Smarts: Wall-mounted taps save bench space. Floor-mounted? Bold choice—just make sure they’re reachable.

Installation: Don’t DIY This Part

Inset baths need love during install. Here’s the drill:

Call a Pro: Unless you’re a licensed plumber, leave it to the experts. Especially for techy setups like our spa baths collection—water and electricity aren’t BFFs.
Waterproof Like a Boss: Use silicone, not cheap sealant. Your future self will thank you.

Keep It Looking Fresh

Acrylic: Wipe with a soft cloth. No scrubbers—they’ll leave marks.
Stone Resin: Blot spills fast. Reseal yearly if you use it daily.
Steel: Baking soda paste lifts hard water stains. Rinse well—no one wants a bath that smells like a science experiment.

Make It Uniquely Yours

Add-ons turn a basic bath into your personal retreat:

Anti-Slip Mats: Because wet tiles + bare feet = comedy gold (until it’s not).
Bath Caddies: For coffee, books, or your phone (waterproof case non-negotiable).
Jet Systems: Our spa baths collection turns soaks into physio sessions.

Why We’re Your Go-To Bath Gurus

No BS Advice: We’ll tell you if a bath’s wrong for your space.
Price Match Guarantee: Found it cheaper? We’ll sort it.
Post-Purchase Support: Stuck post-install? We’ve got your back.

Ready to Roll?

Built-in/inset baths are about your life—not Instagram trends. At The Blue Space, we’re here to help you choose what works, not what’s flashy. Whether you’re after a no-frills soaker or a spa-worthy escape, start with our bathtubs collection.

Drop by our Sydney showroom or chat online. Let’s create a bathroom that’s yours—not a copy-paste job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a built-in bath the right choice for your bathroom renovation?

Built in baths can be a practical choice for families, they are strong and you have a decent tiled edge to lean on when bathing toddlers and to put things on. They are easy to clean making them low maintenance.
They are compact so much easier to fit in a tight bathroom. From a plumbing prospective they are easy to install and easy to rectify issues with drainage should a leak occur in the future.
A feature tile up the side of the bath will make your built-in bath look stunning, or you can even consider tiling around the bath in a mosaics or natural stone tiles to turn it into a simple, stylish feature of your bathroom renovation. Choosing a large, deeper bath will give you a sense of luxury in your space.

Read our guide to bathtubs article to learn more about the different types of baths you can use, and how to know what to choose for your bathroom.

What is an inset bath?

An inset bath, also known as a built-in bath or drop-in bath, is a bathtub that is installed within a frame, giving it extra strength and firm fixing in place. Typically, they are installed against a wall either along the side of the bath or at the tap end. However, they are versatile enough to also be built into an island in your bathroom with a surrounding tile edge.

How much is a built-in tub?

In Australia, built-in baths vary in price according to the size and design of the bath you choose, as well as their availability in the country. It should be noted that a drop-in tub can be a cheaper option than many other bath options. For example, when compared to a freestanding bath, built-in baths cost less to install and maintain due to the ease of access to their waste pipes.

What is the difference between an island bath and an inset bath?

An island bath is an inset bath that is installed away from a wall. There are many ways to install built-in baths, such as lengthways against a wall, the tap end against a wall, or within an “island” frame that has a tiled edge around the inset bath. The versatility of built-in tubs enables you to have one anywhere in your bathroom, regardless of wall space.

How high should a built-in bath be?

A standard installation of built-in baths will generally see the floor of the bathtub at approximately the same level as the floor of the bathroom. However, there are no hard and fast rules on which height to install your bath at. You may wish to have it raised with a step up to get in or have it lowered to have floor level access. The height at which you decide to install your bath will be dependent on functional needs, such as if it should be suitable for bathing children, or perhaps someone elderly or physically impaired requires ease of access. You can install your inset bath to the height most appropriate to your needs.

Why choose a built-in bath?

There are many benefits to a drop-in tub as they can be tailored to suit the aesthetics you seek while remaining practical and functional. Built-in baths are installed within a sturdy framework that can be placed against a wall or in the middle of the room. This means that your bath cannot be moved, protecting it from plumbing and tile work damage. Ease of access to the lower recess area of drop-in baths results in lower maintenance costs should you be unfortunate enough to experience a leak or other plumbing issue. Because a built-in bath is installed within a frame, you can decide how wide or thin you wish to have your edges and which type of tiles, stone or marble to use. This gives you complete freedom to create the bathing experience you desire, with sleek, streamlined finishes right through to a wide platform surrounding the bath to place items on or lean against while bathing children.

Are built-in baths popular?

In Australia, built-in baths have been popular for decades, initially due to the ease of cleaning along a solid edge as opposed to under a clawfoot bath. Over the years, their popularity has grown as the added benefits of sturdiness, ease of access for maintenance and flexibility of placement within the bathroom have become well-known. Modern built-in baths have become a staple of many Australian bathroom designs, outlasting many trends and fads. All of these factors have made them a highly popular choice when renovating or creating a new bathroom.

How do I select the ideal built-in or inset bath for my bathroom?

When choosing a built-in or inset bath, consider your bathroom's dimensions, your design aesthetic, and practical needs like size and shape. Assess how the bath will integrate with your existing decor, and consider the features that will enhance your soaking experience.

What differentiates built-in baths from freestanding options?

Built-in baths are integrated into the bathroom's structure, offering a seamless and space-efficient solution. Unlike freestanding baths, which stand alone, built-in and inset baths are designed to complement the overall aesthetic of the bathroom, making them ideal for streamlined designs.

How do built-in or inset baths contribute to a clutter-free bathroom design?

Built-in and inset baths contribute to a clutter-free bathroom by fitting snugly against walls or into corners, maximising floor space. Their integrated design allows you to have tile features around the bath.

What are the latest trends in built-in and inset bath designs?

The latest trends in built-in and inset bath designs include sleek, minimalist lines and rounded corner designs.