The endurance of the bathtub is proof that life is about enjoyment, not efficiency

The advent of the shower in the late 1700s marked a seismic shift, introducing increased convenience and hygiene to the bathing routine. When it comes to functionality, showers are miles ahead of their bathing counterparts, with some luxury hotels even doing away with the tub altogether in favour of spacious walk-in showers.

Yet, when it comes to homes, the bathtub remains. Not for its cleansing prowess nor for its practicality, but for its defiance of the utilitarian. Sure, a shower completes the same task in a fraction of the time, but while a shower cleanses the body, a bath speaks to the mind. Just look to the literary greats.

“I am sure there are things that can't be cured by a good bath but I can't think of one,” American poet Sylvia Plath once proclaimed. Contemporary science backs up her theory, with a recent clinical trial showing regular afternoon baths can aid in alleviating depression. 

Meanwhile, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue magazine editor Diana Vreeland infamously conducted much of her work from the comfort of her bathtub, sending out memos to her editorial staff and showing up to the office well past noon. “I am extremely disappointed to see that we have used practically no pearls at all in the past few issues,” one memo reads. “Nothing gives the luxury or pearls. Please keep them in mind.” Could such constructive criticism have been formed in the shower?

Even in movies, there’s a certain allure to the bathtub. Al Pacino’s Tony Montana gives orders from within a lavish, pool-sized bathtub strikingly set below-ground in a very ‘80s carpeted bathroom in Scarface; while in Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts’ Vivian Ward sings a Prince song while soaking in a brown marble tub with gold hardware in the Beverly Hills Hotel. In The Holiday, the tiny patinated tub represents a quintessential countryside Britishness for Cameron Diaz’s Amanda Woods; while in the Sofia Coppola film, Kirsten Dunst’s Marie-Antoinette contemplates her newfound responsibilities during a soak in one of the Palace of Versailles’ gold gilded bathrooms.

And in the shower? Those looking to get clean the utilitarian way aren’t so lucky, with Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho meeting her untimely demise and children ending up face-to-face with the frightening clown Pennywise while washing up in It.

While we’re not suggesting you’ll experience any untoward encounters in the shower, the not-so-humble bathtub does have a certain cinematic glamour when compared to its more practical alternative.

For the modern worker, the bathtub represents a beacon of hope. If you ever look across at the bathtub from the confines of your gloriously efficient shower and think “maybe tomorrow I’ll have a bath,” you’re not alone. In our busy society, the bathtub signifies the ultimate luxury: time.

Whether you like contemporary silhouettes, want your bathtub to be the centre of attention, or are desirous of a circular Scarface-worthy place to soak, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite bathtubs.

Inspired by a 19th-century French double-ended bath, the Martha Bath is set to be the pièce de résistance in traditional bathrooms or add a vintage touch to a more contemporary space. Available in brass or copper with a tinned or painted exterior, there's a finish to suit every style.

We think Tony Montana would approve of this circular tub. Influenced by Japanese soaking tubs, this compact bath allows even the smallest bathrooms to benefit from the soothing effects of a good bath.

Uniting one of the world's oldest materials with a classic design reminiscent of the ancient columns of Italy and Greece, the Meek Doric Pill Bath combines contemporary style with historic architectural details. 

Epitomising heritage British style, the Cheshire Clawfoot Bath is crafted from volcanic limestone and resin. Designed to be the hero of any bathroom, the metal clawfoot 'feet' make this deep bathtub a welcome throwback to yesteryear. 

The only thing more luxurious than a long soak? Soaking in a tub that appears to be floating above ground. Imbuing the age-old ritual of bathing with geometric style, the Oasis Hammock Bathtub balances between two walls, acting as the veritable centre of attention in any bathroom.

Find the bathtub of your dreams by exploring the wide range of bathroom products on ArchiPro.

Words by Tanisha Angel