The fast-pace of modern life means that showers have now replaced baths in most modern homes. We look at how a bath can bring added value to your home AND help you relax!

However, there is nothing like a long, relaxing soak in the tub, and there are many different styles, sizes and, of course, colours available on the market today. In fact, if you're redecorating your bathroom, or perhaps even creating a new family bathroom from the beginning in a house extension, there is bound to be a bath that will suit your needs. After all, you can still have an over-bath shower if you need it, for first thing in the morning!

If you live in an older house, still with all the original ceramic fittings and chrome taps, why not go all the way and buy yourself a free-standing bath? There are two main types of free standing unit available, the ceramic roll-top and the antique cast iron. Neither option is cheap, but both bring an undoubted element of class to any bathroom. Hiding the plumbing has been one problem with this design, but you can always make a feature out of the pipes by using chrome ones for a better finish. These baths perhaps aren't the way to go if you live in a newbuild house with a small bathroom, but if you have the space for it, a free-standing bath really finishes the look of a traditional bathroom and gives you plenty of room to stretch out in the bubbles.

Bubbles of another kind come with Jacuzzi baths, providing the perfect way to unwind after a long day at work. Jacuzzi baths can be found to fit any size of bathroom and it is even possible to convert your existing bath to a Jacuzzi. There are new systems around that allow conversions without the need to even remove the existing bathtub. The Jacuzzi jets will need cleaning materials different from the rest of the tub, though they only need to be cleaned once a month.
Recessed baths are similar to the regular fitted baths which are found in most homes, though this style is actually fitted on all four sides. Recessed baths are also known as sunken baths, and require a little more space than you may find in the average modern bathroom, like the free-standing models. Often recessed baths can have decorative panels or edges, using small tiles to provide some colour in the room.

To really enjoy your bath time, there are many gadgets on the market that can help make the experience even more pleasant. Alongside aromatherapy bubble bath, why not light a few candles or invest in bath lights that can be floated on the surface, and are available from most gadget websites. There are countless bath and shower radios on the market or you can buy yourself a bath caddy, a wire shelf with a place to rest your book and even a holder for your wine glass. Once you've spent time investing and installing your new bath, you should make the most of it and not just leave it as a receptacle for shower water!

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