The Ultimate Buying Guide for Straight Baths in 2025 

A straight bath is one of the most versatile choices for the contemporary bathroom and remains one of the most popular options on the market. It offers a comfortable, stylish solution that’s also cost-effective. With a wide range of designs and finishes available, you can create a bathroom look that suits your space and taste, even if the room is limited.

What is a Straight Bath?

A straight bath is designed to fit neatly into most bathroom layouts. Its name comes from its external shape, which forms a clean rectangular footprint. However, while the outer lines are straight, the interior can vary depending on the model, with options for both softer curves and more angular finishes.

At Bathshack, you’ll find straight baths in a wide range of sizes and styles, ensuring a perfect fit for every home. Typically installed against a wall or into a corner, straight baths maximise floor space and allow for the convenient addition of a shower overhead. This makes them a practical solution in both compact and family bathrooms.

Single vs Double-Ended Straight Baths

Straight baths come in two main types: single-ended and double-ended. The key difference lies in the placement of the taps and waste, which also affects comfort and usability.

Single-Ended Baths

The single-ended straight bath is the most common type. It features the taps and waste at one end, making it ideal for shower-over-bath setups. The opposite end is sloped for comfortable reclining. This design works especially well in smaller bathrooms, where fitting the bath into a corner is often necessary.

Double-Ended Baths

With a double-ended straight bath, the taps and waste are positioned centrally. This allows for a more balanced look and increased comfort, as you can recline at either end without the taps getting in the way. This type is perfect for households where more than one person uses the bath or where a more symmetrical look is preferred. It also offers more flexibility when it comes to placement in the bathroom.

Bathshack stocks a wide selection of both single and double-ended straight baths, so whatever your layout or design preferences, there’s a solution to suit your space.

Bath Shapes and Interior Designs

While the outer profile of a straight bath is typically rectangular, the interior design can vary greatly. Some models feature gently curved shapes for a softer look, while others keep clean, geometric lines. This allows you to match your bath with the overall style of your bathroom, whether that’s modern minimalism or classic elegance.

A bath with a rounded interior may also be more comfortable, especially for longer soaks. The choice of interior shape can affect not only comfort but also how the bath integrates visually with your space.

Browse the Straight Bath range at Bathshack to explore different interior contours and find the one that best matches your personal style and comfort preferences.

Choosing the Right Fixtures

Most straight baths do not come with pre-drilled tap holes, giving you greater flexibility when selecting your fixtures. This makes it easier to match the bath to your chosen tap style and bathroom décor.

For a traditional aesthetic, consider separate pillar taps for hot and cold water. If you’re planning to include a shower over the bath, a mixer tap with a shower attachment is a practical choice. From contemporary waterfall mixers to heritage crosshead designs, there’s a wide selection of tap styles to suit every bathroom.

Your choice of taps can make a significant impact on the final look of the space. Well-chosen fixtures can elevate the feel of your bathroom, adding a touch of luxury without the need for a major renovation.

At Bathshack, our team can guide you through your tap options to ensure you get the perfect match in both functionality and finish.

Don’t Forget Bath Side Panels 

When budgeting for your new bath, it’s worth noting that side panels are often sold separately. Make sure to include them in your cost calculations. Also consider whether you need a bath screen, especially if you plan to use the bath as part of a showering area.

Get Expert Advice From Bathshack

The straight bath remains a firm favourite for a reason. Its clean lines, versatile design and broad range of styles make it a smart choice for almost any bathroom. Whether you choose a single-ended option for space efficiency or a double-ended model for added comfort and flexibility, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs.

Before making your decision, take the time to explore the different internal contours, tap placements and installation options. The right straight bath can transform your bathroom both practically and aesthetically.

Need help choosing the right bath? Contact the Bathshack team for expert advice or shop online today to explore our full collection of straight baths and accessories.