Japanese Soaking Tubs for Bathing Bliss

Winter is here, and a bathtub is the best way to warm up the cold nights. Are you bored of your old-fashioned bathtub and bathroom? Here are some minimalist Japanese-style bathroom where you can not only clean yourself but also enjoy the meditating, therapeutic essence of bathing. Does it open your mind for your future bathroom renovation? Take a look!

Article Credit: Samantha Schoech

In Japan bathing rituals are an ancient and important part of life. Traditionally you clean yourself in a shower or seated hand bath and then step into an ofuro filled with clean, steaming water for a nice, hot soak.

Think of the ofuro soaking tub as the prototype of the modern-day hot tub, only cleaner, without chemicals and with fresh water every time. Originally these deep (about 27 inches) soaking tubs are made of hinoki wood, but as these examples show, they now come in all sorts of materials — from steel to concrete — and are made to fit any design style.

Step-Down Tubs

There is something so luxurious and spa-like about stepping down into a tub flush with the floor. This tub is large enough for a small group, but many ofuros are just big enough for one. Notice the hand shower on the left.Setting this tub into the floor allowed for a floor-to-ceiling view without any obstruction. Perfect for this long, narrow space.

Wooden Ofuros

A traditional wooden box-style ofuro. This bathroom is a real-deal personal spa, complete with sauna.

This deep wooden tub has a more familiar rectangle shape. I love the look of this warm wood tub next to the more intricately patterned tiles.

Another deep wooden tub. It’s like a piece of art.

Step-Up Tubs

Raised tubs with small stairs leading up to them almost have a throne-like feel. This one has a wooden frame with an insert. Depending on what style surround you decide on, this is generally the more economical way to go. Many mainstream manufacturers make similar tubs.

Another insert with a wooden frame around it. The room has a very modern Japanese feel but is not overly theme-y.

This stark blue glass-tile bathroom with a built-in soaking tub has a clinical look, as if you can actually get healthier by bathing here.

Heirloom Design Build is Atlanta’s top tier unrestricted general contractor, specialized in design buildnew home constructionrenovation & addition and other special projects including kitchens, bathrooms, backyards, sunrooms, landscape, etc. Our professional team aim at helping small home owners over-exceed their expectations! Give us a call (404) 537-1827, or email us at info@heirloomdesignbuild.com.

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