For many, a home isn’t complete without a bathtub, and just because you choose to live tiny doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your self-care tub time; in fact – there are plenty of mini tub options available to the tiny living enthusiast.
This definitive guide on bathtubs for tiny homes covers everything you need to know, from the water consumption to the weight of each tub and even some things you might not have considered, such as water heater sizing and environmentally friendly materials.
We’ve researched everything, so you don’t have to! We picked our top 18 tiny house bathtub ideas for tiny homes on wheels – with links for where you can buy each one.
Read on if you want to learn our top tips for choosing your tiny home bathtub, or simply skim our product picks!
Top considerations when getting a bathtub for your tiny house
If you’re currently designing your tiny house on wheels, I understand just how big of a task you have in front of you, and I hope that I can help to make it a little easier by providing everything you need to know before deciding on your tiny home bathtub!
How big is a tiny house bathroom?
The average size of a tiny house bathroom is between 2.3 and 4.6 sq mtrs (25 and 50 sq ft) – but as most tiny homes are custom-built, it’s easy to have a “build your own adventure” and design your home to work for you, and if that means a larger or smaller bathroom than the average – then you do you!
Our Tiny Bathroom in Norway measures 2.53 square meters (27 sq ft), and in that space, we can fit the following:
- A shower with this portable bathtub.
- A sink with storage cupboard underneath.
- A Cinderella comfort incinerating toilet.
- An LG ThinQ washer/dryer.
- And a large storage shelf above the washing machine for towels and toiletries.
This size tends to be around average (or slightly above average) for a European tiny house bathroom.
How often will you use it?
As with every decision for your tiny house, you need to consider whether something is genuinely worth the limited available space. If you’re the kind of person who might have a bath a few times per year – I’d recommend just splashing out on a nice hotel or Airbnb with a clawfoot tub on your next vacation.
But if you value having your own bathtub and you’re planning to use it – then go ahead and invest in your extra small bathtub!
PERSONAL NOTE: I adore my tub but only tend to use it in the winter and even then – only once per week, but I recognize that I need that weekly bath to decompress from my intense job, so it’s 100% worth it to me.
Scandinavia and Europe vs. US tiny house size and weight limits
In Scandinavia and Europe in general, it’s common for our tiny houses to have a maximum weight limit of 3.5 tonnes laden weight and maximum road legal dimensions of 7.5 meters long by 2.55 meters wide and 4.2 meters high.
- SCANDINAVIA and EUROPE average based on the above – 19.12 Sq Mtrs – excluding loft space (our home is 22sq mtrs in total, including our sleeping loft).
Whereas in the US, tiny houses can be “less tiny” with a maximum weight of 16,000lbs (7.25 tonnes) and maximum road legal dimensions of 12.19 meters (40ft) long by 2.59 meters (8ft 5in) wide and 4.11 meters (13ft 5in) high.
- USA average based on the above – 31.57 Sq Mtrs – excluding loft space.
The good news is, whether you’re a Scandinavian, European, or American Tiny Living enthusiast, there are tiny bathtubs that will work for the space and weight you have available in your build.
And hey, don’t forget that you can always add on a bathtub after your build is complete, so if you’ve already finished your design phase and think it’s too late for a tub – just come back to this handy guide or Google tiny house bathtub for sale and you can make sure to purchase a bathtub that will be worthy of your little dream home!
First things first – Indoors or outdoors?
One of the first questions you need to ask yourself… do you have your heart set on a lavish tiny house bathroom with a clawfoot tub – or an outdoor copper tub that overlooks the surrounding scenery?
Knowing this will help you determine the available space before you begin your tiny bathtub sourcing journey!
Pros For Indoors
- Who doesn’t love the bathtub aesthetic in a nice bathroom?!
- You’ll have a quiet self-care zone where you won’t be disturbed.
- Easy to fill and close to your water heater.
Cons For Indoors
- It takes up valuable space in the house.
- Takes up weight in your build.
- It can be a hassle if it needs to be moved to use the shower.
Pros For Outdoors
- You get to spend more time in nature
- It gives you time to admire the view
- It saves you some space indoors
- An outdoor bathtub is made for Instagram and TikTok.
- Can make your property more Airbnb-able.
Cons For Outdoors
- You’re at the mercy of the weather.
- No protection from bugs
- Not the most private.
- It can be harder to fill with hot water.
NOTE – We calculated water usage for each bathtub based on filling it to ½ of its capacity when empty to account for the water displacement created by an average human.
1. Pop-up bathtub – BEST USE OF SPACE
One of the most popular tubs for small spaces, whether a tiny house, vanlife setup, or studio apartment – is a pop-up bathtub, and what you may lack in curb appeal, you make up for in convenience and saved space.
Product Name – Zenkuru Foldable bathtub.
Buy From – Coolstuff.no
Price – 2195 NOK.
Dimensions – Unfolded 128cm in length, 63cm wide, and 53cm tall. Folded 128 length, 63cm wide, and 20cm tall.
Weight – 11kgs.
Water Usage – Up to 187 liters per bath (375-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Medium level of ease; drain is on the side and requires the tub to be tipped to empty.
About the tub – This foldable tub comes with built-in neck support for optimum comfort and side handles for ease of moving and serves as extra help when getting in and out.
Color(s) – Available in white, gray, light pink, and turquoise.
Pros of Pop-Up
- It takes up a tiny amount of space.
- Incredibly lightweight.
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
Cons of Pop-Up
- Not the most aesthetically pleasing option.
- They are harder to clean.
- Don’t last as long as other tub types.
2. Built-in bathtub – BEST FOR QUICK BATHS
A regular built-in bathtub can be an excellent option for a tiny home, especially if you expect moving tiny to be quite the adjustment in other areas, and you don’t want to give up this one creature comfort. Bringing that home comfort as you’re used to it now can certainly help you to settle in quicker.
Product Name – Gustavsberg Built-in Bathtub 140cm
Buy From – Vvskupp.no
Price – 3368 NOK (Sale price)
Dimensions – 140cm length, 70cm wide, and 42cm tall.
Weight – 37kgs
Water Usage – Up to 183 liters per bath (367-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Effortless, base drain – unplug and go.
About The Tub – This built-in tub is made with a durable yet heavy titanium alloy steel plate.
Color(s) – Available in white.
Pros of Built-In
- Feels just like a regular home tub.
- Once they’re fitted, you don’t have to do anything else.
- Can be more comfortable than a portable tub.
Cons of Built-In
- A fixed tub can be prohibitively heavy for a tiny home in Scandinavia or Europe.
- The caulking can bend and pop out of place during transit.
- The water capacity might be too much for your tiny house water heater.
3. Portable soaking tub – BEST PRICE
A moveable tub is ideal for those buying a pre-loved tiny home or a set design that isn’t customizable.
If you happen to be part of a couple living in a tiny home, and one loves to bathe while the other is all about showering – a portable soaking tub can also give each individual their ideal option.
This is the style of tub that I opted for in my tiny home, and I have to say – I adore my tiny house soaking tub, and it ticks all of the needed boxes. I mean, sure, there are days I wish I had an outdoor tub – but then I remember how many bugs there are on the farm and how often our neighbor friends pop over.
Product Name – Plastic Bathtub
Buy From – Megaflis.no
Price – 999 NOK
Dimensions – 92cm length, 51cm wide, and 63cm tall.
Weight – 4.7kgs
Water Usage – Up to 100 liters per bath (200-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Medium ease, with a drain on the side; it needs tipping slightly to empty.
About The Tub – This portable bathtub is an exceptional choice for the shorter tiny living enthusiast. Incredibly comfortable with a built-in seat area and grippy feet area.
Color(s) – Available in white, gray, and black.
Pros
- You can use it indoors or outdoors.
- You can take it outside on the hottest days as a paddling pool!
- You can find many designed to be as pretty as a regular fitted tub.
- They’re incredibly lightweight.
- Due to the smaller size, they require less water to fill to a comfortable level.
Cons
- Moving them around when you or your other half want to shower is a bit of a hassle.
- If you have a small water heater – you need to ensure you haven’t just done the dishes, or you won’t have enough hot water left to fill the tub.
- Needs to be tilted to drain fully.
- Can scuff your walls if you’re not careful – I know this from experience!
4. RV Bathtub – BEST FOR TRAVELING
An RV bathtub is usually a very lightweight small bathtub option compared to a bathtub designed for a brick and mortar home and has been designed to withstand the movement of a vehicle. Not to mention, they’re made to fit through the smaller doors of an RV, vanlife setup, or tiny home.
The RV bathtub is designed with water consumption and smaller floorplans in mind and therefore is smaller than a regular built-in bathtub and requires less water, less power from your water heater, and less space in your tiny home bathroom.
RV tubs are usually made from strong plastic designed to resist cracking, scratching, and discoloring.
Product Name – Lippert Standard Tub
Buy From – Rvpartscountry.com
Price – 172 USD (1754 NOK)
Dimensions – 91cm length, 60cm wide, and 29cm tall.
Weight – 4.5kgs (10lbs)
Water Usage – Up to 67 liters per bath (135-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Super easy; unplug and watch it drain!
About The Tub – This RV bathtub, while not the deepest tub, benefits from low water usage and is ideal for those with small kids.
Color(s) – Available in white and cream.
Pros of RV Bathtubs
- Designed to travel without risk of breaking.
- Ordinarily, they’re crack, scratch, and discoloration resistant.
- Can easily fit through a tiny house door even after the build is complete.
- Uses less water than your average bathtub.
Cons of RV Bathtubs
- Not the most aesthetically pleasing option.
- If you’re looking for a plastic-free option, you won’t find one in this category. (If you do, please let me know, and I’ll update this guide!)
- More work to fit as they need to be built-in with a frame
5. Inflatable bathtub – LIGHT + SMALL + CHEAP = TRIPLE THREAT
These are a great option for those who only want the occasional at-home bathing experience as an inflatable bathtub takes up so little room to store and is one of the most affordable options.
Not to mention, if you’re a fellow travel junkie and don’t mind carrying around the additional 5-10lbs – you can bring your bathtub with you on every vacation, road trip, or even family reunion – I mean, let’s be honest, after a full day of visiting with extended family, who doesn’t need a bath and a glass of wine?!
Product Name – CO-Z Inflatable Adult Bath Tub
Buy From – Amazon.com
Price – 70 USD (715 NOK + 538 NOK shipping and taxes)
Dimensions – External 160cm length, 84cm wide, and 64cm tall – Internal 125cm length 54cm wide, and 46cm tall.
Weight – 3.3kgs (7.13lbs)
Water Usage – Up to 50 liters per bath (100-liter capacity)
Ease of Emptying – Super easy; unplug and let it drain!
About The Tub – This inflatable bathtub is a triple threat, with a low water consumption, low weight, and low price! A great occasional use tub as using it every day can be bothersome with having to inflate and deflate all the time.
Color(s) – Available in white and cream.
Pros of Inflatable Bathtubs
- Super lightweight.
- Incredibly affordable.
- Travel-friendly!
Cons of Inflatable Bathtubs
- Needs inflating to use.
- Harder to clean.
- Needs to be left to dry fully before deflating.
- They’re pretty squeaky.
6. Wooden bathtub – BEST NATURAL MATERIALS
There’s something about a wooden bathtub that instantly elevates your bathroom to a five-star hotel level.
Not to mention, it saves on buying yet another plastic product, and we all know there are far too many of those finding their way into our homes! And if we’re going to wean ourselves off of our plastic obsession, we have to get started somewhere.
Product Name – ALFI brand 59 in. Wood Flatbottom Bathtub
Buy From – Homedepot.com
Price – 3053 USD (31,170 NOK + shipping and taxes)
Dimensions – External 150cm length, 61cm wide, and 61cm tall. Internal 129cm length, 57cm width, and 58cm tall.
Weight – 70kgs (155lbs)
Water Usage – Up to 193 liters per bath (386-liter capacity)
Ease of Emptying – Just unplug, and you’re done.
About The Tub – Heavy in weight and hefty in price, this bathtub isn’t for the faint of heart and is best suited to a forever home or Airbnb rental that needs an added splash of je ne sais quois.
Color(s) – Available in natural wood.
Pros
- They elevate the design of your bathroom immediately.
- Surrounding yourself with natural materials has proven to decrease stress levels.
- Natural insulation helps to keep the water warm for longer.
Cons
- They’re more expensive than their plastic counterparts.
- Having a wooden bathtub does require upkeep.
- Doesn’t always last as long as a regular tub and can develop scratches and cracks.
- Incredibly expensive.
7. Copper bathtub – BEST LONG LASTING
Is there anything more decadent than having a copper bathtub in your home?! There’s something so joy-inducing about this rich-in-color material that’s famed for standing the test of time!
Product Name – Hammered Copper Japanese Style Soaking Tub
Buy From – Homedepot.com
Price – 5999 USD (61,409 NOK + shipping and taxes)
Dimensions – 91cm length, 91cm wide, and 114cm tall.
Weight – 90kgs (200lbs)
Water Usage – Up to 123 liters per bath (245-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Incredibly easy, base drain.
About The Tub – This very heavy tub would make a great tub for an outdoor covered spa area! With a built-in seat and a wide rim for carefully balancing a nice glass of wine.
Made from a material with natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Color(s) – Available in copper.
Pros
- Ultimate aesthetic appeal.
- Made to last.
- Adds value to a tiny home Airbnb listing.
- Conducts and retains heat very well.
Cons
- Jaw-droppingly expensive.
- Incredibly heavy – would only work in Scandinavia when used outdoors.
8. Trough bathtub – BEST OVERALL VALUE
Something about my inner farm girl adores the thought of repurposing a horse trough as a tiny home bathtub, not only because they provide a unique style but because they seem like the most unpretentious option.
After all, a bathtub just needs to be somewhere to relax comfortably in warm water; that’s it.
Product Name – Galvanized Stock Tank
Buy From – Tractorsupply.com
Price – 159.99 USD (1638 NOK + shipping and taxes)
Dimensions – 121cm length, 61cm wide, and 61cm tall.
Weight – 90kgs (200lbs)
Water Usage – Up to 52 liters per bath (103-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – That’s all up to you as you’ll need to drill the drain yourself!
About The Tub – Designed to withstand the toughest wear and tear and weather conditions. This heavy-duty tub also features a rolled top making it a comfortable place to bathe and easy to add a neck rest.
Color(s) – Available in galvanized steel.
Pros
- The ultimate farm chic tiny home aesthetic.
- Low cost.
- Easy to install with only minor modifications needed.
- Designed for hard wear, so it stays looking new for the long run.
- A great multi-purpose tub for bathing your pets.
Cons
- Harder to source in Scandinavia, so you need to consider the shipping cost.
- Requires some customization for draining.
- Not as comfortable as tubs designed for the job.
- Completely flat and needs to be built on a slight slant to encourage water drainage.
- Tall sides could make it harder to get in and out for those with mobility issues.
9. Corner Bathtub – BEST FOR UNIQUE FLOORPLANS
When designing the floorplan of your tiny house, it’s important to make the best use of every square foot available to you, and you might find that a corner tub works best with the design of your home.
Product Name – Njord Bath Tub
Buy From – Interform.no
Price – 13,790 NOK
Dimensions – 120cm length, 120cm wide, and 60cm tall (40cm internal depth).
Weight – 50kgs (110lbs)
Water Usage – Up to 80 liters per bath (160-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Easy as pie with a base drain.
About The Tub – This corner tub offers comfort and style! A wide lip at the corner is perfect for storing your shampoos and lotions. And a comfortable bathing area ideal for sitting back and relaxing at the end of a long day with a gin and tonic in hand!
Color(s) – Available in white.
Pros
- They can work well for a tricky bathroom layout.
- Can be more comfortable than their rectangular counterparts.
- Often a great choice for parents with multiple kids as they can bathe simultaneously.
Cons
- Can be tricky to reach into for cleaning.
- So much more expensive than a rectangular tub.
- Might end up taking more space than needed.
10. Clawfoot bathtub – BEST LUXURY
Ah, the clawfoot, the epitome of luxurious bathing – but is it possible to fit one of these lavish bathtubs into a tiny home on wheels? Well, yes – as long as you opt for a smaller, lighter option.
Product Name – Barclay Cyrano ATSN44-WH 44”
Buy From – Luxuryfreestandingtubs.com
Price – 1251 USD (12,786 NOK)
Dimensions – External 110cm length, 62cm wide, and 72cm tall.
Weight – 30kgs (66lbs)
Water Usage – Up to 47.5 liters per bath (95-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Supremely easy, unplug and get on with your day!
About The Tub – This teeny tiny clawfoot bathtub is our number one pick for a tiny house bathtub; it ticks all the boxes – lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, low water usage, and the perfect size for a tiny home!
Color(s) – Available in white with brushed nickel or polished chrome finish on the feet.
Pros of Clawfoot Bathtubs
- They’re just dreamy to look at.
- It will make your bathroom truly stand out.
- The way that the bath is curved makes for a comfortable and relaxing bathing experience.
- Pretty lightweight, considering how gorgeous it is.
Cons of Clawfoot Bathtubs
- They don’t sit entirely flush to the wall, so you can end up with some wasted space.
- They’re harder to clean underneath.
- If wanting to combine with a shower setup, it requires additional work.
11. Hidden bathtub – BEST SPACE-SAVING
Did you know that it’s possible to hide your bathtub completely out of the way and have it built into your floor? Or into a bench seat? A pretty smart solution that means you don’t lose even an inch of usable space and can also be a good choice for vanlifers wanting to add a bathtub to their van build.
Product Name – Lippert Standard Tub 209678 24” x 40”
Buy From – RVpartscountry.com
Price – 185.97 USD (1900 NOK)
Dimensions – 101cm length, 61cm wide, and 29cm tall.
Weight – 4.5kgs (9.78lbs)
Water Usage – Up to 78 liters per bath (155-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Extra easy with a slightly slanted base for easier water drainage.
About The Tub – This lightweight RV bathtub is an ideal option for building your very own built-in hidden bathtub. Build into an outdoor deck or simply make a coated wooden frame with a removable bench seat top, and add this fitted tub for an out-of-sight handy bath area.
Color(s) – Available in white.
Pros of Hidden Bathtubs
- If you’re not a fan of the bathtub aesthetic but love a relaxing bath – this gives you the best of both worlds.
- Makes your bathing area multi-purpose.
- Covering your bath helps keep it clean and dust-free when not in use.
Cons of Hidden Bathtubs
- Can cause mildew issues if not left to dry before closing up.
- More difficult to build as it requires a custom frame.
- You need to also build a shower curtain set-up for indoor use.
12. Barrel bathtub – BEST FOR RELAXATION
A bathtub made from a barrel (also referred to as a Japanese Soaking Tub) can be a beautiful and space-efficient option for your bathing needs.
Product Name – Wooden Bathtub UK 100cm
Buy From – Woodbarrels.co.uk
Price – 780 GBP (9483 NOK)
Dimensions – 100cm length, 60cm wide, and 50cm (60cm back rest) tall.
Weight – 200kgs (440lbs)
Water Usage – 91 liters per bath (182-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Easy, with an overflow to be placed over a drain (tub is raised 15cm above the ground).
About The Tub – This natural wood tub is the perfect setting for relaxing after a long hard day, with one taller side that also boasts a comfortable backrest insert. It’s worth noting that this tub is finished with hot liquid paraffin, and the makers state that this needs to be reapplied every six months.
Color(s) – Available in natural wood (made from alder, iroko, oak) with stainless steel hoops.
Pros of Barrel Bathtubs
- Higher level of water coverage while bathing.
- Unique and rustic design.
- Built to last.
- Made from environmentally friendly materials.
Cons of Barrel Bathtubs
- Incredibly heavy, couldn’t work indoors in a Scandinavian tiny home on wheels.
- The tub itself is very expensive.
- These tubs are often designed for soaking and not for washing with soap.
13. PVC bathtub – BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TUB
A PVC tub will be one of your lightest weight options for a bathtub in your little home and take up the least amount of space.
Made with a waterproof PVC lining with outer insulating fabric, these tubs are quick and easy to assemble and with a smart multi-layer fabric that helps to keep the water up to temperature for hours.
Similar to a travel crib or travel dog pen – you simply take the fabric bathtub lining and insert all of the support poles to create a sturdy frame, and hey presto – you’re ready to bathe!
Product Name – KELIXU Portable Bathtub
Buy From – Amazon.com
Price – 80.99 USD (827 NOK + 902 NOK shipping and taxes)
Dimensions – 108cm length, 56cm wide, and 57cm tall.
Weight – 3.5kgs (7.74lbs)
Water Usage – 153 liters per bath (306-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Medium level of ease, has a lower side drain with an add-on drainage tube, so it does need tilting to empty fully.
About The Tub – This supremely lightweight tub folds down to quickly get it out of the way; it is one of the smallest tub solutions with superior insulation that will help keep your water warm for longer.
Color(s) – Available in outerspace print.
Pros of Fabric Bathtubs
- Incredibly lightweight.
- Comes in colorful design options.
- Ideal for families with kids who aren’t yet old enough to shower.
- Folds down very small for ease of storage.
Cons of Fabric Bathtubs
- Not the look everyone wants in their bathroom.
- Isn’t as long-lasting as other materials.
- Requires assembly every time you want to take a bath.
- A little tricky to clean thoroughly.
14. Whirlpool bathtub – BEST FOR AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
Whether you’re an avid athlete who likes to use the bathtub as a form of muscle care, a busy working person who enjoys their me-time at the end of a busy day, or an older person who has some aches and pains… this is the tub you’ve all been dreaming of (myself included).
Product Name – Wellino Bubble Bathtub
Buy From – Bauhaus.no
Price – 9995 NOK
Dimensions – External 159cm length, 70cm wide, and 63cm tall.
Weight – 48kgs (105lbs)
Water Usage – 123 liters per bath (246-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Easy with a base-level drain.
About The Tub – This luxurious whirlpool tub with four maxi jets and six micro jets is the epitome of self-care, ideal for the active tiny-houser or the spa-loving tiny living enthusiast looking to save money by making an at-home spa.
Color(s) – Available in white.
Pros of Whirlpool Bathtubs
- Ultimate relaxation and luxury.
- A selling point if using your home as an Airbnb rental.
- Provides deep muscle relaxation.
- It’s easy to find walk-in whirlpool tubs for those with accessibility requirements.
Cons of Whirlpool Bathtubs
- Uses more power than a traditional tub.
- Heavier than a regular tub.
15. 48” Bathtub (120cm Bathtub) – BEST FOR SHORT PEOPLE
The average length of a bathtub is 60 inches, but if you’re not a pro basketball player who needs all of that space – there are smaller options to choose from, including a 48” (121cm) bathtub that will be a comfortable fit for the majority of tiny home bathrooms.
Product Name – Como Trend Bathtub
Buy From – Maxkjop.no
Price – 3790 NOK (sale price)
Dimensions – 120cm length, 70cm wide, and 55/60cm tall with adjustable legs.
Weight – 30kgs (66lbs)
Water Usage – 79 liters per bath (158-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Easy with a base level drain and overflow at the top.
About The Tub – This lightweight and good-quality tub is a great mini version of a regular bathtub.
Color(s) – Available in white.
Pros of 48″ Bathtubs
- Way more comfortable for shorter people than your average-sized bathtub.
- Big enough to comfortably sit in yet doesn’t take up too much room in your bathroom.
- A great option for bathing kids and pets.
Cons of 48″ Bathtubs
- They are harder to source as they’re less popular.
- Many at this size are designed for children and, therefore – can be relatively shallow.
- If you plan on re-selling your home, this could put off a taller buyer.
16. 54” Bathtub (140cm Bathtub) – BEST FOR BEING JUST LIKE HOME
If you don’t have room for a full-size bathtub in your tiny, but you’re pretty tall – consider a 54” tub, only 6 inches shorter than your traditional tub, and if you find one with enough depth, they can be just as comfortable for the taller human.
Product Name – Gustavsberg 1400
Buy From – Megaflis.no
Price – 4817 NOK
Dimensions – 140cm length, 70cm wide, and 51cm tall (42cm bathtub depth).
Weight – 25kgs (55lbs)
Water Usage – 240 liters per bath (480-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Easy a can be, with a base-level drain.
About The Tub – This tub can be a great option for the taller tiny homeowner who wants a little extra room but doesn’t want to take up too much space in their home on wheels.
Color(s) – Available in white.
Pros of 54″ Bathtubs
- The length is very close to a traditional bathtub.
- Perfect for tall people living tiny.
- Saving those 6” can leave you some room for valuable storage space.
Cons of 54″ Bathtubs
- A big tub option for a small house and takes up a fair amount of space.
- More expensive than a 60” regular bathtub.
- Harder to find as fewer stores stock special sizes.
17. Mosaic tub – BEST BOUJIIE BATHTUB
A mosaic tiled bathtub is usually found at a five-star resort, but why not bring a bit of that vacation opulence home and make every day feel like a holiday?!
Product Name – Chadder Mother of Pearl Mosaic Bath
Buy From – Chadder.com
Price – 4800 GBP (58.300 NOK)
Dimensions – 158cm length, 72cm wide, and 68cm tall.
Weight – 90kgs (198lbs) – this weight doesn’t include the custom mosaic tiling
Water Usage – 336 liters per bath (671-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Easy.
About The Tub – The centerpiece of any bathroom, Chadder creates stunning bespoke bathtubs that stand out from all other bathtubs. With materials designed to stand the test of time, you’ll never get sick of this stunning mosaic bathtub.
Color(s) – Available in white with bespoke finishes.
Pros of Tiled Bathtubs
- Fully customizable designs.
- Incredibly durable.
- Definitely Insta-worthy!
Cons of Tiled Bathtubs
- Small tiles struggle in motion, so if you plan on driving your house around – this wouldn’t be the best option.
- Incredibly heavy, best suited to an outdoor location with mild weather.
18. Enclosed bath and shower combo – BEST FOR FAMILIES
If your family consists of shower takers and bathers – a small bathtub shower combo will likely be your best option to keep everyone happy!
Product Name – Combi 2 Shower with Bathtub
Buy From – Sparmax.no
Price – 16,995 NOK (sale price)
Dimensions – 150cm length, 86.5cm wide, and 213cm tall (water depth 45cm).
Weight – 60kgs (132lbs).
Water Usage – 185 liters per bath (370-liter capacity).
Ease of Emptying – Easy.
About The Tub – The perfect solution for families with mixed preferences for bathing and showering, not to mention when you’re in a rush.
Color(s) – Available in white.
Pros Enclosed Bath/Shower
- Keeps all the water in and avoids turning your bathroom into a wet room – which I can confirm is a lot of hassle.
- It’s far easier to shave your legs in an enclosed shower/bath combo as you can sit on the edge of the tub.
- It stays much warmer in an enclosed area, which is especially helpful in keeping the water up to temperature while bathing.
Cons Enclosed Bath/Showers
- Every time you shower, the entire bathtub will get used and need cleaning.
- The shower cubicle doesn’t enclose the bath and would need customizing for full coverage.
Water consumption
The average person using an average-sized bathtub uses 113 liters of water per bath – adding 250lbs (113 kgs) of weight when full to your home. In comparison, the average shower uses only 5 gallons of water.
Water consumption is something we should all be considerate of, and especially so for my tiny house, vanlife, off-grid, and intentional lifestyle friends.
Having said that, if taking a bath is an important part of your self-care routine, you should not feel guilty about adding a bathtub to your tiny home.
Living tiny tends to naturally decrease your environmental footprint, making you far more conscious of what you use and throw away.
By knowing the water consumption for each type of tub, I hope we can help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and the world we’re lucky enough to call home.
Tiny home water heaters for bathtub use
Finding a lightweight giant bathtub that you can fit in your tiny home build is all fine and dandy… until you realize that your water heater can’t heat enough water to fill the thing!
You’ll want to look into the options of tank water heaters and on-demand water heaters; considering the volume of hot water you’ll need to run a full bath.
On-Demand (tankless, instant)
An on-demand water heater can save energy as there isn’t a tank full of water being constantly kept to the right temperature; the water is heated only when you need it.
Good on-demand water heaters should heat the water almost immediately, meaning as fast as the water is going in, it’s being shot back out at a lovely balmy temperature.
There are instances when this will work best, such as in an off-grid situation where you don’t want to use unnecessary power.
Tank water heater
A water heater with a tank is exactly what it sounds like, a heater with a built-in tank with a set capacity of water constantly held to the set temperature. For example – our Heatex Eco 30 water heater has a capacity of 30 liters of hot water and maintains the temperature of 30 liters of water until you’re ready to use it.
How much hot water is needed?
It’s usually recommended that you fill a bath with one part hot water to two parts cold water; therefore, looking at the water consumption of each bathtub in this guide – you’ll want to divide that number by 3 to determine the minimum volume of hot water needed.
I’ll use my bathtub as an example, I own a portable plastic bathtub with a water usage of up to 130 liters per bath, and I also have the Heatex Eco 30 water heater – which heats 30 liters of water.
So as long as we haven’t done the dishes recently, I can have a shallow bath, or I guess I could heat a few pans of water if I wanted to. Still, as I’m very considerate of my water consumption, I’m more than happy with a shallow bath every now and again!
Tiny Home Bathtub FAQs
Q: What is the most comfortable style of tiny bathtub?
A: From my research, I’ve found the portable bathtub and Japanese soaking tub to be the most comfortable options for day-to-day life in a tiny house.
Q: Can you have a bath in a tiny house?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just because you’re living tiny doesn’t mean that you have to give up the creature comforts that you love in life. In fact, whether you’re living in a tiny house or even in a van build – there’s room for a tub!
Q: What type of bathtub lasts the longest?
A: With the proper upkeep, you can keep a bathtub going for years to come, even as long as your tiny house stays around – but you need to be willing to do the work.
Q: What is the smallest bathtub available?
A: The smallest bathtub we found during our research was the Muro Portable Bathtub – a PVC circular soaking tub that measures 70 x 70 x 70 cms. It didn’t make our top 18 list, but you can find it by clicking on the product name above.
Q: What is the smallest width of a bathtub?
A: The portable plastic bathtub is the narrowest tub we’ve found and measures 51cms wide at the top and 44cms wide at the base.
Q: Are small soaking tubs comfortable?
A: Absolutely! And for my fellow vertically challenged humans who have to resort to having their legs straight and toes pointed against the bathtub so that their head doesn’t dip below water level… get ready to say goodbye to that annoying problem.
Q: How do I make a small soaking tub?
A: Making your own soaking tub can be pretty straightforward; whether you plan on cutting a barrel in half, repurposing a large garbage bin, or anything else that strikes your fancy – it’s possible to make your own if you have the time and patience to take on the task!
Q: How do you make a homemade bathtub?
A: It’s not as hard as you would think; from repurposing horse troughs to getting creating and carving your tub out of a tree from the family farm and covering it with epoxy – making your own bath can be a great personal touch to your tiny home and a fun project for the whole family to feel as though they’ve contributed to the house build!
FINAL THOUGHTS
That sums up our Tiny Living Scandinavia guide on the best tiny home bathtubs of 2022. I hope this has helped shed some light on the pros and cons of each extra small bathtub available and also helped you decide whether a bathtub is a necessity in your tiny house on wheels.
Let us know in the comments below what other questions you have about tiny living!
Keep Living Tiny xx
Nadia.
