This might seem like an odd question and you’ve probably never given it much thought, but the bathtub has a long and pretty interesting history.

Bathing as we know it has come about as a result of many different cultures embracing the process of daily washing in very different ways, and in the western world we’ve ended up with the deep bathtubs which most of us have in our bathrooms today.

Roman Baths, Bath

Let’s go right back to the beginning.

It’s most likely that people have been taking baths, of some form, since around 3300BC – something we know because pipes resembling plumbing for baths have been discovered in the Indus Valley in India.

The first actual bathtub – a 1.5 metre long pedestal tub – was found on the Isle of Crete, however.

The Romans are perhaps the people most well known for their baths and there’s no doubt that bathing was a big part of Roman culture, with daily baths the norm. Unlike us though, the Romans preferred public bath houses.

The Greeks and Egyptians also built elaborate, expensive bathhouses and like the Romans would use them to conduct business, gossip with friends, eat, drink, or arrange sexual liaisons.

While the Romans bathed for health though, the Greeks viewed bathing as something you did to clean yourself before conducting business, after work, or before taking part in battle. They also believed only women should immerse their whole body in water.

The famous Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is reported to have bathed in milk and herbs to make her skin radiant.

The Turks also had their own bathing tradition – they developed very hot baths, which to this day are still known as Turkish Baths, or steam baths. Their bathhouses were artistic places, with no expense spared, including rich hand-woven carpets, tapestries and ornate columns.

Japan is another culture known for having bathing customs and a fixation on cleanliness. The pursuit of purity, hygiene and ritual purification were an important part of Japanese culture and early on bathing was done communally without regard for division of the sexes, although later there was some segregation.

Bathing’s also important within Muslim culture. Bathhouses were erected where one could meditate, pray, or think. It was customary to cleanse before going to the mosque, so many mosques were therefore built next to bathhouses.

You can read more about the history of the bath here on Wikipedia.

Rather bizarrely taking a bath ‘fell out of fashion’ in Europe some time after the renaissance, and was replaced by the use of heavy perfume. We’re very glad we didn’t live in that era.

It’s reported, but not confirmed that Queen Elizabeth I, for example, only took one bath a year.

One of the main reasons for the demise of bathing was that epidemics quickly took hold after diseases were spread by communally used water. In addition, early viaducts were made of lead and it was discovered that this was a source poisoning.

Wikipedia also suggests here that keeping clean was seen as a sensual act – especially if you were bathing in public. It wasn’t in-keeping with the strict Christian morality of the era.

After the plagues in the early 1800s however, officials started looking into whether bathing, individually rather than communally, might actually be part of the cure for the nation’s ill health, rather than a cause of illness.

It was not until the late 19th century that taking a bath had a renaissance though. Cast-iron bathtubs were put into production in 1883, and quickly caught on – but this time in private, rather than communal bathrooms.

By the end of the Second World War, most houses being built had a bathroom.

The claw-foot bath was the most popular style initially, but as manufacturing technology improved many home-owners opted for smaller built-in baths.

Over the past ten years we’ve seen a nostalgia for claw-foot baths, and they are regarded as stylish and comfortable.

So now you know the history of the humble bath – something to mull over next time you’re relaxing peacefully in the tub!

When the hotel was refurbished recently the rooms were reorganised and the en-suites were put further back in the bedrooms, restoring the bedroom views but meaning the en-suites didn’t have views at all any more.

This got me thinking… if the bathrooms at the Savoy are no longer in the running for the best hotel bathroom views award (which doesn’t actually exist, but we think it should!), which bathrooms are still contenders?

I’ve found some pretty amazing ones!

For example, check out the urban views from New York hotel The Standard.

The Standard, New York

The Standard, New York

Some of the suites and rooms have views out over the Empire State Building, others over the Meatpacking district and Hudson River – in all of them you feel like your really part of the city while you’re soaking in the tub!

(By the way, if you want  a freestanding bath like the one in the picture, take a look at the ones from BathEmpire.)

If you prefer your views a little more natural, then the St Regis Princeville Resort in Hawaii might be more to your taste.

St Regis Princeville Resort in Hawaii

The bathrooms in certain suites have unbelievably good views over the Pacific ocean, so you can chill out watching whales, surfers and boats. Plus you can see the green hills of the hinterlands in the distance.

Parco Dei Principi Grand Hotel, Rome

And if you like a world historical sight to gaze upon as you bathe, then you don’t get much more impressive than the Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel in Rome – yes, that is the Vatican you can see out of the window.

Have you visited a hotel where the views from the bathroom have been the talking point of your stay? We’d love to hear about it.

Sure to be a favourite with gaming fans, this Super Mario inspired washroom uses scenery from the game itself painted onto the walls. The bold, bright colours brighten up this small space and create a striking feature on the walls.

And to finish off the look there is even a Super Mario soap holder and a brick designed bin which blends in well with the brick patterning at the bottom of the wall.

For a toned down look Mario fans can personalise their bathroom by using subtle features such as the 1up tissue dispenser or the Game Over towel seen in this design. And if you’re decorating a smaller space like this design then a bright blue wall can lighten it up and create a bigger sense of space.

Or for more geeky game features, you can even use gamer shower curtains such as this pac-man curtain.

Why not try some of these ideas and let us know how they go?

For me, ideally, it would have a huge bathtub, filled with luxurious bathing salts, it would be dimly lit with soft candlelight and would have views to die for.

This bathroom at the Silavadee Pool Spa Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, looks like romantic bliss to me.

Heaven: the bathroom at the Silavadee Pool Spa Resort Koh Samui, Thailand. Image courtesy of kiwicollection.com

What else…? Fluffy white towels and bathrobes, beautiful décor (personally I’d choose something calming, so I could imagine I was on holiday in Thailand), and perhaps a bottle of champagne and two glasses chilling in an ice bucket.

Sounds idyllic doesn’t it?

As February 14th approaches, it’s worth remembering that  the bathroom can be one of the most romantic places in the house – a place where you can escape.

So if your bathroom is boring, bland, or a bit grotty, then you’re missing out.

Lessing freestanding bath, BathEmpire

The first thing to do is get the basics right. You need a big bath – ideally situated by the window. You’ll also need a heated towel rail so you can keep the towels and bathrobes toasty.

Get the colour scheme right – neutral, calming colours can look very cosy and romantic when lit with candlelight, although you could consider rich tones on the walls, in colours such as plum, teal or fuchsia for a different effect.

Then you need to set the scene… banish all clutter so you can relax rather than thinking about clearing up!

Invest in spacious bathroom cabinets where everything can have a place and only keep the most luxurious and attractive products on display.

Dim the lights, light quality scented candles here and there in the room.

If you’re ready to start creating your romantic bathroom in time for Valentine’s Day or ‘just because’, then take a look at BathEmpire now. Next day delivery is available.

It would be an understatement to say that the place now looks a million dollars, to be precise, it looks £200 million pounds. Yes, that was the eye-watering cost of the makeover.

It probably makes your plans for renovating your home seem pretty modest!

The building is still recognisably the Savoy, with its spectacular mix of Edwardian and art deco style, but nearly everything is new.

It’s upstairs, in the bedrooms and suites overlooking the Thames where the most significant structural changes have taken place – and it’s all because of the bathrooms.

That could be our slogan here at BathEmpire, couldn’t it? But I digress.

A bedroom at the Savoy, with the new river views

The reason the en-suite bathrooms have caused so much trouble at the Savoy is that they were added after the hotel was built.

When the hotel was completed in 1890 the bathrooms weren’t en-suite, but it was soon realised that upper crust guests would consider this a drawback.

The bizarre solution was to build a new facade and to put in bathrooms in between the old and new facades. It all sounds great until you realise that this means that the stunning river and city views that the Savoy was so famed for were now only available from the en-suite bathrooms.

We’re bathroom fanatics, but even we think this is a bit excessive.

The Savoy bathrooms

Part of the refurbishment has involved moving the bathrooms to the back of the suites, restoring the glorious views in the bedrooms.

Rain showers at the Savoy

And as you’d expect, the bathrooms they’ve installed are pretty swish, with claw-footed roll top baths and rain showers, as you can see from the pictures.

Now we just need to find the £350 a night it costs to stay there.

What do you think? Did you stay at the Savoy when the bathrooms were at the front of the suites and experience the views? Or have you stayed there since the hotel reopened? We’d love to hear your stories.

Light some scented candles, poor a glass of wine, take the phone off the hook. Then pour in the most indulgent bath soak you could find.

So how much do you spend on bath soak? £10, £50, £100? How about £31,800?

That’s right, for a mere £31,800 you could be soaking in the world most expensive bubble bath.

The rare ingredients in this treatment are simply mind boggling. Arctic and Deep Sea waters are blended with Sidr Honey. Then combined with Peruvian pink salt and butters from 4 different countries. Added to that are flakes of 24-karat gold. Bonkers.

If you find yourself reaching for you credit card, then here’s the place to get more details. themostexpensivebath.com

At the time I had a little dig at the entry from The Fountain on Locust, on account of it’s complete lack of design restraint.

So you can imagine my shock when I learnt this week that this restroom won the top prize!

Have I lost touch with what makes good design? I’m all for playfulness, but don’t you think this is just plain weird?

Here’s a video from the restaurant to help you make up your mind.

I thought The Muse Hotel was the best in that competition!

Since Canada’s Best Restroom competition is still undecided, I’m going to have another shot at this.

So, I’ve got a gut feeling that the bathroom in Mildred’s Temple Kitchen will win. Those murals are fantastic.

At BathEmpire we pride ourselves on selling luxury baths at affordable prices, but what if money was no object?

Well, lucky you, because there are some truly astonishing options that will greatly lighten your wallet!

First up is for those of you who love your gadgets.

The Red Diamond bathtub features room for 2, waterproof HD screens, gold detailing and a champagne holder encrusted in Swarovski crystals. It also has a few more basic features such as lighting, remote control, continuous heating and an automatic disinfection system.

So, with all those toys the £30,000 price tag seems pretty reasonable to me.

What about those of you trying to create a classic, vintage look?

The Archeo Copper Bathtub is hand made by the same copper-smiths that refurbed the Statue of Liberty’s torch. Exquisite craftsmanship, timeless style and something you will want all of your friends to envy. Though at £43,860 I’d want everyone to know about it.

But these 2 baths are cheap when compared to the bath which holds the accolade of the most expensive in the world.

Made from a single piece of Amazonian crystal, only 2 of these baths exist. One was bought by a Russian tycoon, the other is available to buy right now from Harrods.

So next time you’re in London you could buy this very bath, assuming you have a spare £530,000.

Since Americans have a reputation for lacking subtlety, you can be sure that their bathrooms are equally bold. That being said there are some truly stunning designs on display.

Stand out designs for me are the Muse Hotel’s individually themed rooms, with beautiful mosaic tiling and some very creative lighting.

The Grand America Hotel has an equally grand bathroom. Gold taps, marble counters, fresh flowers and chandeliers.

Really not sure about The Fountain on Locust. I’m all for a bit of bold design, but surely there is far too much going on in this room?

My vote went to The Muse Hotel, you can cast your vote here. We will let you know who wins when the competition ends in September.

Take your first step to creating your remarkable bathroom with our range of Roll Top baths.

However, many people feel that a bathroom can be a place for great expression and intrigue. Fair enough, but would you really want any of these in your bathroom?

Naughty

Clearly one for the bachelors out there.

Creepy

If you think a creepy clown’s head is enough to put you off going, consider this – this toilet moves!

You really have to wonder about the mind of the person that dreamt this one up.

Hi-tec

Here’s something that every gadget lover needs. A toilet that performs a health check whilst you go about your business.

Once it’s checked your weight, BMI, blood sugar and blood pressure levels, it sends the data to your PC via Wi-Fi. Blimey.

Public (very public)

Next time you are in Chongqing, China, you could be in for a very unique experience. For this city is host to one of the worlds largest (and certainly most bizarre) public toilets. Not only do you get the choice of 1,000 toilets in the shape of crocodile mouths or the Virgin Mary, a large section of the bathroom is without a roof!

A bit fabulous

Ahh, now this is more like it. Want to create the sense of space in your bathroom?

This bespoke murial from Surface View really makes a remarkable bathroom – without the horror.

If you’re looking for something unusual, but completely fabulous, in your bathroom be sure to check out our range of Oshi taps.