How to Bathe Like a Parisian
For those who love to luxuriate in a bath after a long day at work, here are 10 baths with French flair
Before the days of rain showers with massage settings, light shows and music coming out of the showerhead, people had baths. The French called them baignoires and the bathing ritual could take hours. There was a certain romance to French bathing, often done at the end of the day (or sometimes even just at the end of the week!). Here, we look at some present-day examples of French-inspired baths and the advantages each brings to what is now viewed as a rather indulgent way to wash.
2. The double-ended bath
Black-edged mirrors, polished stone floors, floaty curtains and a French banquette seat create the wow factor in the bathroom of this exclusive Parisian apartment. A deep, double-ended tub in grey with white lining adds a theatrical yet glamorous atmosphere to the room. Oo la la!
GREAT FOR: The double-ended bath, with its high ends on either side, is ideal for supporting your back when stretching out. And for supporting the back of a bathing partner, should you choose to have one. For saving water, of course…
Black-edged mirrors, polished stone floors, floaty curtains and a French banquette seat create the wow factor in the bathroom of this exclusive Parisian apartment. A deep, double-ended tub in grey with white lining adds a theatrical yet glamorous atmosphere to the room. Oo la la!
GREAT FOR: The double-ended bath, with its high ends on either side, is ideal for supporting your back when stretching out. And for supporting the back of a bathing partner, should you choose to have one. For saving water, of course…
3. The shower bath
Traditionally French homes have combined baths and showers and many, although renovated and modernised, still do today.
The showers are commonly a hand-held fixture that is positioned next to bath tapware. A circular rail system fixed to the wall or ceiling is used to hang the shower curtain, as seen pictured here.
GREAT FOR: Bathing and then rinsing off at the end without having to hop into a separate shower stall.
Traditionally French homes have combined baths and showers and many, although renovated and modernised, still do today.
The showers are commonly a hand-held fixture that is positioned next to bath tapware. A circular rail system fixed to the wall or ceiling is used to hang the shower curtain, as seen pictured here.
GREAT FOR: Bathing and then rinsing off at the end without having to hop into a separate shower stall.
4. The slipper bath
The slipper bath is effectively a French claw-foot tub where one end of the tub is raised and sloped, creating a more comfortable lounging position. To use, simply place a small rolled towel behind your neck and let yourself unwind and relax – just not so much that you fall asleep!
GREAT FOR: Long baths. These baths are perfect examples of how design can combine classical tradition with comfort.
The slipper bath is effectively a French claw-foot tub where one end of the tub is raised and sloped, creating a more comfortable lounging position. To use, simply place a small rolled towel behind your neck and let yourself unwind and relax – just not so much that you fall asleep!
GREAT FOR: Long baths. These baths are perfect examples of how design can combine classical tradition with comfort.
5. The spa bath
Since very early times, many different cultures have enjoyed the benefits of soaking in hot water for medicinal purposes. Modern day spa baths are perhaps not used as often for this reason, but their size certainly makes it possible to stretch out and relax tired and sore muscles.
If you have a large bathroom, consider installing a round spa-like bath, even without the jets. While this may not be as social as an outdoor jacuzzi, it’s sure to be a relaxing way for parents to finish off the day and also be a hit with young siblings bathing together.
GREAT FOR: Taking romantic baths with your partner or bathing all the kids at the same time.
Since very early times, many different cultures have enjoyed the benefits of soaking in hot water for medicinal purposes. Modern day spa baths are perhaps not used as often for this reason, but their size certainly makes it possible to stretch out and relax tired and sore muscles.
If you have a large bathroom, consider installing a round spa-like bath, even without the jets. While this may not be as social as an outdoor jacuzzi, it’s sure to be a relaxing way for parents to finish off the day and also be a hit with young siblings bathing together.
GREAT FOR: Taking romantic baths with your partner or bathing all the kids at the same time.
6. The bygone era bath
French aristocracy had baths in their boudoirs or private bedrooms, albeit with an entire cast of chamber maids in attendance. The baths were often made from cast-iron or metal with an enamel or porcelain lining. Nowadays you can also buy the same designs made from an acrylic material.
If your bedroom is so large that it could accommodate a bathtub, go ahead and create your own spa salon at home. Make sure the area where the bath goes gets treated as any other wet area would be, and is properly water-proofed and sealed.
GREAT FOR: A must-have feature tub for a bedroom that has plenty of room. Put it by a fireplace, especially if you live in cooler climes!
Could you live with a bath in the bedroom?
French aristocracy had baths in their boudoirs or private bedrooms, albeit with an entire cast of chamber maids in attendance. The baths were often made from cast-iron or metal with an enamel or porcelain lining. Nowadays you can also buy the same designs made from an acrylic material.
If your bedroom is so large that it could accommodate a bathtub, go ahead and create your own spa salon at home. Make sure the area where the bath goes gets treated as any other wet area would be, and is properly water-proofed and sealed.
GREAT FOR: A must-have feature tub for a bedroom that has plenty of room. Put it by a fireplace, especially if you live in cooler climes!
Could you live with a bath in the bedroom?
7. The library bath
You’ll feel like part of the French elite and cultured society if you combine practicality with art. In this bathroom, bathing is combined with a love of literature – here one gets to read while bathing, choosing books from a mini library or bibliothèque above the tub. Decorexpat have cleverly utilised the wall space behind the bath, installing some built-in shelving that can store anything from personal artefacts to books and framed prints or photos.
GREAT FOR: Relaxing and unwinding with a book – perhaps a glass of wine by your side and some soft music playing in the background.
You’ll feel like part of the French elite and cultured society if you combine practicality with art. In this bathroom, bathing is combined with a love of literature – here one gets to read while bathing, choosing books from a mini library or bibliothèque above the tub. Decorexpat have cleverly utilised the wall space behind the bath, installing some built-in shelving that can store anything from personal artefacts to books and framed prints or photos.
GREAT FOR: Relaxing and unwinding with a book – perhaps a glass of wine by your side and some soft music playing in the background.
8. The modern bath
This is a glamorous modern take on traditional French opulence. Here the bath has been reinvented in a refined, rounded shape. Combined with twin sinks in a cutout vanity area, luxe lighting and, of course, that beautifully over-the-top tile work, the designer achieved an extravagant yet sophisticated look in this Parisian home.
GREAT FOR: When looks and function are equally important.
This is a glamorous modern take on traditional French opulence. Here the bath has been reinvented in a refined, rounded shape. Combined with twin sinks in a cutout vanity area, luxe lighting and, of course, that beautifully over-the-top tile work, the designer achieved an extravagant yet sophisticated look in this Parisian home.
GREAT FOR: When looks and function are equally important.
9. The transitional-contemporary bath
The transitional-contemporary bath sits somewhere between the traditional and the modern. In this bathroom, we took a sleek contemporary bathtub and sculptural floor-mounted tap and placed them in a more classical, French provincial setting. Combining these two styles makes the space more transitional without taking away from a luxurious, spa-like bathing experience.
GREAT FOR: These type of baths are deceptively large, very comfortable can easily fit more than one person.
Black and white bathrooms to inspire you
The transitional-contemporary bath sits somewhere between the traditional and the modern. In this bathroom, we took a sleek contemporary bathtub and sculptural floor-mounted tap and placed them in a more classical, French provincial setting. Combining these two styles makes the space more transitional without taking away from a luxurious, spa-like bathing experience.
GREAT FOR: These type of baths are deceptively large, very comfortable can easily fit more than one person.
Black and white bathrooms to inspire you
10. The alcove bath
Recessed or alcove baths are commonly found in French households. Usually installed with walls on two or three sides, this type of bath arrangement is a great space saver. Being self contained, the alcove is a perfect place to display decorative features in tiling or lighting, as is evident in this French bathroom.
GREAT FOR: Creating an attractive bathing nook in a relatively small bathroom.
TELL US
Do you have a bath at home that you love to sink into? What’s your drink and reading matter of choice, or do you prefer to just close your eyes and relax? Tell us about your bath in the Comments below.
MORE
Dream Spaces: 14 Fabulous Indoor-Outdoor Bathrooms
Bath Lovers Unite: 18 Deluxe Tubs You’ll Love
The Hedonist’s Guide to Rustic Bathtubs
Recessed or alcove baths are commonly found in French households. Usually installed with walls on two or three sides, this type of bath arrangement is a great space saver. Being self contained, the alcove is a perfect place to display decorative features in tiling or lighting, as is evident in this French bathroom.
GREAT FOR: Creating an attractive bathing nook in a relatively small bathroom.
TELL US
Do you have a bath at home that you love to sink into? What’s your drink and reading matter of choice, or do you prefer to just close your eyes and relax? Tell us about your bath in the Comments below.
MORE
Dream Spaces: 14 Fabulous Indoor-Outdoor Bathrooms
Bath Lovers Unite: 18 Deluxe Tubs You’ll Love
The Hedonist’s Guide to Rustic Bathtubs
The claw-foot bath was considered a luxury item in France in the late 19th century. They were originally made from cast iron and lined with porcelain. Today, they are still a popular choice in traditional bathrooms with all the modern conveniences. If you’re considering a claw-foot bath, why not add a modern French twist by choosing a navy and white two-toned one, which is certain to be a stand-out feature in your bathroom? Team it with floral wallpaper featuring birds for a whimsical look, add some smart sconces, et voila! C’est tres chic.
GREAT FOR: Cleaning – as it has good access underneath. A tub with longer legs is probably the most functional free-standing bath. Plus, they obviously look fantastic.
Immerse yourself in a world of claw-foot tubs