Long a feature in the grand homes of nobility, a stunning copper baths is a classic choice for bathroom design and renovation.

Copper tubs add a characterful focal point to any wet room, and the benefits of copper baths over the acrylic tubs that have been a functional yet monotonous choice since the 1960s are notable.

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of a copper bath.

Why A Copper Bath?

The first copper baths appeared in the 18th Century and were favoured in colonial bathhouses and by the European nobility and French kings. It is even said that Marie Antionette had one. With the arrival of indoor plumbing during the Victorian era, the copper bath became a feature in many townhouses and country residences.

A form of roll top bath, a freestanding copper bathtub is hygienic, easy to clean, retains heat well and will age gracefully with time. A copper bath is an elegant and practical choice that will last for generations while retaining everyday functionality for use in any home.

A copper bathtub will complement any bathroom decor be it traditional, modern or antique style. A freestanding copper bath makes a statement in any larger bathroom, but they’re also more than suited for smaller spaces where they can become a stunning central feature.

What Is A Copper Bath?

A copper bath is simply a tub crafted from copper. Copper is a highly malleable metal. The tub is crafted from copper sheets which are heated then hammered into shape.

There are many benefits of using copper to craft a bathtub, meaning the metal is ideal for a timeless wet room feature.

Copper Baths Heat Fast And Retain Warmth Brilliantly.

Copper baths are excellent heat retainers. Because the metal is a superconductor, the walls of the tub warm very quickly then hold the temperature for much longer than other materials such as cast iron or acrylic. The heat absorbed by the copper conducts back rapidly into the hot water.

That means filling a copper bath with hot water results in the tub maintaining an even warmth. You will not need to add more warm water to top it up, making a copper roll-top the ideal bath in which to soak for a long and relaxing experience. Even after a copper bath has been emptied, it will remain warm to the touch (which is rather pleasant when you're drying your feet on the edge of the tub).

Copper Baths Are Easy To Maintain

Myths abound that copper baths are tricky to maintain. That tends to come from the days when “copper” pots and pans required a good scrub and polish to keep them looking at their best. Most of those were stainless steel with a thin copper layer that tends to oxidise with daily use and heat quickly. Some people probably even mix up cleaning copper with the hassle of maintaining brass ornaments.

By contrast, pure copper is a very low-maintenance material. All you need to do to keep a copper bath at its best is to wipe it down with a mild cleaning agent and a non-abrasive sponge. To prevent spotting, you simply dry with a soft cloth. There’s little more to it.

Copper Baths Are Very Hygienic

Not only are copper baths easy to wipe clean, but the metal itself also has antimicrobial properties. On other surfaces such as steel or glass, viruses can survive for days, but they are killed within hours or even minutes on copper. Studies have shown that 99% of harmful bacteria is removed from a copper surface within two hours. That makes a copper bathtub an easy to maintain, hygienic option for any bathroom.

Also, because copper tubs are typically manufactured from continuous sheets of metal, moulded into shape, there tend to be fewer harbours where germs and bacteria can accumulate and grow.

Copper Baths Are Very Strong

Copper bathtubs are strong. An investment in one will probably outlive your house. Copper bathtubs are solid and resistant to corrosion and decay. They can be pretty heavy when compared with, for example, plastic options, but also a lot lighter than a cast iron tub which will often require floors to be reinforced.

Copper Bathtubs Age Beautifully

High-quality copper has a “living finish”. That means the metal reacts with oxygen in the air over time which enriches and deepens the colour and finish of the copper itself.

Copper tends to slowly darken over time as oxidation progresses to produce a “patina” or coating of colour. Freshly-formed, copper is a rosy-pink colour, but it develops into darker coffee shades and russet-reds with time. This means that a copper bath will only improve with age, creating a deeper and enriched finish.

Like any metal, copper can be scratched. However, copper is remarkable in that it “heals itself”. Any scratch to a copper bath will soon take on the colour of the rest of it, which effectively hides any minor scuffs and scrapes.

What Should I Look For In A Copper Bath?

Not all copper baths are created equal, and very few copper baths are crafted from pure copper alone. Most tubs are manufactured using recycled copper. The vast majority of copper for any use is recycled. This has little effect on the overall finish, rustproof properties or the overall natural look of the product.

As you would expect, thicker copper can last decades longer and require fewer repairs. Thickness directly relates to cost, of course.

Many copper baths have a nickel-plated interior. This lines them with an attractive contrasting metal while helping keep the cost down a little. Nickel, though not quite as effective as copper, is still an excellent conductor of heat.

Soak Away The Day In A Copper Bathtub

Today’s artisan copper baths pay homage to the ancient craftsmanship of the coppersmith. The centuries of hammer strikes echo down the ages to make the copper bathtub a luxury feature, equally resplendent in a cosy cottage bathroom or modern master wet room. That long, lazy soak in the reddish-browny-golden luxurious tub will make you feel like royalty.

The BC Designs Copper Bath

The BC Designs Copper Bath is one of our favourite bathtubs at Just Baths.

This bath is made in the traditional hand-crafter manner that has been used for centuries and because of this, each boat bath is unique as it features gentle undulations and some colour variations in its finish. 

The polished nickel finish is electroplated, meaning the bath has a beautiful shiny finish that will develop its own character over time.

The BC Designs Copper Bath.

Choose Just Baths As your Bathtub Supplier

If you're looking for something as stylish as a copper bath, we highly recommend checking out our tin baths and stone baths.

Sometimes the number of options can be overwhelming so it helps to speak to some experts for advice. Contact us today for assistance. We have an award winning customer service team who are waiting to help you in any way they can.