If you need comfort against a wall or in an alcove, a single-ended bath gives space for fixtures at one end and usually comes with side or front panels. You'll find 104 double-ended 1700mm baths if you want two lounging ends and a more symmetrical look for a central or back-to-wall position. Freestanding baths create a visual focal point and work well in larger bathrooms or ensuites, but note they sit away from walls and are a different aesthetic to alcove baths. For example, a 1700 x 750mm single-ended bath with a side panel suits a family bathroom, while a 1700mm freestanding bath makes a statement in a master suite.

Can a 1700mm bath also function well as a shower, and which shapes are best for that?

Yes. There are around 60 shower baths in the 1700mm range, including straight shower baths and shaped options like L-shaped and P-shaped models that give you more room to stand and shower. L-shaped or P-shaped 1700 x 850mm baths are particularly useful if you want a generous showering area without increasing length. Many of our shower-bath bundles in stock already include a shower screen and panels, which can simplify planning if you want both bathing and showering in one unit. A straight 1700 x 750mm shower bath with a fitted screen is a compact choice for tighter layouts.

Which bath material should you pick for a 1700mm bath; acrylic, Carronite, steel or copper?

Acrylic is by far the most common and is lightweight, warm to the touch and generally more affordable, making it a practical all-round choice. Carronite appears as a higher-end option on the site if you want a denser, more robust finish and a premium feel. Steel and copper tend to be heavier and more specialist, steel is very durable while copper gives a distinctive, luxurious look. If you want a balance of cost, warmth and easy maintenance, acrylic is usually the sensible starting point.

Do you need side or end panels for a 1700mm bath, and which one fits an alcove or corner?

For an alcove installation you'll need a side panel to cover the longest side of the bath, and for a corner installation a side-and-end panel set will cover both the long and short sides. The site shows many baths sold with side panels, side-and-end panels or with no panels at all, so check the product option that matches your layout. For example, a 1700 x 700mm straight bath going into an alcove will usually be ordered with a matching side panel, while a corner L-shaped 1700 x 850mm bath will need side and end panels.

Are whirlpool options available for 1700mm baths and are there any restrictions?

Whirlpool jets are offered on a number of 1700mm baths so you can enjoy a spa-like massage in your standard-length bath. The main restriction is that freestanding 1700mm baths cannot usually be fitted with whirlpool systems, so if you want jets choose a straight, shower or back-to-wall 1700mm model. For instance, a 1700 x 750mm straight bath with whirlpool technology gives you therapeutic jets without needing a larger tub.