I’d extend a vanity across end of bath and a reduced depth

Hi Lorraine, there’s no magic formula for bath placement, it really is what suits you best. Our eyes do like pattern though, so if you have a longer length at one end, try to position the bath so the shorter end is (say) one third and the longer two thirds, or the shorter end is two tiles wide and the longer five tiles wide. It’s the ‘relationship’ that helps things gel. Whatever you choose though, just make sure there’s enough headroom.

In regards to the width, consider placing your bath as close to the edge as possible, and be careful about the level of the floor compared to the level at the bottom of the bath. Stepping over a wide rim, combined with height changes can be a bit of a safety concern, especially in an already wet, slippery environment. Again, for visual impact, try to have ‘relationship’ between each side, but that can be 20:1, the number doesn’t matter so much as the balance.

As someone who loves a bath, also considering moving the tapware to the end of the bath. Far less chance of a scalding when you top with hot water 😉

Thank you Kate for that suggestion. And thank you, Jan Dobson for that very comprehensive and extremely helpful response.

I gave your advice a lot of thought - especially the remark about stepping over a wide rim. That makes so much sense, and might partly explain why freestanding tubs have gained popularity. I thought a freestanding tub would not work due to the tight space (I didn't want to create cleaning problems!) but I gave it some further thought after reading your comment.

I'm wondering if a rectangular back to wall freestanding tub with hob around three sides might work, eliminating tiling up the front and the rim at the front of the bath completely, but still avoiding the cleaning hassles of a tub with small spaces around it? I love the idea of a rim behind the tub, or a shelf above the tub. And putting the taps at the end does make sense.

Maybe something like this?

While there are advantages to extending the vanity over the tub, after a lot of thought I decided I'd prefer a smaller vanity and a space between vanity and tub where I can put a small stool and some towel and robe hooks on the wall. It's a guest bathroom, and there's a 900mm vanity in the cloak room next door so I am thinking a large vanity isn't a necessity, but a space between would make cleaning the top end of the bath easier.

That plan sounds great. Love the image with the stepped surround.
I had taps at end of bath in my old bathroom and moved them to side in new. I prefer it and hit them less plus better with 2 kids and when bathing dog. But both locations have disadvantages. I would have preferred a swivel spout to get it out of way, but went for a modern shape fixed spout.

I really like that idea, Lorraine. Looks good and love the bench space being out of he splash zone. Our situation was different, but Houzz has an article which, tho it didn’t solve our bath placement issue, did give me some ideas that helped resolve it. https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/break-free-8-reasons-to-choose-a-semi-freestanding-bath-stsetivw-vs~91408618 🤞🏻 the link works. Kate is right though. Tap placement is a personal choice, most things are really. Hope I didn’t imply otherwise