Freestanding Bathtub in a Small Apartment Bathroom - How to Arrange It?
July 2025
Is It Worth Choosing a Freestanding Bathtub in an Apartment?
The main question when it comes to a freestanding bathtub in this case is whether it's a suitable option for a small apartment bathroom. This choice might seem extravagant, but it doesn't mean you have to abandon it. In fact, it has several advantages. If there is enough space for a built-in bathtub in the bathroom, there’s usually also room for a freestanding model. However, even small freestanding bathtubs require a bit more space because there needs to be at least a few centimeters of free space around them.
Of course, a bathroom in an apartment won’t allow you to place a bathtub in the center of the room as often seen in interior magazines, but a well-chosen freestanding bathtub placed in a corner or against the wall will still look fantastic. Apart from enhancing the elegance and adding sophistication to the design, one of the main advantages of a freestanding bathtub in a small bathroom is the flexibility of placement. Additionally, even a small freestanding bathtub provides more comfort during a bath. It’s likely to be deeper and more spacious than a built-in model.
What Size Freestanding Bathtub to Choose for a Small Bathroom?
One of the key factors to consider when purchasing a bathtub is its size. Without a doubt, creating an elegant and ergonomic small bathroom with a freestanding bathtub is a challenge. How do you make the right choice?
Start by accurately measuring the space where the bathtub will go. Deduct 10–15 cm around the bathtub, as mentioned earlier. A small freestanding bathtub will only look great when it is properly highlighted. After accounting for the free space around the edges, you’ll get the available space for the bathtub. Compact models are typically 140–150 cm in length. Smaller models are available, but such small bathtubs may not be comfortable for a bath. If there isn’t enough space, it’s better to opt for a built-in bathtub or shower cabin instead. Assuming there’s enough space for the freestanding bathtub, the next question is: What shape should the bathtub have for a small apartment bathroom?
Rectangular, Oval, or Irregular Bathtub?
Arranging a small bathroom is always a challenge, especially when homeowners want a bathtub, which occupies more space than a shower cabin. If the dream model is also a freestanding one, the task becomes even more difficult. However, placing a bathtub in a bathroom is not impossible; it’s just important to choose the right model. In this case, the size isn’t the only factor. A freestanding bathtub can come in different shapes. The choice depends on the design style and where the bathtub will be placed. What options are available?
Rectangular Bathtub
The most commonly chosen type is the rectangular bathtub, which is functional. It’s easy to place against a wall or in a corner, making it ideal for a smaller space. It takes up almost the same amount of space as a built-in model, and it’s easier to arrange the entire available area ergonomically.
Oval Bathtub
A bathroom with a freestanding bathtub in an oval shape also looks great. The gentle curves give the bathtub a softer appearance. These bathtubs are often compact and, like the rectangular ones, look fantastic when placed against a wall.
Irregular Bathtub
This is a very original option that looks incredibly stylish. However, a bathroom in an apartment with such a bathtub may not always be ergonomic. Due to the unique design of the bathtub, and often its size, you have to be careful not to let it dominate the space. Rooms in apartments tend to be small, and the bathroom is the smallest of them all. Installing such a bathtub might make the room look overcrowded or leave little room for other bathroom elements. If you find a smaller model, it can certainly fit into the design, but everything must be planned carefully.
Summary
Knowing which freestanding bathtub is suitable for a small bathroom allows you to create an elegant, ergonomic, and original arrangement. Among the bathtubs to consider, freestanding models are a good choice. While they are often associated with spacious bathrooms, bathroom equipment manufacturers are meeting the needs of homeowners by offering stylish freestanding bathtubs in compact sizes. If such a bathtub is placed in the bathroom, the overall design will look impressive, and bathing will become even more enjoyable than before.