Freestanding Bathtub - Is It Worth Choosing?
July 2025
What Is a Freestanding Bathtub and Why Should You Consider It?
A freestanding bathtub, as the name suggests, is not attached to the wall. It stands independently as a self-contained piece of furniture. The feet of the freestanding bathtub allow it to be placed anywhere in the bathroom, although modern models often lack feet. In spacious interiors, it’s placed in the center, making it a focal point of the room.
Investing in this solution is attractive for at least a few reasons. First, modern freestanding bathtubs are aesthetic and elegant, and their presence adds a touch of luxury. Second, they provide some flexibility in design. A large freestanding bathtub can stand in the middle of the room, by the window, or against the wall. There are many options, as long as the water installation is in place. Undoubtedly, a well-thought-out bathroom design with a freestanding bathtub leaves a lasting impression.
The comfort of use is also crucial. In most cases, freestanding bathtubs are deeper and offer more space than wall-mounted models. This results in greater comfort during a bath.
What Shape of Freestanding Bathtub Should You Choose?
Freestanding bathtubs can vary significantly, which makes it easier to choose a model that fits the decor, colors, and size of the room. If the bathroom is small, a compact freestanding bathtub should be considered, as it won’t take up too much space. For larger bathrooms, the dimensions of the freestanding bathtub can be bigger. And what about the shape? What options are available?
Oval Bathtubs
A universal option is the oval freestanding bathtub. Its gentle lines and elegant appearance certainly encourage purchase. These bathtubs are timeless and fit most bathroom styles.
Rectangular Bathtubs
For minimalist and modern interiors, rectangular freestanding bathtubs may be the ideal choice. Their form perfectly aligns with the latest trends. Additionally, a freestanding bathtub can be placed by the window or along the wall, which is essential in smaller rooms where space needs to be used wisely.
Asymmetrical Bathtubs
A very original option is the asymmetrical freestanding bathtub. These bathtubs are highly decorative and work well in bathrooms with unconventional layouts. Among models with unique shapes, you’ll find freestanding bathtubs that are rounded on one side, with the other side remaining flat, allowing them to be placed against the wall.
Wall-Mounted Freestanding Bathtub - Why Is It So Special?
As mentioned earlier, one of the distinctive features of a freestanding bathtub is the ability to place it anywhere in the room. However, in smaller bathrooms, homeowners often opt for placing the freestanding bathtub against the wall. So, what makes this different from a built-in bathtub?
A wall-mounted freestanding bathtub has one longer side that is not rounded, allowing it to rest against the wall. There are also corner bathtubs to choose from. This type of bathtub is placed against the wall, but it’s not built into it, which comes with several advantages. First, it’s easy to install. To set up a freestanding bathtub in the bathroom, no special skills or significant time investment are needed. This is not the case with built-in bathtubs, where many people choose to hire professionals. Moreover, a freestanding bathtub placed against the wall looks delicate and elegant. It’s a solution that works even in small bathrooms. It combines the benefits of both freestanding and built-in bathtubs. One interesting option in this category is a freestanding bathtub with a bathtub faucet.
Will a Freestanding Bathtub Work in Every Room?
Another question related to modern bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs is whether such a model can be installed in any room. Particularly challenging are small rooms or those with sloped ceilings. Is a freestanding bathtub on an attic floor a good idea?
Freestanding bathtubs are typically associated with larger spaces. As the main feature of the room, they make a fantastic decorative element. The answer to whether a freestanding bathtub can fit into a smaller room isn’t straightforward. If the space doesn’t allow for a built-in bathtub, it’s unlikely that a freestanding model will fit either. However, when a built-in bathtub can fit, a wall-mounted freestanding bathtub is also a good option.
For freestanding bathtubs in rooms with sloped ceilings, you need to check whether the lower ceiling height will interfere with entering and exiting the bathtub. Since a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub in the attic looks stunning, if the space measurements show enough room, this solution is worth considering.
How to Choose the Size of a Freestanding Bathtub?
Before purchasing a freestanding bathtub, it’s essential to determine its size. Both the available space for the bathtub and the needs of the users are important. Whether it’s a bathroom in an attic with a freestanding bathtub or a room with a high ceiling, measuring the space is crucial. While larger bathrooms don’t present a problem in terms of measurements, smaller bathrooms may not accommodate the chosen model, leaving little room for easy access. It’s recommended to have at least 15 cm of free space around the bathtub. The standard length of a bathtub is 170–180 cm. A small freestanding bathtub can be 140 cm long.
Another important aspect is depth. As mentioned earlier, freestanding bathtubs tend to be deeper. A deeper bathtub provides a more comfortable bathing experience. However, there’s another side to this – shorter individuals may find it difficult to enter a very deep bathtub. Therefore, it’s also important to consider the needs of the household members. It’s also worth considering the capacity of the bathtub, especially for those who enjoy long, relaxing baths.
Freestanding Bathtub - Bathroom Designs
A bathroom with a freestanding bathtub can fit into designs following the principles of various styles. However, it will always create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Simple bathtubs with minimal decoration are perfect for modern and minimalist interiors. They may have an unusual curved shape, which enhances their decorative value. A white oval bathtub placed in the center of the bathroom or against the wall looks stunning.
Freestanding bathtubs also complement retro-style designs. For classic interiors, a bathtub with decorative feet fits particularly well. If the room features a glamour style with baroque accents, the feet should be gold.
Spacious bathrooms are sometimes designed to encourage relaxation and resemble spa treatments. In such cases, it’s worth considering freestanding bathtubs made of natural materials, placed surrounded by plants.
How to Take Care of a Freestanding Bathtub?
To keep the bathroom looking great for a long time, it’s important to maintain cleanliness, remove limescale buildup, and clean off other residues. This applies to all bathroom fixtures, including sinks, furniture, and bathtubs. It’s not complicated, but regular cleaning is essential. It’s recommended to dedicate time for deep cleaning at least once a week.
To clean both freestanding and built-in bathtubs, use gentle cleaning products that won’t scratch the surface. Stronger detergents could damage the finish. Besides routine cleaning, it’s also important to rinse the bathtub with clean water after each bath. This helps remove soap scum and limescale buildup, improving the appearance and making cleaning easier.
Pros and Cons of a Freestanding Bathtub
Most bathroom solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, and this is no exception. The advantages of a freestanding bathtub include aesthetics, which have been discussed several times. A freestanding bathtub is incredibly stylish, elegant, and adds a sense of luxury. Another benefit is user comfort. Even smaller models are more spacious and deeper than built-in bathtubs, making the bath experience more comfortable. Finally, there’s a lot of flexibility in bathroom design. A freestanding bathtub can be placed anywhere in the room.
So what about the disadvantages?
Freestanding bathtubs require adequate space, meaning they may not be the best choice for smaller rooms. The price of a freestanding bathtub is generally much higher than a built-in model. Also, freestanding bathtubs have the same drawbacks as any other bathtub, such as high water consumption. A freestanding bathtub with a shower might be a helpful solution. Although this is less common, as it's typically available for built-in bathtubs, it’s worth considering.
Summary
If you're looking for elegant and unique solutions for your bathroom, freestanding bathtubs might be an excellent option. They look stunning, and bathing in such a bathtub allows you to experience luxury. While they are commonly believed to only fit large bathrooms, wall-mounted freestanding bathtubs can be used in smaller spaces too. However, caution should be taken when choosing the right model.