If you are contemplating a bathroom remodel, changing your bathtub—or maybe even introducing one to the room—is one of the most pleasing ways to create a new look and transform the feel and style of the bathroom. Depending on your budget, room requirements, and décor style, you can choose various bathtubs, but one of the most favored is the freestanding tub.
As the name implies, freestanding bathtubs are designed to stand independently without any attachment to the floor or walls. They are not built into the floor like sunken tubs or set into the wall. A freestanding tub is excellent to give your bathroom a spacious, elegant, and luxurious feel.
Photo Credit: Veneer Designs – Bathroom features a modern white freestanding rectangular bathtub with polished brass gooseneck faucet tub filler on a black tiled floor.
Faucets for freestanding bathtubs can be attached to the adjacent wall or the tub itself. The tub may also come with different features depending on its price and use. Also, you can choose from various sizes depending on your conditions.
Photo Credit: Pure Salt Interiors – Cottage bathroom design features a modern black oval bathtub with a nickel wall mount tub filler, ivory and black mosaic tiles on the back of bathtub shelves and a white accent table.
Photo Credit: W Design Collective – A polished nickel tub filler is mounted to a ledge beneath a window and paired with a French copper bathtub positioned on marble floor tiles.
Photo Credit: UC Custom Homes – Brushed gold floor mount tub filler paired with a rectangular freestanding tub in a gray tiled bathtub nook. A corner house plant accents the nook with a cozy finish under a window boasting ample natural light.
Photo Credit: The Lifestyled Co – Black and white modern bathroom designed with a catty corner tub on black hexagon floor tiles and a matte black gooseneck tub filler.
Photo Credit: Amy Storm & Co – A brass chandelier illuminates a luxurious bathroom featuring an oval freestanding bathtub with a catty corner aged brass floor mount tub filler placed on marble and brass basketweave accent floor tiles and in front of marble and brass basketweave wall tiles.
Photo Credit: Kara Miller Interiors – A sky blue freestanding bathtub matched with an aged brass floor mount tub filler sits on marble hexagon floor tiles beneath a window covered in white shutters and framed by Schumacher Hydrangea Drape Wallpaper. A white rope stool is positioned beside the tub.
Photo Credit: Meg Lonergan – A white freestanding high-curve back tub pairs with a sleek polished nickel faucet offering a quiet place to soak, beside a window with a pink floral roman shade. A small brass sputnik chandelier brings a finishing touch of mod over the tub and white mosaic floor tiles.
Photo Credit: Veneer Designs – Bathroom features a modern white freestanding rectangular bathtub with polished brass gooseneck faucet tub filler on a black tiled floor.
Photo Credit: Mel Bean Interiors – Welcoming bathtub features an asymmetric bathtub placed in front of a teak plank accent wall finished with a polished nickel wall mount tub filler mounted to a white backsplash.
Photo Credit: Greg Natale – A brass tub filler is fixed to a pink and gray marble wall over a fluted freestanding bathtub placed on gray recycled floor tiles.
Photo Credit: Kathryn Lily Interiors – Luxurious bathroom boasts white, gray, and black hexagon floor tiles leading to an oval freestanding bathtub matched with a nickel floor mount tub filler and lit by a brass lantern. The tub is located in front of a glass and steel walk-in shower enclosure.
Photo Credit: Kathryn Lily Interiors – An oval freestanding bathtub lit by a glass bubbles chandelier sits on marble floor tiles and is paired with a polished nickel floor mount tub filler mounted in front of a gray marble lattice tiled wall. The tub is positioned beside a frameless glass shower.
Photo Credit: Brandon Architechts – A chrome tub filler is mounted beneath a window and over a rectangular freestanding bathtub placed on white and gray marble hexagon floor tiles.
Photo Credit: Emily Kates Design – Bathroom features an oval bathtub with a brass floor mount tub filler on gray parquet marble tiles and a round accent table.
Photo Credit: Brandon Architects – Luxurious bathroom features an arched nook accented with a black and white vintage tub placed on gray and gold marble floor tiles beneath a crystal cascading chandelier, while windows are covered in beige pleated curtains.
Photo Credit: Pike Properties – Industrial pipe and salvaged wood shelves create a unique feature flanking a rectangular freestanding tub completed with a brass faucet under a window and vaulted ceiling displaying a black hanging drum pendant. A step up feature adds to an appealing surface for the freestanding tub with a beige runner in front of the step.
Photo Credit: Pike Properties – Brushed gold wall mount tub filler designed with an oval freestanding tub illuminated with a brass hanging light in a transitional bathroom design. A window over the tub adds lovely natural light to an already bright and airy bathroom design.
Photo Credit: HW Interiors – Green tiled bathroom walls complement a white oval freestanding bathtub paired with a matte black tub filler.
Photo Credit: Lindye Galloway – A white beaded chandelier illuminates a freestanding bathtub with an oil rubbed bronze floor mount tub filler and marble grid floor tiles.
Photo Credit: Cambridge Home Company -A rectangular freestanding bathtub with a polished nickel floor mount tub filler sits beneath a window on and between gray his and hers washstands.
Photo Credit: Marie Flanigan – Master bathroom features a freestanding bathtub with nickel tub filler in front of a marble window seat flanked by French washstands topped with marble, lit by an Amber French chandelier hung from a tray ceiling and a gold accent table.
Freestanding Bathtub Size and Design Ideas
Freestanding bathtubs come in various designs. Pedestal bathtubs come with a slightly raised design to create a unique look. Freestanding soaker tubs (meant for relaxing) are great additions for those that love to kick back and soak. They are deep and feature a slightly sloped design. Get a freestanding soaking tub if you want something to soak in for hours. If you enjoy baths as a couple, get an extra wide and deep bathtub for ultimate comfort.
Photo Credit: Pure Salt Interiors – Cottage bathroom design features a modern black oval bathtub with a nickel wall mount tub filler, ivory and black mosaic tiles on the back of bathtub shelves and a white accent table.
The most important thing is to research considerably. Determine what your needs are, what budget you can work with, and the best source of freestanding tubs. In terms of size, make sure you measure the floor area and entry doors before buying.
Photo Credit: UC Custom Homes – Brushed gold floor mount tub filler paired with a rectangular freestanding tub in a gray tiled bathtub nook. A corner house plant accents the nook with a cozy finish under a window boasting ample natural light.
Freestanding bathtubs have long been seen as the most incredible romantic statement; the large claw-foot tubs of yesteryear can accommodate two people simultaneously. However, there have been some objections: they are more difficult to clean around, and they do not keep the bathwater hot for very long. The alternative though—built-in bathtubs—has a negative reputation for being old-fashioned and less luxurious.
Photo Credit: The Lifestyled Co – Black and white modern bathroom designed with a catty corner tub on black hexagon floor tiles and a matte black gooseneck tub filler.
Photo Credit: Cambridge Home Company -A rectangular freestanding bathtub with a polished nickel floor mount tub filler sits beneath a window on and between gray his and hers washstands.
What is the distinction between a freestanding and a built-in bath? When it comes to bathtubs, there are two basic types to consider: built-in baths, which are generally installed in an alcove with walls on three sides, and freestanding baths, which give you more flexibility in where you place it in the room.
Photo Credit: Amy Storm & Co – A brass chandelier illuminates a luxurious bathroom featuring an oval freestanding bathtub with a catty corner aged brass floor mount tub filler placed on marble and brass basketweave accent floor tiles and in front of marble and brass basketweave wall tiles.
The claw-foot tub is a well-known freestanding option that stands on four feet, unlike some modern freestanding bathtubs that sit flush on the ground or a pedestal. Both freestanding and built-in tubs are available in a variety of dimensions—length, breadth, and depth—and if you enjoy taking baths, you’ll want a tub that fits your body, so test-drive tubs in the showroom by jumping in and lying down (or at least try to!)
Photo Credit: Kara Miller Interiors – A sky blue freestanding bathtub matched with an aged brass floor mount tub filler sits on marble hexagon floor tiles beneath a window covered in white shutters and framed by Schumacher Hydrangea Drape Wallpaper. A white rope stool is positioned beside the tub.
What is the point of having a freestanding bath? There is no situation where a freestanding tub is “needed”; most individuals select freestanding baths to make a statement or achieve a vintage aesthetic. If it’s the style you’re looking for, freestanding models have a more excellent range of options.
Photo Credit: Kathryn Lily Interiors – An oval freestanding bathtub lit by a glass bubbles chandelier sits on marble floor tiles and is paired with a polished nickel floor mount tub filler mounted in front of a gray marble lattice tiled wall. The tub is positioned beside a frameless glass shower.
Photo Credit: Marie Flanigan – Main bathroom features a freestanding bathtub with nickel tub filler in front of a marble window seat flanked by French washstands topped with marble, lit by an Amber French chandelier hung from a tray ceiling and a gold accent table.
However, there is more discretion regarding where the tub is placed—as long as piping is nearby. Consider positioning your tub near a window if you want a view while you soak.
Photo Credit: Pike Properties – Brushed gold wall mount tub filler designed with an oval freestanding tub illuminated with a brass hanging light in a transitional bathroom design. A window over the tub adds lovely natural light to an already bright, airy bathroom design.
Photo Credit: Kathryn Lily Interiors – Luxurious bathroom boasts white, gray, and black hexagon floor tiles leading to an oval freestanding bathtub matched with a nickel floor mount tub filler and lit by a brass lantern. The tub is in front of a glass and steel walk-in shower enclosure.
Freestanding Bathtub Design Ideas: What Materials To Choose
Materials used to construct freestanding bathtubs are typically similar to those used in other tubs. Centuries ago, they used materials like stone and clay to fashion bathtubs. In modern times, fiberglass and acrylic are the most generally used materials. Here is a breakdown of the different materials used and their remarkable features.
Photo Credit: Mel Bean Interiors – Welcoming bathtub features an asymmetric bathtub placed in front of a teak plank accent wall finished with a polished nickel wall mount tub filler mounted to a white backsplash.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass tubs are favored because of their affordability. The material is more budget-friendly than other options such as copper, cast iron, or brass. It is also lightweight and can be restored when damaged instead of replacing the entire tub. The biggest negative is poor durability and an easy-to-scratch surface.
Photo Credit: Meg Lonergan – A white freestanding high-curve back tub pairs with a sleek polished nickel faucet offering a quiet place to soak, beside a window with a pink floral roman shade. A small brass sputnik chandelier brings a finishing touch of mod over the tub and white mosaic floor tiles.
Acrylic
This is another inexpensive and lightweight tub option. Acrylic tubs have fiberglass as a significant component. Like fiberglass, it can scratch easily and does not last very long.
Photo Credit: Brandon Architects – Luxurious bathroom features an arched nook accented with a black and white vintage tub placed on gray and gold marble floor tiles beneath a crystal cascading chandelier, while windows are covered in beige pleated curtains.
Ceramic Tile
This is another suitable option if you are seeking a budget-friendly freestanding tub. One significant advantage of ceramic tile tubs is that they can be made onsite. This means you can get a highly customized design with whatever size you desire. On the downside, ceramic tile tubs require much maintenance and can be undesirable on your bare skin.
Cast Iron
Cast iron tubs could potentially last forever. The molded iron is completed on the outside with enamel. The tub is hard and study, with the exterior incredibly resistant to scratches or any kind of damage. On the negative, cast iron tubs are challenging to move because of their weight and can also come at a hefty cost.
Porcelain on Steel
This tub consists of a sheet of steel combined with a layer of porcelain enamel. It is a low-cost but durable material. It is also easy to clean.
Natural Stone
Natural stone freestanding tubs are, as you would anticipate, quite costly. They are made from various materials such as marble, sandstone, basalt, or granite. Natural stone bathtubs are excellent if you are going for a luxurious spa look in your bathroom.
Photo Credit: Greg Natale – A brass tub filler is fixed to a pink and gray marble wall over a fluted freestanding bathtub placed on gray recycled floor tiles.
Copper
Copper carries a warm aesthetic while also adding a luxurious feel to the décor. The most significant benefit of copper bathtubs lies in their health benefits. Copper is naturally antimicrobial, helping keep your tub hygienic. Copper tubs come in a variety of finishes. Though more expensive than fiberglass or acrylic tubs, they last very long while needing minimal maintenance.
Photo Credit: W Design Collective – A polished nickel tub filler is mounted to a ledge beneath a window and paired with a French copper bathtub positioned on marble floor tiles.
Brass is not typically the first material someone thinks of when considering freestanding bathtub design ideas, perhaps due to its high cost. The material combines zinc and copper to form an extremely durable metal. Since it does not rust or corrode, a brass tub will last for decades while maintaining its outstanding style. Like copper tubs, brass tubs are costly but provide value for your money.
Wood
Wood!? I know what you’re thinking, and yes, you can get a bathtub made from wood. If you are going for an ultra-luxurious warm décor, this is an excellent choice. Of course, the wood has to be treated to ensure that it is entirely waterproof.
Choosing among all these materials can be a little bit hard. The most crucial factor to consider is your budget. For low to mid-range budgets, good options include acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass. For bigger budgets, consider materials like wood, brass, copper, or cast iron.
Photo Credit: Brandon Architechts – A chrome tub filler is mounted beneath a window and over a rectangular freestanding bathtub placed on white and gray marble hexagon floor tiles.
Photo Credit: Emily Kates Design – Bathroom features an oval bathtub with a brass floor mount tub filler on gray parquet marble tiles and a round accent table.
Also, consider your décor requirements. Wood and copper tubs tend to create a warm homely feel. Cast iron and natural stone can be used for a spa décor or an industrial-style bathroom. If you are going for simple urban contemporary, we recommend fiberglass, acrylic, ceramic, or porcelain.
Photo Credit: Pike Properties – Industrial pipe and salvaged wood shelves create a unique feature flanking a rectangular freestanding tub completed with a brass faucet under a window and vaulted ceiling displaying a black hanging drum pendant. A step up feature adds to an appealing surface for the freestanding tub with a beige runner in front of the step.
Photo Credit: HW Interiors – Green tiled bathroom walls complement a white oval freestanding bathtub paired with a matte black tub filler.
Photo Credit: Lindye Galloway – A white beaded chandelier illuminates a freestanding bathtub with an oil rubbed bronze floor mount tub filler and marble grid floor tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do you put next to a free standing tub?
Functional yet attractive decorative objects to place near your freestanding tub include pillar candles, cylinder vases, wall art or ornamental mirrors, towel baskets, lounge chairs, and decorative planters.
Do you need to tile the walls around a freestanding tub?
It is not necessary to tile around a freestanding tub. However, if the freestanding tub is against a wall, you’ll need to protect the wall from water damage. To do that, tile is one of the options, but you could also use anything that you would use for a kitchen backsplash.
How much room do you need around a freestanding bathtub?
A freestanding bath should have no less than 6 inches of space surrounding all angles of the tub. Following that guideline, you can ensure your freestanding bath has a comfortable access point and won’t appear cramped in your bathroom, regardless of its design.
How far away from wall should freestanding tub be?
The Magic Number is 6 inches. Any less and the tub will look cramped in the space. For tubs with drains at the end, you’ll need a minimum of 4 inches for the floor-mount faucet, with 2 inches padding on the opposite end.
Are freestanding tubs out of style?
Many interior design experts remark that freestanding tubs are not only as popular as they’ve ever been but are growing in popularity among homeowners.
Holly Antoine is a Home, Lifestyle and DIY content creator. After leaving behind an 11-year career in the dental field to pursue her passion for design and decor, she developed her own branded site, HollyGrace.ca, where she shares her love of home design, decor, DIYs and inspires others to get creative and build[...]
