Arguments for & against the freestanding bath

3 min readThe freestanding bath is a bathroom addition that has seen a huge rise in popularity in the past few years. As well as its practical use, a freestanding bathtub is the ultimate luxurious bathroom addition!

You have probably seen this bathroom trend in your favourite interior design magazines, on your favourite blogs and Instagram accounts and might be wondering if it is right for you. Read on to find out our top arguments for and against the freestanding bathtub!

For-

1. A freestanding bathtub is a symbol of decadence and relaxation. Unlike traditional baths, a freestanding bathtub draws your eye when you enter the room and can become the opulent focal point of a bathroom where the tub is the hero of the space.
2. It gives a contemporary look to any type of bathroom, regardless of style.
3. There’s a freestanding bathtub to suit all decor themes. From more traditional clawed feet to ultra-modern, sleek egg shapes. This beautiful addition adds character and panache to your bathroom.
4. A freestanding tub is versatile. Since designers aren’t limited by the need to fit between walls or into tiles, they’re able to be more creative with the shape and colours of their bathtubs designs.
5. The standalone bathtub creates a spa-like experience, which means no more visits to a spa retreat when you can create the soothing bathing experience in the privacy of your own home! With home wellness additions on the rise, this is a trend to embrace.
6. It makes the room appear larger, making it an ideal addition to smaller bathrooms.
7. Freestanding bathtubs allow you to use your space more creatively. While built-in tubs may need two or more walls for their install, freestanding tubs can be put anywhere in the room. It’s very easy to install compared to a built-in tub (as well as to remove). Instead of a decorator and a contractor, you’ll likely just need a plumber. To achieve a freestanding bath anywhere in your home, check out Sanifllo’s grey water pumps. Saniflo’s Sanivite is a grey water pump solution that gives you design flexibility. It enables you to overcome conventional plumbing constraint by pumping grey water 5m vertically or up to 50m horizontally, opening up the possible locations for your new luxurious bathtub addition! You can even attach a basin or shower too, it has up to three possible inlets.
8. Freestanding bathtubs come in lots of different materials. Baths are available in natural stone, acrylic, wood and cast iron. Depending on the size of the tub and space you have available, you can choose a material that keeps the water hot for longer, giving you a more comfortable bathing experience.

Against-

1. Freestanding baths are more expensive compared to inbuilt bathtubs because they are more complex to build.
2. Freestanding tubs can be extremely heavy, often requiring a reinforced floor.
3. Storage issue: Since a freestanding bathtub isn’t attached to a wall, there is nowhere to store things like soap, shampoo and conditioner, unless you use a bath caddy or a stool or niche beside the bath.
4. Freestanding bathtubs can have quite high sides, making bathing children or getting in and out more difficult. The good news here is your bathtub can be an ‘adults only’ retreat!
5. Freestanding tubs can be harder to clean in and around. Especially if they’re in the splash zone of your shower.

The main argument? Freestanding bathtubs are beautiful, luxurious bathroom features and should be considered carefully for your next renovation! We guarantee that bathing in a standalone bathtub will help you relax and make your bathroom look like something from the pages of your favourite design magazine. To help you achieve your next bathroom renovation, get in touch!

For more bathroom reno inspo take a look at these luxurious touches, affordable updates and 4 amazing bathroom appliances.