December 6, 2024

Home ideas

How a Freestanding Bath Can Transform Your Bathroom Décor

The freestanding bath is a sure-fire way to add the wow factor to your bathroom. Even a small bathroom can accommodate one, transforming the space into a temple of self-care and luxurious daily bathing rituals.

Unlike the built-in bath, the freestanding alternative resembles more of a piece of furniture. Combined with the standard WC and the washbasin, it adds an element of opulence to the bathroom. And currently, bathroom trends look to integrate the freestanding bath within the bedroom, opening up an entire new dimension in bedroom design.

Through this article, we want to inspire you to create the best possible bathroom in your home. We will look at different freestanding bathtub designs, materials and accessories that are guaranteed to elevate bathroom décor. We will also provide you with practical advice on how to integrate the freestanding bath into your bathroom layout. 

 

Porcelanosa Krion Aro Air freestanding bath

Oval Lounge freestanding bath (Available in-store)

The Modern Freestanding Bath

The bathtub takes pride of place in the UK bathroom, the freestanding bath is detached from the walls and is, therefore, more of a feature than the built-in option. Modern homes tend to have larger bathrooms than just a few decades ago. That helps explain the rising popularity of the freestanding bath. It invites luxurious soaks and scented candles with relaxing music playing in the background. The freestanding bath with shower on the other hand provides the best of both worlds for anyone who wants to keep things fast and simple. A curved metal rail and shower curtain above the tub ensures that the water doesn’t splash out onto the flooring.

The bathroom nowadays is more of a home spa, light years removed from its functional origins. After a long stressful day, there is no better therapy than a long soak in a reinvigorating bath. It has become an extension of our health and wellness regime. One of life’s luxuries that we can experience at home. The freestanding bath is without doubt one of the most impacting additions amongst these luxury bathroom ideas.

 

Freestanding Bath Materials

Traditionally, all bathtubs were freestanding and moveable. Copper and zinc were formed into tubs that could be stored away when not in use. Later, when indoor plumbing became standardised, the porcelain-coated cast iron tub was the go-to option. It solved the problem of keeping the inside surface clean and was relatively cheap to manufacture.

Then during the 1960s fibreglass revolutionised the bath followed by acrylic, which dominated the sector from the 1990s onwards. Acrylic was originally used for outdoor applications and offered practical advantages over fibreglass.

Today, there is a range of materials used to make freestanding baths, each however affects the heat retention, look and weight of the freestanding bath. All of these considerations will help you decide on what is the most suitable freestanding bath for you.

 

Porcelanosa blue Lounge fluid freestanding bath

Lounge Fluid blue freestanding bath (Available in-store)

Modern Freestanding Bathtub Materials

  • Porcelain enamelled steel. This is a popular choice for UK bathrooms and is much lighter than the traditional cast iron version. It is available in a wide range of dimensions and is highly durable. However, the porcelain finish can chip, and it does not retain heat as well as other materials.
  • Acrylic: unquestionably, the most common material for bathtubs in general. Its extremely light weight is made possible by reinforcing the acrylic with fibreglass. The finish is prone to scratching but can be repaired. Nevertheless, acrylic is durable and comes in an extensive range of dimensions.
  • Solid Surface or Composite. Over the last decade or so, solid surface (or composite) materials have evolved that imitate natural stone combined with the added advantages of 21st-century technology. Polymers, resins and minerals are mixed together to create a sculptural solid material. The finish is typically a gel-coating which is resistant to wear and tear, and easy to maintain.
  • Natural Stone freestanding bath. The texture and looks of the natural stone freestanding bath makes a bold statement. Granite, marble and travertine are all popular options. But their weight is a factor to consider. The stone bathtub is a statement piece that requires a generous layout to appreciate its looks, as well as structural engineering to ensure its installation.
  • Porcelain enamelled cast iron. Today just like 100 years ago, the moulded metal is coated with porcelain enamel. The material is practically indestructible but is very heavy and can require structural reinforcement for first-floor bathrooms. It does retain the heat and can be refinished if damaged.

Choosing Your Freestanding Bath Design

Normally freestanding baths are either Slipper or Roll-top. The Slipper tub is raised at one or both ends which is handy for resting your head against while bathing. The Roll-top bathtub on the other hand has a flat perimeter rim or ring. Nowadays the range of sizes, colours and shapes also means that there’s a style for any bathroom décor. From Roman-style baths (where the sides meet the floor) to Victorian ball-feet options and the sleek modern-style bathtubs. The trick is to make sure to choose the correct dimensions and look to compliment your bathroom. A contemporary freestanding bath adds a stylish curved aesthetic to bathrooms, while the more vintage models recall the classic looks of the Victorian era. Although not strictly necessary the overall décor will look more coordinated if all the sanitary ware elements match, i.e. toilet pan and WHB.

  • Relationship with the ground. There is an enormous difference between a bathtub sitting on or off the bathroom floor. Whether it’s the classic ball and claw foot or raised on a dais (or platform) base, the look is very distinctive. However, on practical day-to-day maintenance, the former is more practical.
  • Edge detail. The first bathtubs were generally rolltop, meaning that the material was rolled over to form an edge along the rim. Nowadays most freestanding tubs have a continuous seamless surface, but some feature a flattened wider rim for keeping toiletries.
  • Shape. The big differentiating factor between freestanding baths is their form or shape. Choose between oval, rectangular or round ends. Your bathroom style will help decide the best shape.
  • Colour. Not all freestanding baths are white. Colour is back again in the bathroom and used judiciously either neutral or more daring colours can add to the desired styling. 

 Green and white Oxo freestanding bath

Oxo freestanding bath (Available in-store)

Location and Bathroom Configuration

The freestanding bath is the biggest bathroom artefact as well as the most complicated to position within the bathroom layout. That might mean placing it next to a window with good views and natural light or building a customised niche into which the bathtub sits.

Of course, plumbing considerations are also critical. But you will be surprised how flexible the different positions for locating a freestanding bath are within your layout. Nevertheless, the tub must be positioned close to a water supply and, even more critically, to floor drainage. It should not obstruct circulation within the bathroom, and it’s best to avoid positioning the tub directly opposite the bathroom door.

Make sure to take accurate measurements of your small bathroom to make sure that the tub you want will fit. You need to make allowance for the feet as well if you choose a ball & claw style model.

 

Porcelanosa Tono freestanding bath

Tono freestanding bath (Available in-store)

Freestanding Bath Taps & Accessories

There are three tap options for a freestanding bath, the best choice for you will depend on individual models and configurations:

  • Wall-mounted: usually integrated within the nearest wall like a built-in bathtub. The taps and the shower head are typically provided in the middle of the long end of the tub.
  • Integrated within the bathtub: some freestanding bath models will have provision for the taps on the edge of the bathtub rim.
  • Freestanding bath taps: for the larger bathroom layout the pedestal approach is recommended. A separate vertical element contains the plumbing, taps and showerhead. The pedestal is matched with the bathtub and positioned at one end or in the middle. The taps can add greatly to the design.

Other accessories, such as bath trays and items of furniture like stools for holding toiletries, add to the spa-like environment. Complete the look with potted plants and greenery.

 

The Freestanding Bath in a Small Bathroom

If you are wondering whether your bathroom is too small for a freestanding bath, the answer is probably no. There are standard compact models that take up the same space as a shower cubicle. It might seem strange, but a freestanding bath can make the space feel larger. A normal-sized built-in tub typically measures 170 cm in length while a small freestanding bath can measure as little as 140 cm (55 inches). The beauty of the freestanding bath in small bathrooms is that it creates a focal point. Match the tub with decorative wall tiles for a full-on dramatic effect. The bathtub is pulled away from the walls so you get to see more of the bathroom wall surface.

Note: Always leave a minimum of 10cm between the edge of the bath and the adjacent wall to allow for cleaning and maintenance.

 

Porcelanosa Lounge Fluid freestanding bath

Lounge Fluid freestanding bath (Available in-store)

Small Bathroom Ideas with Freestanding Bath

In a small bathroom space, it’s best to make freestanding baths the centre of attention. In other words, avoid clutter by making sure there is ample storage. Keep the area around the bathtub unobstructed. These small bathroom ideas will provide you with other practical tips for creating the illusion of extra space.

  • Keep the design of the freestanding bath as simple as possible. Avoid colour and unnecessary fussy details.
  • Scale the bath to the space. The smaller the tub the larger the space around it will feel. A functional freestanding bathtub can measure as little as 140 cm in length.
  • Plumb the taps into the adjacent walls to avoid a cluttered appearance.
  • Choose an off-the-floor model to visually extend the bathroom floor beneath the bath.
  • Keep the finishes within the brighter or more neutral spectrum of colours.
  • If possible, place the freestanding bath near a window to add a lighter reflective glow and visually extend the space.

 

The Freestanding Bath within the Open-Plan Bedroom 

There is a growing trend right now to feature a freestanding bath within the bedroom layout. The look recreates the feel of an opulent hotel bedroom suite. However, you’ll need another shower or bathtub within the family bathroom as well. There are several advantages to integrating the freestanding bath into the bedroom. First and foremost is practicality. Many people love a bath first thing in the morning or last thing at night before bedtime. Then there is the luxurious feeling of additional space by adding extra area to the bedroom for the bathtub.

In addition, the freestanding bath tends to be an interesting artefact to appreciate and admire. However, you must consider ventilation and water vapour within the room.

 

Porcelanosa Lounge freestanding bath

Immerse yourself in a Freestanding Bath

The freestanding bath is an investment, and you need to put some thought into it. With the right choice, however, your bathroom will be transformed together with your enjoyment of the bathing experience. Make an appointment with your nearest Porcelanosa showroom to learn more, and in the meantime drop us a line if you have any queries.

 

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *