6 tips for choosing the perfect bathtub

The bathtub isn’t just any other fixture, it’s often the star of the bathroom. Whether it’s your personal escape after a long day or a key part of the kids’ evening routine, it needs to combine comfort, style, and functionality. But with so many options—materials, sizes, styles, and features—it can be tricky to know where to start.

Here’s a quick, practical guide to help you choose the perfect tub for your needs, lifestyle and space.

1. Pinpoint your needs

Before falling for that gorgeous showroom model, ask:

How will you use it: relaxing soaks or daily use?
Who will use it: kids, adults, or someone with mobility needs?
How often will you use it: on the daily or once in a while?

Your answers will help narrow your options.

2. Choose the right type of tub for your space

Different bathtub styles have different perks:

Alcove tub: Perfect for small spaces, it fits neatly between three walls—often paired with a shower door.
Freestanding tub: Makes a statement, brings a spa-like feel to your home but requires more room.

fleurco's motif alcove white acrylic tub installe between 3 walls with a blue wall tile. there is no shower door on the bathtub

Motif Alcove Acrylic Bathtub

fleurco's freestanding tonnetz petite acrylic bathtub in a very luxurious bathroom. the bathtub has a 3D diamond / triangle texture to it. the bathroom walls are very large scale dark beige stone tiles with an LED strip for dramatic ambiance lighting

Tonnetz Petite Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub

3. Materials to match comfort and durability

The material affects not only the price, but also cleaning and how it feels to the touch.

Acrylic: Lightweight, affordable and retains heat well.
Solid surface: High-end, long-lasting, with a contemporary style.

Your choice will depend on your budget, desired look and your floor’s weight capacity.

fleurco's cadenza petite white acrylic freestanding bathtub in a bright bathroom. there is a large window behind the tub and all the walls are white.

Cadenza Petite Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub

fleurco's calando grande black acrylic bathtub. the interior of the tub is glossy black and the exterior is matte black. the tub is a symmetrical rectangular shape. there is a large window behind the tub. the floors are dark grey marble and the wall behind the tub is a white marble.

Calando Grande Black, Freestanding Matte & Glossy Acrylic Bathtub

fleurco's gia white solid surface bathtub. the tub has a symmetrical oval shape and is matte white. there is a dramatic sun glow coming from a window out of frame of the image. the wall is blue and the floor is wooden slats.

Gia Freestanding Solid Surface Bathtub

fleurco's lys solid surface bathtub. the interior is glossy white and the exterior is matte dark stone grey. the tub is a symmetical rectangular shape but it flares up at the end subtly. the tub sits in a modern grey toned room with black and white checkered floor and grey walls. there is an open window in the corner

Lys Freestanding Solid Surace Bathtub

4. Make Comfort a Priority

A beautiful tub is nice. A comfortable tub is even better. Look for:

An ergonomic shape with a sloped backrest.
Enough depth (18–22 inches) for full-body immersion.
A non-slip surface and, if needed, grab bars for extra safety (only on an alcove tub).

a symmetrical curved upwards white acrylic bathtub. both ends curve upwards to make a half moon shape. the tub sits in a nice open and bright bathroom with a light wooden floor and some green plants

Ossia Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub

an assymetrical white acrylic bathtub. the end where your feet go had a squared shape and the side where your back goes starts to slant upwards but keeps the squared shape. the tub sits on a raised platform in a bathroom with dark blue vertical wall tiles.

Rhapsody Grande Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub

5. Consider technical and installation details

Measure carefully: Make sure the tub fits through doors and into your space.
Check the drain location: Choosing a model that matches your existing plumbing. This can save you money.
Consider weight: Factor in the weight of the tub when filled and occupied to ensure your floor can handle it.

6. Try before you buy

If you can, visit a showroom. Sit in different models, check how they feel and get a real sense of the size. Still unsure? Bring in a designer or plumber. Their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes.

The perfect bathtub is all about finding the right balance between style, comfort, technical requirements and budget. Take the time to evaluate your needs, follow these tips, and you’ll end up with a tub that brings you years of relaxation and satisfaction.

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