Isn't the thought of a freestanding bathtub just perfect for unwinding on chilly evenings, turning your bathroom into a cozy retreat? The journey to selecting a freestanding bathtub has become more than aesthetics; it’s about crafting your personal escape within the comfort of your home. It’s about choosing a centerpiece that defines your style, your bathroom’s character, and your relaxation experience. With the rise of bathroom renovations emphasizing personal retreats, freestanding bathtubs have surged in popularity, contributing to an anticipated 2.5% growth in the bathtub market over the next five years. In this guide, we show you the essential considerations, from space and style to material and maintenance, ensuring that your choice enhances your bathing experience and complements your bathroom’s overall design.
Adding a freestanding bathtub to your bathroom offers versatility and style, turning any space into an opulent haven. With the ability to place them anywhere in the room, from cozy corners to grand centerpieces, these bathtubs break free from the constraints of traditional designs, allowing for a bold statement in your bathroom décor. Beyond aesthetics, the lack of a need for built-in platforms or alcoves simplifies installation and reduces maintenance complexity. The indulgent, spa-like ambiance that freestanding bathtubs create, makes them a standout element of luxury that transforms your bathroom into a private getaway, which is in harmony with the current trend of designing personal sanctuaries at home highlighted by the NKBA’s 2024 bath trends report. Known for their superior comfort, these tubs provide an ideal place for unwinding after a long day and a must-have in any sophisticated bathroom setup.
To find your perfect freestanding bathtub, you need careful consideration of size and style to ensure it enriches your bathroom’s function and design. Fleurco offers a wide range of sizes and shapes, catering to different layouts and personal preferences, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every space.
Space Planning
Before falling in love with a specific design, it’s important to assess the dimensions and layout of your bathroom. Freestanding bathtubs require sufficient surrounding space, not just for aesthetic balance but for easy movement and practical use. Make sure the placement of the tub allows for a logical flow within the space and easy access to other bathroom units.
Considering the tub’s external dimensions is key to determining its compatibility with your space. Verify that the bathtub can be maneuvered through doorways and corridors (Typically by tilting it on its side, so compare the doorway’s width with the tub’s height). The height of the tub is also a practical consideration for daily use to ensure it allows for comfortable entry and exit.
Exploring Bathtub Shapes
Freestanding bathtubs come in various shapes, including elegant oval design, classic rectangular, and other unique designs. When deciding between an oval or a rectangular tub, it’s crucial to consider your bathroom’s size limitations. Generally, rectangular bathtubs occupy more space than oval tubs, making them less suitable for small bathrooms. On the other hand, oval bathtubs, with their compact dimensions, tend to be a better choice for limited spaces.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) suggests that oval bathtubs will gain popularity in 2024, reflecting a broader trend towards softer, rounded design elements in contemporary bathroom aesthetics. However, it's essential that your choice isn't solely influenced by current trends. The ideal bathtub shape should integrate well with your bathroom layout and echo your personal design taste.
Focus on Ergonomics
The chosen shape should offer ergonomic support, allowing for comfortable, relaxing soaks. Features like contoured edges, and adequate depth for full immersion can significantly enhance comfort. Seek out designs that feature a gentle slope for back support and comfortable lounging, providing more therapeutic and enjoyable bathing experience.
To assess a tub’s comfort, consider its internal dimensions, particularly the size of the tub’s base. Compare your seated length from wall to toes with the tub’s size to ensure enough space for stretching and sitting. Your lounging style will dictate the importance of length, width, and depth.
The choice of material for your freestanding bathtub impacts its look, feel, longevity, and maintenance.
Acrylic: Acrylic bathtubs are the most popular choice for their light weight, ease of installation, affordability, and heat retention capabilities. They’re versatile, coming in various shapes and sizes, and are known for their durability, resistance to wear, and ease of cleaning, thanks to their smooth, non-porous surfaces.
Solid Surface: Solid surface tubs offer a sleek, luxurious appearance and excellent insulation, combining natural stone and resin for a high-quality feel. These bathtubs feature a seamless, durable surface resistant to stains and scratches, available in many designs and finishes for design flexibility. They are also easy to maintain and great at retaining heat.
When deciding, consider factors like durability, maintenance ease, and visual appeal. Both acrylic and solid surface are excellent choices, offering a good balance of weight, cost, durability and heat retention. Fleurco’s ARIA & ARIA STONE collections exemplify the elegance and quality of these materials, providing a range of unique designs for a relaxing and luxurious experience, with the assurance of lasting beauty and resilience against common damages.
You should look for a freestanding bathtub that resonates with your individual style and fits your bathroom design. Whether you’re drawn to sleek, contemporary designs or the charm of classic styles, there’s a freestanding tub to match every aesthetic. From glossy white to bold, matte finishes, the choice of the color and finish of your bathtub plays an important role in defining your bathroom’s atmosphere. No matter if you’re renovating a vintage bathroom or creating a minimalist haven, Fleurco has a bathtub to suit every design aspiration.
Single-ended Tub
This bathtub features a drain at one end and a gently sloping side on the opposite end.
Double-ended Tub
Ideal for two bathers, this model features sloped ends on both sides.
Classic Soaking Tub
An exceptionally deep freestanding tub for full-body immersion.
Another aspect to weigh when setting up your freestanding bathtub is the selection between floor-mounted or deck-mounted faucets and fixtures. For those seeking a contemporary vibe, floor-mounted faucets stand as a flexible choice, allowing diverse tub positioning. For a more integrated look, deck-mounted faucets are an excellent choice, merging seamlessly with the bathtub’s design. The Opus collection by Fleurco represents this cohesive approach, offering beautiful deck-mounted tubs, designed for convenience and ease of use during your soak. For further guidance on selecting the best option for your needs, explore our detailed comparison of floor-mounted vs. deck-mounted faucets.
Even though the installation of a freestanding bathtub might seem simpler compared to built-in or alcove tubs, it still involves specific considerations for placement and plumbing.
At Fleurco, we emphasize the importance of professional installation for our freestanding bathtubs to guarantee the best performance and to maintain warranty validity. Expert installation ensures the tub is correctly positioned and meets all necessary plumbing requirements.
Quick DIY Installation Tip: Before installation, place Fleurco’s full size paper template on the floor to easily locate your tub and drain then follow Fleurco’s provided installation guidelines for a flawless process.
The investment in a freestanding bathtub should be measured not just in its initial cost but in its value over time. It’s wise to evaluate the cost against durability and maintenance to determine the tub’s true worth. Sometimes, spending more upfront can save money in the long run due to the tub’s longer lifespan. High-quality bathtubs can offer decades of comfort and luxury, making them a worthwhile investment in your home’s comfort and resale value.
Choosing the right freestanding bathtub can transform your bathroom into a personal oasis. By considering space, style, material, comfort, installation, and budget, you can make an informed decision that improves your home and your well-being. Explore Fleurco’s collection to find the centerpiece of your bathroom renovation.
1. How much space do I need around a freestanding bathtub?
It’s recommended to have at least 4 inches of space on all sides of the bathtub to ensure easy cleaning and maintenance. However, the exact space required can vary based on the size of the bathtub and the layout of your bathroom.
2. Can I install a freestanding bathtub in a small bathroom?
Yes, you can install a freestanding bathtub in a small bathroom by choosing a tub with compact dimensions and a design that complements the space. Consider a tub that has a smaller footprint but offers depth for a relaxing soak.
3. How do I maintain and clean a freestanding bathtub?
Freestanding bathtubs can be maintained by regular cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners suitable for the bathtub’s material. Avoid harsh chemicals and scouring pads that can damage the surface
4. What features should I look for in a freestanding bathtub for maximum comfort?
Look for freestanding bathtubs with ergonomic designs, such as those with contoured sides and backrests. Additional features like built-in trims can also enhance the bathing experience.
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Bathroom Design Trend: MinimalismThe bathroom often serves as a place of refuge within the home. It is an individual oasis for self-care. That’s why the clean, simplistic quality of the minimalism design trend lends itself so well to this type of space. No longer cold or sterile, today’s minimalism feels intentional and inviting. The uncluttered and streamlined style offers a calming quality to your home. Here are a few ways to incorporate elements of the minimalism design trend into your bathroom.
