Bathroom Design
Liberate Your Bathroom With a Freestanding Bathtub
Free up the design options for your bathroom with a claw-foot, pedestal or soaking tub that doesn't require a wall
Freestanding tubs have an air of luxury, but they are becoming more obtainable as manufacturers offer more options. With those options come many things to consider — shape, material, size, even plumbing. Here are some ideas to help you pick the right kind of freestanding tub for your bathroom.
Determine how much space you have to work with. Is there enough room to place it a few inches away from the wall? Will it fit through your doors and stairways? Measure and then measure again.
Freestanding tubs are generally designed for larger bathrooms. If you want to make a statement, placing it on an angle will show you are unconcerned with space restrictions. You will rarely see angled tubs in urban settings.
The compact footprint of a soaking tub means you can still enjoy the luxury of a freestanding tub in smaller bathrooms. But plenty of water will still be needed to fill that tub.
A smaller claw-foot tub is a way to enjoy this mode of bathing with traditional flair and a tighter fit.
What is more relaxing than the headrest of a slipper tub? A larger double slipper allows two people to bathe. Just in time for Valentine's Day.
If your tub comes undrilled and you don't want to mar its sculptural beauty, a floor-mounted faucet with a suitable height will be necessary.
Your tub may be so tall and deep that a platform will be necessary for you to get in. This is an opportunity to add a decorative element in the bathroom.
You can also cleverly design a deck-mounted faucet.
For the ultimate luxury, couple a rain showerhead with your freestanding tub. Whoa.
Cast iron tubs are quite heavy and suitable only for houses. Unless one is original to your building, steer clear of it in an apartment or condo.
In your dream house, perhaps you will have a bathroom that's big enough for a freestanding tub in a walk-in shower.
If your dream house is traditional style, try a claw-foot tub in the walk-in shower.
More: Expert Talk: Freestanding Bathtubs Make a Splash
More: Expert Talk: Freestanding Bathtubs Make a Splash