Freestanding baths buying guide for all bathrooms
Freestanding baths buying guide for all bathrooms
The freestanding bath appears to be the most popular of all current bathroom design concepts. To own one, you no longer require an acre-sized bathroom and a trust fund. The evident beauty and elegance provided by traditional freestanding baths in your bathroom are undeniable, but when it comes to purchasing one, you should be sure you know what you’re doing.
Today freestanding baths are available for standard and even smaller bathrooms. This buying guide for freestanding baths may offer you all the information you need to answer the most common questions you might have before making a purchase.
Define a freestanding bath
A freestanding bath does not need a supporting wall construction in your bathroom. They usually stand directly on the floor or are placed on feet, and they make an excellent focal point in any bathroom décor.
You may see a standalone bathtub as the main feature of a bathroom with plenty of space around it. This is true for certain sized bathrooms, but with such a wide range of sizes and designs now available, space is no longer a concern. While they create a wonderful display, you have the choice to choose how they will affect your bathroom décor.
The design and layout of your freestanding bath may be whatever fits you and your family, since it is not restricted to being up against the wall or hidden away in a corner. It can be narrow and shallow for little children or deep and large if you enjoy a lengthy, peaceful bath in the tub after work.
Trends in Stand Alone Baths: Modern or Classic?
Freestanding baths can be classified into two categories: Modern freestanding bathtubs and classic freestanding bathrooms. This is not a strict description, since some bath designs include features of both.
Classic freestanding bathrooms have a timeless atmosphere to them and include popular types like slipper baths and roll-top baths. The classic vibe is further reinforced by supporting claw feet, which are more appropriate for traditional bathroom décour.
Slipper baths can be identified by a design with one end higher than the other. A more modern version of the slipper bath enables the bath to stand directly on the floor, resulting in a contemporary freestanding bath with a sleeker look.
Roll top baths, as the name implies, have a curving roll or lip as an accent at the top of the bath. Unlike a slipper bath, both ends are usually of the same height.
Modern freestanding baths have exceptional curves, smooth lines, and a clean, minimalist style, similar to those seen in luxury hotels or spa retreats. The straightforward nature of the design contributes to a sense of peace and relaxation, especially in a contemporary freestanding setting. Roll top bathtubs with a modern look offer a range of freestanding baths with spectacular forms and increased innovation, as the freestanding bath trend grows in popularity. There are also modern small freestanding baths available.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Freestanding Tubs
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of freestanding baths in case you’re not sure whether they’re right for you:
Advantages
- Since they may be put anywhere in your bathroom, there are no restrictions on style or design. You may choose the ideal bath for you and your family without regard for size.
- It has a unique look and offers a rich atmosphere to your bathroom. A freestanding bath, which is popular in high-end hotels and spas, serves as the main point of a gorgeous bathroom design.
- A freestanding bath is simple to install since it does not need to be linked to any walls.
- You can put a freestanding bath anywhere in your bathroom. This allows you to completely personalise your bath to match the décor of the space. Do you want it to be under a skylight or facing a window with a wonderful view? There is no issue.
- Freestanding baths may be moved around, which is convenient if you want to change the arrangement of your bathroom.
Disadvantages
- Even with installation costs, contemporary freestanding baths are often more costly than built-in tubs. This is due to their greater complexity and often more luxurious design.
- It is significantly heavier than built-in baths and may need a reinforced floor, which increases the cost, especially for freestanding bathrooms made of stone or metal materials.
- Storage may be a problem. A freestanding type lacks the convenient shampoo and soap ledge seen in the corner of a built-in bath. You can solve this problem by getting a rolling caddie.
- They are generally much bigger than built-in bathtubs. This might be a challenge when attempting to place it in the correct location in your bathroom. Some are too tall to lean over the edge, making it hard to bathe a kid or pet.
If you have any questions about whether a freestanding bath is the best choice for you and your bathroom, please contact our experts at My Beautiful Bathroom, and they will be pleased to assist you.
Materials for a freestanding bathtub
Copper and natural stone were formerly the most popular materials for freestanding bathtubs, although they are now typically used for high-end luxury. Nowadays, there are three prominent materials: acrylic, stone resin, and steel. There are several benefits to each, but ultimately it comes down to whatever you feel best matches your ideal bathroom design.
Acrylic Freestanding Baths
Acrylic tubs are a popular choice for modern bathrooms for a variety of reasons. The material is more affordable than alternatives and requires less maintenance. Another advantage of using acrylic is that it is good at storing and absorbing heat, making it ideal for someone who enjoys a long soak in the tub while conserving electricity in their bathroom space.
Steel Freestanding Baths
Steel bathtubs are a more modern option than traditional iron bathtubs. Their strong porcelain enamel covering ensures that they preserve the traditional appearance while being lighter in weight, making them suitable for installation upstairs. Although they look nice, steel does not hold heat well. If you like long baths, another alternative may be more appropriate.
Stone Resin Freestanding Baths
The composite bath, which is made from a mix of resin and pulverised stone, generally quartz or granite, comes in a variety of forms and patterns. You may choose a natural look or a shade that matches your bathroom décor; the exceptional look of a composite freestanding bath is what separates this material. Stone freestanding bathrooms are both sturdy and cheap, in addition to having a beautiful outside.
Is it possible to install a shower over a freestanding bath?
If you want to have the best of both worlds, a freestanding shower bath is an essential for your bathroom. These bathtubs have a straight edge on one side, making them ideal for wall mounting, and are contained by a shower screen to prevent splashing. The other end is a single-ended bathing side, ideal for those who like soaking and relaxing. This design enables you to combine any of these bathtubs with your perfect shower system.
But if your attention has been drawn to a freestanding bathtub that isn’t meant for bathing, then position and usefulness become important considerations. For instance, one of the primary advantages of a freestanding bath is the ability to be installed anywhere in a room, however pairing it with any kind of shower system would limit the position to close proximity to walls, eliminating its advantage. Moreover, because the design isn’t always built for showering, it is unlikely to have any protection against leaking or splashing from a shower, which could damage the aesthetic of the bath and wider space by requiring the installation of a shower curtain, which may not be possible given the shape or size of the bath.
The fact that many freestanding bath taps include a shower handset, which is great for washing hair and rinsing, is a trade-off. This is also true for wall-mounted bath taps, making them perfect for certain kinds of freestanding bathtubs, such as back-to-wall baths, for a more modern and contemporary appearance.
Plumbing and Waste Concerns
Another thing to consider when choosing a freestanding bath is if the installation will be part of a total bathroom redesign or a re-fit.
If an entire bathroom redesign is being planned, preparations may and should be made to address the essential plumbing and waste concerns.
It is important to think further about the implications of changing the waste system if the freestanding bath is meant to replace a traditional bathtub. Unlike a typical bath fitting, which stores the waste system below the bath, a freestanding bath installation stores the waste system below floor level, unless the bath itself has a void area for waste fitting.
The cost of Freestanding Baths
Freestanding baths are often more expensive than built-in baths, however, this varies based on brand, design, and material. My Beautiful Bathroom offers both inexpensive and more luxurious options.
Find the Perfect Freestanding Bath and Get the Best General Bathroom Design Advice
In the end, the choice is up to you. If you want a beautiful new bath and installation is not an issue, a freestanding bath may be the best option for you. Getting a freestanding bath provides you with greater control over the style and placement of your new tub, allowing you to create your ideal bathroom design.
Do you want to know how we can assist with your bathroom design? At My Beautiful Bathroom expert team would gladly assist you with designing your ideal bathroom setting. Contact us today!