Written by Shelly Johnson

Top Interior Designers share their favorite ideas for designing bathrooms with freestanding tubs.

A freestanding tub is often considered a must-have item by homeowners planning a “dream bathroom” makeover. Stand-alone tubs are a favorite of interior designers too. After all, very few fixtures allow such a remarkable degree of design flexibility. The freedom is so great, in fact, it can become almost overwhelming. When there are so many intriguing possibilities, how does one narrow the options?

To help, we’ve gathered some tips and suggestions from top interior designers around the country. They’ve share their best ideas and even input from their own personal bathroom remodels. From the unexpected to the practical, their suggestions are sure to inspire your own creative spirit.

Size Matters.

Freestanding tubs come in an amazing variety of shapes and styles. In years past, however, most high-end tubs seemed to come in just one size: extra-large. Today, that absolute has given way to an appreciation for tubs in a range of sizes. “The days of massive built-in tubs are not obsolete, but as a whole, designers and the design industry have traversed back into a more streamlined ideology,” explained Brandy Rinehart, designer and owner of Rinehart Design Group, Inc. “We’ve embraced the idea that we can utilize a smaller footprint in the bathroom and maintain tub function
while not overwhelming the space.”

Good examples of this are the Edge and ios bathtubs by Victoria + Albert. Both offer compact designs that consume minimal floor space but still allows from a deep and luxurious soak. Another consideration when it comes to size is empty space. It’s not necessary to purchase the largest tub that will fit into a given area. By choosing a smaller tub and deliberately leaving open space around it, a designer creates a soothing, visually calming effect. The negative space actually serves to set off the tub and give it a greater design emphasis.

Location, Location, Location.

Freestanding tubs offer great flexibility in terms of placement. They can be tucked into an alcove, elevated on a dramatic platform, or stationed, literally, as the centerpiece of the bathroom. This versatility opens up all kinds of options when it comes to bathroom configurations. One fresh idea is to divide a long double vanity into two smaller units placed at perpendicular angles with a corner tub in between, creating a triangle arrangement that is both cozy and visually appealing. Another more unorthodox approach is to place the tub inside the shower stall. With today’s trend of massive walk-in showers, the idea of combining the two isn’t so farfetched. Use a sleek glass enclosure to separate the space from the rest of the room and further define the bathing and shower areas with creative use of tile and stone accents.