Read article : 10 of the best freestanding baths
Freestanding baths can work to create a stunning focal point for your bathroom while also adding a touch of elegance and personality.
They can often be costly though so, before you invest in a new stylish tub here are some things you should give some thought to.
Weight
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but bathtubs are heavy - especially freestanding ones - and they'll only get heavier once you add a tub full of water and your body to the equation.
Before you purchase your dream freestanding tub (and we've got some lovely examples below) make sure your home can physically withstand the pressure of it all, unless you want to cause some seriously structural damage to your home.
Location
Where you position your tub can make all the difference between a stylish and relaxing bathroom, and one that looks horribly cramped. Obviously, if you have a larger bathroom this won't be as much as a problem, but if your bathroom is on the smaller side of things this will be something you'll have to put some thought into.
Consider placing your bathtub somewhere with enough space on either side to stack your toiletries (soaps, shampoos, conditioner, etc) and maybe even a laundry basket. This will make sure you've got enough 'wiggle room' to stop your bathroom from looking a little too squashed together.
For those with smaller bathrooms, opt for a slipper bath model as these tend to fit neatly into smaller rooms and help to give the illusion of space.
Style
Freestanding bathtubs act as a statement piece in any room, but what kind of statement you make all depends on the style you go for.
Decide whether you want your bathroom to have a contemporary or traditional look. If you're looking for something modern you might want to go with a tub with a trendy metallic finish or a bespoke paint job to match the room. For a traditional look, you can never go wrong with a classic slipper bath.
Here are some of our favourite freestanding tubs to get you started...
Coniston
£2,925.00, C.P. Hart
The deep curves of this bath are designed to mirror those of the U-shaped valley containing Coniston Water in Cumbria.
If you ask me, it looks more like a flying saucer, but it holds an impressive amount of water, ensuring you will want to wallow in it for hours. You’ll need to have a big enough bathroom though, and a chunky budget, but it does come in matte or gloss white.
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Henley 1550
£299, Soakology
The name “slipper bath” sounds slightly creepy, but these high-backed, shorter length baths fit into small spaces and tend to be extremely comfortable. This one is made of acrylic, meaning scratches can easily be filled or repaired. It comes with chrome aluminium feet and is a bargain at just under £300.
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Astonian Brunel
£2,966.02, Aston Matthews
Built for those who require an industrial-sized bath, this cast iron tank takes its inspiration from 19th century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. At just under £3000 it’s not cheap but it’s built to give you a lifetime of total immersion. And if you go off grey, you can always paint it a different colour.
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The Tamar
from £2,925.00, Drummonds
If a bath with shapely legs isn’t your thing, the Tamar, with its elegant skirt, might suit. It is compact, stylish and comes in a variety of finishes. And being double ended, you can soak away for hours with a book, a glass of wine or – as the manufacturer points out – with company.
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Salisbury Slipper
£629, Bathstore
This neat bath (it’s only 1520mm) will add interest and class to a meanly-proportioned bathroom. The raised "slipper" end will support your shoulders and back to give a relaxing, if slightly upright, bathing experience. I like the contrast of black feet on white bath, but you can also order it with white feet.
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Moo
£11,916.48, C.P. Hart
A distinctly bovine bath made in Belgium made from Compolight and covered in imitation cow hyde – water resistant, of course. Probably de trop for a poky terrace house but if you own a chalet, or converted cattle shed, this is the bath for you.
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Napoli
POR, Victoria + Albert Baths
The egg-shaped Napoli offers “rimless” bathing, which I’m assured is just as comfortable as the roll-top variety. It is a super-minimalist, one piece casting of rare volcanic limestone and resin with a high gloss finish and an exterior that can be painted.
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Topaz
£499, Soakology
Despite resembling an ice cream tub, this bath is the epitome of urban cool. It is so deep that you cannot help but sink into a truly luxurious soak. This bath is made of acrylic, so the water should stay warm for ages and has a refreshing £499 price tag.
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Marseille
£3,095.00, Cast Iron Bath
Baths don’t get more aesthetic than this classical-shaped copper bateau. It is finished in tin, using 18th century techniques, giving it a hip, raw beauty and has curving ends to support your head and shoulders. At just over £3000 it’s not cheap, but it will undoubtedly make your bathroom look a whole lot more expensive.
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Clearwater
£1,152.26, UK Bathroom Store
There’s nothing in the slightest bit twee about the Clearwater free standing modern Orient bath - just look at the size of those feet.
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