Each and every kind of freestanding baths for the bathroom
The freestanding bath appears to be the most popular bathroom design trend. To own one, you no longer need an acre-sized bathroom or a trust fund. The overwhelming beauty and grandeur they offer to your bathroom are clear, but when it comes to purchasing one, you want to make sure you know what you’re doing.
This freestanding bath purchasing guide will address the most frequently asked questions and provide you with all of the information you need.
What Exactly Is a Freestanding Bath?
A freestanding bath is one that does not need to be joined to a supporting wall structure. They are typically placed directly on the floor or feet, and they make an excellent focal point in any bathroom décour.
You might imagine a standalone bathtub as the centrepiece of a bathroom with plenty of space around it. This is true for particular-sized bathrooms, but with such a wide range of sizes and styles available today, space is no longer an issue. While they create an outstanding display, you have the freedom to choose how they will affect your bathroom decor.
Your freestanding bath’s structure can be whatever works for you and your family, without being restricted by the need to be against the wall or hidden in a corner. It might be narrow and shallow for young children, or deep and wide if you enjoy a lengthy, soothing bath after work.
2 Categories of Freestanding Bath Trends
There are two main categories of stand-alone bathtubs: modern freestanding bathtubs and traditional freestanding baths. Since some baths incorporate aspects of both into their design, this is by no means a strict definition.
Traditional freestanding baths, which include well-liked designs like roll-top and slipper baths, have a timeless vibe. Supporting claw feet, which are more appropriate for a traditional bathroom design, further highlight the classic impression.
The shape of slipper bathtubs is unique, with one end being higher than the other. A more contemporary version of the slipper bath creates a seamless framework that results in the bath resting directly on the floor.
Roll-top baths, as their name implies, have a curving roll or lip at the top of the bath as a decorative element. Both ends often have the same height, unlike the slipper bath, which is a feature of many double-ended freestanding baths.
Modern freestanding baths have striking curves, sleek lines, and a simple, minimalistic style—the kind of bathtub you might find in an exclusive hotel or spa. A sense of calm and relaxation is facilitated by the design’s simplicity. Modern roll top baths are more creative and have more ostentatious designs; this range of freestanding baths trend is growing in favour.
Materials for Freestanding Baths
Acrylic
There are several reasons why acrylic baths are a popular element in modern bathrooms. The material is easier to maintain and more reasonably priced than alternative solutions. An added benefit of utilising acrylic in a stand-alone bath is that it absorbs and retains heat quite well, which makes it ideal for anyone who enjoys a long soak in the tub while using less energy than a bath.
Pros: Lightweight, affordable, warm to the touch, retains heat well, and available in many styles.
Cons: Can scratch more easily than some other materials, though scratches are usually repairable.
Stone Resin
There are a lot of different shapes and patterns available for the composite bath, which is made from a mixture of resin and powdered stone, typically granite or quartz, including options for small freestanding designs. The exceptional appearance of a composite freestanding bath is what defines this material; you can choose a colour that complements your bathroom’s style or go for a more natural look. In addition to having a beautiful outside, freestanding stone bathrooms are reasonably priced and long-lasting.
Pros: Luxurious, modern look; smooth matte or glossy finishes; good heat retention; durable.
Cons: Heavy and usually more expensive than acrylic.
Stainless Steel
A more modern take on the traditional iron bathtub is the stand-alone bath made of steel. Although they are lighter and can be installed upstairs due to their strong porcelain enamel coating, they nevertheless have a classic look. Steel does not hold heat as well as other materials, despite its attractive appearance. Another choice might be better if you enjoy taking long baths, particularly a roll top or double-ended design.
Pros: Modern and sleek, durable, resistant to corrosion, unique aesthetic.
Cons: Can be noisy with water, may not suit all bathroom styles, particularly those aiming for a minimalist aesthetic.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Freestanding Baths
The advantages and disadvantages of a freestanding bath are listed below in case you’re not sure if it’s the right choice for you:
Advantages
- There are no limitations on style or design because they can be placed wherever in your bathroom. Space is not a concern when choosing the ideal bath for you and your family.
- It gives your bathroom a unique look and an opulent vibe. A freestanding bath is a main feature of a stunning bathroom design and is often seen in luxurious hotels and spas.
- Freestanding baths are easy and quick to build because they don’t need to be attached to walls.
- In your bathroom, you can put a freestanding bath anywhere you choose. This allows you complete flexibility in how your bathroom fits into the room’s layout. Would you prefer a window with a lovely view or one that is beneath a skylight? There is no issue.
- Freestanding bathtubs are portable, which is a helpful feature if you want to rearrange the look of your bathroom.
Disadvantages
- Even after considering installation, freestanding baths are typically more costly than built-in tubs. This is because of their complexity and typically extravagant design.
- Freestanding baths are significantly heavier than built-in bathtubs, and they sometimes require a reinforced floor, which increases the price, especially for free-standing metal or stone baths.
- For freestanding baths, storage can be a problem. On a freestanding type, there is just no place for the standard ledge at the corner of a built-in bath for your soaps and shampoos. Investing in a rolling caddie will help you avoid this problem, especially when using a double ended freestanding bath.
- In general, freestanding baths are much bigger than built-in ones. Trying to move it into the right spot in your bathroom may be difficult because of this. Some are even too tall to bend over the edge, which makes it challenging to bathe a pet or a youngster.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss whether a freestanding bath in your bathroom is the best option for you.
Is it possible to install a shower over a freestanding bathtub?
If you want to have the best of both worlds in your bathroom, a freestanding shower bath is a must-have. These bathtubs have a straight edge on one side, making them perfect for wall mounting. A shower screen keeps splashes at bay. For people who prefer to soak and unwind, the other end has a single-ended bathing side. You can combine any of these bathtubs with the shower system of your choice, thanks to this design.
However, it becomes a question of location and practicality if the eye-catching feature is a freestanding bath that isn’t intended for showering. One of the main advantages of a freestanding bathtub is that it can be placed anywhere in a room. However, if you try to combine it with a shower system of any sort, this advantage will be lost because the placement will have to be close to the walls. Furthermore, since the design isn’t necessarily intended for showering, it is unlikely to have any protection against spills or splashes from a shower. This could potentially ruin the bathroom’s aesthetics and widen the space by installing a shower curtain, which might not be possible given the bath’s dimensions.
A compromise is made, though, since many freestanding bath taps have a shower handset that is perfect for washing your hair and rinsing. This also applies to wall-mounted bath taps, which makes them perfect for some freestanding bath designs, such as back-to-wall baths, which offer a modern and stylish appearance.
Waste systems and plumbing
If the installation of the freestanding bath is part of an extensive renovation of the bathroom or if it is a re-fit, this is another factor that should be taken into consideration before even purchasing a freestanding one.
If the bathroom is undergoing a comprehensive renovation, it is possible and recommended that measures be taken during the design stages to address the plumbing and waste concerns that are needed.
It is required to give more thought to the consequences of moving the waste system if the freestanding bath is intended to serve as a replacement for a conventional bathtub. In a freestanding bath installation, the waste system is located below floor level, regardless of whether or not the bath itself comes with a void space for a waste fitting. This is contrary to a normal bath fitting, which houses the waste system underneath the bath.
Costs Associated with Freestanding Baths
In general, freestanding baths are more expensive than built-in ones; however, the cost depends on the material, style, and brand. Both more expensive and more luxurious models are available in the collection at Bathrooms Scotland.
Summary
In modern bathroom design, freestanding baths are a chic and well-liked option. They are an eye-catching focal point since, unlike built-in tubs, they are freestanding and movable. They are available in both contemporary designs with sleek, minimalistic shapes and more conventional varieties like roll-top and slipper baths. Common materials include stainless steel (contemporary but less heat-retentive), stone resin (long-lasting and beautiful), and acrylic (warm and reasonably priced). Freestanding baths might be more costly, heavier, and lack built-in storage, but they can provide a more opulent appearance and creative versatility, especially in a minimalist setting. A shower can be installed in certain models, however, placement and look may be impacted. Additionally, plumbing may need to be adjusted, particularly when remodelling. All things considered, freestanding bathtubs are a remarkable addition to any bathroom since they blend luxury design with practicality.
Elevate Your Bathroom with a Stunning Freestanding Bath from Bathrooms Scotland
Are you prepared to make your bathroom an elegant, opulent space? From sleek, modern styles to traditional roll-top and slipper varieties, Bathrooms Scotland has a large selection of freestanding baths to fit every taste and arrangement. Our team of experts is available to assist you in selecting the ideal bathroom focal point, whether you’re remodelling or starting from scratch, with a focus on the latest freestanding baths buying guide. Look through our whole inventory and allow us to assist you at every stage. To begin designing your ideal bathroom, contact us by phone at +44 7938 528724, email at info@bathroomsscotland.com, or online at www.bathroomsscotland.com.
