Freestanding tubs - What To Consider

Freestanding bathtubs are stunning. We see them on the covers of magazines and posted all over Instagram (with low-hanging pendants and chandeliers - another topic of concern), and we are seeing so many homes pull out those tried and true alcove tubs to replace them with the lovely freestanding tub for the experience of soaking.

Let’s be honest though, how much are we thinking about that bathing experience and what surrounds this experience? There are many reasons people get freestanding tubs, and many reasons why maybe it's just not worth it.

Reason #1: A Luxurious Soak

Picture yourself in that gorgeous tub on the cover of the magazine, with a bottle of champagne and candles, ready to suds up.

Except, get this, you can’t reach the bottle of champagne or the glass because there is no ledge on the tub… so remember to bring a stool or side table into the space. Now, what about the suds and shampoo? Where are the candles? 

Consider a steam shower with a bench for a good “soak” and relaxation without all the hassles associated with a freestanding bath.

Sure you can build in a ledge next to your freestanding tub, but imagine the reach from the tub to your ledge, because there’s a problem with putting that ledge too close…

Reason #2: A Clean Minimalist Aesthetic

Freestanding bathtubs are pieces of art. They are sculptural works within the home, and we are big fans of making our homes works of art. But, are they clean? Maybe not.

When selecting that freestanding tub, think about how you will clean around the base of the tub. If the tub is near a wall… how do you access the space between the wall and the tub. How do you clean around that ledge where you store your soap? Really imagine squatting between the tub and the wall to clean that awkward space.

Doesn’t feel so clean now, does it?

Reason #3: Oh shoot, that was it. 

It was all about the look and media portrayal! They even messed with our heads by sharing images with gorgeous chandeliers hanging dangerously close to the tub (a code violation) and destroyed that dream. 

Yes, they are gorgeous. Yes, they are easier to install (mostly). But, is it worth it? We talked about how the top two reasons for wanting a freestanding tub are not as great as we thought, but there is one more consideration when looking at these lovely pieces: safety.

We recently altered our drawings to request that continuous blocking is required on every wall of a shower, around a bath, and around toilets between 30” and 48” to allow for grab bar installation. With a freestanding tub, we would suggest installing those grab bars immediately because stepping in and out of a tall tub with wet feet simply is not safe. 

Falls are the second leading cause of death in the home, with over 28,000 deaths in 2020 due to falls. With that big a risk, let’s truly reconsider intentionally creating fall hazards in the name of beauty and luxury, because frankly, we think alcove and drop-in tubs can be MORE luxurious while utilizing space wisely. 

Image courtesy of our colleague Genay Bell Design.

Now, this is luxury! That niche gives the soaker a spot to rest their candles, and champagne glass, and easily reach their suds. And, the light fixture is safely secured, not loosely dangling over a water source.

Browse our Pinterest board of amazing, luxurious alcove and drop-in tubs that will change your mind forever about the need for a freestanding tub:

Looking for the perfect tub to make a splash in your space? Contact us and we’ll find the solution that fits your needs.

---

---