Standalone bathtubs are all the rage these days and for good reason. If you have your heart set on one, great choice! But striking as they are, freestanding tubs can also pose a challenge when it comes to decorating the rest of your bathroom.
A freestanding tub serves as a great statement piece, you really don’t need other pieces to crowd the room. These tubs add character and a touch of luxury. Not to mention giving you an amazing spa-like space to relax in at the end of the day.
The best part of a freestanding tub? It can match any design trend or decorating style. Whether you opt for classic, contemporary, or modern design, you can style the freestanding tub accordingly.
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Consider the tub shape
Move beyond the same old rectangular tub. With a freestanding tub, you’re not limited to regular shapes or sharp corners. You can opt for an oval, round, or irregular shaped tub as well. Consider the total area and the position of doors, windows, etc. in your bathroom when selecting the tub shape.
A large square bathroom with many windows can benefit from an oval or oblong tub. An oddly-shaped room could use a round tub to great effect. Take some time and think about what works well for your family and home. Many tubs even come with an elevated backrest for added comfort, especially useful if you like a hot soak after a hard day’s work!
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Faucets
A freestanding tub is remarkable in itself and draws the eye of any viewer. But it doesn’t mean you should forget about the faucet. The best bet for a freestanding tub is to opt for a beautiful and understated faucet that will complement it. You don’t want to pull attention away from the tub.
If your tub is too far away from the wall, you may want to get a floor-standing tub filler. These faucets often look stunning and nicely complement any tub. But if your tub is close enough to a wall, then a wall-mounted or even deck mounted faucet may work better.
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Use the space behind the tub
A freestanding tub is a delight to behold but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the space around it. The first thing to consider is the backdrop of your new tub. You want something that will accentuate the new fixture, not hide it.
A statement wall in a contrasting color to the rest of the walls is one option. Another is to hang a beautiful art piece or sculpture on the wall behind the tub. You can set the tub against a window for a striking view and plenty of natural light. You can also enclose your tub with glass walls to set it apart from other areas in the room.
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What you need on and around the tub
One of the minor disadvantages of a freestanding tub is that you lose access to a shelf or cabinet to hold your bath items. So think of adding a few pieces that provide storage and decor options. An ottoman or side table for your candles and books usually works well. A lush rug in a bright shade can offer a warm place for your feet when you get out of the tub. If you have some more space around the tub, a potted plant or two will add some visual interest as well.
A caddy for your bath items can also work nicely, especially if you can snag one that uses similar materials as the tub. Most caddies are movable but some are beautiful enough to display. It reduces clutter and helps you keep all your necessities within reach. An alternative to a caddy is to balance a tray across the tub rim. Many manufacturers offer these trays as stylish accessories to their tub lineup. Snag one for your space when buying the tub itself so you can see how they work together.
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Look up!
The bathroom ceiling is one place no one notices at first glance. But if your freestanding tub is in the middle of the room, it offers a fantastic opportunity to use the empty ceiling space above. There are a couple of options you can consider to upgrade your bathroom ceiling.
One is to set up a dramatic light fixture directly above the tub to focus attention. A chandelier or modern pendant light can do the job nicely. It also helps you quite a bit if you like to read in the tub but don’t have many windows for natural lighting.
The second option is to highlight the ceiling with glass tiles or patterns. Plain walls with a patterned or tiled ceiling can create a unique design. If you plan to use a curtain, you can mount the curtain tracks to the ceiling for a more cohesive look.
