Freestanding Tubs: Best Styles, Trends, and Tips for 2024

Freestanding Tubs: An Overview of This Stunning Tub Type

A freestanding tub is a gorgeous option for both modern and traditional bathrooms. From a sleek slipper-style Japanese soaking tub to an old-school cast-iron clawfoot tub that serves as the focal point of your bathroom, the best freestanding tub is the one that suits your space and your personal aesthetics.

The best freestanding tub brands know that you are looking for something to showcase, and thus they deliver with tubs that are quite attractive from any angle. When searching for the best freestanding tub of 2024 to suit your new remodel or build, we’ve got you covered with not only our top picks, but a list of things to consider before you purchase your favorite freestanding tub.

Trends and Tips: Advice From an Expert

Getting a new tub is an infrequent enough purchase that even if you’ve picked one before, there are likely new options on the market now. And if you’ve never picked out a new tub, it may be overwhelming to know where to start. 

We interviewed James Macho, the National Bath Manager at DaBella, and got his best insights on picking a tub, starting with the top bathtub trends he’s seeing now. In a word: color.

“Having matte black as a metal finish on your tub spout or faucet of any kind has become very popular. A lot of homeowners are taking a modern approach when doing a remodel,” Macho said.

And color doesn’t have to stop at the hardware. More and more brands are offering bathtubs in colors other than white.

One of the other most frequent questions Macho gets from homeowners is how to find a tub that is easy to clean and maintain. “Having to spend hours getting on your hands and knees can be an exhausting task,” he said. 

What to Consider

Freestanding tubs are a bit more of an investment than a traditional alcove tub, so it pays to do some serious homework before you choose one. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when choosing the best freestanding tub for your bathroom.

Size

Of course this is the first big consideration. Though you might want to have a large, double-sided slipper freestanding tub that can easily fit two people, will that model fit through your doorway and into your bathroom space? 

This is where you carefully measure the square footage of your bathroom and the space where you want the tub to go, in particular, and know that you must stay within those particular guidelines. And it’s not just tubs that are too big that wind up being a problem.

James Macho National Bath Manager DaBella

When it comes to measurements, you must be very accurate. Ordering a tub that is too small can make for a difficult install! Save yourself the headache and double check your work.

Fortunately, there are freestanding tubs that range from the aforementioned large double tub to the smaller, more compact soaking tubs that require you to sit upright rather than recline.

Macho also noted that you should take code requirements into account when sizing your bathroom for a tub. “There is a code that you must follow when considering getting a bigger tub for your bathroom! A minimum distance of 15 inches is required from the centerline of a toilet to any bath fixture, wall, or other obstacle,” he said.

 The last point Macho emphasized when measuring for a tub is not to overlook tub depth. “Making the mistake of buying a tub that is too shallow is very common.”

Comfort

In addition to size, look at the unique features of the freestanding tub. Do you want something long enough to fully recline in? How about something with a depth that allows you to truly soak in water up to your shoulders? Or maybe you need something that allows you to sit up to help you feel most comfortable. For larger individuals, a wider tub might be the best option for true comfort as you bathe.

This might not matter much to you if you take only brief soaks, but Macho noted that “making sure taking a bath for a longer period of time is comfortable” is important if you’re someone who likes a longer soak. For those homeowners, he recommends paying attention to the “sloped back of the tub.” That shape should keep you reclined comfortably for the duration of your bath.

Style

Choosing the right style for your freestanding tub means thinking long and hard about what you want your bathroom to look like. Are you seeking an oasis from the weight of the world? Do you want a more functional, practical sort of look that simply gets the job done? Are you looking for something in between?

Compare the variety of styles out there, including the slipper with a high back, the double slipper built for two, pedestal tubs (also called skirted tubs), or claw-foot options. 

Japanese soaking tubs tend to be quite popular, as they offer a deep soaking experience and are usually smaller than the other options. 

No matter what you choose, this part of the decision-making process comes down to what style speaks to you.

Materials

The best freestanding tub brands offer tubs that are made of acrylic, as this is the lightest option. However, you can find tubs that are made of stainless steel, copper, resin, cast iron, and even stone (though keep in mind that the heavier you go, the odds of needing additional bracing underneath it go up). 

“It is a common misconception … that the heavier the material, the better the product. This is not accurate when talking about tubs,” said Macho. “You will always be better off going with an acrylic tub!”

High-end models are sometimes made of uncommon materials, like wood.

Other Considerations

When choosing the best freestanding tub, what about the faucet? Faucets can be used on the end of the tub or the center, but they are usually placed in the center for both practical and aesthetic reasons. The cost of a faucet can be whatever you are willing to pay, from budget models that cost as little at $100 to those that run into the thousands.

Other features include whirlpool massage systems (either built into the tub or offered as an after-market add-on), foot coasters for claw-foot tubs, heated liners, and so much more.

Macho offered one final thought on budgeting for your bathtub replacement: “The most important factor is making sure you don’t go cheap on a tub. The most expensive project is the one you have to do twice!” It may be worth it to save for longer to ensure you don’t wind up with a tub you need to replace far before you expected to.

When choosing the best freestanding bathtub for your needs, let Modernize guide you. We can connect you with trusted contractors and bathroom remodeling experts in your area who can help you narrow down your long list of options to find the freestanding bathtub that’s right for your space.