Your design and experiential goals

What is the purpose of getting a freestanding bath? Do you want to relax and soak up while sipping on an expensive bottle of wine, candle light shimmering or gazing across a verdant landscape that drifts off in front of you?

If yes, then a freestanding bath is definitely for you. Other factors to consider include the aesthetic impact that this elegant bathtub has on a bathroom.

Freestanding baths are luxurious, giving your bathroom a sumptuous spa-like essence, where you get to relax in a sanctuary which gives you time out from the the bustle of the day.

Spoilt for choice

While the freestanding bathtub has been reworked and redefined into new design which are introduced onto the market, the standalone tub has 3 essential structures:

1. The modern freestanding bath, generally designed as a ‘bowl’ with a solid base or a cradle frame. 2 The more vintage style, Clawfoot -a freestanding bath that has legs. Lastly 3 The more classic look, the pedestal based bath.

The vintage styled tub raises the bath above the floor which makes it easy to accommodate the pipe and plumbing infrastructure of these baths. Other solutions to hide the plumbing can include plinths and pedestals which are fitted on the base of the bath.

The Design Spectrum

There are a myriad of freestanding bath designs: while the more conventional shapes include oval, rectangular, square, contemporary designs extend into the realm of art, with designs such as petals or even wave like contours, bringing a new dimension in decor to a bathroom.

When it comes to vintage inspired designs, these bathtubs emulate the slipper baths of a bygone era, with one end raised and angled to enhance the bathing experience.

Baths come in a clean, minimalist rimless contour or a rim which contributes to the overall design aesthetic. They are also made from a variety of materials such as acrylic, quartz, stone, resin and assorted metals as well as assorted colours which allow you to bring your own personality to the room.

The Experience

Your choice of bathing style will dictate your type of bathtub to a large extent. If you prefer a long, relaxing soak then you may want to go for a deep, more upright tub where you can sit, rather than lying in the tub.

To enhance relaxation, some freestanding bathrs have a seat. This may even be accommodated in the overall design such as the slipper bath which has one side higher and more inclined to allow for lying back and relaxing in a comfortable postion.

Placement

The bathtub is a like a sculpture in the bathroom and placing your needs thought in order to allow it to reach its potential as the centrepiece of the room. This can be achieved in different ways such as positioning your bathtub near a window opening, allowing you to relax and take in the view. Other ideas include lining up your bathtub in front of a feature wall which highlights the contours of the bath.

Whatever you decide it is a good idea to leave the surrounding area as open as possible, space allowing, so that you create a negative space which acts as a visual cue, drawing attention to the bath.

Other ways of highlighting this majestic piece of furniture is to place a sumptuous chandelier overhead, adding to the luxurious effect of the bathtub. You can also show off your masterpiece with a beautiful floor finish with shapes in direct contrast to the bath: if your bath has a round contour, then geometric floor finish will bring character; if your bath is geometrically shaped, a floor finish with soft, flowing lines can serve to accentuate the clean lines of the bath.

Accessories

There is a wide spectrum of mixers and taps to add a finishing touch of elegance to the standalone bathtub. Choose from wall mounted mixers to free standing mixers from a wide range of low end to high end mixers.

Bath caddies in different materials from chrome, to perspex and even wood bring an extra flair to the room while a side table can add to the theme of your bathroom while providing an ideal spot for your toiletries.

Heaters, massage jets and bubble makers can add to your bathing experience. LED lighting and gentle strains of a soothing melody will bring a tranquil mood after a long day, just in case you need an additional excuse to linger in the bath.

When it comes to choosing your bathtub let personal preference guide you, taking your needs into account. Whatever you may choose, one thing’s for certain: the experience of a freestanding bathtub will take you away from all of the demands of her daily life, bringing the unique and relaxing atmosphere of the spa to your bathroom. Best of all, you get to enjoy the experience every day.