Bathrooms

Are you looking for that added touch of luxury to soak away the day’s worries? Freestanding baths are certainly on-trend, so what are the benefits of a freestanding bath, and what about all those essential accessories and fixtures? Mint Kitchen Group discovers the fabulous freestanding bath and how it can transform your new bathroom into an opulent relaxation zone.

Unsurprisingly, a freestanding bath is one luxury item high on the list for many new and renovated bathrooms. They allow total freedom with placement and can be super easy to keep clean. However, it is also important to note that a freestanding luxury tub can come at a cost, particularly from an installation and plumbing point of view. Freestanding baths are also typically much heavier than their built-in cousins and may need reinforced flooring to cope with the weight, depending on your individual situation.

A freestanding tub can completely transform the design of a bathroom space. They are typically larger and deeper – cue the bubbles – and come in an impressive range of colours, designs, and materials.

Once only available in the classic claw-foot design, the standalone tub now comes in a massive array of materials and styles to suit any theme and personal taste.

What Are The Different Types Of Freestanding Baths?

The two styles of freestanding baths are also complete opposites – contemporary and traditional. The traditional freestanding bath resembles a slipper look – one side higher than the other – with the classic roll top. Many of these also feature the staple claw feet and are ideally suited to a traditional bathroom design.

Common freestanding baths include:

• Roll top freestanding bath
• Slipper design freestanding bath
• Back-to-wall freestanding bath
• Corner freestanding bath

While contemporary designs can still possess the opulent feel of the slipper look, these designs tend to sit directly on the bathroom floor with no feet. The modern design also feels more minimalist, with eye-catching curves and sensational smooth lines. With the design ranging from oval to square – there is a style to suit any project.

Freestanding baths can come in various materials that can suit many different budgets. The material you choose will depend on your overall bathtub budget and where you wish to place your bath. Heavy cast iron models are simply breathtaking, however, they may be restricted depending on the type of flooring you intend to place your bath on and if the floor can cope with the weight of the tub when it is empty and full of water. Here is where the expertise of your specialist bathroom designer can be of invaluable assistance with ideas and advice.

The most popular materials include:

• Porcelain
• Steel
• Natural stone
• Resin
• Acrylic
• Fiberglass
• Cast Iron
• Copper

What Are The Types Of Taps and Fixtures for Freestanding Baths?

With design at the forefront regarding this luxury bathroom item, you can find the perfect tapware to enhance the overall feel of your freestanding bathtub. Taps can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted and tub/deck-mounted, depending on the bath’s location and the look you want to create. You can locate these in the middle or either end of your bath. Again, this will depend on your location and the overall feel of the bathroom.

Floor-mounted options are attached to the bathroom floor, while deck-mounted taps are connected to the bath. In addition, wall-mounted options will be attached to the closet wall to the tub (if you have one).

Many homeowners swear by the benefits of freestanding tapware when it comes to your freestanding bath. This concept ensures the bath will be the centre of attention while allowing flexibility with bath placement.

Traditional taps for that unique claw foot bath design are typically kept to their specific style, with many containing detachable showerheads for ease of use. These are statement pieces unto themselves – think the traditional “telephone” design. Contemporary choices are much sleeker overall – square, or more rounded options with the opportunity of a detachable handshower. They can come in a range of options, from spouts and mixers. A professional bathroom designer can help you choose the perfect tapware to enhance the opulent aspects of your bath.

Can I Add A Shower In A Freestanding Bath?

This very much depends on space and your personal needs but, in general, an overhead shower will detract from the look and feel of your freestanding bath. Some tapware is available with optional detachable showerhead to be used while bathing.

The shape and design of your tub will also affect this choice – as some freestanding baths cannot cope with an overhead shower. You will also need to consider how you will deal with water splashes – particularly if you want to avoid an unsightly shower screen or curtain. Contemporary square designs can work well in this situation and the straighter edge of a modern bathtub is more suited to the addition of a glass screen.

We generally do not recommend the inclusion of a shower with a freestanding bath but, if this is something you are keen on, it’s best to discuss the pros and cons with your bathroom designer.

Accessories For Freestanding Baths?

The one challenge with a freestanding bath is where to keep your bathroom necessities such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Some clever solutions include small table or stool that can be moved next to the bath, a bath caddy that sits across the bath (and can also conveniently hold a glass of bubbles and a nice-smelling candle), an adjacent niche built into the wall next to the bath, or a set down area on the vanity if it’s close enough to the bath. It can also be possible to incorporate built-in shelving that can meet this need, depending on your layout and design.

With the range of styles, colours and materials, the freestanding bath has become a ubiquitous inclusion for many luxury bathrooms. If your bathroom is in need of a new design and renovation, call into one of our four Melbourne showrooms today and talk to one of our specialist bathroom designers.