Freestanding Baths

When it comes to designing a bathroom that really makes a statement, there's few things that can outshine a freestanding bath. These beautiful, elegant bathtubs will not only give the room a great focal point but they also offer a luxurious way to bathe and relax. Imagine the feeling of coming home after a hard day's work and then sinking into a warm bath, taking some quality time for yourself. If this sounds appealing to you then this guide to buying a freestanding bath will explain the essential details you need to know before handing over your money.

 

Which freestanding bath is right for me?

It mostly comes down to personal preference. Whether you choose something ultra-modern, like a freestanding shower bath, or more timelessly styled is up to you. Contemporary freestanding baths usually sit flush to the floor and feature sleek, curved designs while period freestanding baths normally come with a choice of ornamental legs which give the bath a more prominent stance.

You can choose from either single or double ended baths, as well as slipper variants for a deeper soak. It's also worth paying attention to the amount of room you have available before selecting a particular style or size; otherwise you might be in trouble when it comes to fitting and living with your choice of bath!

Don't forget that you can opt for other colour variants to white; if you fancy something a bit different then you can always colour code the bath to either coordinate or contrast with the rest of your bathroom. The best thing about freestanding bathtubs is that they have the ability to make any home feel unique.

 

What is the best material for a freestanding tub?

A freestanding bath can be made from a variety of materials. You can choose from a vast array of acrylic, natural stone and even cast iron depending on the design you're looking for.

Acrylic baths are by far the most popular option as they feature the same great looks as other materials but are much cheaper to buy. They are also available in a wide range of styles so finding something to suit your tastes won't be an issue.

Natural stone freestanding baths are truly beautiful. The manufacturing process involved also makes them much more durable than other options; you can even remove certain scratches or marks simply by polishing them out! But this added luxury and quality does make them the most expensive option.

Cast iron baths are the perfect solution if you want to create an authentic period feel without breaking the bank. Their stunning looks means they have never gone out of style and they'll also keep your water warmer for longer periods of time compared with other materials. There are plenty of finishes available too, from various colour schemes to fully polished designs producing a truly jaw-dropping look.

 

Where should a freestanding bath be positioned?

This will probably be dictated by the overall size and layout of your individual bathroom. If you have an awkwardly shaped room then you can place the bathtub at an angle in a specific corner which can actually create a gorgeous designer feel. They also look great placed under windows or centred along your main feature wall. If you have the space however (and you're brave enough), then placing a freestanding bath right in the middle of the room will create the ultimate centrepiece!

 

What taps should I choose for a freestanding bath?

As you can probably already imagine, choosing the right set of taps for your freestanding bath is a pretty important decision when redesigning a bathroom. You need to go for something which won't be overshadowed by the presence of your bathtub and will harmonise with your fixtures.

Now, you can go down the route of wall or deck mounted taps with one of these baths but, for a more striking effect, we'd recommend opting for freestanding taps. Available in both modern and traditional designs, they proudly stand next to the bath, giving the room a designer edge which is out of this world.

Keep in mind that some taps may require you to make modifications to your bathroom in order to fit them. Wall mounted items will require you to drill into the wall before installation. You'll need to pay attention to the type of drill you use too, if you're drilling directly into ceramic then certain drill-bits could cause damage.

Deck mounted taps require carefully drilled holes into the edge of your bathtub. This will require accurate measuring (not to mention a steady hand!) to avoid any problems. Some freestanding options, such as cast iron bathtubs may already come with pre-drilled tap holes which make life a lot easier.

With freestanding taps you need to remove your flooring to install them so it's a pretty big job. The pipes need to run under your tiles but you need to make sure that you leave the copper tails sticking up enough so that the chrome shrouds can cover them. In all honesty this is a job which needs to be left to the professionals as the potential for disaster can be quite high. Once they're installed though you'll truly appreciate the results as they're well worth the extra work.