A guide to Freestanding Baths
Freestanding baths are statement features in any bathroom. They’re modern, stylish, luxurious, and did you know that they can even increase the value of your home? A freestanding bath is usually included on most people’s list of dream house features. But it doesn’t need to be that way because there are plenty of contemporary, trendy, plus affordable freestanding bath options in the UK, that mean achieving your bathroom goals doesn’t have to be years away.
If you’re considering investing in one of these timeless pieces of bathroom furniture that never go out of fashion, here are a few things you may need to know.
What is a freestanding bath?
A freestanding bath is a bathtub which is self-contained, meaning there is no requirement for bath panels. They come in various shapes, sizes and styles and are normally considered an indulgent purchase due to their luxurious nature.
Most people opt for freestanding baths to act as a statement piece for their bathroom. They also give more of a spacious feel due to being self-contained and not refined to the wall.
Depending on the style you opt for, the feet/legs of the bath may differ. For example, for a more traditional look, you may opt for curved chrome feet. But for a modern look, you may choose not to add feet at all.
How do freestanding baths work?
Lots of people think that because freestanding baths look so different to standard baths, that they must be much more difficult to install. However this is untrue. Plumbing a freestanding bath is done in the same way as a standard bath in that the waste leads down to the drain pipe which is next to the water pipes.
The main difference is that rather than being hidden behind a bath panel, the plumbing is on show (but disguised as a feature of the bath itself).
What are the benefits of a freestanding bath?
The normal reason people opt for freestanding baths is because of how they look. They’re luxurious, stylish and act as a stand-out design feature in your bathroom. They’re also incredibly spacious, meaning you’re more comfortable and have more room to play with when you’re relaxing. And as mentioned above, they can also increase the value of your home.
As there are so many different styles available, you’ll also have plenty of choice. Finding both traditional and contemporary designs won’t be an issue for you. Installation is also relatively painless, and you won’t be limited to where you locate it. This will allow you to be more creative in your bathroom layout.
Are freestanding baths practical?
Yes they are. As mentioned above, freestanding baths are both easy to install and comfortable to lounge in due to the increased space. You’ll also have more freedom as to where your bath is located, so we’d argue that in fact, freestanding baths could be more practical than standard baths.
How big are freestanding baths?
Like most pieces of luxury bathroom furniture, freestanding baths come in a range of sizes. For smaller bathrooms, there are more compact options such as 4.5 mini freestanding baths. However, if you have some room to work with, or are maybe thinking about remodelling your bathroom, this will likely open you up to larger, more comfortable options. As standard, freestanding baths are around five feet. But you can choose six feet options which come with much more space (and are actually designed with two people in mind!).
Can you have a freestanding bath in a small bathroom?
Yes you can, but you’ll need to consider how much overall space you have to work with. For example, you could opt for a smaller bath as we noted above, but you probably wouldn’t benefit from the overall level of comfort as you would with a larger bath.
How much room will I need for a freestanding bath?
This will depend entirely on the size of the bath you choose. However, as a rule of thumb, six inches (in length) is usually the minimum amount of space most bath suppliers will recommend to avoid the bath looking forced into a confined space.
You’ll need to consider whether your freestanding bath has a drain on one end. If so, you’ll normally need to leave around four inches for the tap/wall-mount faucet installation.
What types of freestanding baths are there?
One of the best things about choosing a freestanding bath is that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to design, so you’re more likely to find a bath that suits your exact requirements.
Here are just some of the freestanding bath styles:
- Double-ended rounded freestanding baths
- Double-ended cornered freestanding baths
- Slipper freestanding baths
- Roll Top freestanding baths
- Whirlpool freestanding baths
- Modern freestanding baths
- Back-to-wall double ended freestanding baths
What extra features do freestanding baths come with?
All freestanding baths are designed with the ultimate bathing experience in mind, meaning they’re primary feature is guaranteed comfort. However, there are a few freestanding bath options which have additional spa features. These can include air spa jets (with an air blower pump), underwater LED lighting and a touchpad control system.
Where can I find the best freestanding baths?
There are lots of places to search for your perfect freestanding bath. Many people immediately opt for larger, more well-known bath suppliers because they know people who have used them in the past. However, with these types of suppliers you’re more likely to pay more, plus you’ll get less of a personalised experience.
To make sure you’re getting the most competitive price, a completely personalised service, plus as much choice as possible, the best place to shop is with a dedicated luxury bathroom furniture supplier.
At JT Spas, we have years of experience providing the highest quality, budget-friendly luxury bathroom furniture to our customers. We stock an enormous range of freestanding baths (plus other pieces of bathroom furniture and accessories) and only stock the finest of quality. So if you’re looking for luxury furniture on an affordable budget, we’re the company you’ll want to shop with.