Today, many homeowners are paying more attention to how they outfit their homes and choose their particular home elements with care. It is probably because a home is no longer just a place to rest – it is seen as an extension of oneself and an expression of one’s taste and style. The bathroom is no different, as it is no longer a place where you can groom yourself or engage in various hygienic practices – it is also a place where you can relax and spend some (much-needed!) quality time. One of the foremost ways to achieve true relaxation in your bathroom is by installing a free-standing bath – it has all the benefits of a bath and then some. But there are other advantages to having a free-standing bath that you may not know about, so here’s a look at the actual benefits of a free-standing bath for your bathroom.
It has a unique style and appeal
No one can deny that a free-standing bath has that ‘wow’ factor that is sought after by many. After all, a free-standing bath is different from the usual alcove or built-in bath because it stands on its own. Instead of having it installed in the corner of the bathroom or against one wall, it can be placed front, right, and centre – where it will be easily noticed by anyone walking into the bathroom. You don’t need anything else to grab someone’s attention – the free-standing bath does just that, and it’s a great way to make a statement and an impact.
It is very flexible
One sure benefit of a free-standing bath is its flexibility. Free-standing modern baths such as those from respected suppliers like Bathroom City can be placed almost anywhere because they are made expressly to stand on their own, either on a pedestal or flush with the floor. Of course, you also can install it on the sidewall or corner of your bathroom if you want. The point is that you can set it up anywhere, provided you have the necessary pipework. The best option is to place it in the centre, but if you don’t have the pipework, you can also put it against the wall like any regular bath.
It features a plethora of styles and designs
You may be surprised at the vast variety of free-standing baths out there – each one more spectacular than the rest! It won’t be hard to find one that goes with your bathroom’s style and theme, regardless if you have a traditional bathroom (a claw-footed bath works well with this) or have a bathroom with a modern theme (deep soaking tubs or slipper baths can do wonders for the space). It’s an easy matter to work with whatever space you have because the free-standing baths of today have different sizes and shapes.
It comes in an array of materials
Along with this, you have a lot of materials to choose from – be it acrylic (one of the best choices due to its affordability and functionality), stone, cast iron, wood, and even stainless steel. Each material has its merits, but do your research as some materials are expensive and heavy but can last a long time (like cast iron) whilst some are scratch-resistant and easy to repair (like acrylic or stone resin).
The different designs available
As previously mentioned, there are a lot of styles and designs from which you could choose, depending on the size and even shape of your bathroom. For instance, there is the popular back-to-wall bath, which has its longest edge against the bathroom wall. This is also referred to as the alcove bath, and it’s a recommended option for bathrooms which don’t have as much space. It is also recommended if you don’t (or can’t!) move your plumbing from its current space on your wall. But despite being a space-saver, it still feels ultra-luxurious, especially if you choose options like an air spa or whirlpool bath. And since the bath sits flush against one side of the wall, you no longer have to clean that side.
You can also go for the corner bath, which is great at saving space as well. For this, you can choose between right- and left-hand versions, and as the name implies, the bath is simply placed in a corner – and since it’s a space-saving design, this bath usually goes well with large shower enclosures (for those days you need a quick shower!) or that stunning bathroom vanity.
And lastly, you can also go for the clawfooted bath, which as you may already know, has the claw feet to help it stand. But it offers more versatility nowadays because you can opt not only for the traditional oval shape but also for the slipper bath or even the double slipper bath, where both sides of the bath are raised – it also gives the bather some privacy. What’s worth noting is that this is not just an aesthetic feature – it also serves the purpose of giving you more comfort and ease of access with the roll-top design. The claw-footed freestanding bath comes in a traditional lion’s paw, although you can choose from an array of ‘foot’ options that feature rounded designs. There are also various colour variations featuring chrome, brass, and gold, although white is still the predominant and classic colour, closely followed by black.
Other points worth remembering
As with any other major bathroom purchase, it pays to think about some points so you know you are making the right choice. For example:
- Since you are opting for a freestanding bath, think carefully about your options when it comes to where you will store or place your shampoos, body washes, and soaps. Will you opt for a mobile bathroom caddy or opt for a container that sits over the bath? Alternatively, you can go for a built-in niche on the wall of your bathroom.
- A freestanding bath will often have higher edges, so it can be a challenge for people with mobility issues or children to get into and out of the bath. For this reason, it’s worth considering steps and grab bars or rails.
- Think carefully about placing a freestanding bath close to the wall, as this can increase your cleaning difficulty! You’re better off opting for a freestanding bath sitting flush against the wall.