Nothing makes a bathroom style statement quite like a freestanding copper bath.

Harking back to a time when people bathed in front of fires, baths were originally created out of copper because they had to be light enough to be easily carried from room to room.

Today there are plenty of finishes available, from rustic verdi gris to polished and lustrous, meaning there's a copper bath to suit every style andpalette. Copper baths look great withmetro tilesor bold, patterned wallpaper for a more eclectic look.

William Holland has awide range of designs, including bateau, slipper and round, or let these three styles inspire you.

See beautiful bathroom tile ideas

Industrial Chic

Industrial Chic

This bathroom is a mash-up of valves, pipes and contemporary art. The large bath takes advantage of the ample space. Get the look: The basins are vintage finds. Try Victorian Plumbing for similar. Check out William Holland for a statement copper bath. The artwork is by Barcelona-based artist Fernando Prats.

Contemporary Feel

Contemporary Feel

Marble floors, a copper standalone tub with an artwork hanging above all work together to create a glamorous, grown-up space. Get the look: The bathroom is painted in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball. Drummonds and Catchpole & Rye do similar bath tubs.

Contemporary Feel

Contemporary Feel

Marble floors, a copper standalone tub with an artwork hanging above all work together to create a glamorous, grown-up space. Get the look: The bathroom is painted in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball. Drummonds and Catchpole & Rye do similar bath tubs.

Rustic Tones

Rustic Tones

This bath is a masterclass in verdi-gris, a purposefully distressed aged look, which looks great teamed with raw materials and rustic touches. Get the look:Catchpole & Rye’s Copper Bateau freestanding bathtub. These double-ended baths are made entirely from high gauge copper, with a number of different interior and exterior finishes are available.

Get the gloss

Get the gloss

A polished exterior exudes glossy style. This example was handcrafted from thick sheet copper before tin is applied to the surface using techniques largely unchanged since the 18th century. The outer surface is hand polished and sealed using a specialist lacquer to preserve the finish. Get the look: The Marseille Cyprium Copper Bath is available from castironbath.co.uk

Sleek shine

(Image credit: Chris Redman)

Sleek shine

Clean curved lines give the traditional style a modern look, while the contrasting interior finish adds interest. Setting it against a dark, minimalist background creates a dramatic look. Get the look: William Holland is a leading specialist manufacturer of copper baths, williamholland.com

Emma Ledger is not only an esteemed lifestyle journalist but is also an illustrator. Her words appear in publications such as Livingetc, The Independent, The Mirror, The Sun and Fabulous magazine, while her drawings have made it onto maps and cards. She is also a mentor at Centrepoint.