Delight in the decadence of a freestanding bath..
There’s something delightfully decadent about a freestanding bath. They hark back to Hollywood’s golden era and capture the magic associated with the glamorous stars of the day, who were often filmed sipping champagne in tubs brimming with bubbles.
Even if your own bathing routine is slightly more mundane, the sight of a freestanding bath will suggest something more lavish and give your bathroom or bedroom a luxurious lift.
So if your space allows, a freestanding bath is the choice du jour for modern homes.
But what to go for? The options are vast. roll top, bateaux, slipper, ball and claw feet, double-ended, to name just a few of the choices on offer? These are often traditional in style and work well in period properties, where they chime with original features and can be teamed with heritage-style brassware.
Alternatively, a contemporary freestanding bath can complement classic architecture and balance old and new styles.
Instead of taps, why not go for a freestanding mixer? See our edit of the best here.
Most manufacturers also offer a wide choice in painted finishes, from pale pastels through to bright hues and dark, muted tones, which can be coordinated to work with the rest of your scheme. There’s also a new wave of metallic finishes on offer, available even on modern composite materials, and ranging from nickel and tin through to copper and brass.
See some of the latest painted and metallic bath finishes here.
We’ve selected the freestanding bath ideas that have had us in a lather; from those enlivened with colourful surfaces to others with pure white finishes. There are simple shapes and period styles, so check them out and decide which most appeal.
After all, who can resist a long soak, surrounded by scented candles to melt away the stresses of the day?
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side by side
Smart storage and a creative use of space are key components of these owners’ interior style.
Get the look The bath, shower fittings and brassware are all from Edwins Bathrooms.
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dark drama
The enveloping dark background is relieved by splashes of green foliage and black and white floor tiles, the traditional pattern giving a nod to the property’s Victorian heritage.
Get the look The Salcombe bath is by The Cast Iron Bath Company. The bronze brass finish taps are by Bespoke Taps. The Devonstone floor tiles are from Tiles Direct.
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bathing beauty
The ornate plasterwork cornicing and ceiling rose are complemented by both classic and contemporary fixtures, such as the beautiful bath.
Get the look The bath and fittings are from the Axor Starck collection by Philippe Starck for Hansgrohe. The Carrara marble fireplace and vintage chandelier are from Renaissance London. The Menagerie Gazelle ceramic on the mantelpiece is by Jonathan Adler.
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bold move
This freestanding bath is in the bedroom room, while the shower is located in the space beyond.
Get the look The copper bateau bath was sourced on eBay. The photographic artwork, entitled The Grand Monkey Room, is by Karen Knorr.
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all in the detail
Decorative trims frame this bathing space, from the detailed cornicing to the tile border and a subtle ribbon that runs around the base of the roll-top bath.
Get the look Find the Small Ghost Buster bedside table by Kartell at John Lewis. Try Lombok for a similar bed. The walls are painted in Steel V by Paint & Paper Library. The cushions and throw are from Liberty.
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urban oasis
The master bathroom is the place to relax at the end of a long day. The bath came with the house, but the walk-in shower was tucked in later, enabling a quicker wash-and-go in the morning.
Get the look Find a similar bath at The Albion Bath Company. The brassware is by Villeroy & Boch.
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surface matters
Textural marble is used as a statement feature when balanced against white walls and warm stained oak floorboards.
Get the Look The freestanding Ottocento bath is by Agape. The Offcut stool is by Tom Dixon.
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room with a view
A bath in the bedroom adds a note of decadent luxe.
Get the look The bath is from W4 Bathrooms. The curtains are in Romo’s Launay Thistledown linen.
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simple elegance
These owners wanted their home to function well, so spent the bulk of their budget on life-enhancing structural elements and practicalities such as showers that don’t dribble. That left less to spend on fittings, so they scoured Ebay for bargains and found this bath for £100.
Get the look Find a Venice slipper bath from Savisto Bathrooms. The floor and wall tiles are from Tons of Tiles.
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ship ahoy
The wallpaper adds to the bathroom’s tropical cruise vibe, complete with porthole window. Bathroom fittings and taps are gold, but without being too bling.
Get the look The bath is from Drummonds, custom painted. The wallpaper is by Matthew Williamson.
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golden touch
This former attic space is now a decadent master ensuite.
Get the look The Napoli bath is by Victoria + Albert. The brassware is from Waterworks. The Danish chair was bought from Organic Modernism in Brooklyn. Check out the Midcentury Modern show at Dulwich College for similar. For a Sputnik light fitting like this one, try The Old Cinema.
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cool contrast
This family bathroom is a new space. A wet room finish makes the most of the space, and no-nonsense fittings kept costs down.
Get the look Bath, ebay. Tiles, Walls & Floors.
