Freestanding bathtub: notes of luxury and chic in bathroom design

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You can create an original interior in the bathroom using various items, using an elaborate nightstand under the sink with a natural stone countertop or installing a multifunctional shower stall. However, a freestanding bathtub will help make the design truly rich and unique. This article will tell you what types there are, what are the advantages and disadvantages of such a piece of plumbing.

A freestanding bathtub can help make your design truly rich and unique.

Typical differences and features of freestanding bathtubs

Modern manufacturers of sanitary equipment offer a wide selection of bathtubs of various shapes and sizes, made from different materials. A special place among manufactured products is occupied by free-standing bathtubs, which are presented in the widest variety on the construction market.

Having opted for a free-standing bathtub, you must remember that this is not just an element of plumbing, but the main item in the design of the room

The main condition for installing this type of plumbing equipment is a spacious bathroom. If you have at least 6 square meters available and finances allow, then you can safely begin installing a free-standing bathtub, which will certainly become a real highlight in the interior and, by its very presence, create an original and luxurious bathroom design.

Having opted for a free-standing bathtub, you must remember that this is not just an element of plumbing, but the main item in the design of the room, from which the rest of the style of the design dances. Bathtubs are installed in spacious rooms of private houses, all other furnishings are selected in the appropriate style.

The very fact of installing a bathtub of this type implies the creation of a luxurious interior with individual features and unique chic, so the equipment of the room, as a rule, occurs according to a specially developed project. This setting visually expands the space and creates a feeling of additional spaciousness.

High aesthetic characteristics allow a freestanding bathtub to be installed in any part of the room

When choosing a bathtub, you should take into account not only the aesthetic component, but also the functional features of the item. It is necessary that the product not only decorate the bathroom, but also perform the specific tasks assigned to it, creating comfort and coziness during use.

Design and shapes of freestanding bathtubs

Such products are not only interior decoration, but also a functional item that will have to be used often. Therefore, first of all, you need to decide on the shape of the structure.

Round

Installing a round bathtub is a great way to create an exclusive interior design in a room. Models made of acrylic and stone look best. The only disadvantage of the products is the impossibility of installation against a wall.

Round baths can be of a spherical type with convex walls. Such variations are good for modern interiors. They look capacious and self-sufficient, so they will become a key design element.

Round bowls may taper slightly at the bottom. When installed, such models are often “recessed” into the floor. This installation method allows you to emphasize the elegance of the form without drawing attention to unnecessary details.

The third design option for round freestanding bathtubs is the walls of the same diameter. The inside of the product has ridges for more comfortable bathing.

Freestanding round bathtub in the interior

Suitable project:

• Bathroom interior with mosaic and round bathtub

Oval

An oval font is a universal option for bathroom design. Plumbing fixtures can be installed in the center of the room, in a corner, or against a wall. Such bathtubs look very presentable, thanks to which they can radically transform the space.

We offer a wide range of products. There are variations with smooth and slightly raised edges in the middle. The color scheme is also varied - you can choose a copy of a boiling white, pink, gray, beige shade. For those who like to experiment, there are also bolder tones. Oval freestanding bathtubs can be placed directly on the floor in a small recess or on graceful legs.

Freestanding oval bathtub in the interior

Suitable projects:

• Spacious bathroom 27 sq.m. with black marble floor and freestanding bath
• Beige bowl bath in a children's bathroom 21 sq.m.
• White bathtub in the children's bathroom
• Bathtub in a children's bathroom with transparent tulle
• High back bathtub in guest bathroom
• Bathroom in Art Nouveau style
• Master bathroom with large bathtub and two poufs
• Gray bathroom 7 sq. m. in eclectic style
• Children's bathroom with gold-plated sanitary ware in Art Nouveau style

Rectangular

Rectangular designs are another version of the classics. They can be of uniform diameter or slightly tapered at the bottom. Such models look great against the wall.

Freestanding rectangular bathtub in the interior

Suitable project:

• White bathtub in a rectangular unit with gold-plated fixtures

On legs

Freestanding clawfoot bathtubs are often available in acrylic, copper and cast iron. Compared to products made from natural stone, such models weigh less. Dimensions matter too. Massive specimens are most often placed on a reinforced floor.

The legs can be made of the same material as the bath itself. Curly “legs” made of metal look interesting. They contrast with the product and emphasize its attractiveness. Models with “claw” legs are typical for interiors in the Baroque, classic, and art deco styles.

To install the product on legs, experts often resort to strengthening the floor. For this purpose, durable tiles or natural stone are used.

Freestanding clawfoot bathtub in the interior

Suitable projects:

• Interior in ethnic style with a black claw-foot bathtub
• Classic gray interior with claw-foot bathtub
• Black interior with white bathtub on gilded legs

Advantages of a freestanding bathtub in the interior

When choosing a bathtub both for a private house that is still under construction, and for an apartment in a high-rise building, it is worth considering a number of special criteria in each specific case. Features such as weight, dimensions and shape are very important. To fully study this subject of plumbing, it is necessary to understand its positive and negative characteristics.

Helpful advice! If a private house is under construction, then such a detail as a free-standing bathtub must be provided in advance in order to plan in advance the supply of water supply and sewerage to the intended installation location of the structure.

The location of the bath in the middle of the room provides maximum free access to it from different sides

The advantages of this plumbing fixture are determined on the basis of the practical experience of users, the list of qualities declared by manufacturers, and the opinions of specialists who practice installing structures. The following main advantages can be identified:

1. High aesthetic characteristics, thanks to which a free-standing bathtub can be installed in almost any part of the room. The only requirement is the presence of proper communications with water supply and sewer systems. The belbagno bathtubs look especially beautiful.
2. The presence of thick-walled structures of this type provides for the presence of hidden communications, which has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the room.
3. The location of the bath in the middle of the room provides maximum free access to it from different sides.

The main condition for installing a freestanding bath is a spacious room

Freestanding bathtub: characteristic disadvantages

Speaking about the advantages of separate bathtubs, it is worth mentioning a number of disadvantages that plumbing fixtures of this type have:

1. The presence of decorative legs under the product assumes that the bathtub is installed exclusively on a solid foundation, so it may be necessary to increase the strength of the floor surface. It is best if it is natural or artificial stone, durable tiles will also do, but laminate will have to be abandoned, since it will not withstand such a load. In this case, a special podium under the bathtub will help save the situation.
2. A structure installed in the middle of the room may be subject to accidental displacement from its main place, especially if the bath is light. In this case, a leak may occur in the area where the sewer and water pipes connect, which will lead to a leak.
3. Installation of this design involves laying additional pipes for supplying water and connecting the bathtub to the sewerage system. They are also necessary for further maintenance of the structure.
4. The specific location of the bathtub and the features of the product itself do not imply the possibility of insulating the bathtub. Thus, if the material of manufacture is not cast iron, the water in the tank cools down very quickly. Adding water increases the overall water consumption.
5. The materials used for the production of bathtubs, as a rule, have a high density, so the structures themselves are quite weighty. When purchasing a product, you need to consider whether the floor can withstand such a load.
6. The cost of free-standing bathtubs is much higher than usual, which is compensated by aesthetic characteristics.

The materials used for the production of bathtubs are, as a rule, high density, so the structures themselves are quite weighty

Washbasin or sink

The morning always starts with a visit to the toilet. Next, wash and rinse your hair before styling. Men shave, sometimes spend a long time splashing in the washbasin and shaving. Some men and women prefer to take a contrast shower or rinse before going outside at any time of the year.

In bathrooms with a limited format, you often have to give up the sink - you wash your face above the bathtub. This is not very convenient, and the general container has to be washed and tidied up more often.

Helpful advice! If you have space, install a double sink. This will not only modernize the design of the combined bathroom, but will also reduce tension between family members regarding the order of washing in the morning.

You can use the following options:

• Almost flat bowl on the countertop;
• A swivel-type washbasin that stands above the toilet, but can be easily moved to the side;
• A corner sink for which you can always find a place;
• Install a sink above the washing machine.

Taking into account personal preferences and habits, choose the design of a combined bathroom with a bathtub and washbasin. Today you can find quite interesting models, including double washbasins. The upper sink is for the face and hands, the lower level is for washing feet.

Freestanding bathtub oval, rectangular or round: classification of groups

Freestanding bathtubs, which are presented on the modern construction market, have different characteristics. Product classifications are based on the shape, installation method and material used for manufacturing.

Helpful advice! A separate bathtub in the interior not only looks elegant and chic, but also helps to visually increase the area of ​​the room, bringing a spirit of airiness and freedom into the room.

Different materials are used to make bathtubs, so this group is represented by the widest variety of types and includes models made from the following materials:

A separate bathtub in the interior not only looks elegant and chic, but also helps to visually increase the area of ​​the room

• cast iron;
• acrylic;
• become;
• copper;
• marble or artificial stone;
• kvarila;
• glass;
• tree.

Freestanding acrylic, steel and cast iron bathtubs are the most popular. You can rarely find a copper product, and glass, wooden or stone bathtubs are exotic.

If the classification is based on the installation method, then baths are divided into the following types:

• bathtubs with claw feet;
• on the podium;
• built into the floor

Depending on the shape of the product, the following types are distinguished:

• oval bathtubs;
• rectangular;
• round;
• figured or polygonal.

Different materials are used to make bathtubs, so this group is represented by the widest variety of species.

Separately, it is worth mentioning designer bathtubs, which can be made in the form of a drop, an ellipsoid or an asymmetrical figure of indeterminate shape.

Speaking about classification, we should remember the functional characteristics of products that can be equipped with hydromassage or have a design that is convenient for taking water procedures in a sitting position.

Cast iron freestanding bathtubs: features of material and installation method

Products made of cast iron were especially popular in the last century, until heavier materials were replaced by lighter ones. However, even now such designs will look great in both classic and ultra-modern interiors. The main advantage of this material is its low heat transfer, so the water in cast iron baths maintains a comfortable temperature for a long time. In an hour, the water in such a tank cools by about 5 °C.

The main advantage of cast iron is its low heat transfer

The following advantages of cast iron are strength and good sound insulation, so there is practically no noise when collecting water. Alloy models are the most affordable in terms of product cost.

The main disadvantages of the products are their heavy weight, problematic delivery and installation difficulties. Depending on the size and shape, such a bathtub can weigh from 60 to 200 kg. After installing a cast-iron bathtub with legs, the floors may become deformed and inconveniences associated with connecting communications may arise. In addition, the price of the material itself is quite high, so the cost of products made from it is corresponding.

Due to the labor-intensive nature of the material, which requires special casting and a mold, the range of such products is not abundant. These are mainly rectangular or oval bathtubs; round-shaped designs are less common. Most often, when creating an interior in a classic style, bowls of this type are used, in particular, a free-standing cast iron bathtub with claw feet is installed.

The disadvantages of cast iron products are heavy weight, problematic delivery and installation difficulties

Helpful advice! The coating of cast iron bathtubs is badly affected by aggressive cleaning agents, so chemical cleaning agents should be chosen carefully, excluding abrasive compounds.

Acrylic freestanding bathtub: a modern option for the bathroom

Acrylic bathtubs are the most popular on the modern market, due to their affordable price, excellent technical characteristics and variety of models. Acrylic bathtubs have different sizes, shapes, colors and styles. The production of such products is not very expensive, since plastic is easily transformed, so highly qualified specialists and expensive equipment are not required. Even small companies specialize in their production.

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Typically, acrylic models are easy to install due to their collapsible design, which includes a bowl, pedestal and screen. Light weight, ranging around 20 kg, is another advantage of acrylic bathtubs, which makes them easier to install. During operation, the floor covering does not suffer from excessive load.

Light weight, ranging around 20 kg, is another advantage of acrylic bathtubs

Along with all the listed advantages, it is worth noting some disadvantages. The service life of acrylic products barely reaches 15 years. This is due to the low level of strength of the plastic, so when installing the structure it is necessary to ensure uniform distribution of the load. In addition, problems may arise with installing the mixer on board. The light weight can cause a freestanding acrylic clawfoot bathtub to tip over if you lean on it when it is not filled with water. As a result, damage to the tightness of communications may occur.

It should be noted that the material requires special careful care, which categorically excludes the use of abrasive substances.

Freestanding bathtub made of artificial stone and steel

Steel models are an alternative to cast iron bathtubs and are most similar to acrylic products. The main advantages are light weight (up to 40 kg), affordable price and relatively long service life. With proper care, a steel bathtub can last more than a quarter of a century. Traditional oval bathtubs in Soviet high-rise buildings were made mainly of enameled steel.

In modern interiors you can increasingly find models made of artificial stone.

The main disadvantage of steel baths is their high thermal conductivity, as a result of which the tank quickly releases heat. The sound insulation qualities of steel products are also low. In addition, the low weight of the product requires more reliable fastening to the floor.

Steel bathtubs are generally already equipped with the parts necessary for comfortable use, which may include a hydromassage system, handrails and armrests. Not only classic enamel, but also modern polymers are used as coatings for products.

In modern interiors you can increasingly find models made of artificial stone. The main advantages of cast marble are the ability to produce fairly strong and stable structures. A built-in stone bathtub looks especially exclusive and chic.

Steel models are an alternative to cast iron bathtubs and are most similar to acrylic products

Helpful advice! If you need to get cast iron strength and acrylic lightness, then you should pay attention to a bathtub made of quaril. Such modern sanitary ware is made from a combined mixture of acrylic and quartz sand.

Pros and cons of combining a bathroom and toilet

Arrangement of combined functional premises is not an easy task. We have to minimize the shortcomings and think through the details of the design of a small combined bathroom. An important task is to make maximum use of every corner and vertical surface of the hygiene room.

When deciding to combine a cramped bathroom and a small toilet, it is worth thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of reconstruction.

• Increasing the total footage due to the demolition of the secondary partition;
• Visual expansion of space;
• Removing one door is an opportunity to rationally fill this part of the bathroom;
• There is more space on the aisle;
• More opportunities for modernization and zoning of a combined bathroom - replacing the partition with glass doors and low partitions;
• Cleaning time is reduced (relative to separate sanitary and hygienic rooms);
• General color scheme, choice of tiles from the general collection - reducing the cost of facing materials during repairs.

The difficulties of modernizing two adjacent rooms are primarily associated with obtaining permission for reconstruction. Redevelopment may entail the destruction of an entire entrance, but these are secondary partitions that are usually allowed to be dismantled on the upper floors.

Disadvantages of pooling include the spread of toilet odors during bathing. In addition, when someone is bathing, closed, they will have to wait a long time to go to the toilet - they will have to look for a compromise solution. You will have to carefully maintain the “sterility” of the toilet, and separate the bathtub with a high partition.

The combined bathroom must be equipped with good ventilation to regulate the increased humidity that is felt when visiting the bathroom. Taking into account all the nuances, you will have to decide which plumbing arrangement and design of the combined bathroom is closer to you. The most successful solutions are selected in the photo gallery of finished interiors.

Characteristics of freestanding clawfoot bathtubs

A clawfoot bathtub is perhaps the oldest type of installation and primarily affects the visual experience. This design, in comparison with other types, has a number of characteristic advantages, which is confirmed by a user survey. Eighty percent of respondents advocate this type of installation. Among the positive arguments are the following:

• It is much easier to clean under such a bathtub and you can easily get out an object rolled under it;
• bathtubs with legs, decorated with a relief pattern, take on an antique look;
• such a product fits perfectly into classic interior styles, such as baroque, rococo, and modern retro, hi-tech or neoclassical.

A clawfoot bathtub is perhaps the oldest type of installation and primarily affects the visual experience.

A special category of such products are clawfoot bathtubs, which were constant elements of the interiors of kings both in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance. Therefore, such models will always be in fashion, the main thing is to choose the right steel objects to create an overall harmonious design.

Any model of a bathtub with legs has all the necessary set of functional equipment. As for manufacturing materials, it is better to give preference to cast iron, copper, steel or artificial stone, which are characterized by the highest degree of stability and resistance to damage.

The main disadvantages of clawfoot bathtubs and installation nuances

Installing legs under the bath allows you to raise it above the floor to a certain height, creating a certain gap between the bowl and the floor. Often communication pipes become visible under such bathtubs, which spoils the overall picture of the interior. You can hide them using special chrome trim. If this option is not suitable, then it is better to choose alternative models with a frame or on a podium that reliably hides all communications.

Any model of a clawfoot bathtub has all the necessary set of functional equipment

Speaking about the disadvantages of such designs, it is worth mentioning the weak stability of lightweight models, so it is better to refuse a free-standing acrylic bathtub with legs. Such products also lose stability on slippery surfaces.

Most often, acrylic bathtubs have a classic oval shape, so they are not exclusive. Attention can be drawn either by the legs themselves or by the accessories. A round bathtub with legs looks original, but it takes up much more space than its oval counterpart.

The color of the legs can be either matching the bathroom or contrasting. If the second option is chosen, then it is better that it matches the color of the plumbing and cornice. For a round bathtub, it is recommended to choose legs that match the color of the floor or a metallic shade. This is an important detail in this case, since a round structure is usually installed in the middle of the room, and it attracts the main attention.

Speaking about the disadvantages, it is worth mentioning the weak stability of lightweight models, so it is better to refuse a free-standing acrylic bathtub with legs

Helpful advice! Curtains for a round bath are a must for a freestanding model. They can be fixed under the ceiling in special grooves or mounted on a round cornice in the form of a halo. The cornice for an oval bathtub should completely follow the shape of the bowl and be placed at a height of 1.5 m from the side.

The famous clawfoot bath

These eternal companions of the interiors of the era of kings have been and will always be in fashion. Retro style is becoming increasingly popular. As for true aristocrats and connoisseurs of luxury, they simply cannot resist this beauty. Any of them performs the tasks of a regular bath and is equipped with the latest equipment. The materials for the production of clawfoot bathtubs are cast iron, plastic and cast marble, which gives the surface durability and resistance to scratches and various mechanical damage.

Oval bathtub: a universal version of a freestanding model

An oval bathtub is the most common option, as it is the golden mean between a traditional rectangular bowl and non-standard fonts. Oval-shaped models are universal, as they are suitable for installation in the center of the room, near a wall or in a corner. The main advantage of such a bathtub is that it saves space, since it takes up much less space than its round or square counterpart.

Freestanding oval bathtubs are slightly more expensive than regular rectangular bathtubs, with the price depending largely on the brand and material used. Therefore, you can choose the right option based on price and quality from a wide range of models. Nowadays, oval stable bathtubs made of cast iron are in fashion, especially if the room is decorated in a retro style. Steel models are a more budget option. Such bathtubs are not inferior in appearance to products made from expensive materials, but their performance characteristics are much worse.

Oval-shaped models are universal, as they are suitable for installation in the center of the room, near a wall or in a corner

The most popular now are freestanding acrylic oval bathtubs. This is due to the fact that this material has synthesized a number of positive qualities of natural analogues. It's light like steel, releases heat slowly like cast iron, and looks beautiful like marble. The main disadvantage of an acrylic oval bathtub is its short service life due to the weak strength of the material and coating.

Bathtubs made of marble or natural wood are distinguished by their high cost and luxurious appearance. Such models are usually made to order.

The standard sizes of oval bathtubs are the same as those of rectangular-shaped products. Models with dimensions of 170x80 cm are very popular, although there are giant bathtubs more than 2 m long and 1.5 m wide, as well as miniature bowls measuring 120x70 cm.

The standard sizes of oval bathtubs are the same as those of rectangular-shaped products

Electrical equipment

When a bathroom renovation begins, they usually start with replacing pipes and old electrical wiring. It is advisable to hide all communications under the sides, in shrobs or behind a hollow baseboard. Sockets have covers to prevent water from getting in.

An electric boiler is a necessary necessity where hot water supply is not provided. A large tank is a significant inconvenience; it spoils the overall impression of the thoughtful design of a combined bathroom of 3-4 sq.m. (and less).

The best location for a water heater is under the ceiling. There are models for horizontal installation; visually they look more compact than a vertical tank in a heating element, taking up little space.

Good ideas where to place the boiler:

• Under the ceiling, on a common vertical with the toilet;
• Above the bidet or washing machine;
• In a free corner above the bathroom.

The washing machine should not stand out from the overall design. The best solution is to place it between cabinets or storage systems, but it should be convenient to use. An alternative is to place the washing unit under the sink if it is horizontal loading.

Note! If there is nowhere to put the machine, you can take it to another room behind an adjacent wall - a kitchen or a corridor. You will have to take care of venting the drain into the sewer pipe, and you may have to break through the auxiliary wall.

Round freestanding bathtub: a highlight in the interior

Over the past few years, the circle-shaped bathtub has won the title of the main attribute of an exclusive bathroom interior. This is an ideal option for people who like to relax in warm water filled with foam, as well as for connoisseurs of comfort and adherents of extraordinary ideas. Moreover, the modern market of plumbing equipment can satisfy almost any consumer requirements. In addition, there is the possibility of making products to order.

A variety of materials are used to produce round bathtubs, which allows you to choose a specific option for an interior decorated in a particular style. For example, for a high-tech style bathroom, a bowl made of glass or stainless steel is perfect, and for a room with classic notes, it is better to choose models made of stone or natural wood.

Round acrylic bathtubs feature a very wide range of products, which have won the trust of consumers due to the advantages of the material, affordable cost and ease of care. Particularly noteworthy are models made from quartz, which has the advantages of acrylic and is characterized by a high degree of wear resistance, characteristic of quartz.

Over the past few years, the circle-shaped bathtub has won the title of the main attribute of an exclusive bathroom interior.

Helpful advice! If you decide to install a round bathtub, then you need to take into account the dimensions of the room, because the minimum diameter of such a product reaches one and a half meters. A small bathroom in an average apartment is unlikely to be suitable for this, unless a major redevelopment is carried out.

Round bathtubs, despite a certain isolation of the basic shape, have a number of varieties. In particular, bowls may have:

• the shape of a sphere with walls convex outward;
• type of cup with walls tapering downward;
• the shape of a cylinder having the same diameter at the bottom and top.

A round bathtub is an ideal option for connoisseurs of comfort and adherents of extraordinary ideas

Freestanding bathtub in a small room

Many people believe that this bath option is not suitable for compact spaces. However, an experienced designer will competently integrate plumbing into a room of any size. It is important to choose the right model and decide on the installation location.

For a small room, oval or rectangular models are best suited. Such products can be placed near the wall, freeing up the central space.

A massive round bathtub will take up a significant amount of space in a small room. If you want to decorate a room with just such an attribute, you should minimize the furniture.

Another important point is the method of installing the mixer. To save space in the room, you can install a structure for a freestanding bathtub between the font and the wall.

Freestanding bathtub in a small bathroom interior

Freestanding bathtub in the interior of a small room

How to choose a faucet for a freestanding bathtub

An important element in the design of any bath is the mixer, which not only performs the mandatory function of filling the bowl with water, but also plays an aesthetic role. The most commonly used types of mixers are:

1. Floor-standing freestanding bathroom faucet or column mixer, which is ideal for freestanding bathtubs. They can be made in different styles - from classic with exquisite decoration to high-tech with laconic design. The shower head of such models is either attached to a flexible hose or fixed to a metal tube. This design is quite stable and can withstand a weight of up to 100 kg, but installation involves running water pipes under the floor.
2. An onboard faucet that is built into the sides of the bathroom. Typically, such devices are installed on products with additional functions, for example, with hydromassage.
3. A mixer mounted in a shelf is used when installing bathtubs on a podium or for built-in products that are lined with tiles, stone or mosaics. Bathtubs made of copper or wood that have an original design look especially beautiful with such faucets. The shower hose in the device is hidden in a special tank near the tap and extended to the required length.
4. Cascade faucet is a subtype of faucet built into a shelf, which also has a stylish and original appearance, is durable and convenient.

An important element in the design of any bath is the mixer, which not only fills the bowl with water, but also plays an aesthetic role.

When choosing a free-standing bathtub, you need to take into account the dimensions of the room in which it is intended to be installed. No less important are the personal preferences of the inhabitants of the house, as well as the correspondence of the material and shape to the chosen style. Such structures are difficult to install, so it is better to entrust this work to professionals. Properly selected accessories and functionality of a free-standing bathtub will help create an original bathroom design.