Gone are the days when the bathtub was just for the kids. Sleek, beautiful and serene, modern freestanding baths are major features of Australia’s modern bathrooms, and in this article, we’ll share some of our absolute favourites with you.
Freestanding baths are super popular today because they don’t need to be attached to a wall. This gives renovators greater freedom with their designs and it brings a huge dose of luxury to bathrooms. From double-ended tubs and egg-shaped beauties to moody black options and even corner styles, there is a freestanding tub out there to suit any bathroom imaginable.
To help kickstart your quest and help you choose a bathtub, we’ve put together a list of important things to consider before you buy and answered some common questions about freestanding baths. Cue the bubbles – let’s dive in!
What’s in this article:
- What To Consider Before You Buy A Freestanding Bath
- 9 Of The Best Freestanding Baths In Australia
- Stella Matte Black Freestanding Bathtub, $1499
- Kado Lux Oval Freestanding Bath, $1690
- Fienza Freestanding Corner Bath, $1950
- Lucini Freestanding Bath Gloss White, $1390
- Caroma Liano Freestanding Bath, from $1649
- Ukiyo Acrylic Free Standing Bath, $3399.90
- Arguzzo Pulito Artstone Freestanding Bath (Egg), $3481
- Ripple Bathtub in White, $1999
- Isola Freestanding Back-To-The-Wall Bathtub, from $1549
- Frequently Asked Questions
What To Consider Before You Buy A Freestanding Bath
Every family has different needs and wants when it comes to buying a freestanding bath, so here are a few things to consider when choosing one.
Your available space
Measuring the space you have in your bathroom ahead of time will mean fewer headaches when it comes to installation. As a rule, you’ll want around 10-12cm between the bath and the walls, and to give enough room to clean around. Another consideration to make is getting the tub to the bathroom, make sure it can fit through hallways and through door frames before purchasing.
Design and colour
Which freestanding bath is the best for your bathroom? It really comes down to personal style, the room space, and what functions you want your bath to have. A common request is that adults want a tub that’s roomy enough that they can really soak into and pair with a bath caddy, so depth is important to consider.
Is your room masculine and moody? Perhaps a square-edged black bath would suit your space. Or for a softer aesthetic, try an oval or egg-shaped rub in matte white.
Also consider how the tub matches the colour and shapes of our other fixtures and fittings, like the bathroom vanities, mirrors and towel rails.
How you’ll clean it!
If easy cleaning is super important, consider a corner or back-to-wall freestanding bath, meaning the tub sits against the wall and eliminates the need to get into tight spaces to scrub.
It’s also important to consider the bath material when planning for your new bathroom. Any bath made from sanitary grade acrylic will be durable and easy to clean. Matte finish baths can be a little trickier to keep clean, but not impossible. As always, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for bath maintenance.
9 Of The Best Freestanding Baths In Australia
If you want to make a splash in the bathroom with a real statement bath – these beautiful freestanding baths are just the ticket!
Stella Matte Black Freestanding Bathtub, $1499
When it comes to feature bathtubs, black always delivers extra wow. This matte black number comes in a choice of 1500mm or 1700mm sizes and uses reinforced acrylic for simple cleaning. Thermal insulation keeps heat in and the seamless design means a deliciously smooth soak every time.
Why we chose it:
- Completely smooth surface with no seams or indentations
- Boasts thermal insulation to keep the water warmer for longer
- The fabulous matte black finish makes a huge statement
Kado Lux Oval Freestanding Bath, $1690
With its classic style, lush shape and awesome depth, the Kado Lux tub is perfect for soaking all the worries of the day away. The simple lines and clean, modern shape ensure that this bathtub won’t date, but rather stand the test of time, feeling as good as a fancy hotel year after year.
Why we chose it:
- Super spacious 1750mm length
- Made using sanitary grade acrylic
- Comes with a 10-year warranty for extra peace of mind
Fienza Freestanding Corner Bath, $1950
Small bathrooms are no issue for this number. Tucking neatly into a right-hand corner, the Fienza freestanding bath frees up walking space in tight spaces. But corners aside, it’s the fluted design that has completely won us over – talk about texture!
Why we chose it:
- The clever corner design fits snugly into tight nooks
- A spectacular fluted design brings texture and personality to bathrooms
- Made using UV-stabilised, premium acrylic for a premium, smooth finish
Lucini Freestanding Bath Gloss White, $1390
With its unique egg shape, the Lucini brings a whole lot of luxury to bathroom renovations – without the exorbitant price tag. Made using sanitary-grade acrylic, it’s tough, a cinch to clean and super comfy to soak in at the end of a long day. After a moodier hue? It’s also available in black!
Features:
- Totally seamless design, with no grooves or bumps
- Available in glossy white or stunning matte black
- Comes with a 7-year replacement warranty
Caroma Liano Freestanding Bath, from $1649
A refreshing step away from the classic oval shape, the Liano freestanding bath is perfect for those who prefer sharp lines and square styling. With a space-savvy design and choice of 1400mm, 1525mm and 1675mm 1400mm lengths, this is an ideal choice for space-challenged bathrooms.
Why we chose it:
- Stain-resistant surface
- Install it against a wall or in a centre of a room
- Clean straight lines are perfect for contemporary bathrooms
Ukiyo Acrylic Free Standing Bath, $3399.90
Undeniably glamorous, Ukiyo freestanding round bath is truly contemporary and sure to make a statement in any bathroom. It has a unique matte white finish, adding a beautiful texture to the design of your bathroom. Pair with ABI Interior’s stunning tapware to complete the whole designer look.
Why we chose it:
- Unique round design
- Matte white finish for modern bathrooms
- Comfortable contours and sensational depth
Arguzzo Pulito Artstone Freestanding Bath (Egg), $3481
This classic egg-shaped tub is ready to fit into any home, whether traditional or modern. Expertly crafted using smoothed limestone, it’s completely non-porous and ten times better at retaining heat than acrylic options. Don’t miss the matching basins for a bathroom the guests with gush over.
Why we chose it
- Completely non-porous surface
- Made using premium limestone for a premium finish
- Retains heat ten times longer than acrylic bathtubs
Ripple Bathtub in White, $1999
Need a little texture in a neutral bathroom? The Ripple from Early Settler stands out in the crowd because of the undulating ripples that grace the entire exterior. It absolutely pops against smooth tiled walls and floors and brings loads of visual texture to spaces. It’s the perfect bathroom feature for Coastal, Hamptons or even Modern Country homes.
Why we chose it:
- Pairs beautifully with Hamptons themes
- Undulating ripples feature around the entire exterior
- It’s a fantastic way to break up a very ‘safe’ and neutral bathroom
Isola Freestanding Back-To-The-Wall Bathtub, from $1549
A classic space-saver, the Isola freestanding bath can be installed against a wall or in a corner depending on your bathroom layout. And because of its smart design, you also score some extra room to store your favourite bath products. Love that!
Why we chose it:
- The Lucute acrylic is easy to clean
- It has a glorious glossy white finish that never dates
- The extra width on the edges is fantastic for storage space
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no one answer to whether freestanding baths are fixed, most of the time the sheer weight of the tub means that it won’t move, but sometimes it may need a little extra to stay in place. A plumber, keen renovator or handyman (or handywoman) might use a timber block to keep the bath in place, or a simple silicon sealant to keep it in place.
When designing and therefore positioning the freestanding bath you will need to make sure that you’re leaving enough room to run a mop around the back of the bath. When the bathroom is dry and you want to vacuum hair and any accumulated dust, using a vacuum extension does the trick.
While there is a general rule to not tile under alcove or drop-in baths, it’s best practice to tile under freestanding baths. Freestanding baths are designed and made to sit on top of tiles and make it easier to clean and keep hygienic.
The standard width for a bath is around 700mm, but the length can vary depending on your needs and bathroom size. Larger freestanding baths can be around 1800mm in length, allowing room to really lie down and soak, or perhaps have a bath for two.
While you don’t want to take away from a stunning tub that stands proudly alone in the bathroom, a few extras can really bring it to life, such as a designer laundry basket, an indoor plant, and a pair of designer arched mirrors.
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Top image: Kado Neue via Reece
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