Freestanding baths are a must for those who love a long soak. From timeless classics to contemporary versions, there are plenty of designs to choose from.

Before you buy, double check your stairs are wide enough to get your dream tub upstairs and the maximum weight your floor can take – freestanding baths can be heavy, especially if you opt for embellishments like claw feet.

With large bathrooms you have the freedom to be more creative with the layout, so consider positioning the bath in the centre to create a focal point. Consider ways you might zone the space, such as a bath on a higher platform, using a glazed partition, or creating a dividing wall to conceal sinks or the loo.

A freestanding tub is also crying out for a bit of bathscaping, that is, styling your bath with candles and accessories to create a spa-like haven. Read the Good Homes guide to bathscaping here.

1. Statement rolltop

When you’ve got a large space to work with, take the opportunity to make a real focal point and put your bath centre stage. Choose a striking freestanding design in an eye-catching shade that can be carried through elsewhere in the room, like this boat bath, from £1,716 at BC Designs, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink.

2. Cinderella-style slipper bath

Ideal for fans of Regencycore, this beautiful, vintage-style slipper bath from Bathroom Mountain is finished in a contemporary shade of Dove Grey with contrasting white roll top and aluminium claw feet. Priced £499.99, the Tonbridge is made from the best quality Lucite acrylic and reinforced with fibreglass.

3. Classic copper tub

Keep up with the latest trends by having your bath painted in the Dulux Colour of the Year 2022, Bright Skies, or colour that fits your bathroom decor scheme. BC Designs’ Copper Boat bath can be finished in any exterior eggshell paint you like. From £4,078.33, plus £550 for custom painting.

4. Regal roll-top bath

The Hampshire from Victoria + Albert Baths is ideal for traditional bathrooms and en suites with its classic single-ended roll-top design. The angled end allows for a deep soak while the Quarrycast white gloss finish can be customised to suit your scheme. There are three special palettes to choose from, each taking colours from the RAL range, such as the Daffodil Yellow RAL 1007 (shown below). From £1,606.

5. Small freestanding bath

Think you can’t fit a bath in your bathroom? Think again. There are plenty of baths out there that are more compact, but this Tubby bath from Albion Bath Co is a particular favourite. Narrow, but deep, it’s not your usual bathing experience. But if you can’t live without a good soak in the tub, this could be your best bet.

6. Freestanding cast iron bath

Ideal for a Victorian bathroom, the traditional Winchester freestanding bath from C.P. Hart comes with clawed feet in a cast iron or chrome finish. It has an unfinished exterior that needs to be filled and primed before painting, which can be done on site for an extra cost, allowing you to add a splash of bold colour to your room. From £1,761.50. 

7. Eco tub

Made from natural glazed titanium steel, the BetteLux Oval Silhouette bath from Bette is fully recyclable, easy to clean and comes with a 30-year warranty. It’s available in more than 400 colours to suit any décor and is enamelled in one piece for a seamless look. It comes in three sizes and starts from £5,947.

8. Heat-retaining bath

With a thin rim and softly curved shape, the Teardrop Grande bath from Clearwater Baths has advanced thermal performance to retain water’s heat for longer. Made from Clearstone, it’s ideal for a long relaxing soak and has a contemporary gloss finish. It’s also scratch-resistant and extremely durable and hardwearing. Priced £2,699.

9. Contemporary freestanding bath

When you long for a really deep soak, the Monaco Quarrycast bath from Victoria + Albert Baths is just the thing. This double-ended roll top bath is available in six standard paint finishes as well as multiple RAL colours in gloss or matt with high insulation to keep the water hot for longer. From £2,381.55.

10. Designer bath

Black bathrooms are big business right now. Perfect for creating that boutique hotel feel, a black freestanding bathtub will make a real focal point in your scheme. Combine moody hues, striking tiles, glamorous wallpaper and statement lighting to add wow factor, especially if you have a large space to fill. Osterley acrylic bath, £3,060 from Heritage Bathrooms.

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