Freestanding bathtub: advantages and disadvantages

Before buying a freestanding bathtub, you should be aware of both the advantages and the drawbacks. A freestanding bathtub will clearly bring a unique charm to your bathroom.

However, such an installation requires more space than a corner bathtub or a semi-freestanding bathtub. The plumbing work can also be more complex. So, is this type of bathtub right for you? Here is some guidance to help you decide!

At a glance

The drawbacks of a freestanding bathtub

Let's start with the drawbacks of a freestanding bathtub!

A significant need for space

First, this type of bathtub requires more room than a wall-mounted one. If you place it in the middle of the room, allow about 50 to 60 centimeters on each side for comfortable circulation. The dimensions themselves remain reasonable: a 170 cm freestanding bathtub is about 80 cm wide, like the Neroon 2.0 (170 × 80 cm). But with the clearance, you need a sufficiently large room.

Here is a tip if space is limited: install your freestanding bathtub close to a wall. This position will showcase it less, but you will save space. If this placement is the rule, a semi-freestanding model is often more consistent: our article on the differences between a freestanding and a semi-freestanding bathtub will help you decide.

Less practical storage for everyday products

Next, a freestanding installation makes it harder to store everyday products such as shampoos, shower gels, etc. You cannot leave them on the edge of your bathtub as you would with a semi-freestanding one. However, you can easily overcome this drawback by installing a storage unit near your freestanding bathtub.

More complex installation work

Complex plumbing is probably the biggest drawback of a freestanding bathtub. Your bathtub will need a drainage and water supply system as well as taps, often a floor-standing column (Spalina taps and faucets). Very often, building a platform is recommended to ensure a sufficient slope for proper water drainage.

At this stage, we recommend consulting a qualified plumber to get an idea of the work required to install your equipment. Our guide on how to install a freestanding bathtub details the steps. If you install the bathtub on an upper floor, also think about the load on the floor: see bathtub and floor.

Taking a shower is difficult

Finally, the last drawback of a freestanding bathtub: it is difficult to take a shower without wetting the floor. You could install a curtain around the shower, but that would not be great aesthetically. You will therefore probably need to dedicate your bathtub exclusively to baths and have a separate shower. If your bathroom is large enough, combining a shower and a bathtub is the best solution! To decide, see shower or bathtub: how to choose?

The advantages of a freestanding bathtub

Incomparable charm

Aesthetics is the main advantage of a freestanding bathtub. Installed in the middle of your bathroom, it will embellish the space and bring real elegance. At Spalina, you will find various styles of freestanding bathtubs, from white classics to the colored finishes of the Spalina Voyage collection.

A sense of space

With every bath, sinking into your freestanding bathtub gives you a particularly pleasant sense of space. With no wall nearby, your well-being is at its maximum!

A lighter tub than it looks

Spalina freestanding bathtubs are made of acrylic: a 170 cm tub weighs around 44 to 61 kg when empty depending on the model, which makes handling easier and limits the load on the floor compared with other materials.

How to make the right choice?

Before buying a freestanding bathtub, we advise you to consider the advantages and drawbacks. Also take your room layout into account. For details on choosing (shapes, materials, budget), our complete guide to choosing a freestanding bathtub will help.

If you are set on installing this type of bathtub, you will find various models on our website. Browse our catalog to find the right one!