Freestanding bathtub: a touch of luxury and chic in the bathroom design

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

A freestanding bathtub will help make a truly rich and unique design

Typical differences and features of freestanding baths

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

Having opted for a freestanding 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 the installation of this type of sanitary equipment is a spacious bathroom. If there is at least 6 square meters available and finances allow, then you can safely proceed with the installation of a free-standing bath, which will certainly become a real highlight in the interior and by its very presence will create an original and luxurious bathroom design.

Having opted for a freestanding 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 design dances. Baths are installed in spacious rooms of private houses, all other furnishings are selected in the appropriate style.

The very fact of installing a bath of this type implies the creation of a luxurious interior with individual features and unique chic, therefore, the equipment of the room, as a rule, takes place according to a specially developed project. Such an environment visually expands the space and creates a feeling of additional spaciousness.

High aesthetic characteristics allow the freestanding bathtub to be installed anywhere in the room

When choosing a bath, one should take into account not only the aesthetic component, but also the functional characteristics of the object. It is necessary that the product not only decorate the bathroom, but also fulfill the specific tasks assigned to it, creating comfort and coziness during operation.

The advantages of a freestanding bath in the interior

When choosing a bath, both for a private house, which 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 explore this plumbing item, you need to understand its positive and negative characteristics.

Useful advice! If a private house is under construction, then such a detail as a freestanding bathtub must be foreseen in advance in order to plan in advance the supply of water supply and sewage systems to the proposed installation site 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 the manufacturers, the opinions of specialists who practice the installation of structures. The following main advantages can be distinguished:

1. High aesthetic properties, thanks to which the freestanding bathtub can be installed in almost any part of the room. The only requirement is the availability of proper communications with the water supply and sewerage systems. Belbagno bathtubs look especially beautiful.
2. The presence of thick-walled structures of this type provides for the presence of hidden communications, which favorably affects the appearance of the room.
3. The location of the bathtub in the middle of the room provides maximum free access to it from different sides.

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

Freestanding bathtub: characteristic disadvantages

Speaking about the advantages of separate baths, mention should be made of a number of disadvantages that plumbing fixtures of this type have:

1. The presence of decorative legs under the product assumes that the bath is installed exclusively on a solid base, therefore, it may be necessary to increase the strength of the floor surface. Best of all, if it is a natural or artificial stone, a durable tile will do, but the laminate will have to be abandoned, since it will not withstand such a load. In this case, a special podium for the bath will help to save the situation.
2. A structure installed in the middle of a room may be inadvertently displaced from its main location, especially if the bathtub is light. In this case, a leakage may occur in the area of ​​the connection between the sewer and water pipes, which will lead to a leak.
3. The installation of such a design involves the laying of additional pipes for supplying water and connecting the bath to the sewer. They are also necessary for further maintenance of the structure.
4. The specificity of the location of the bath and the features of the product itself do not imply the possibility of warming the bath. Thus, if the material of manufacture is not cast iron, the water in the tank cools very quickly. The addition of water increases its overall consumption.
5. The materials used for the manufacture of bathtubs, as a rule, have a high density, so the structures themselves are rather weighty. When buying a product, you need to consider whether the floor will withstand such a load.
6. The cost of freestanding bathtubs is an order of magnitude higher than usual, which is offset by aesthetic characteristics.

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

Freestanding bathtub oval, rectangular or round: group classification

Freestanding bathtubs, which are presented on the modern construction market, have different characteristics. The product classifications are based on the form, installation method and material used for production.

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

Various materials are used for the manufacture of bathtubs, therefore this group is represented by the widest species diversity and includes models made of the following materials:

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

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

Freestanding acrylic, steel and cast iron baths are the most popular. Copper products are less common, and glass, wooden or stone baths are exotic.

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

• baths with legs;
• on the podium;
• built into the floor.

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

• oval baths;
• rectangular;
• round;
• curly or polygonal.

Various materials are used for the manufacture of bathtubs, therefore this group is represented by the widest species diversity.

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

Speaking about the classification, one should also recall 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 the material and method of installation

Cast iron products were especially popular in the last century, until the weighty material was 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 the cast-iron baths maintains a comfortable temperature for a long time. In an hour, the water in such a tank cools down by about 5 ° C.

The main advantage of cast iron is its low heat transfer

The next advantages of cast iron are strength and good sound insulation, therefore, during the intake of water, almost no noise is heard. Alloy models are the most affordable in terms of product cost.

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

Due to the laboriousness of the material, which requires special casting and the presence of a form, the range of such products is not abundant. Basically, these are rectangular or oval baths, less often there are round designs. Most often, when creating an interior in a classic style, bowls of this type are used, in particular, a freestanding cast-iron bathtub with legs-feet is installed.

The disadvantages of cast iron products are high weight, problem delivery and installation difficulties.

Useful advice! The coating of cast-iron baths is badly affected by aggressive cleaning agents, therefore, chemical cleaning agents should be chosen carefully, excluding abrasive compounds.

Acrylic freestanding bathtub: a modern option for the bathroom

In the modern market, acrylic bathtubs are the most popular, due to their affordable price, excellent technical characteristics and a variety of model range. Acrylic bathtubs come in various sizes, shapes, colors and styles. The production of such products is not very expensive, since plastic is easily transformed, therefore, highly qualified specialists and the presence of expensive equipment are not required. Even small companies specialize in their manufacture.

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Typically, acrylic models are easy to set up thanks to a foldable design that includes a bowl, pedestal and screen. Low weight, ranging from 20 kg, is another advantage of acrylic bathtubs, which makes them easy to install. During operation, the flooring does not suffer from excessive stress.

Light weight, fluctuating within 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 plastic, therefore, when installing the structure, it is required to ensure an even distribution of the load. In addition, there may be problems with the installation of the mixer on board. The light weight can cause the freestanding acrylic claw-foot tub to tip over if leaned against when 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 low 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 primarily of enamelled steel.

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

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

Steel bathtubs are mostly already equipped with the parts necessary for comfortable use, which may include a hydromassage system, handrails and armrests. As a coating for products, not only classic enamel is used, but also modern polymers.

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. The built-in stone bathtub looks especially exclusive and luxurious.

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

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

Features of freestanding tubs with legs and feet

A pedestal bath 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 user surveys. Eighty percent of the respondents support this type of installation.Among the positive reasons are the following:

• under such a bathroom it is much easier to clean and you can easily get an object rolled under it;
• pedestal bathtubs, decorated with a relief pattern, acquire an antique look;
• such a product fits perfectly into classic interior styles such as baroque, rococo, and modern retro, high-tech or neoclassicism.

The pedestal bathtub is perhaps the oldest type of installation that primarily affects the visual experience.

A special category of such products is made up of foot baths, which were invariable 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 items to create an overall harmonious design.

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

The main disadvantages of a bath with legs and installation nuances

Installing legs under the bathroom 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 noticeable under such bathtubs, which spoils the overall picture of the interior. You can hide them with a 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 bathtub on legs has all the necessary set of functional equipment

Speaking about the shortcomings of such structures, mention should be made of the weak stability of light models, therefore it is better to refuse a free-standing acrylic bathtub with legs. Such products also lose their stability on slippery surfaces.

Most often, acrylic bathtubs have a classic oval shape, so they are not exclusive. Either the legs themselves or accessories can attract attention. The round tub on legs looks original, but it takes up much more space than its oval counterpart.

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

Speaking of the shortcomings, mention should be made of the weak stability of lightweight models, so it is better to refuse a free-standing acrylic bathtub with legs

Useful advice! Round bath screens 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 eaves for an oval bathtub should completely repeat the shape of the bowl and be placed at a height of 1.5 m from the side.

Oval bathtub: the versatile freestanding version

An oval bathtub is the most common option, since it is the golden mean between a traditional rectangular bowl and non-standard fonts. Oval-shaped models are versatile, as they are suitable for installation both in the center of a room, and near a wall or in a corner. The main advantage of such a bath is space saving, 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 mainly depending on the brand and the material of manufacture. Therefore, you can choose the desired option for price and quality from a wide range of models. Nowadays, oval stable cast iron bathtubs are in vogue, especially if the room is decorated in a retro style.Steel models are a more budget option. Such bathtubs outwardly do not lose to products made of expensive materials, but their performance is much worse.

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

The most popular now are freestanding acrylic oval baths. This is due to the fact that this material synthesized a number of positive qualities of natural analogues. It's light as steel, slowly gives off heat like cast iron, and looks beautiful like marble. The main disadvantage of an acrylic oval bathtub is the fragility of operation due to the weak strength of the material and coating.

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

The standard dimensions for oval baths are the same as for rectangular baths. 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 dimensions of the oval baths are the same as those of the rectangle

Freestanding round bathtub: a highlight in the interior

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

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

Round acrylic bathtubs are distinguished by a very large assortment of products, which have won the trust of consumers due to the advantages of the material, affordable cost and ease of maintenance. Particularly noteworthy are models made of quartz, which has the advantages of acrylic and is distinguished by a high degree of wear resistance characteristic of quartz.

The circle-shaped bathtub has won the title of the main attribute of an exclusive bathroom interior over the past years.

Useful advice! If a decision is made to install a round bath, then it is necessary 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 hardly suitable for this, unless you perform a major redevelopment.

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

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

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

How to choose a mixer for a freestanding bathtub

An important element in the design of any bath is the mixer, which not only fulfills the obligatory 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 bathtub mixer or column mixer that is perfect for free-standing baths. They can be made in different styles - from classics with exquisite decoration to hi-tech with laconic design. The shower head for 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 the installation involves the supply of water pipes under the floor.
2. On-board mixer, which is installed in the sides of the bathroom. Typically, such devices are installed on products with additional functions, such as hydromassage.
3. A shelf-mounted mixer 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 with an original design look especially beautiful with such mixers. The shower hose in the device is hidden in a special reservoir near the tap and stretched to the required length.
4. The cascade mixer is a subspecies of the mixer built into the shelf, which also has a stylish and original look, is durable and convenient.

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

When choosing a freestanding bathtub, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the room in which it is supposed 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 form to the chosen style. Such structures are characterized by the complexity of installation, so it is better to entrust this work to professionals. Well-chosen accessories and functionality of a free-standing bathtub will help you create an original bathroom design.