How to Style a Freestanding Bathtub

So you’ve decided on a freestanding bathtub. Great choice! Freestanding tubs are exceptionally striking and usually serve as a design centerpiece or focal point in the bathroom, so go ahead and enjoy the view.

Just don’t neglect the rest of the bathroom!

Having a freestanding tub doesn’t give you a free pass on decorating around it. In fact, the proper styling will give your tub even more visual impact and unite the entire bathroom.

Here’s how:

Bling it

No, don’t go bedazzling your bathtub (unless that’s your thing) – choose your tub faucet carefully. Depending on the proximity of your tub to the wall, you can install one of several different faucet styles:

• Freestanding (floor mount), also commonly known as a tub filler: for a tub that’s too far from the wall and not equipped with faucet holes in the deck, choose a freestanding faucet (bonus: it’s striking on its own, too!). Be sure that your plumbing can accommodate it.
• Wall mount: if your tub is close enough to the wall, find a gorgeous wall-mount tub filler (a waterfall faucet will give your tub an ultra-spa-like feel). Measure the distance between your installed tub (including the deck or lip) and the wall to ensure that the faucet projects far enough to fill the tub without dripping on the floor or gathering on the rim of the tub.
• Deck mount: these faucets are designed to fit onto tubs with pre-drilled holes in the rim or deck. Check that the faucet you’ve fallen in love with will fit into those holes!

The general rule for tub faucets on a freestanding bath is keep it simple. You want the tub to shine – pair it with a beautiful but not overwhelming faucet to complement the tub without overwhelming it.

Behind it

Call attention to your tub (as if it didn’t command enough attention on its own!) by creating a striking backdrop

• Strategically-placed windows will shine a natural spotlight on your tub and highlight it in all its beauty (plus, it’ll give you a great view whenever you take a bath!) – to preserve your privacy, try switchable glass that frosts over with the flip of a switch.
• A dramatic statement wall in a contrasting color to your tub will allow it to stand out starkly (and give you another awesome design opportunity).
• A well-chosen piece of wall art will accomplish a similar effect as the statement wall, with the added benefit of the potential to swap it out at will (use caution: always choose pieces that are moisture-resistant for the bathroom).

Beside it

One of the drawbacks of a freestanding tub is the limited deck space (read: less space to put all that stuff that you want to use in the tub). Adding a few carefully chosen accessories next to the tub ups the style factor and the convenience factor.

• A rug serves dual purposes: it keeps your feet warm and cozy (and helps stop you from slipping) and gives the area surrounding your tub a bit of personality. Choose a contrasting but complementary color so it stands out – but not too much.
• Like wall art, a freestanding sculpture adds elegance and mystique to your tub; find a piece with curves that set off your tub shape.
• An ottoman or side table can be simultaneously stylish and practical: pick a sleek one that doesn’t overpower the tub and use it to store your various bath products.
• Add a plant for a dash of nature and beauty in its purest form.

Always keep the area around the tub as clear and uncluttered as possible to allow its beauty to take center stage.

On it

It may not have a significant deck, but your freestanding tub can still hold your stuff when you need it – and look fabulous doing it.

• A caddy keeps all of your various “stuff” – bath bombs, shampoo, washcloths, extra soap – corralled neatly in one handy spot; while many caddies are designed to be stashed away, some are beautiful enough to keep on display.
• Balance a tray across the rim of your tub (many freestanding tubs have trays that fit perfectly) to hold your assorted bath needs and keep your book dry!

Above it

Don’t forget your “fifth wall” – the ceiling has plenty of design potential, too, especially over a freestanding tub.

• If you plan to hang a shower curtain (to retain heat in while you bathe), look for a cool or unusual ceiling-mounted curtain rod to keep things interesting.
• Chandeliers in the bathroom? Yes, please! An eye-catching light fixture over your freestanding tub adds sophistication and visual appeal without detracting from the appearance of the tub.