Choosing the Perfect Bathtub: Freestanding vs. Built-In Styles for a Luxury Bathroom

Selecting the perfect bathtub is one of the most crucial decisions when planning a bathroom remodel. In a custom home, a tub isn’t just a part of the bathroom furniture where you bathe; it’s an addition that comes with style, comfort, and value.

Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, the decision has to be freestanding vs built-in tub. Design intent and function consequence are what separates one from the other, and the ability to see that distinction is what truly sets each decision apart.

A luxury bathtub could help turn your bathroom into a personal sanctuary. But when you consider the range of categories, materials, and installation types, choosing a bathtub for a bathroom remodel can be a bit overwhelming.

In this article, we will discuss all the essential information regarding built-in vs freestanding tubs to help you understand the space, plumbing, and design flexibility regarding both tub types. Having this information can help you choose a bathtub that fits your layout and meets your design style.

Freestanding Bathtubs: The Statement Piece

A freestanding bathtub serves as the focal point for many luxury bathrooms. Unlike built-in options, these tubs stand alone, giving them a sculptural look that adds grace and charm to the space. These tubs are ideal for homeowners who want a spa-like experience at home.

Freestanding tubs are not fixed to a wall, so they provide more layout options and can be placed in the center of the bathroom, near a large window, or positioned at an angle for added interest. This versatility makes them perfect for spacious bathrooms where the tub becomes a focal point.

Most of modern tub designs focus on smooth and clean lines that blend with both modern and classic interiors. Regardless if you prefer minimalism or a more intricate style, there is a freestanding tub to suit your taste. Luxury freestanding tubs from Victoria + Albert, Duravit, and Hydro Systems offer a wide variety in shape, materials, and finishes.

Furthermore, pairing a stylish floor mount faucet with a freestanding tub gives a high-end look. It transforms effortlessly from being a mere bathing area into a sophisticated, striking element that enhances the beauty, invites comfort, and significantly boosts the value of your bathroom.

Built-In Bathtubs: Sleek, Functional, and Space-Saving

For homeowners looking for functionality and an aesthetically pleasing, space-saving design features a built-in bathtub is an excellent option. These tubs are fitted against a wall or within an enclosed frame, making them ideal for compact bathrooms. Flush-mounted bathtubs not only save space but also harmonize with the interior and embellish both modern and classical decors.

Among the built-in styles, the alcove tub design is one of the most prevalent types as it fits well into a three-wall recess. This design caters perfectly to bath-shower combos or in bathrooms where space is a premium. Built-in tubs are also lower in height, which increases ease of access, making them a good option for families or elderly individuals.

Another advantage is the option of adding custom features such as tiled surrounds or integrated towel and toiletries shelves. When considering a bathroom tub with storage, built-in styles provide smart spatial solutions.

For built-in style bathtubs, head over to the Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center to browse through our extensive selection. Our professional staff will gladly assist you in choosing the right model that suits your requirements in design, budget, and lifestyle.

Design Considerations: What Suits Your Space and Lifestyle?

Choosing a specific tub style requires you to pay close attention to your plumbing and how it relates to your daily life. Follow these tips to choose the right tub from the start.

Think About Your Bathroom Layout

Start by considering the bathroom layout with a tub. Freestanding tubs truly shine in spacious areas where they can take the center stage. For smaller and more traditional styled bathrooms, built-in tubs are better as they utilize wall space and fit into the smaller areas.

Check Plumbing and Floorplan Limits

Look into your plumbing layout. Freestanding tubs may necessitate the repositioning of pipes, increasing complexity as well as cost. Ordinarily, built-in tubs integrate more easily into standard layouts and make use of existing plumbing, which streamlines installation.

Do You Need a Shower Combo

If your space requires a tub-shower combo, a built-in tub is the more functional option. Its design features allow for providing wall-mounted fixtures and even glass doors or curtains that are not easily fitted onto a freestanding tub.

Accessibility and Long-Term Use

Built-in tubs allow for easier access with lower sides, making it better for families and aging homeowners. If the design includes long-term use or mobility concerns, built-in is the safer choice.

Match the Tub to Your Style

Your design preferences also matter. For a spa-like modern touch, freestanding tubs stand out. Built-in tubs are better if you prefer traditional or transitional styles, as they have a timeless integrated look.

Use these bathtub design tips to decide how to choose a bathtub that aligns with your style and lifestyle needs.

The Importance of Faucet Pairing and Plumbing Fixtures

Pairing the right faucet for a luxury bathroom is as important as picking the bathtub. The ideal combination achieves aesthetic balance and smooth functioning. With the variety of bathtub faucet styles, the design must align with the type of tub, your bathroom layout, as well as your interior design style.

For freestanding tubs, a freestanding tub filler is the most common choice. Not only stylish, but these tall floor-mounted faucets also add visual impact and become part of the overall design. More importantly, they provide the requisite reach and height to fill larger tubs effortlessly.

With built-in tubs, there is more flexibility with faucet placement. You may opt for a deck-mounted style that sits on the tub’s edge or a wall-mounted faucet that keeps surfaces free of clutter. Both options satisfy differing design approaches and space requirements.

Your tub hardware selection should be paired with the other fixtures in the bathroom. Maintaining the same finish, whether it is brushed nickel, matte black, or polished chrome, aids in achieving a balanced and refined appearance. For proper functionality, make sure to pay attention to the water flow rate and valve placement.

To ensure both quality and style, look at top brands like GRAFF, Dornbracht, Axor, and Newport Brass. Their products are built to last and designed to enhance the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.

Materials and Surface Finishes That Matter

When choosing a bathtub, looks are not the only factor to consider. The material determines comfort, maintenance, and how well the tub performs over time. This bathtub materials comparison help you quickly choose and find what best fits your requirements.

Acrylic

• Lightweight and affordable
• Easy to install and clean
• Available in many shapes
• Loses heat faster than heavier materials

Cast Iron

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Excellent heat retention for long baths
• Very heavy, may need reinforced flooring
• Timeless appearance

Stone Resin (Solid Surface)

• Luxurious and modern
• Good insulation and smooth surface
• Heavier than acrylic, lighter than cast iron
• More design flexibility

Enamel Steel

• Sleek and durable
• Lighter than cast iron
• Moderate heat retention
• Resistant to impact and scratches

The surface finish highly contributes to style. A matte tub finish offers a soft, modern look while gloss and textured finishes are more traditional and eye-catching. Whether you’re deciding between a high-end acrylic vs cast iron tub, choose one that harmonizes with your bathroom’s design and your lifestyle needs.

Experience the Difference in Person at a Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

Shopping online is a great way to get ideas, but nothing compares to seeing and feeling a bathtub in person. At Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, visiting a luxury bathtub showroom in Los Angeles lets you truly experience the quality, style, and comfort each tub has to offer.

In our showrooms, you can explore both freestanding and built-in tubs as they would appear in real spaces, complete with full hardware, lighting, and tile backdrops. This helps you picture exactly how your finished bathroom might look. You can also touch the materials, compare finishes like matte or gloss, and get a real feel for what suits your home best.

Even better, our knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re remodeling or building new, our experts can help you make informed decisions based on layout, plumbing needs, and personal style.

With six convenient bathroom fixtures showroom locations in Studio City, Calabasas, Santa Clarita, Costa Mesa, Torrance, and Mission Viejo, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center makes it easy to find your perfect tub in person. Stop by and experience the details that make the difference, because the right bathtub starts with seeing it for yourself.

The Takeaway

From the statement-making drape of a freestanding tub to the space-saving definition of built-in, the style you choose is key to how your bathroom looks and performs. An appropriately chosen tub provides comfort, aesthetic appeal, and long-term value, particularly in high-end Los Angeles homes.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center can assist you with finding best bathtubs in Los Angeles that work with the most desirable brands ideal for your design and practical needs. We simplify it for you to bring your ideas to life with expert advice and a huge range of products.

If you’re planning a luxury bathroom design in LA, visiting one of our six Southern California showrooms is the perfect next step. Check out live displays, compare finishes, and get one-on-one assistance from our knowledgeable staff. From single bathtub upgrades to full remodels, discover the entire line of high-end tubs available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.