The Most Comfortable Freestanding Bathtub Shapes in 2024

Many people find that freestanding bathtubs are some of the most comfortable bathtubs on the market. There’s no competition for a deep and wide tub that offers a comfortable recline and allows you to bathe up to your shoulders in long-lasting warm water. Being comfortable in the bathtub is absolutely crucial, especially if you use it to relax at the end of a long day.

Fortunately, the variety of freestanding tub shapes helps you choose the one that suits your needs best. Let’s look at the shapes and what they can do for your comfort.

Reasons to Choose a Freestanding Bathtub

There are more than a few reasons to choose a freestanding bathtub. Here are some of the biggest benefits:

• They look elegant. They are so attractive that they easily become a focal point of any bathroom.
• They make the bathroom look larger. A freestanding tub changes the line of sight, which means that the room looks longer and wider than it would with any other type of tub.
• They are comfortable. A tub that is deep, long, and wide, with an excellent angle of recline, can be incredibly comfortable for a long soak.
• Designs, shapes, and sizes are limitless. You can find a freestanding tub that suits any design option you want, as well as custom models that go beyond the typical sizes and shapes.
• Mobility. You aren’t locked into the original placement of the tub. If you choose to change it up in a few years (or a few months!), you can.

Most Comfortable Freestanding Bathtub Shapes

Making comfort a priority should be part of turning your bathroom into an oasis with a freestanding tub. To that end, consider what is comfortable for you. Do you prefer to stretch out? Do you like a long soak sitting upright? Let’s explore the options.

Oval Bathtub

The clean lines of this traditional shape bring a certain elegance to any bathroom, but it also serves as a very comfortable place to soak. In fact, many experts believe the oval shape is the most comfortable, as it provides support for the back and shoulders as well as a place to rest your head, assuming the rim is rolled and just thick enough.

The oval shape is also on the smaller side, which makes it a much more widely used option for those who want a freestanding tub but don’t have as much floor space as they might like. Due to the smaller size, installation and cleaning are likely going to be much easier for this one.

Alcove Bathtub

This isn’t a freestanding tub, but most of us are quite familiar with it, so the alcove tub serves as a touchstone to understand the comfort that a freestanding tub can provide. Most alcove tubs have little to no lumbar support, which means you need a bath pillow or neck roll to position your body comfortably.

They also don’t allow for a deep soak, as most alcove tubs tend to be rather shallow. Finally, remember that alcove tubs lose heat much faster than freestanding tubs, so the water will cool well before you’re ready to climb out.

Corner Bathtub

Corner bathtubs are unique shapes that ease into the corner of your bathroom, tucking out of the way at an interesting angle. Most of these have three sides, which can mean that you have a variety of ways to settle into the tub. The lumbar support might not be as good as the oval option or even the slipper, but that depends on how big the tub is. A smaller corner tub won’t be nearly as comfortable as a larger one.

Cleaning this might be a challenge since reaching into the back of the tub might require a lot of leaning—or you might need to get into the tub itself to clean the side closest to the wall and plumbing.

Round Bathtub

Round bathtubs are ideal for those who prefer to sit up and bathe. If you prefer to lie back, this isn’t the right bathtub for you. Those who prefer to sit up in the tub and be soaked to the shoulders at the same time will discover that a round and tall tub is an ideal option. Round tubs tend to be a bit smaller, so they fit well in small bathrooms but can work just fine in the largest ones.

Cleaning a smaller tub like this is easier than cleaning the larger ones, such as the double slipper. Installation might also be easier since it carries such a small footprint. The reinforcement for the floor might also take up less space, meaning more money saved.

Square Shape Bathtub

This unique bathtub shape is certainly striking and makes a strong design statement, but it’s not necessarily the best for comfort. It works well for those who like to sit up, but when it comes to lumbar support, this one might be lacking a bit. Make sure that you enjoy a bath sitting up, and don’t intend to spend much time in this one if you’re worried about keeping your spine happy.

However, this bathtub’s four sloping sides make it easy to clean. Installation is also easier in corners and small nooks, as the square shape fits that space and aesthetic. When it comes to safety, this bathtub shines, as you can always get a firm grip on one of the sides of the tub to help lift yourself from it.

Hourglass Shape Bathtub

This unique shape offers room for armrests in most models, which provides bonus relaxation for those who want to soak in the tub for a while after a long day. The tub is wider on each end and slimmer in the middle, much like looking at an hourglass turned on its side. Some find that the curves of this shape are very easy on the hips, back, shoulders, and neck.

An hourglass shape is unique enough that cleaning it could be a challenge. The price might be higher as well since this isn’t the typical freestanding tub! As with the square shape, the hourglass shape brings the potential for even more places to grip as you step out of the tub, and grab bars on this one can actually be a very welcome design element.

Slipper Bathtub

This bathtub comes in two types: a single slipper and a double slipper. The single slipper has one side that is higher than the other, sloping down into a flat edge at the other end. The double slipper has both sides of equal or similar height and is a much longer tub built for two.

It’s comfortable because the slipper slope is designed with lumbar support in mind, helping ensure that you can rest comfortably in the tub and feel as though you are floating in the water.

Remember that slipper bathtubs can be some of the largest ones on the market, especially if you choose the elegant double slipper. Your bathroom must be able to accommodate the size.

Pros and Cons of Freestanding Bathtub Shapes

Each bathtub shape has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break it down:

Crucial Factors to Consider

When selecting a freestanding bathtub, take into account a variety of issues, including the size of the tub, the material, and the overall design. These other factors might come into play as well.

●      Price. Freestanding tubs tend to be a bit pricier than their alcove competition.

●      Weight. Freestanding tubs weigh more than most alcove tubs, so they might need a reinforced floor.

●      Installation. Installation might include plumbing work to run the lines to your unique tub placement.

●      Design versatility. From deep soaking tubs to long tubs that allow you to stretch out all the way, freestanding tubs offer a wide variety of styles and designs.

●      Placement. These tubs aren’t limited to alcoves; they can be positioned anywhere in your bathroom.

●      Storage. Though some freestanding tubs are designed to allow for storage underneath them, others will require the use of a rolling cart or a bathtub caddy.

●      Accessibility. You can add all sorts of safety features to your tub, including elegant curved grab bars, textured bottoms, and slip-proof rims to help you hold on as you step out.

●      Heat retention. Freestanding tubs, especially those made of cast iron and stone resin, will retain heat much longer than lower-end materials.

Freestanding Bathtub Measurements

To figure out where to place your freestanding tub, break out the tape measure! The tub can go almost anywhere in your bathroom, so start measuring in all sorts of directions.

You will also need to know the length, width, and height of the freestanding tub you want. The typical length ranges from a tiny 48 inches to a luxurious 72 inches. Tubs are usually 30 inches wide but can be wider or smaller with customizations. How tall a bathtub is depends upon the style; for instance, a rectangular tub is lower because it allows you to stretch out, but a round tub is higher because it allows for a deeper soak.

You should also look at the slope of the tub, the lumbar support it provides, and the ways to rest your neck and shoulders. Which one seems most comfortable for your body type?

Here are the typical sizes of freestanding tubs, but remember, these can change depending on customization.

Choosing the Best Freestanding Bathtub Shape For Your Bathroom

Trying to figure out the most comfortable freestanding tub for your needs can be tough. There are so many options! The good news is that you now know what to consider when finding the tub that fits your body and style. Badeloft would love to be a part of your journey of discovering the best tub for your bathroom oasis. Take a look at what we offer!  

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.