Free Standing Bathtubs - Modern Clawfoot Bathtubs may be in  Antique Freestanding Style, but Luxury Abounds with Whirlpool and Jetted Features

When choosing a bathroom design for your home, there are two basic styles regarding the bathtub. Both types of designs, traditional drop in bathtubs and showers and free standing bathtubs, have there own unique look. What is the difference? Drop in bathtubs, such as the common corner bathtubs or convenient walk in bathtubs, require a place where the tub can be "dropped in" or placed against walls. This style of tub limits many home designers, since it keeps the room in a square configuration. Freestanding bathtubs, on the other hand, are in no way surrounded by the walls of the bathroom. As the name implies, they stand on their own. Unlike their drop in counterparts, a free standing tub appears to be a piece of furniture. This makes it possible for a variety of bath area arrangements including the central placement of the bathtub. 

Since a freestanding bathtub requires no surround, it is created as much for design as much as it is for function. Elegant clawfoot bathtubs and pedestal styles are probably the most well known type of the freestanding soaking bathtubs. Another antique style that still remains popular centuries later for a luxurious soak are the freestanding cast iron bathtubs. In addition the elegance and beauty added to your bathroom, free standing bathtubs provide a certain amount of “freedom” in the bathing experience. People who have this type of tub say that it’s easier to lie back and imagine you’re soaking in the healing waters of the ocean when your tub isn’t locked in to anything. But is it possible to buy a modern free standing bathtubs equipped with contemporary luxury bath features? Absolutely. With the beauty that this style of tub brings to the bathroom, it is no wonder that bathtub manufacturers continue to produce vintage looking free standing bathtubs that are deep soaking tubs in addition to having features such as built in showers and whirlpools. 

Contemporary free standing bathtubs come with many feature options in addition to their classic look. Freestanding whirlpool bathtubs are probably the most commonly requested, followed by tubs that also contain freestanding showers. New, modern designs made of acrylic or fiberglass that aren't of old world style are available too. This is a great option if you don't like the look of traditional clawfoot or cast iron bathtubs but still want to consider free standing jetted bathtubs for your bathroom.  

For a bathroom remodel, small free standing bathtubs are a popular choice since they allow you to add style to your bathroom without taking up much space.  Often, when people find that they are limited by wall space, they choose a tub that can sit beautifully on its own, rather than enclosing it with walls. Small free standing jetted bathtubs can be ordered in standard sizes or custom made with versatility to be placed in a corner, against a wall, or in the center of a room.

There are many different manufacturers of this type of bathtub, so you can find everything from clean and modern looks to classic old world when it comes to style. Bathtub manufacturers including Kohler Bathtubs and American Standard make freestanding bathtubs that can be commonly found in the selection offered by local home improvement stores. (Lowes bathtubs section includes many models of Kohler tubs.) Brands such as Duravit, Maax bathtubs, and Waterworks, focus on higher end contemporary styling of luxury whirlpool and spa tubs. American Bath Factory, in contrast, is known to offer discount free standing bathtubs that are beautiful and high quality at great prices.

Ultimately, the choice of bathtub is yours, and it should reflect your style and budget. Look for a bathtub that fits your needs and preferences without breaking your budget. Like their drop in counterparts, many different bathtub materials are used to construct free standing bathtubs, so if a cast iron clawfoot bathtub is not for your taste or wallet, it is possible to find freestanding acrylic or fiberglass tubs equipped with whirlpool features at a much cheaper price.