Transform Your Bathroom: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between Freestanding and Built-in Bathtubs
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, few decisions carry as much weight as selecting the perfect bathtub. The choice between freestanding and built-in bathtubs goes far beyond aesthetics—it impacts your daily routine, space utilization, budget, and long-term satisfaction with your bathroom sanctuary. Both types of tubs have pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in terms of style, functionality, and budget.
Understanding the Key Differences
A freestanding bathtub is just like it sounds – it stands on its own without being attached or connected to any walls or surfaces in the bathroom. On the other hand, a built-in bathtub is installed directly into the wall or floor of the bathroom and can’t be moved once it’s put in place. This fundamental difference in installation creates a cascade of considerations that affect everything from your bathroom’s visual appeal to its functionality.
The Freestanding Advantage: Making a Statement
Freestanding bathtubs have surged in popularity, particularly as bathtub trends 2025 highlight the popularity of deep soaking tubs and elegant freestanding bathtubs that not only offer a relaxing bathing experience but also serve as stylish focal points in modern bathroom design.
Design Flexibility and Visual Impact: Freestanding bathtubs allow you to use your space more creatively. While built-in tubs may need two or more walls for their installation, with freestanding tubs, anything goes! Freestanding bathtubs are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal. They make a statement and can serve as the centerpiece of your bathroom.
Installation Simplicity: Compared to a built-in tub, a freestanding tub is painless to install. Instead of a decorator and a contractor, you’ll likely just need a plumber. This streamlined installation process can reduce both time and labor costs.
Variety and Customization: Freestanding tubs come in a wide range of styles, from classic clawfoot tubs to sleek modern designs. This versatility means that you can choose a tub that perfectly fits your design aesthetic, whether you’re going for traditional elegance or contemporary minimalism.
The Practical Choice: Built-in Bathtubs
Built-in bathtubs remain the practical favorite for many homeowners, offering distinct advantages that make them ideal for specific situations and preferences.
Space Efficiency: Built-in tubs are installed against a wall or in a corner, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. They take up less visual and physical space, which is a key consideration for bathrooms with limited square footage.
Shower Integration: Built-in bathtubs are a practical choice for those who prefer showers but still want the option of a relaxing bath. They are typically enclosed on three sides, making it easier to contain water, especially when showering.
Storage Solutions: The surround of a built-in bathtub can double as a space for storing items. You can easily place toiletries and bath products on the edges, making it a more practical choice for everyday use.
Cost-Effectiveness: In general, built-in bathtubs tend to be more affordable than freestanding options. Installation is often simpler as well, particularly if you’re replacing an existing built-in tub, which can help reduce labor costs.
Weighing the Challenges
Each option comes with its own set of considerations that may influence your decision.
Freestanding Limitations: Freestanding tubs are generally more expensive than built-in tubs, even when installation is considered. This is because they are more complex to build and have more design flourishes. Additionally, freestanding tubs have fewer options in terms of accessible storage than do built-ins. There is simply no ledge or deck on a freestanding tub to put your shampoo or your candles.
Built-in Constraints: While built-in tubs excel in practicality, they offer less design flexibility and may feel more conventional. Alcove tubs must be installed flush against a wall. This can be space-saving for small bathrooms but limits how the rest of the room can be laid out.
Making Your Decision: Key Considerations
When choosing between freestanding and built-in bathtubs, consider these essential factors:
- Bathroom Size: While built-in bathtubs are often preferred for smaller bathrooms due to their space-saving design, freestanding bathtubs can also be used in small spaces. The key is to choose a compact freestanding tub that fits the available space without overwhelming the room.
- Usage Patterns: When you’re planning to take more showers than baths, a built-in works best. It’s possible to set up a shower in a freestanding tub, but to keep water off the floor you have to suspend a shower rod and circle the tub with curtains.
- Budget: Generally, freestanding tubs tend to be more expensive due to their premium design, craftsmanship, and the need for all sides to be finished. However, there are affordable options available for both types, depending on the specific models and materials chosen.
- Long-term Plans: Converting a built-in bathtub to a freestanding one or vice versa can be a complex and costly process. It often involves significant structural modifications, including plumbing reconfigurations, flooring adjustments, and potentially moving or adding support structures.
Professional Guidance Makes the Difference
Navigating the complexities of bathtub selection and bathroom remodeling requires expertise that goes beyond surface-level considerations. Working with an experienced Bathroom Remodeler can help you evaluate your specific needs, space constraints, and design goals to make the optimal choice for your home.
EA Home Design, serving Northern Virginia’s Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, brings decades of expertise to bathroom remodeling projects. Born in 2009 from the vision of Ali Meshksar and Kevin Kamali, EA Home Design combines technical expertise with a trained eye for design. The partners’ 25 years in luxury remodeling built the foundation for a firm that delivers at the highest caliber. Each project receives focused attention from our skilled team, who approach their work with rare dedication and precision.
Current Trends Shaping Bathtub Choices
As we move through 2025, bathroom design trends are emphasizing wellness and personalization. In 2025, bathrooms are not just functional spaces; they are becoming personal sanctuaries where style meets sustainability. The focus is on creating environments that promote relaxation, wellness, and eco-conscious living. This trend supports both freestanding and built-in options, depending on how they’re integrated into your overall design vision.
The Bottom Line
The decision between installing a freestanding bathtub or a built-in tub comes down to the constraints of your space, your budget, and your style preferences. Freestanding tubs make an instant statement but tend to be costlier and higher maintenance. Built-in tubs are the more practical and affordable choice, and can also beautifully follow bathroom design trends.
Whether you’re drawn to the sculptural elegance of a freestanding tub or the practical efficiency of a built-in option, the key is choosing a solution that aligns with your lifestyle, space, and long-term satisfaction. Both freestanding and built-in tubs come in a wide range of dimensions—length, width, and depth—and if you like taking baths you’ll want a tub that fits your body, so it’s a good idea to test-drive tubs in the showroom by actually climbing in and lying down.
Your bathroom should be a space that brings you joy and functionality for years to come. By carefully considering your specific needs and working with experienced professionals, you can create a bathroom that perfectly balances style, comfort, and practicality—regardless of which bathtub style you ultimately choose.