A freestanding tub can serve as the centerpiece of a bathroom, bringing elegance, luxury, and a spa-like feel to your space. But when it comes time to decorate it can be tricky to work out how to decorate around a freestanding tub to create that stylish bathroom you want.
Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist look or a more luxury and opulent feel, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between how you use your bathroom and the design. We’re looking at creative, practical, and stylish ideas on how to decorate around a freestanding tub in this article. We’ll be looking at how you can decorate the following areas around your freestanding tub:
- Flooring
- Bath Mats and Rugs
- Shelving
- Indoor Plants
- Create an Accent Wall Behind the Tub
- Small decorations
Why Freestanding Tubs Are a Popular Choice
Freestanding tubs make a statement. They bring a touch of luxury to any bathroom and instantly become the centerpiece. Freestanding tubs bring personal care and the need to make time for yourself a key part your every day life. Acting as a gentle reminder every time you walk in your bathroom.
Freestanding tubs can fit any design or trend, from the minimalist aesthetic to the vintage modern look. Freestanding tubs almost beckon you in if you get the decoration right around them, offering the chance for pure relaxation and escapism.
Flooring
If you have or are installing a freestanding tub, choosing the right flooring can make a big difference to the overall feel and look of your bathroom when decorating. Given some freestanding tubs have legs that show more of the flooring, it is an important consideration. Remember to consider moisture from your tub when choosing the right flooring.
Your flooring should fit with your freestanding tub, complementing the style you have gone for. The following flooring styles will help you create different looks.
Stone or Marble Flooring
If you are looking to create a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom consider stone or marble floors. These materials exude elegance and can beautifully frame your tub. Working well with the seamless sides of a modern and sleek freestanding tub, while also adding a modern twist to a vintage style tub with silver legs and vintage taps.
Wood or Wood-look Tiles
If you want a more rustic or natural feel, wooden floors or wood-look tiles create a warm contrast against the sleek lines of a freestanding tub. Opting for this style flooring helps you to provide the basis for a design where you may opt to decorate to bring the outdoors indoors in your bathroom. Wooden style floors work well when your freestanding tub is near a window offering a source of natural light to really get the outdoor/indoor feel.
Patterned Tiles
Patterned floor tiles in a bathroom makes a bold statement. If you are looking for Mediterranean, vintage, or even boho styling this is something to consider. Tiles add personality and charm to your bathroom floor and work well with plain neutral walls and a freestanding tub with simple lines.
Bath Mats and Rugs
Adding a bath mat to the side of your freestanding tub is a design choice that focuses on both practicality and comfort. Most people have bath mats, but some people choose to steer clear of having them out as a part of their décor in order to create a more minimalist look. A carefully chosen bath mat can however add texture and luxury to the area around your freestanding tub.
Neutral, Plush Bath Mats
A luxury plush feeling 100% cotton bathmat that you can sink your feet into helps to maintain a mindful experience that having a freestanding tub can bring. Choosing a neutral color keeps the focus on the tub, while the plushness of it enhances your experience.
Vintage Rugs
If you want to add character and warmth, a vintage rug that’s water-resistant or easy to clean is a nice touch. Best used on a plain floor this kind of rig can help to create a bathroom décor that feels like stepping back in time.
Textured or Patterned Mats
Introducing a pop of color or texture with your bath mat can inject some personality and act as a visual anchor in your bathroom. Creating boho bathroom vibes, a textured or patterned matt works well with artwork, a stool, and some plants when framing your freestanding tub.
Shelving
One of the challenges of decorating around a freestanding tub is storage. You need a place for towels, toiletries, and other essentials, but you don’t want to clutter the space. Here are a few solutions:
Freestanding Shelves
These are perfect if you have extra space around the tub to walk around. You can use freestanding shelves to store towels, candles, and decorative items. Choose a unit that is moisture resistant and in a color that matches your decoration. White to match your bath for a clean look, or even black to add depth if you have a black and white theme in your bathroom.
Wall-Mounted Shelves
If you’re short on floor space, or prefer to keep your floor clear, wall-mounted shelves can look smart without drawing the eyeline away from your freestanding tub. Position them near the tub to keep your bath essentials within easy reach. Putting them behind where you usually rest your head is also a good idea, as items on the shelf in your eyeline can be annoying when you want to clear your head and destress.
Ladder Shelves
A trendy and functional option, ladder shelves can lean against the wall near your tub, providing easy access to towels, while maintaining a stylish appearance. These are great additions if you are looking to create the luxury spa or Scandinavian look in your bathroom.
Indoor Plants
Plants are perfect in the bathroom, particularly if you happen to like any of the tall indoor plants that like humid environments. Adding that touch of greenery helps to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere that helps you to connect with nature.
Adding indoor plants around your freestanding tub not only enhances the aesthetics but also creates a serene, natural environment. Here are some plant ideas if you are wondering how to decorate with plants around a freestanding tub.
Hanging Plants
If you have limited floor space, hanging plants can create a lush, calming atmosphere without taking up valuable floor space. Choose plants with long flowing leaves that thrive in humid environments. Spider plants do well in bathrooms and their leaves move in the air contributing to that relaxing feel.
Potted Plants
Place a large potted plant, like a fiddle leaf fig or monstera, near your tub for a bold, organic statement. Perfect to add depth and personality especially when placed next to a ladder shelf.
Succulents and Small Plants
For a subtle touch of greenery, place smaller plants, such as succulents like aloe veras, on nearby shelves or windowsills.
Create an Accent Wall Behind the Tub
If you’re looking for a way to make your freestanding tub stand out even more, consider creating an accent wall behind it. You can do this in several ways to really showcase your own personal style and expression, making your bathroom a real retreat.
Tile or Mosaic Wall
Install a floor-to-ceiling tile wall with a bold color or pattern behind the tub. This creates an instant focal point and adds texture. Just be sure not to go crazy with the surrounding décor if you go for this option otherwise you lose the visual impact.
Painted Feature Wall
A fresh coat of paint in a contrasting color can also highlight your tub and add depth to the space. Darker shades like navy or charcoal can create a dramatic effect, while lighter hues like blush or sage add softness to the space.
Small decorations
Finally, don’t overlook the power of small decorative accessories when designing around a freestanding tub. The right décor can enhance the overall vibe without overwhelming the space.
It’s also a way to decorate around your freestanding tub for a quick budget friendly refresh without going all out and redecorating all or large parts of your bathroom. You can also swap small bathroom decorations out with the change of the seasons should you want to add seasonally decorate around your freestanding tub.
Candles
Arrange candles around the tub to create a calming, spa-like atmosphere. Choose scented candles for an added layer of relaxation and consider going for a seasonal scent to truly bring the outdoors indoors.
Bath Caddies
A wooden or metal bath caddy can hold essentials like books, a glass of wine, or bath salts, adding both function and style to your freestanding tub.
Stools
If you don’t like the idea of having something across your freestanding tub, consider placing a stool nearby. It is handy for put your towels on as a decorative feature but also serves a similar purpose as a caddy when you are in the tub. It has the added bonus of more flexible movement too.
Art
Hang a piece of artwork on the wall near the tub. Make sure it’s moisture-resistant or framed with protective glass to prevent damage. If it’s a piece you love it will help you escape somewhere or remind you of fond memories.
Final Thoughts on Decorating Around a Freestanding Tub
Decorating around a freestanding tub requires finding that perfect blend of creativity and functionality. Whatever decoration you choose to add around your freestanding tub, you can turn your bathroom into a sanctuary of relaxation and style.
FAQS
How do I prevent water from splashing all over the bathroom with a freestanding tub?
To control water splashes around a freestanding tub, you can install a stylish, freestanding bathtub screen or opt for a freestanding shower fixture with a shower curtain or glass enclosure. Ensure the floor surrounding the tub is waterproof to handle any excess moisture.
Can I place a freestanding tub anywhere in my bathroom?
While freestanding tubs offer flexibility, they should ideally be placed near a water source and drain. Ensure there’s enough space around the tub for easy cleaning, access to plumbing, and safety when entering and exiting the tub. Central placement is common for a dramatic look, but corners or alcoves work well in smaller bathrooms.
