The 20 Statement Bathtub Ideas for a Stunning Retreat

Elevate your bathroom with a spa-inspired makeover featuring a statement bathtub.

Black Claw-Foot Bathtub

STACEY BRANDFORD

A claw-foot bathtub is the epitome of grandeur and elegance. What gives this freestanding tub its signature look is the heavy cast iron construction, roll-top design, curved shape, and ornately decorated legs.

Sunken Marble Bathtub

JULIE SOEFER

Give your bathroom a luxurious spa-inspired makeover with a sunken bathtub. It features a built-in design, sits lower to the ground, sometimes includes a step or two, and has a wide surround where you can store bath toiletries and display decorative accents.

Contemporary Rectangular Bathtub

JOYELLE WEST

For a contemporary design statement, opt for a freestanding rectangular bathtub. This acrylic tub features clean lines and luxurious polished chrome hardware, and it stands out against charcoal gray walls and juxtaposes a vintage rug and rustic wood accents.

Natural Stone Bathtub

EDMUND BARR

Create contrast and go with a dark natural stone bathtub for an unexpected design moment. Take inspiration from this neutral-toned bathroom and pair it with a stone accent wall, slate floor tile, a wood vanity, and a rattan pendant light for an earthy, nature-inspired aesthetic.

Freestanding Oval Bathtub

JESSICAL GLYNN KLEWICKI

An oval bathtub is one of the most popular types of freestanding tubs. It features clean lines and doesn't have legs, steps, or a pedestal, making it a great choice if you're designing a contemporary bathroom.

Decorative Bathtub Paneling

DANE TASHIMA

Customize a built-in bathtub with a decorative front panel. In this modern bathroom, the dark paneling adds contrast and a contemporary edge to white shiplap walls and marble details. It also ties in the darker elements in the bathroom such as the statement piece of art above the tub and the walk-in shower.

Freestanding Copper Bathtub

EDMUND BARR

Make a stunning statement with a freestanding copper bathtub. There is a centuries-long tradition of bathtubs being constructed with this warm-toned metal, and in addition to lending a luxurious feel to your bathroom, a copper bathtub is also a practical choice because it retains heat well, it's highly durable, and only looks better with age.

Bold Black Bathtub

DAVID LAND

Add a modern look to your bathroom with a freestanding black bathtub. The dark exterior turns it into a natural focal point and it pairs well with a variety of metals when it comes to hardware.

Window Nook Bathtub

VICTORIA PEARSON

Highlight a statement bathtub by placing it in a light-filled window nook. Here, the nook's lovely architectural details echo the classic design elements of the claw-foot tub and a pair of candle-style wall sconces emphasizes the traditional aesthetic. A woven bamboo window shade warms up the nook and adds privacy while allowing some light to filter in.

Built-In Bathtub Storage

WERNER STRAUBE

This sophisticated bathroom merges style and function with a built-in bathtub and storage shelves. The symmetrical design, statement wallpaper, and beautiful pendant light accentuate the central position of the marble-tiled bathtub. The shelves visually frame the tub while providing valuable bathroom storage.

Bathtub Accent Wall

JOHN BESSLER

Turn a bathtub into the room's focal point with an accent wall such as this one created with wood planks that extend from floor to ceiling. The bathtub's clean lines stand out against the warm tone and rustic nature of the wood, and a marble penny tile on the floor and light gray paint color on the walls set a calming backdrop. A black window frame creates contrast while maintaining the bathroom's calm and soothing neutral color scheme.

Walk-In Shower with Bathtub

ANN VANDERWIEL WILDE

This breathtaking walk-in shower is as beautiful as it is practical—a freestanding tub and shower heads on the walls and ceiling provide versatility, and a unique arched ceiling elevates the whole space. Brass hardware on the tub and shower fixtures creates visual continuity, adds character, and infuses the nook with old-world charm.

White Bathtub with Graphic Tile

JAY WILDE

Juxtapose the simplicity of a white acrylic bateau bathtub with a graphic floor tile. This medallion-style black and white tile draws the eye, brings a decorative element to the monochrome bathroom, and serves as a visual pedestal for the beautiful freestanding bathtub.

Symmetrical Bathtub Design

JOHN GRANEN

Create a symmetrical bathroom layout centered around a freestanding bathtub to maximize its design impact. Take inspiration from this modern rustic bathroom where an oversized window, two identical wood vanities, and a sputnik-style chandelier form a visually layered backdrop for a simple and streamlined white acrylic bathtub.

Statement Light Fixture

CHAD R. MELLON

There are many ways to turn a bathtub into a focal point: Place it in a central location within the bathroom, highlight it with a stunning accent wall, or hang a statement light fixture. Here, an oversized lantern-style black pendant light accentuates the bathtub and matches its color, while emphasizing the grand ceiling height. Keep in mind hanging a light fixture above a bathtub can be a safety hazard, so it's best not to hang one directly above the tub.

Corner Bathtub Design

JOHN GRANEN

Switch things up and position a freestanding bathtub on an angle in the corner of the bathroom. Define the area with a unique floor tile arrangement and a statement-making chandelier. Add height to the corner with a potted tree and keep essentials such as towels and bath products on a small stool by the bathtub.

Cottage-Style Bathtub

JULIE SOEFER

Since a freestanding bathtub doesn't offer any storage room to organize daily essentials, use a sturdy caddy instead. Bathtub caddies are available in a variety of materials and designs and sit over a tub to provide a practical and decorative surface. It's also a simple way to introduce a new material—such as these rustic wood planks—and add an extra decorative layer to a bathroom.

Cozy Bathtub Nook

KIM CORNELISON

Highlight a gorgeous freestanding bathtub by positioning it in its own little nook. Here, a clean-lined oval bathtub sits in a charming alcove and its solid white surface is juxtaposed with a shimmering mosaic-like gold tile on the wall and a bold geometric floor tile on the floor.

White Bateau Bathtub

ADAM ALBRIGHT

A bateau bathtub possesses a timeless sophistication that will instantly elevate your bathroom. It features an elegant silhouette, sits on top of a pedestal that gives it a formal look, and is very comfortable to soak in given its rounded design.

Bathtub With Brass Accents

ADAM ALBRIGHT

Complement an elegant claw-foot bathtub with shiny brass accents for a space that exudes classic sophistication. In this blue and white bathroom, polished brass tub legs, hardware, small stool, and statement chandelier pop against a jewel-toned sapphire wall color that enhances the room's luxurious aesthetic.