Freestanding bathtubs: varieties, selection recommendations

Separate bathtubs win the hearts of many people. At one time, they seemed an element of luxury, today they are considered key components of a stylish bathroom interior. The material in this article will tell you what they are, what their strengths and weaknesses are. In addition, we will note a number of points on the choice of products, indicating their sizes, materials of manufacture, as well as shapes.

A freestanding bath differs from the classic counterpart in a number of nuances. For example, these are engineering features that are thought of at the stage of creating a design project. Install such a bath near the wall (not close) or in the center of the bathroom. Features a free-standing bathtub access from all sides.

For these models, separate shower stands are installed. The mixer is located on the sides. The installation location is selected taking into account the aesthetic and practical aspects of the layout of the room.

Ideally, the distance from the wall and other objects should be at least half a meter. In this case, it is necessary to adhere to an axial or asymmetric interior composition. Less often, such a bath is installed in a niche, maintaining the required distance.

A feature of these modifications is placement of sewer supply and water supply pipes in the thickness of the floor. Under the free-standing bathtub there is no place for siphon installation and communications. Many models require a pit during installation. Other bowls are demanding on the ability of the floor to withstand heavy weight.

A freestanding bath has several advantages. For instance:

• in most cases, it can be installed anywhere in the bathroom, installation is possible both in a city apartment and in a private house;
• it gives the interior of the bathroom a European chic, increases its status;
• the product is variable in size, due to which you can choose the option for a room of any size;
• models differ in a variety of forms, which is good for arranging bathrooms with a different perspective;
• a freestanding bowl visually increases the boundaries of the room, brings space to it;
• in it you can relax, lie down, it is suitable for people of different ages and complexions;
• the product allows a different type of installation: if you do not like the design with supports, build a podium.

A big advantage is the supply of models with different functionality. In addition to swimming, they are suitable for therapeutic baths and spa treatments. In modifications, headrests and footrests are often provided.

Depending on the type of product, the key option for the buyer may be:

• hydromassage, provided by the pressure of water supplied through jets;
• air massage - an option of a similar type, in which air flow is supplied through the side nozzles;
• lumbar massage - The option of soft water massage, provided by microjets and less water pressure;
• ozonation or disinfection and saturation of water with small air bubbles;
• drying, necessary to prevent the appearance of harmful microorganisms;
• disinfection, which is the prevention of contamination and working through nozzles;
• lighting to create a special atmosphere for relaxation.

Besides, a set of options may include waterproof control panels.

However, along with the advantages of freestanding bathtubs, there are several disadvantages. For example, in addition to weight, this is a high cost of purchase and transportation. The nuance that install models in large rooms. In a small room for installation there is often not enough space.

The installation price is also different: it is significantly higher than the installation of conventional analogues. Installation should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist, which also increases the total cost of repairs. Due to the heavy weight, it is undesirable to buy these modifications in the apartments of old houses with wooden floors.

The disadvantage of leg models is the high risk of tipping over. Difficulties arise with the maintenance of engineering systems. Such cups are difficult to insulate, and surfaces that are open on all sides give off more heat. From this, the water cools much faster, you have to turn on the hot again. And this already leads to an increase in the amount of water.

It is possible that the bowl will shift during the operation of lightweight models. This can damage the tightness in the area of ​​the sewer and water pipe connections and lead to leaks. Some users are confident that for ease of use, freestanding baths are inferior to conventional wall-mounted counterparts.

Installation of a free-standing bath is thought out in such a way so that access to communications is available from behind. This is what makes them difficult to install in small rooms. Installation of fonts is quite laborious, because in addition to preparatory work, stands have to be built in the thickness of the floor. Without them, it is impossible to get to communications and conduct them.

Sometimes before installation it is necessary to level the floor due to small supports. If you do not plan to install the bath on the legs, feet, it is built into the floor. Besides, for installation, podiums are often built in which the failed communications are hidden.

However, this design is inferior in aesthetic characteristics to fonts on beautiful supports. Built-in bathtubs and catwalk modifications seem more massive.And if fonts on paws are used in pompous stylistic interiors (for example, baroque, classics), then these options are good for embodying modern interior design.

Most often, baths are installed as close to pipe routing as possible. Communications can be made behind a decorative screen. The floor must be stone or tiled.

Today, freestanding bathtubs are made from various raw materials. In production use cast iron, steel, artificial and natural stone (for example, marble), as well as acrylic and even glass. Each type of material has its own characteristics, which is reflected in the quality and operational characteristics of the products.

For instance, cast iron bathtubs are the heaviest; their design can be both ancient and modern. They are bought for the implementation of trendy solutions, because they are durable and affordable in terms of cost. However, they weigh a lot, they are difficult to deliver to the installation site and install.

Acrylic analogues are notable for their affordable price, high technical characteristics, and richness of the model range. They are variable in terms of size, color, and design, have a pedestal and a screen. They weigh less than cast iron counterparts, the service life is designed for no more than 10-15 years. It is on these baths that one cannot lean with the whole body on the one hand.

Steel models weigh more acrylic but less cast iron. They are acceptable in price, they have an optimal service life (with proper care they can last about 25 years). They are covered not only with enamel, but also with polymers. The disadvantages of such bowls are high thermal conductivity, low sound insulation, and weight.

Artificial stone bathtubs are strong and durable. They occupy a key place in the interior of bathrooms, becoming design accents. However, they have to be selected more carefully than other options. The disadvantage of such products is a rather high cost.

Quaril analogues made from a mixture of acrylic and quartz sand. They are stronger and more durable acrylic modifications. Marble are characterized by high strength characteristics. and aesthetic appeal. As for the models of glass, wood and copper, today they are a rarity. Buy these bowls for arranging bathrooms in private and country houses. The price for them is high, they are usually stylized antique.

The characteristics of freestanding bathtubs are different, depending on the model of the bowl may be oval, rectangular, round, curly and even polygonal. In addition, they can be symmetric and asymmetric, regular and angular. A variety of choices allows you to choose the option taking into account the placement in the bathroom of different sizes.

The shape can be not only habitual streamlined, but also similar to cup, baby bath, trapeze, flowerpot. On sale you can find models with a high headboard, boat options, asymmetric fonts with forging elements, and egg-shaped varieties. Creative solutions are the shape of a ladies shoe or a cruise ship.

The sizes are variable: in the assortment of stores you can find models with parameters 150x70, 160x60, 130x70, 170x75, 180x80 cm. The size of the bath depends on its shape. For example, in oval and rectangular varieties, the dimensions can be 118, 154, 170 cm long with a width of 44 and 74 cm. The internal depth is usually 44-53 cm.

The height of the options with a pedestal reaches 70 cm. For low analogues without a podium, on average, it is 57 cm. For high ones it exceeds 70-71 cm.

The height of asymmetric models on the legs may vary. At the highest point, it can reach 70-72 cm, at the bottom it does not exceed 64 cm.In this case, in the widest place, the dimensions of the bowl can reach 80 cm, in a narrow place - 20 centimeters less.

The distance between the legs varies depending on the size of the bowl itself. The average width between the “lion paws” is 55-56 cm. The difference between the total and outer width of the bowl can reach 40 cm. The difference in length can reach half a meter.

A freestanding bathtub with a total length of 175 cm and the shape of the ship can be 80-81 cm high on the head side, and about 65 cm on the opposite side. The height of the support legs can also differ, usually this difference does not exceed 5 cm. Height parameters support paws depend on the design idea, usually they are 12-13 cm or more.

As for the parameters of the width of the sides of individual varieties, they depend on the model, can be small or wide. On average, they are 7.5-9 cm or more. Models without sides are usually spacious and deep, their width reaches 90 cm at a height of 63-65 cm. The length is 170-180 cm and more.

Classic models of freestanding bathtubs are made in white. It goes well with other tones of the color palette, is appropriate in interiors of different styles. However, if you want variety, you can order a bath of the most unexpected design. For example, it can be a black model with white stains, a white bath with stripes in different shades.

It looks quite extraordinary in the interior of creative stylistics black or gray bathtub with gold or bronze legs. In addition, the bowl can be blue, greenish, scarlet, wine and combined. The product can be made in contrast of black and red, black and white tones.

Usually colored paint is located outside, inside the bowl are white. However, too bright tones and contrasts can simplify the interior composition, which is why you need to choose your option carefully. For example, in the interior of kitsch, a bathtub in pink and yellow tones is quite appropriate, but in a loft you need gray or white with a rough finish.

Look nice in bathrooms fonts with a white inside and a sandy gray outside. Together with supports under bronze, they introduce a certain status into the design. Muted and noble tones can be seen in the lines of Italian manufacturers. This is a warm beige, the color of brick, copper, gold, mirror gray.

The production of freestanding bathtubs is carried out by different companies. Moreover, products of various brands can be not only monotonously painted. Some of them are distinguished by laser engraving of drawings, while others are decorated with hand-painted. Attract attention and models with all-metal stands forged elements.

Among the huge assortment, products of several manufacturers can be distinguished. For example, a company has beautiful bathtubs made of artificial stone. "Esthete". These are white and colored varieties of a rectangular or oval shape on the supporting legs, as well as on the podium. In the lineup there are varieties of the asymmetric type with comfortable head restraints.

Original bowl options can be purchased from a domestic manufacturer. Astra Form. Some models are equipped with individual screens, the brand offers bowls of white and any other color that are in the standard assortment. Sales of products are carried out through a dealer network.

The brand Esse engaged in the production of cast marble. These bathtubs are suitable for embodying the styles of hi-tech, modern, vintage and any of the classic areas of interior design. Colors can be different, which is achieved by dyeing in bulk, tinting, sparkles.

Models can convey the invoice of different materials (e.g. malachite, coil, jasper, marble, granite) The shape of the bowls can be rectangular, trapezoidal.Options with more functionality are more expensive.

Beautiful bathtubs made of cast iron with a glossy surface Devon & devon. Models with or without holes for the mixer can be painted in different colors. In addition, the buyer can choose a different version of the support legs.

English manufacturer Victoria + Albert differs in the release of bulky plumbing. These are products of a high price category from materials of our own design, variants of a free-standing type on a pedestal or lion legs. The brand offers options in the form of chopped shells for sophisticated interiors, models in the form of ladies' shoes, bowls in the form of cruise liners. Besides, in the lines there are also classic options that are suitable for installation in penthouses and country mansions.

Russian brand "Color and style" attracts the attention of buyers with designer stands in the form of scaffolds for freestanding bathtubs. In addition, exclusive equipment is provided here: it may include a mirror, a pencil case, a pedestal and other components of a stylish interior. Models are made from high-quality raw materials using modern technologies.

Dutch company Riho produces bathtubs from acrylic and artificial stone, taking into account our own developments, materials and technologies. Production technology involves the inclusion of acrylic in the composition of the stone. In the lineup there are models with bowls of rounded triangular shapes, options in the form of an ellipse, rectangular, asymmetric products.

Buying a free-standing bath will require consideration of various factors. For instance, first you need to determine the size, for which they measure the place for the future font. At the same time leave space for free movement around the room. Immediately think over the conduct of water supply and sanitation pipes.

Owners of private homes can install fonts in different places. Owners of urban apartments have a harder time: they often do not have such a choice. Therefore, it will not work to put a bath in the living rooms, because this is prohibited by the regulations. Neither in the living room nor in the bedroom to put the cup will fail: below should be non-residential premises. The only exception may be the approval of the installation of the bath in the apartment on the ground floor.

The choice of a room in a country mansion should take into account several points. For example, water in a bathtub installed in a large room will cool quickly. Putting a bath in the bedroom is undesirable, because even with constant ventilation, the room will be damp. And this will speed up the time for another repair.

After choosing a place, decide which material is preferred. For example, cast iron is durable, but for the installation of such a bath will have to strengthen the floor. Acrylic is light, but such a bath can move during operation, and it looks easier.

A ceramic bath is more resistant than acrylic, such a bowl can be installed on the podium as well as on the legs. An artificial stone model is not affordable for everyone, however it is not only durable and practical, but also stylish. After weighing all the pros and cons of each material, they are determined with priorities, after which you can go to the store for a purchase.

The choice may be affected budget opportunities. Do not forget about the money for transportation, lifting and installation. Already in the store you need to decide exactly how the installation will be carried out (on the legs, the podium, stationary or not).

When buying, you need to be interested in the seller about a set of options for a product you like. You should not pay for baths with unnecessary functionality. You can save a lot on this. In addition, you need to evaluate the shape: if it is more convenient to take a bath not while sitting, but lying down, choose an oval or rectangular model of sufficient length.

The size of the bowl should fit into the doorway, this also needs to be thought out in advance. Other customers even carry out “fitting” in stores to understand how convenient the product is in operation. They sit down and even go to the bath, pay attention to the head restraints, the height of the sides, and the volume. This allows you to evaluate not only aesthetic, but also the practical characteristics of the product.

Having decided on the functionality, convenience, price and material of manufacture, look at the color of the model. Usually universal options are painted white, which is convenient for fitting the bowl into the interior of any style. However, if the design is intended to buy a colored product, the tint is fundamental.

If you need a color design model, it is ordered individually. Accessories are selected taking into account the stylistic direction of the interior. This will enhance the premium aesthetic perception of the product.

For instance, An excellent solution would be to buy a floor mixer. But in order for it to look beautiful with supports, it will have to be selected in a single design and color with them. Antique taps that attach to the edge of the bathtub also look very impressive.

Nothing will tell about the possibilities of aesthetic perception of freestanding bathtubs, as illustrative examples.

A round design model of modern design for a private mansion.

Stylish bathtub on paws made of metal against a brick wall.

A laconic gray version to match the wall cladding.

The model is dark red without a podium with a floor mixer in the interior of a bright bathroom.

A free-standing bathtub of a dark shade is a key element in arranging a spacious bathroom.

A rare model of wood for the embodiment of an atmosphere of harmony with nature.

A small black bowl for arranging a bathroom in neutral colors.

Beautiful and stylish bath model for a premium interior.

Functional version of the product with a modern design.

A spectacular medium-sized bowl in the interior design of a spacious bathroom.

The following video provides an overview of the freestanding bathtub of a popular manufacturer.