For those serious about their at-home relaxation, there’s nothing better than a long soak in the bathtub. It’s a calm way to end the day and decompress before bedtime. For the homeowner that loves a bath, there’s a style and size to fit almost any space. From clawfoot bathtubs to Japanese soaking tubs to shower-bathtub combos, a good designer can turn your bathroom remodeling dreams into reality.
Soaking tubs differ from ordinary bathtubs because they are specially designed for long soaks. Soaking tubs are often deeper, more ergonomic, and may include jets. Comfort plays just as important of a role in their design as functionality. These six bathroom remodels prove that soaking tubs are the ultimate bathroom luxury.
Shower & Soaking Tub Combo
A shower-bathtub combo doesn’t need to be ordinary. This small attic bathroom still has a spa-like feel because of the beautiful, undermount soaking tub with custom quartz tub deck. It’s still spacious enough for a long soak, but the oval shape helps in fit into a compact bathroom.
Shower & Soaking Tub Side-by-Side
With enough room for both, a bathtub and shower can integrate. In this primary bathroom, the black tub deck flows into the shower to create a clever shower bench. A drop-in bathtub like this creates a unique opportunity to create a slightly lowered tub deck to hold all your bath essentials.
Japanese Soaking Tub
If space is limited, a Japanese soaking tub may be the answer. These small, but tall, soaking tubs are made to be enjoyed in a seated position. The bather is submerged up to their shoulders when sitting upright, and can still lean back to let the relaxation set in.
Clawfoot Tub
There is no bathtub type that has stood the test of time as well as the clawfoot bathtub. While a clawfoot tub has a distinctly traditional look, it can easily be incorporated into a modern bathroom design. In this primary bathroom, the all-white tub with a matte black drain melds into the black-and-white color scheme.
Wet Room Bathtub
A wet room steam shower is the ultimate in luxury bathrooms. Wet rooms – completely waterproofed enclosures that house both a shower and a tub – are becoming more popular; as are steam rooms. Wet rooms are perfect for standalone soaking tubs because the whole room will drain any extra water. You’re free to switch between the shower and tub without having to worry about leaving a trail of water. With a curbless entry and plenty of space, it’s easy to imagine soaking in this Mediterranean-inspired bathroom for a while.
Modern Soaking Tub
Soaking tubs now come in a variety of materials, colors and shapes. This circular soaking tub is a striking, modern version that would fit well in any contemporary home. Since this lightweight tub is placed inside the curbed shower, it’s fully moveable! This last example shows us that anything is possible in the wonderful world of soaking tubs. Placed next to a luxury vanity, this bathroom is a complete package. Is a freestanding tub better than a combo? Both have their benefits but a freestanding tub often allows for more versatility in shape and design, while a combo tub and shower provides a better budget option, saving both space and money.
