Freestanding Bathtub Ideas and Options for Century Homes

Our freestanding bathtub is one of the things I get asked about most often in our old house. Here are some beautiful options for adding an elegant bathtub moment to your century home or historically-inspired bathroom.

When we renovated our ensuite over a decade ago, I was determined to remove the old walk-in shower and add a freestanding tub instead. I know a lot of people find a large tiled shower to be more practical, and in fact remove tubs for this purpose, but I decided that doing the opposite felt like it made more sense for our 120-year-old farmhouse. We did rearrange our floor plan and had to move a bit of plumbing, but it was so worth it. Having a tub in this space makes it feel as though it has ties to the past, even if this bathroom was an addition and one of the newer parts of our home. We’re able to use this soaker tub for bubble baths, of course, but it can also work as a shower because of the way we’ve configured to the fixtures around it. If you love the idea of a tub like this for your bathroom as well, whether your home is an old house like our or a new-build with historical features, here are some of the best options.

The Best Freestanding Tubs for Old Houses

Pictured above: Tub | Tub Filler | Custom Shower Curtain (Color is “thyme.” Use CREEKLINEHOUSE for 22% off)

There are so many beautiful bathtubs available on the market today and it can be so easy to fall in love with a bath that might be stunning design-wise, but won’t necessarily be something that will look perfect in your old home forever. I do love the design tension of using a modern piece in an older home, but I would say that it’s usually best to keep those bold, modern choices to things that can easily be replaced, like furniture and artwork. When it comes to your bathtub, think of it as a permanent, forever piece and go with something that fits with the age of your home. It may be 50 years before your bathroom is renovated again, so keep that in mind when you’re making your choice.

The very best option for a bathtub in an older home, in my opinion, is an actual antique clawfoot tub. These might be a bit difficult to find, or inconvenient because of the heavy cast-iron construction, but they’re worth the extra work in the end. Even if you have a tub that isn’t in the best shape, a proper reglazing by a local service is often all you need to bring it back to life.

If an authentic antique isn’t in the cards, look for something with heritage-style design that will still feel right in your home in 20 years. Classic white or finishes inspired by organic materials have the most staying power, but a pop of color can feel timeless as well when chosen thoughtfully.

More about renovating old houses: 8 Design Details That Instantly Make a Home Look Historical

Bathtubs for Century Homes

Here are a few beautiful options that I absolutely love. These tubs are classic and traditional, but will fit in beautifully with a number of different interior design styles. If your remodel contains plans for more contemporary cabinetry, window coverings, and furnishings in your old home, an old-fashioned tub can still work wonderfully and will make so much sense in a historical home.

Tub 1 | This bold red tub shows that traditional doesn’t have to be boring. An incredible piece for a home with personality.

Tub 2 | Love this classic, elegant shape. This would be stunning in front of a window with an amazing view.

Tub 3 | I couldn’t resist adding this incredible copper tub to our roundup. I’d love to see this tub in a cozy room full of organic finishes like natural stone and rich wood.

Tub 4 | Maybe the most modern tub of the group, but it feels timeless and not too trendy because of the graceful curves.

Tub 5 | The quintessential clawfoot tub. I love that the chrome feet are a bit oversized and really make a statement.

Tub 6 | This is the closest model to the tub that I have in my home. It was love at first sight for me when I first saw it and I knew it was the one. Over a decade later and I still haven’t regretted this choice once.

Tub 7 | There’s something about this tub that feels like it belongs in a storybook cottage to me. I just love it.

Tub 8| This might be my favorite of the group. I love the simple lines and the striped detailing around the perimeter.

Can A Freestanding Tub Be Used as A Shower?

Pictured above: Tub | Tub Filler | Custom Shower Curtain (Color is thyme. Use CREEKLINEHOUSE for 22% off)

You may think that installing a standalone tub means that you’ll only be able to use it for bathing, but actually, it’s quite easy to use it as a shower as well with the right fittings. Our first apartment was in a very old building and our shower was a clawfoot tub. I absolutely loved it and it was quite convenient to use, as well as extra charming in our old bathroom.

You’ll need a shower curtain that wraps all the way around the tub to seal water in. An oval, ceiling-or-wall-mount shower curtain rod is usually just the thing, along with two shower curtains. A tub filler with a removable shower head is also necessary. Just add a shower head bracket to your wall or your shower curtain rod so that you can hang the shower head above you. This is a simple option that doesn’t require a lot of extra help from a plumber.

Read next: How to Use a Regular Curtain as a Shower Curtain

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