Top Bathtub Styles for Every Bathroom Design

Selecting the ideal bathtub can be daunting with so many choices. Still, it’s also an exciting chance to create a standout feature in your bathroom. From space-saving, sleek designs to indulgent, deep-soaking tubs, the right bathtub can dramatically enhance your space’s style and ambiance. Whether you envision a modern spa-like retreat or the classic charm of a vintage look, there’s a perfect tub for every aesthetic. Below, we explore 12 popular bathtub styles, highlighting their standout features and how they complement different interior design aesthetics.

Alcove Bathtub

Notable Feature: Space-saving design. Alcove bathtubs are one of the most common types, designed to fit snugly into a three-walled enclosure. They’re great for maximizing space in smaller bathrooms since they combine shower and bath functionality. Their clean, simple look makes them versatile for most bathroom layouts.

Best For: Alcove tubs pair perfectly with minimalistic and contemporary design styles, making this style best for a sleek, functional bathroom.

Medora Acrylic Alcove Bathtub – vintagetub.com

Clawfoot Tub

Notable Feature: Timeless elegance with raised feet. Clawfoot tubs bring a vintage, romantic touch to any bathroom. Raised on ornately detailed legs, these freestanding tubs stand out as the focal point of a room. Their deep design allows for luxurious soaking, perfect for those who love a long, relaxing bath.

Best For: Clawfoot tubs are ideal for vintage or French Country bathroom designs. They also work well in bohemian or eclectic styles. Their charm brings a cozy, old-world feel to any space.

Leo Acrylic Slipper Clawfoot Tub – No Faucet Drillings – Lion Paw Feet – vintagetub.com

Freestanding Bathtub

Notable Feature: Freestanding bathtubs are completely unattached to walls, providing you the flexibility to place them anywhere in the bathroom. These tubs come in various shapes, such as oval, round, or rectangular, offering flexibility to suit your design preferences.

Best For: They are a great choice for modern, contemporary, or luxury bathroom styles. They can be the centerpiece if you’re aiming for a spa-like retreat in your home.

59 in. x 31.5 in. Classic Oval Acrylic Free Standing Tub, Heavy Duty Deep Soaking Tub, Bathroom Stand Alone Tub, Freestanding Bathtub – amazon.com

Whirlpool Bathtub

Notable Feature: Built-in water jets for a spa-like experience. Whirlpool bathtubs are for anyone who loves a therapeutic massage while soaking. These tubs feature built-in water jets that relieve sore muscles and joints, making them a fantastic option for self-care enthusiasts.

Best For: Perfect for bathrooms designed with a modern or transitional aesthetic, especially in homes where wellness is a key focus. Think luxury spas with sleek and functional layouts.

Brigham Acrylic Double Ended Drop in Air Massage Tub – Left Side Motor – Made in USA – vintagetub.com

Corner Bathtub

Notable Feature: Maximizes space in the corner of the bathroom. As the name suggests, corner bathtubs are installed in a room’s corner, allowing you to save space without sacrificing bathing comfort. These tubs often feature a wider, rounded design, giving you more room to relax.

Best For: Great for contemporary and modern bathrooms. Their unconventional shape fits nicely in bathrooms with unique layouts or smaller spaces where every square foot counts.

Peoria 60 x 60 Corner Acrylic Drop-In Bathtub with Center Drain – vintagetub.com

Drop-In Bathtub

Notable Feature: Installed into a custom-built frame. Drop-in bathtubs are designed to “drop” into a pre-built platform or deck, often doubling as extra seating or shelving. This design offers a built-in look that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom.

Best For: This tub works well with transitional and modern design styles. It is a great choice if you prefer a clean, polished look with plenty of surface area for candles, soaps, and plants.

Ascot III 72 Inch Acrylic Drop-in Universal Drain Bathtub – vintagetub.com

Japanese Soaking Tub (Ofuro)

Notable Feature: Deep and compact for an immersive soaking experience. Ofuro tubs are much deeper than typical bathtubs, allowing you to fully submerge while bathing. These compact tubs are designed for shorter, more meditative soaks and often feature a round or oval shape. Despite their smaller size, they provide a spa-like experience.

Best For: Ofuro tubs are best suited for bathrooms with a minimalist or Zen-like design. They’re perfect for creating a peaceful, meditative retreat.

Aimi 53 Inch Acrylic Japanese Soaking Tub – vintagetub.com

Walk-In Bathtub

Notable Feature: Walk-in bathtubs are built for accessibility, allowing those with mobility challenges to enter and exit the tub easily. These tubs have a side door that opens and seals tightly, letting users step directly into the tub without needing to climb over the edge.

Best For: These tubs are great for traditional and transitional bathrooms, especially for homes where accessibility is a priority. While functionality is key, modern designs have also made these tubs visually appealing.

Spa World Venzi Vz3060silwh Rectangular Whirlpool Walk-In Bathtub, 30×60, Left Drain, White – amazon.com

Oval Bathtub

Notable Feature: Sleek, rounded design for modern appeal. Oval bathtubs are freestanding tubs with a soft, curving design, making them a visually striking option for any bathroom. These tubs often offer a luxurious, spa-like feel. They are deeper than standard rectangular tubs, allowing for a more immersive soaking experience.

Best For: The oval shape is ideal for modern, contemporary, and organic design styles. If you’re looking for a tub that blends simplicity with elegance, it’s a strong contender.

FerdY Shangri-La 67 inch Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub, Classic Oval Shape Acrylic Soaking Bathtub – amazon.com

Slipper Bathtub

Notable Feature: Elevated backrest for lounging comfort. The slipper tub features one end that is higher than the other, providing a natural reclining position for lounging. This distinctive shape adds a touch of vintage charm and offers superior comfort during a soak.

Best For: Slipper tubs are perfect for vintage and traditional bathrooms. They can also add a touch of glam to eclectic or bohemian designs, creating a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

Philo 54 Inch Acrylic Double Slipper Freestanding Tub – vintagetub.com

Skirted Bathtub (Apron-Front)

Notable Feature: Clean, finished front panel. Skirted bathtubs, also called apron-front tubs, are similar to alcove tubs but feature a sleek front panel that gives the bathroom a more polished look. These tubs are a great alternative to freestanding options if you prefer a built-in style but still want a modern touch.

Best For: This tub is best suited for modern, minimalist, or contemporary bathroom designs. If you want the simplicity of an alcove tub but with a bit more design flair, this is the way to go.

Devon 67 Inch Cast Iron Double Ended Skirted Tub – No Faucet Drillings – Satin Ebony – vintagetub.com

Transform Your Bathroom with the Perfect Bathtub

The ideal bathtub can transform your bathroom into a personal haven, no matter your desired style or vibe. Whether you want a sleek, modern tub or a classic, vintage-inspired centerpiece, there’s a style that fits your space and needs. Remember to think about how the tub functions, how it fits into your design, and, most importantly, how it enhances your relaxation.