Your living room is the place to hang out with family, your kitchen is where you go to nourish yourself and others, and your bedroom is where you escape to for rest. But where do you hide away for a moment of peaceful relaxation? Your bathroom, of course—more specifically, your tub. The bathtub is the ultimate place to go when you're wanting to unwind and relax after a long day of work or errands, so you deserve the perfect one. If you're considering upgrading your primary ensuite to make the vibe a bit more spa-like, we curated a pristine list of bathtub ideas from designers that are sure to inspire you.
Deciding on the perfect bathtub is more than simply finding one that looks good in the showroom. Does it fit in your space? How well does it keep the water warm? Is the edge too high to comfortably get out of when you're done with your "me time"? These are all important aspects you need to consider before installing a tub. Along with the actual construction and look of the bathtub, the accompaniments matter just as much. You'll want a faucet that matches the aesthetic of the tub itself—you likely wouldn't want a vintage clawfoot tub and an ultra-modern faucet, for example.
Continue reading to find 20 gorgeous bathtub ideas that interior designers have continuously implemented in their projects. Go ahead, soak in all the inspiration!
A clawfoot tub by itself is already giving cottagecore vibes, but the added stonework around the room really captures the bucolic essence. Joyce Downing Pickens of JDP Interiors, who happens to be a member of our 2024 Next Wave class, handpicked each stone in L.A. and shipped them off to NYC for this bathroom.
In this Palm Beach–inspired home by Chenault James Interiors, the designer chose to accessorize this freestanding bathtub with a vintage-style faucet. It adds to the charm of the aqua-colored room, and its cool chrome finish nicely complements the palette.
This homeowner wanted her bathroom to feel like an escape—according to Sydney Manning, a designer at Marie Flanigan Interiors, she needed something calming and feminine. So, along with a pretty pink wallpaper, they chose a freestanding tub with soft edges in an alcove to create her ideal vision.
Designer Emilie Munroe chose a freestanding pedestal bathtub for the primary bathroom in her San Francisco project. The stark contrast of the deep blue tiles and their vertical orientation makes the room feel larger.
The family that Susannah Charbin designed this home for already owned this gorgeous vintage clawfoot bathtub, so the designer knew she had to make it the focal point of the room. She chose reclaimed limestone tile for the floor and a sleek glass divider, so as not to take away from the feature.
To truly capture a spa vibe in the primary bathroom of this Denver home, Julee Wray of Truss Interiors chose a vast, bowl-shaped soaking tub in an earthy hue. Along with the stacked pebble wall behind it, the colors and materials here can be found throughout the rest of the Japandi-style home.
The coziness of this Indiana house by Of Place Studio definitely reaches the primary bathroom. Though the bathtub is stark white, there's still plenty of warmth thanks to designer Amy Knerr's choice of painted wood paneling and exposed wooden beams on the ceiling.
In a South Carolina house by 2024 Next Wave alum Brad Ramsey, the rectangular soaking tub is tucked away in a serene alcove and given the best view from the house. It's the ideal spot to unwind and relax.
Though the view outside the windows is stunning, the egg-shaped soaking tub in this bathroom by Betsy Wentz is the true star. The organic shape encourages the occupant to sit back and stay awhile, soaking in all the relaxation they can.
In an Atlanta home by designer Clary Bosbyshell, a beautiful white clawfoot tub adds a whimsical vibe to this garden-inspired bathroom. The blush wallcovering—Madame Pompadour by Miles Redd for Schumacher—also gives the space a delicate, romantic feel.
Use your tub for some added color in your bathroom. Designer Colleen Bashaw chose a navy freestanding bathtub with metal grommets to complement the blue tones of this room. It also adds some industrial-inspired grit to this light and airy space.
This New Jersey townhouse was a collaboration between designer Elaine Santos and Jennifer and Brian Marsh of Mowery Marsh Architects. They wanted the home, but specifically this primary bathroom, to have a lounge-like feel, which is why the deep yet compact soaking tub is so perfect in this space.
Designer Katie Hodges mainly chose neutrals for this L.A. home, so every color used is extra impactful. In this bathroom, the most notable hue is the black clawfoot tub at the end of the room, which the bay windows frame beautifully. The gorgeous piece, as well as the great tile and custom cabinetry, speak to the room's thoughtfulness.
The marble accent wall in this primary bathroom, designed by Marina Hanisch, is the clear focal point of the space, which is why placing the large soaking tub right beside it was a smart design choice. It's the perfect backdrop when you're wanting to relax after a long day.
The best way to make your bathtub the focal point of the room? Choose one that's made from copper—oh, and frame it with an archway. The team at Toledo Geller did both of these things in a Moroccan-inspired bathroom renovation, creating a stunning section of the room dedicated only to relaxation.
If you have the square footage, choose a bathtub that's accessible from almost every side. Designer Lori Anderson chose to center the freestanding soaking tub, allowing for more storage to be hidden away in the beautiful cabinetry.
In this Jamaican household, the team at NYC firm Ishka Designs chose minimalist features and a neutral color palette to focus on the beautiful natural surroundings. In the bathroom, they placed a sleek white pedestal tub on a raised platform adorned with gray tile to make a striking design statement.
For her empty-nester clients, Lauren Nelson designed a roomy primary bathroom, complete with a large tub, a separate shower, and even a sauna. Above the bathtub hangs a beautiful pendant light with a tulle shade, ideal for those who enjoy reading in the bath.
Designer Lauren Liess's client wanted a dark, “seemingly Dracula-inspired mansion,” she says, which is why the primary bathroom looks like it's straight out of Nosferatu, if Count Orlok ever turned on the lights. The tub is a replica by Ancient Surfaces of an antique Italian stone fountain.
Designer Alison Victoria chose a grasscloth wallcovering as the backdrop for this freestanding bathtub because it has hand-painted 24-karat gold detailing at the top. The tub is also framed beautifully in the solid bronze doorframe.