Are you thinking about giving your bathroom a makeover but aren’t sure where to start? Why not start with the bathtub? A new tub can completely change the look and feel of your space. But with so many different styles, materials, and features available, it can seem overwhelming to try and find a tub that best suits your personal needs, style, and budget.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 9 unique bathtub remodeling ideas to give your space the refresh it deserves. After reading this post, you’ll have a better idea of what your bathtub remodeling options are and which ones might work best for your unique situation.
Bathtub Remodeling Ideas
A bathtub is one of the most important features in a bathroom—it’s where you relax after a long day, soak away your troubles, and enjoy some much-needed me-time. But if your tub is outdated, cracked, or just not your style, it can make your entire bathroom feel lackluster.
So keep reading! There’s sure to be a tub out there that’s perfect for you.
1. Soaker Tub
If you’re looking for a spa-like retreat right in your own bathroom, consider swapping out your standard tub for a soaker tub. Soaker tubs are designed for relaxation.
These tubs are deeper than traditional tubs, which allows you to immerse your whole body in the water without the tub overflowing. They also have sloped sides, which makes it easy to lean back and soak away all your troubles.
Some soaker tubs also include therapeutic features, such as built-in jets that provide a relaxing massage as you soak. Best of all, soaker tubs come in a variety of styles and colors to fit any aesthetic, so you’re sure to find one to complement your bathroom decor!
2. Freestanding Bathtub
Freestanding bathtubs are a great option if you have a large bathroom and are looking to add a touch of luxury to your space. In fact, freestanding tubs are one of our top bathroom remodel ideas for 2023! They come in a wide variety of materials—including cast iron, acrylic, and stone—and can be placed just about anywhere in the room.
They’re also perfect if you want to make a design statement. There are many different styles of freestanding tubs available, from clawfoot tubs to modern designs.
Just keep in mind that you’ll need to factor in some additional cost of installation when budgeting for this project. For example, unless you already have an existing freestanding bathtub installed in your bathroom, you will likely need to get your plumbing reconfigured. Unlike standard tubs that typically have wall-mounted fixtures, freestanding tubs usually have plumbing fixtures that attach to the floor.
3. Unique Bathtub Materials
Don’t want a standard porcelain or fiberglass tub? If you’re looking for something truly unique, consider using unusual materials for your bathtub.
There are plenty of other lesser-used bathtub materials available, including cast iron, copper, stone, and even wood. The sky’s the limit when it comes to custom bath materials–as long as they are waterproof and durable enough for everyday use.
For example, you could use repurposed materials like an old wine barrel or whiskey barrel or opt for an eco-friendly option like bamboo. Just be sure to consult with a professional before embarking on this type of project to ensure that the materials you choose are up to code and will work well in your space.
4. Walk-In Bathtubs
Walk-in bathtubs are a great option if you’re looking for added safety and independence while bathing. Since they typically have low thresholds and doors that open outward, they are a great option for people who have limited mobility or are just worried about slipping and falling.
With a walk-in tub, you don’t have to worry about stepping over a high edge to get into the tub. Instead, you simply open the door and walk in. Individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and children can enjoy a bath without struggling to get in and out.
The biggest downside to walk-in tubs is that you have to enter the tub unfilled and then wait for the tub to fill with water. Similarly, you have to wait for the water to drain before opening the door.
5. Bathtub and Shower Combinations
Can’t decide between a bathtub and a shower? Why not have both? If you’re short on space but still want the soaking experience of a tub, consider opting for a bathtub/shower combo unit.
These units take up less square footage than traditional tubs but still provide ample space for bathing. Plus, they come with all the bells and whistles of a standard shower—including built-in shelving and showerheads—so you can enjoy both functions in one compact unit.
6. Wet Area Bathtub
For those looking to make a statement in their bathroom, a wet area bathtub is an excellent option. Going beyond the traditional bathtub, this style combines the bathtub with a large shower area.
Unlike a bathtub and shower combination, which uses the same space for both showering and soaking, a wet area bathtub allows you to shower without compromising the elegant look of a bathtub. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but many wet area bathtubs also provide extra useful accessories, such as built-in shelves, and feature innovative designs.
Of course, since the shower head is not over the tub, this type of bathtub configuration does require a certain amount of square footage. So if you are dealing with a small bathroom, this option probably won’t work for you. Check out our blog post on how to remodel a small bathroom if you are working with a smaller space. Otherwise, the wet area bathtub can be designed just the way you want it and fit into any decor with ease.
7. Bathtub With Jets
Installing a bathtub with jets is an indulgent way to upgrade your bath experience. It combines the relaxation of a bath with the therapeutic benefits of massage that come from powerful underwater jets. This type of bathtub provides an immersive sensation, making it the ideal choice for those looking to indulge.
From heating elements and bubble jets to color-changing lights, these bathtubs offer an impressive range of features, allowing you to customize your bathtub in the style, comfort, and level of luxury that you desire.
Plus, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly in the bathroom regardless of its size or layout.
8. Bathtub Reglazing Or Refinishing
If you’d like to refresh the look of your bathtub but aren’t ready to invest in a brand-new tub, a bathtub reglazing or refinishing may be the perfect solution for you. Also known as bathtub resurfacing or recoating, this is a process that allows you to keep your existing tub but gives it a cosmetic facelift.
Here’s how it works: a professional bathtub refinisher will sand down the surface of your old tub before applying a protective coating to the bathtub surface. This special surface coating covers any existing damage, such as chips, gouges, rust, or discoloration, so that the bathtub looks brand new. The coating is typically waterproof, and most finishes come with a warranty of up to 5 years for peace of mind.
Bathtub reglazing or refinishing is a fairly straightforward job that can be done in one day at a fraction of the cost of a new tub installation, making it an attractive option for homeowners looking to improve their bathtub’s appearance without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- It’s affordable–on average, it costs less than $500, according to HomeAdvisor.
- Fairly quick turnaround–most reglazing projects take a day or two to complete.
- Bathtub reglazing can come in a variety of colors, so homeowners can get creative when sprucing up their tubs.
Cons:
- Bathtub reglazing typically lasts for several years, but the process can only be done once–so it basically gives you a few extra years on your existing tub before you need to get a replacement anyways.
- The chemicals used for the reglazing process are toxic and emit strong fumes. So people who get their tubs reglazed may need to leave their homes for a day or two.
- The reglazing process can be negatively impacted by humidity. High humidity can slow the drying process and even keep the glaze from properly adhering to the surface of the bathtub.
9. Bathtub Liner
A bathtub liner is another way to upgrade your bathtub and quickly give it a new look without breaking the bank. A bathtub liner is a single-piece, custom-molded insert that covers the walls and floor of your bathtub.
Not only does this drop-in protective layer improve the look of your existing bathtub, but it also works to waterproof any existing cracks and chips within the bathtub surface.
Pros:
- A somewhat less costly option for refreshing your bathtub. Per HomeAdvisor, a new bathtub/shower liner installation costs $5,568 on average.
- Less intensive than replacing your bathtub and can also be done on bathtubs that were previously reglazed.
- Tub liners typically only take one day (or less) to install.
Cons:
- Tub liners will only change the color of your original tub. It will keep the same approximate dimensions and shape as your existing bathtub.
- Although there are different levels of tub liners and customization options available, liners are generally regarded as a low-end improvement.
- Because they’re made from plastic, liners can eventually crack or peel over time.
Let The Design Experts At Fabling Built Help You Create Your Ideal Bathroom
We hope this blog post gives you a good starting point for thinking about what kind of tub might be right for your space. Whether you’re looking for something luxurious like a freestanding tub or something more practical like a walk-in tub, there’s sure to be an option out there that’s perfect for you.
If you’re ready to start designing your dream bathroom, we’d love to help! Fill out our contact form today, and one of our design experts will get back to you soon to discuss your options.