Over the past few years, the bathtub fell out of favor compared with oversized showers in new-build homes, but now, it’s staging a stylish comeback as a must-have feature for homebuyers, especially in primary bathrooms.
A bathtub is a great example of a home feature that balances function and style. Beyond the wellness benefits of soaking, a bathtub adds resale value, offers everyday luxury, and can be a stunning focal point, with sleek, sculptural options. Homeowners are recognizing these advantages, which is driving a shift in priorities in modern home design, according to Brian Juedes, national vice president of product design at Taylor Morrison.
“Over the last decade, many new home builders have removed the bathtub from the primary bath to reduce costs in their most affordable products and move-up products. Recent consumer surveys show a strong interest in bathtubs in the primary bath at all price points. Hence, some new homebuilders are putting bathtubs back in the primary bath as a standard or making them optional,” says Juedes.
A recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders reflects a similar sentiment among homebuyers who want both a shower and a bath in a primary suite.
While families with kids or pets typically see a bathtub as non-negotiable in a shared family bathroom, historically, homeowners judge the need for a bathtub in a primary suite by their own habits and likelihood of use. This trend is changing, says Juedes, with homeowners placing value on having the option of a bathtub available, even if only for occasional use.
Here is the latest in bathtub style and design, including a focus on luxurious aesthetics, functionality and sustainability.
Freestanding Tubs Lead Bathroom Trends
The size and layout of your bathroom will ultimately dictate the best bathtub option. In small bathrooms, a basic shower-tub combo makes sense, while an alcove tub paired with a shower stall nearby works well in a narrow footprint.
However, where space allows, the freestanding tub is the top choice for homeowners. "Most consumers today prefer the look of a freestanding tub compared to the drop-in or slide-in tub of days past,” says Juedes.
Love for a freestanding tub is as much for its sculptural style as for the luxurious soak it offers.
“The bathtub, especially a freestanding bathtub, can be a stunning centerpiece in the bathroom. Depending on the style and color, the bathtub can demand attention and set the tone for the space,” says Alex Yacavone, senior design studio manager for Kohler.
“Bathrooms are moving away from all white with chrome finishes, and we’re excited to see the resurgence of color and mixed metals,” says Yacavone, adding that soft neutrals add depth and dimension to the space.
Black, terracotta, red, blue, and green bathtubs are all trending too. However, if you are choosing a bathtub with resale in mind, classic white is timeless.
A freestanding tub creates a memorable focal point. Ideally the tub is placed under or near a picture window or against a wall niche; an accent wall or strategic light fixtures can be used to draw the eye to the right place. A shower enclosure is still sought-after in this layout, but it is usually discrete, framed in glass, and placed out of the sightlines to let the tub shine on its own.
The form of the freestanding tub is one of its biggest draws. "The most popular freestanding tub shapes are rectangular or ovals, and new matte finishes are becoming popular too,” says Sharon Sherman, founder and owner of Thyme and Place Design. Also trending are asymmetrical sculptural shapes, fluted details, egg-shaped basins, and extra-deep models.
To make the tub a truly indulgent, wellness-focused experience, upgrade with extra features, says Sherman, including massage jets, chromatherapy, built-in grab bars or arm rests, heated backrests, and aromatherapy for essential oils.
Sustainable Bathtub Options
The tub has traditionally presented a conundrum for homeowners who prioritize sustainability, because bathtubs require far more water than a shower. With a growing desire for tubs, homeowners are looking for ways to balance out their choices.
Although the majority of tubs are made from acrylic, other sustainable materials are becoming more common, which lets homeowners offset some of their footprint in the bathroom. What’s more is these materials, such as natural stone, copper, and wood, all make a unique style statement in addition to being eco-friendly.
Another trending sustainable tub material is cast iron, which is actually a throwback to the early iterations of the bathtub. In 1883, Kohler’s founder, John Kohler, transformed a cast iron horse trough into their first enameled tub, ultimately shaping the direction of Kohler’s product offerings and bathtub trends for years to come.
Cast iron is as culturally and stylistically relevant for homeowners today as it was generations ago, proven by the new partnership between Kohler and Martha Stewart as its first-ever cast iron spokesperson. Stewart in her own right, is a champion for the sustainable, durable, and bespoke features of cast iron home products.
“The partnership between Kohler and Martha Stewart underscores how Kohler cast iron is enduring in both style and quality,” says Yacavone, noting the parallels between trends today, and in the past, where the bathtub is a striking design statement and wellness centerpiece.
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