Are freestanding tubs going out of style in 2025?
Many people wonder if freestanding tubs are a passing fad. However, recent research indicates that freestanding soaking tubs remain popular with U.S. homeowners. In fact, according to a recent survey published by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, 85% of design professionals believe that “ freestanding tubs are very much in demand.”
While alcove tubs have started to make a comeback, freestanding flat-bottom tubs are still the most popular type of bathtub chosen by home remodelers. According to the 2024 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, freestanding flat-bottom tubs are chosen by 42% of bathroom remodelers who add a tub (or upgrade an existing tub). In addition, 3% of homeowners surveyed by Houzz chose a freestanding clawfoot tub for their bathroom.
According to this same study by Houzz, acrylic remains the most popular material for an upgraded bathtub, followed by fiberglass, enameled cast iron, and cast polymer. The majority (60%) of homeowners upgrading or adding a new tub to their bathroom choose a lightweight acrylic tub. Acrylic is often used in the construction of modern freestanding tubs due to its affordability and durability. Acrylic is a non-porous bathtub material that’s resistant to chipping, cracking, and corrosion; it’s also very easy to clean and maintain.
2025 Bathtub Trends
While lightweight acrylic soaking tubs (especially those with a flat bottom and oval shape) are expected to remain popular in 2025, acrylic and cast iron alcove tubs are also expected to rise in popularity. The top emerging bathtub trends we expect to see more of in 2025 include:
Modern Alcove Tubs
According to Houzz, alcove tubs were chosen by more home remodelers in 2024 than the previous year. Designed to fit tightly in the space between three walls, alcove tubs are ideal for kids’ bathrooms, guest bathrooms, and smaller primary bathrooms. While traditional alcove tubs were often installed as part of a space-saving shower-tub combo, modern alcove tubs are often larger and deeper. They are typically made from acrylic or premium enameled cast iron and may feature a tile front or tub surround. Wood-look tile fronts for alcove tubs are especially popular right now and can help create a 70’s spa room aesthetic. Many modern alcove tubs are standalone tubs in a bathroom with a separate walk-in shower.
Walk-in tubs designed for alcove style installations and drop-in tubs with a custom platform deck are other affordable, functional, and space-saving bathtub options for U.S. homeowners.
Wet Room Soaking Tubs
According to Houzz, wet room designs were chosen for 13% of upgraded bathrooms in 2023-24. A wet room bathroom design features an open layout, floor-to-ceiling waterproofing, and a sloped floor with linear drain to ensure efficient drainage. Wet room bathrooms often contain a separate shower and soaking tub in one waterproof space. The most popular style of bathtub chosen for an upgraded wet room bathroom is a freestanding flat-bottom tub. Oval shape freestanding soaking tubs are especially popular right now, according to the 2025 Bath Trend Report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Other types of bathtubs commonly seen in wet rooms include alcove, drop-in, and undermount bathtubs and freestanding clawfoot tubs. Long, narrow wet room designs are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners who have limited space. In a narrow wet room, the standalone soaking tub is often placed towards the back, with a rainfall shower in front of it.
Freestanding Concrete Bathtubs
Concrete bathtubs have become an increasingly popular choice for high-end bathrooms, including all-concrete bathrooms. Concrete is an excellent bathtub material, as it is highly durable and can be molded into virtually any shape, size, or style. Concrete is especially ideal for custom bathtub designs, including bespoke built-in tubs. Large freestanding concrete tubs with organic curves are also trending; these premium tubs provide a sleek, modern look that’s perfect for organic modern bathroom designs.
Custom Color Bathtubs
Color drenching is a bold emerging interior design trend that involves saturating a space with a single color or palette of color tones (usually by painting everything from the walls to the floors – including fixtures, furniture, and even the radiator!). Color drenching a bathroom (for example, with retro avocado green) can make it feel more spacious yet intimate. Some designers may want to use a colorful custom painted tub to create a more cohesive and complete color drenched design. Barclay freestanding acrylic and cast iron tubs can be painted with the color of your choice from the Sherwin-Williams color palette of Marine coatings.
Bathtubs with Specialty Features
According to Houzz, many homeowners choose to purchase a bathtub with specialty features such as nonslip flooring, grab bars, space for two, whirlpool jets, and built-in lighting. Other premium tub features that are increasingly popular include integrated headrests, colored lighting (chromotherapy lighting), integrated Bluetooth speakers, and inline water heaters. Most of these specialty features are available with hydrotherapy tubs including hydrotherapy walk-in tubs. Specialized tubs for muscle recovery and wellness, such as cold plunge tubs, are also expected to remain popular with consumers in 2025.
Browse Our Selection of Trending Bathtubs!
Upgrade your own bathroom in 2025 with a premium freestanding tub, alcove style walk-in tub with hydrotherapy features, or jetted whirlpool tub. Browse additional trending bathtub styles here or contact our Customer Service team for assistance!
