Big bathtubs are widely considered a must-have feature for a luxury bathroom remodel. After all, there’s nothing quite as luxurious as a long soak in a deep tub. But while soaking tubs come in all shapes and sizes, and most of them will admittedly feel more or less the same once you’re in them, there’s something to be said for bathtubs that have just a little extra style. While they might have the same shape and capacity as a run-of-the-mill acrylic tub, big, bold metal bathtubs not only elevate the style of your space, but can make you feel like the star of your own private movie.
Copper Bathtubs (For A Would-Be Aristocrat)
What kind of movie? Well, that depends on your tastes. If you’re a fan of period pieces – whether it’s Regency-era romance flicks or elegantly costumed movies set in the Victorian Era – chances are you already have a special place in your heart for opulent copper and brass freestanding tubs. Big, imposing, and polished to a gleam on the inside, these metal bathtubs have a distinctly regal bearing that will transform the ambiance of your bathroom and make you feel like the ruler of your own domain.
More Copper Bathtubs (For A Would-Be Old West Sheriff)
In the real old-west, you were more likely to wash up a hip bath, a tin tub, or a horse trough than anything you’d want to put in your bathroom these days. But slightly more rough-and-tumble copper freestanding tubs have the same rugged, old-west feel, with a little more in the way of comfort than an empty barrel and without the hassle of having to fill them by the pailful. If you enjoy a good Western, if you fancy yourself the sheriff of these parts, or if you just think you’d get a lot of mileage out of saying “this tub ain’t big enough for the both of us,” an old fashioned copper tub might be right up your alley. Just keep in mind they tend to need a little extra care!
A Not-Actually-Solid-Gold Tub (If You Style Yourself After Old Hollywood Royalty)
Nothing defines Old Hollywood Glam like a little bit of excess (and a generous touch with the gold leaf). So while traditional porcelain clawfoot and pedestal tubs might be a little more authentic, a tub covered in gold leaf feels more true to the aesthetic. Paired with a nice dressing table, some big bold mirror lights, and maybe a fainting chair and a feather boa, metal bathtubs like this can transform your bathroom into your own private dressing room. All you need is a star on the door, and maybe a gin and tonic!
A Stainless Steel Tub (To Melt Away The Worries Of That Dystopian Future)
For a slightly different take on “luxury,” this time I’m looking towards the cinematic stylings of the future. Sleek, streamlined designs and lots of stainless steel make up the settings of both space-faring and earth-bound flicks about the future, and while those backdrops can sometimes feel a bit bleak, they can also be incredibly striking. Paired with cool lighting effects and other modern furnishings, a stainless steel bathtub will help you set the stage for your own sci-fi future, whether your taste leans more Star Trek or Hunger Games.
Sssomething With Scales (For Your Inner Mother Of Dragons)
Okay, to be fair, this one is a little unusual – and probably not something you’re going to find on display at your local hardware store. But if you really want to make a statement, you can’t beat a tub with charred, opalescent, metallic scales. Whether you want it to sit next to your Iron Throne or stay hidden in the heart of your Lonely Mountain, if you have a deep-seated love of all things high-fantasy (and dragons in particular!), nothing can compare to a quick dip in an almost-actual dragon egg.
Wood Bathtubs (With A Far-Eastern Flair)
Wood bathtubs are a rarity (and, sure, a little off-brand on a list of metal bathtubs), but if you’re looking to recreate the timeless, inviting ambiance of an old Japanese bathhouse (or of one of any number of Studio Ghibli movies, for example), they’re the closest you’re likely to get without a major remodel. Now, these aren’t traditional Japanese tubs – they aren’t fitted with lids to keep the water hot, and aren’t spring-fed or fire-heated. But paired with a few smart decorating choices, they’re certainly the next best thing…and not a bad way to unwind after a long, hard day.
Choosing a bathtub for your next bathroom remodel means striking a balance between comfort and style. But keep in mind that the style of your bathtub doesn’t have to be the conventional all-white. Unique, stylish metal bathtubs are not only a great way to make a statement, but can even help transport you while you bathe!
