What is a freestanding bathtub?
A freestanding bathtub is an independent tub that is installed separate from the wall, resting on the floor and finished on all sides, making it the focal point of the bathroom. Unlike a built-in tub, it does not require a structural apron or niche: it is placed in the center or next to a wall, leaving space around it. It is usually made of white sanitary acrylic, with capacities of about 240 liters and common measurements of 170×80 cm or 150×75 cm.
Advantages of a freestanding bathtub
The appeal of a freestanding bathtub is both aesthetic and practical. These are the reasons why it remains the most desired option in bathroom renovations in 2026:
- Centerpiece. Its sculptural silhouette organizes the entire bathroom around it and instantly elevates the sense of luxury.
- Flexible installation. Since it does not depend on a structural recess, you can place it under a window, in the center of the room, or next to a wall.
- Immersion comfort. The generous proportions and depth allow for full immersion, which is difficult in a standard built-in tub.
- Warm materials. Sanitary acrylic retains water heat much longer than enameled steel.
- Easy cleaning. Being finished on all four sides and separated from the wall, all its perimeter is easily accessible.
Materials: why sanitary acrylic
The material defines the feel, insulation, and durability of the bathtub. The standard of the premium range is sanitary acrylic, a methacrylate sheet reinforced on its underside with fiberglass and resin.
- Thermal insulation. Acrylic is warm to the touch and maintains water temperature longer, unlike steel or cast iron.
- Non-porous surface. Resists stains and limescale, and cleans with warm water and a mild cleaner.
- Lightweight. It weighs much less than a cast iron tub, simplifying transport and installation on upper floors.
- Repairable finish. Small surface scratches can be polished, something impossible with enameled steel.
All bathtubs in the METROPOLE range are made of white sanitary acrylic with CE / EN 14516 certification and a capacity of 240 liters. You can see the complete collection at freestanding bathtubs.
Measurements: 150×75 vs 170×80
Getting the right measurement is the most important decision, as it affects both bathing comfort and the free space around it. The two most demanded measurements are 170×80 cm and 150×75 cm.
- 170×80 cm. The reference measurement for large bathrooms. It allows you to fully stretch your legs and is ideal if the bathtub is to be the center of the room. It needs a spacious room to leave passage space on the sides.
- 150×75 cm. The smart option for more compact bathrooms. It retains the freestanding aesthetic and comfortable immersion but takes up less surface area and leaves more free space. It is the measurement we recommend when space is limited.
As a practical rule, reserve at least 15-20 cm of clearance on each accessible side for cleaning and passage. The HUDSON model is offered in both measurements, making it easy to choose according to the bathroom without sacrificing the same design.
Freestanding vs semi-freestanding bathtub
The big choice when selecting is between freestanding and semi-freestanding. The difference lies in how the bathtub relates to the wall:
- Freestanding (independent). Finished on all four sides and separated from any wall. Maximum visual impact and freedom of placement, but requires more space and is usually somewhat more demanding in plumbing, because the drain and filling are exposed or on the floor.
- Semi-freestanding (wall-mounted). Designed to rest against a wall on one of its sides. It maintains the sculptural silhouette seen from the front but makes better use of rectangular bathrooms and simplifies water and drain connections. It is the balanced option for most renovations.
At METROPOLE, AZUL and HUDSON are pure freestanding, while PALOMA, AQUA, and SERENO are semi-freestanding designed to go against the wall. If you are looking for hydromassage, the VENEZIA offers the freestanding experience with a jet system.
The METROPOLE range compared
All models share white sanitary acrylic, 240 liters capacity, and CE / EN 14516 certification. The difference lies in the type (freestanding or semi-freestanding), measurements, and drainage system.
| Model | Type | Measurements | Material | Drain | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUDSON | Freestanding | 170×80 and 150×75 cm | Sanitary acrylic | Click-Clack | 240 L |
| AZUL | Freestanding | 170×80 cm | Sanitary acrylic | Click-Clack | 240 L |
| PALOMA | Semi-freestanding | 170×80 cm | Sanitary acrylic | Hidden, brushed bronze | 240 L |
| AQUA | Semi-freestanding | 170×80 cm | Sanitary acrylic | Hidden, brushed bronze | 240 L |
| SERENO | Semi-freestanding | 170×80 cm | Sanitary acrylic | Hidden, brushed bronze | 240 L |
In summary: choose HUDSON if you want a pure freestanding with a size option (170×80 or 150×75); AZUL if you are looking for freestanding at 170×80 with a Click-Clack drain; and PALOMA, AQUA or SERENO if your bathroom calls for a semi-freestanding against the wall. You can compare all models in the freestanding bathtubs collection.
Installation
The installation of a freestanding bathtub is manageable for a plumber, but it should be planned before the renovation:
- Water inlet and drain. In freestanding tubs, connections usually rise from the floor; in semi-freestanding tubs, they can be hidden by the adjacent wall. Define the exact position before tiling.
- Faucets. Freestanding bathtubs are combined with a floor-mounted faucet (freestanding column) or a wall-mounted faucet; decide the type based on available plumbing.
- Level floor. Ensure a flat floor capable of supporting the weight of the full bathtub (240 liters of water plus the weight of the piece).
- Service clearance. Maintain sufficient space around for connecting the siphon and for subsequent cleaning.
Maintenance
Sanitary acrylic is one of the easiest materials to care for. To maintain its shine for years:
- Clean with warm water and a mild bathroom cleaner; avoid abrasive products and metal scourers.
- Dry the surface after prolonged use to minimize limescale in hard water areas.
- Light surface scratches can be polished with a specific acrylic kit.
- If the bathtub is a whirlpool, circulate clean water through the jet system periodically to keep the pipes in optimal condition.
How to choose your freestanding bathtub
Summarize your decision in four questions:
- How much space do you have? Large bathroom → 170×80 cm; compact bathroom → 150×75 cm.
- Center or wall? For placement in the center or isolated, choose a freestanding (HUDSON, AZUL); for placement against the wall, a semi-freestanding (PALOMA, AQUA, SERENO).
- Do you want a whirlpool? If you are looking for a spa function, check out the whirlpool bathtub collection.
- Full renovation? If you are renovating the entire bathroom, coordinate the bathtub with shower trays and shower screens of the same design language.
All METROPOLE bathtubs are manufactured from premium sanitary acrylic, with 240 liters capacity and CE / EN 14516 certification, and are shipped throughout Spain. Explore the complete range of freestanding bathtubs to find yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a freestanding bathtub?
A freestanding bathtub is an independent tub, separate from the wall and finished on all four sides, installed resting on the floor as the focal point of the bathroom. It does not require a structural apron or niche and is usually made of white sanitary acrylic with a capacity of around 240 liters.
What is the difference between a freestanding and a semi-freestanding bathtub?
A freestanding bathtub is completely separate from the wall and finished on all four sides, offering maximum freedom of placement. A semi-freestanding bathtub rests against a wall on one of its sides, makes better use of rectangular bathrooms, and simplifies plumbing, while maintaining the sculptural silhouette seen from the front.
Which freestanding bathtub size is better, 150×75 or 170×80?
The 170×80 cm size is ideal for large bathrooms and for stretching out completely in the water. The 150×75 cm size is the smart option for compact bathrooms, as it retains the freestanding aesthetic while occupying less surface area. The METROPOLE HUDSON model is available in both sizes.
Why choose sanitary acrylic for a freestanding bathtub?
Sanitary acrylic is warm to the touch and retains water heat longer than steel or cast iron. Its non-porous surface resists stains and limescale, it is lightweight, and light scratches can be polished. This is why it is the reference material in METROPOLE's premium range.
Is it difficult to install a freestanding bathtub?
It is manageable for a plumber, but it is advisable to plan beforehand the position of the water inlets and drain, the type of faucet (floor-mounted or wall-mounted), and a level floor capable of supporting the weight of the filled bathtub, which, with 240 liters of water plus the fixture, is considerable.