What size freestanding bathtub should you choose? The most common freestanding bathtubs are between 150 and 170 cm long. The 170×80 cm is the popular option for its balance of comfort and floor space; the 150 cm suits smaller bathrooms better. The key is to measure the clear space around the bathtub properly before deciding.
The most common freestanding bathtub sizes
On the market you will mainly find freestanding bathtubs between 150 and 180 cm long and 70 to 85 cm wide. At METROPOLE we work with the two most in-demand sizes, chosen to suit the majority of bathrooms:
| Size | Best for | Recommended wall run |
|---|---|---|
| 150×75 cm | Small and medium bathrooms; semi-freestanding models | from around 170 cm |
| 170×80 cm | Medium and large bathrooms; the most popular size | from around 190 cm |
Which size to choose for your bathroom
Small bathroom
Where space is tight, go for a 150 cm freestanding bathtub or a semi-freestanding bathtub, which sits against the wall and makes better use of every centimetre.
Medium or large bathroom
The 170×80 cm freestanding bathtub is the most balanced choice: a generous bath that becomes the centre of the room without crowding it.
How to measure your bathroom, step by step
Five minutes with a tape measure prevents most returns. Do it in this order:
- Measure wall to wall at the narrowest point, not the widest. In older buildings walls are rarely parallel.
- Subtract the tiling if it is not yet on: it can take one or two centimetres per side.
- Mark the outline on the floor with masking tape, using the model's exact dimensions. Seeing the footprint at full scale changes a lot of decisions.
- Check where the water supply and waste fall relative to that outline.
- Walk around it. If you have to turn sideways to get past, the bathtub is too big for that room.
How much clear space you need around it
Beyond the bathtub's own dimensions, leave a minimum of 10 to 15 cm clear on each side for a comfortable installation, for cleaning and for a tidy finish. If the bathtub is going in the middle of the room, allow a further 60 cm of walkway on the side you step in from, and make sure you can reach the water supply and waste in that position.
The route in, which also gets measured
This is the measurement most often forgotten and the only one with no fix afterwards. A 170 cm bathtub either goes in whole or it does not: check the width of the front door and the bathroom door, the turns in the hallway and, if you live upstairs, the lift. If the lift is too small the delivery will have to come up the stairs, so it is far better to know in advance than on the day.
Freestanding or semi-freestanding: a question of space
A freestanding bathtub stands entirely on its own and is visible on all four sides; a semi-freestanding one has a flat side that rests against the wall. If you like the look of a freestanding bath but have less room, the semi-freestanding is the perfect answer, and it also uses the plumbing already in the wall.
Weight and flooring
A 170×80 cm bathtub holds around 230 to 250 litres of water when full, plus the person bathing. On a normal domestic floor that presents no problem, but it is worth considering if you are placing it over a floating floor or underfloor heating.
Materials and maintenance
Our freestanding bathtubs are made from high-quality white sanitary acrylic: warm to the touch, hard-wearing, and better at holding the water temperature. Clean it with a soft cloth, warm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasive products.
Frequently asked questions
Which freestanding bathtub size is the most popular?
The 170×80 cm, for its balance of comfort and space. It is the standard size for medium and large bathrooms.
Which freestanding bathtub fits in a small bathroom?
A 150 cm bathtub or a semi-freestanding one, which take up less room and suit tighter spaces better.
How much space do I need around a freestanding bathtub?
A minimum of 10 to 15 cm clear on each side for installation, cleaning and a proper finish, plus around 60 cm of walkway on the side you step in from.
What are METROPOLE freestanding bathtubs made of?
High-quality white sanitary acrylic, warm to the touch and easy to maintain.
What should I measure before buying a freestanding bathtub?
The wall-to-wall run at its narrowest point, the clear space left around it, and the route to the bathroom: door, hallway and lift.
Across the METROPOLE range, the HUDSON is the only model available in both sizes, 170×80 and 150×75 cm, which makes it the natural starting point if you are still unsure. If your bathroom takes 170×80, the AZUL offers that size as a pure freestanding format; and if you would rather set the bath against the wall to gain space, the PALOMA and the SERENO keep the freestanding look at 170×80.
Explore the full METROPOLE collection of freestanding bathtubs and semi-freestanding bathtubs, with Mediterranean-inspired design.