A well-crafted bathtub is more than just a place to get clean—it’s a sanctuary for relaxation and self-care. High-end bathtub brands understand this, designing fixtures that blend luxury, comfort, and durability. These premium tubs offer distinctive yet timeless designs that can transform an ordinary bathroom into a spa-like retreat. If you want to elevate your bathing experience, exploring the world of luxury bathtubs can be exciting and overwhelming. This guide will walk through the key factors of choosing a high-end bathtub and showcase some of the top brands in the market.
Choosing a Beautiful, Comfortable Bathtub
Choose a tub that both meets your needs and complements your bathroom design. Style, material, and features all play crucial roles in decision-making.
Style and Design
High-end bathtub brands have various styles to suit multiple tastes and bathroom layouts. Freestanding tubs are coming back into style, serving as stunning focal points in luxury bathrooms, but built-in baths can be equally stylish. They’re also easy to install and maintain.
Popular freestanding styles include:
- Classic roll-top tubs
- Slipper baths with one raised end for comfortable soaking
- Symmetrical bateau or “boat” baths with elegant silhouettes
For those considering built-in options, you can pick from among:
- Alcove tubs, ideal for small spaces with a three-wall enclosure
- Drop-in tubs, set into a deck or platform for a custom look
- Undermount tubs, where the tub’s rim sits flush with the surrounding surface
- Corner tubs, designed for larger bathrooms, often with spa-like features like whirlpool jet
Materials Matter
The choice of material affects not only the tub’s appearance but also its performance and maintenance requirements. High-end bathtubs are often crafted from:
- Copper: Lightweight and quick to heat but may lose heat rapidly
- Cast iron: Durable and heat-retentive but heavy
- Stone: Offers a spa-like ambiance but requires careful cleaning and heats slowly
- Acrylic and composites: Many luxury brands use fiberglass-reinforced acrylic or proprietary composite materials to combine durability, heat retention, and design flexibility
Features for Comfort and Relaxation
Luxury bathtubs also often come equipped with features designed to take your bathing experience to the next level:
- Hydrotherapy jets for muscle relaxation
- Chromatherapy lighting to improve mood
- Heated surfaces for consistent comfort
- Overflow designs for a continuous cascade of water
High-End Bathtub Brands to Watch
The luxury bathtub market offers a range of brands, each with strengths and design philosophies. Here’s a look at some of the top players in the high-end bathtub industry.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi, a household name in hydrotherapy, offers bathtubs that combine relaxation with advanced technology. Their acrylic drop-in and skirted baths feature up to six different hydrotherapy experiences, including heated soaks, whirlpool, and Pure Air options.
Jacuzzi’s freestanding tubs focus on soaking comfort for those who prefer a more minimalist approach. The Solid Surface collection, made from their proprietary Luxecast material, offers durability and style in simple, fluid forms perfect for modern bathrooms.
Kohler
With a history dating back to 1883, Kohler continues to innovate in the bathtub industry. Their diverse range includes freestanding, drop-in, under-mount, and alcove baths that blend classic style with modern technology.
Kohler’s high-end offerings include:
- Overflow baths that create a continuous cascade of water
- Chromatherapy-equipped tubs for mood enhancement
- Heated BubbleMassage Air Baths and Whirlpool features for muscle relaxation
- Vibracoustic baths using sound vibrations for deep relaxation
The brand also offers tubs made from Lithocast, a solid-surface acrylic that mimics the look of stone, appealing to those seeking a natural aesthetic.
Waterworks
Waterworks produces artisanal freestanding and drop-in baths inspired by European bath traditions. The company’s Classic line includes freestanding and skirted tubs in vintage and simple, timeless styles. The Modern line strikes out with smooth, rounded forms. And the Transitional line blends the best of the Classic and Modern lines but leans toward vintage. Several models include air and whirlpool features.
Most models are made from high-density acrylic, but you’ll also find a few metal tubs. Prime among them is the opulent French-style Clothilde tub, a double-ended bateau bath handcrafted from copper with no visible seams using original 19th-century tools and methods. If understated sophistication is more your style, try the cast iron models.
Victoria + Albert
Owned by House of Rohl, Victoria + Albert is renowned for the elegant simplicity of its freestanding and under-mount/drop-in tubs. Their designs range from contemporary minimalism to more traditional forms, with many models serving as sculptural centerpieces in luxury bathrooms.
Victoria + Albert tubs are crafted from Volcanic Limestone, a naturally white material allowing seamless, one-piece casting. For homeowners looking to make a bold statement, the brand offers a RAL color service, which lets homeowners customize their look to any bathroom palette.
Urban Archaeology
Urban Archaeology offers a small but distinctive collection if you want an artisanal bathtub. Their tubs are crafted from high-end materials, including marble, brass, copper, and pewter, with designs that range from classical to industrial.
Standout features of Urban Archaeology tubs include:
- Marble tubs hand-carved from solid blocks
- Metal tubs with optional front rivets for an industrial aesthetic
- Interiors lined with vitreous porcelain or porcelain-enameled cast iron for durability and easy cleaning
Ove Decors
One of the more budget-friendly luxury bathtub brands, Ove Decors offers a collection of freestanding oval, rectangular, and slipper tubs. Nearly all their models are made from fiberglass-reinforced acrylic, making them relatively lightweight and easy to install and helping them resist yellowing and fading.
If the vintage look appeals to you, try the Clawfoot tub, the somewhat larger Classic tub, or the even larger but simpler Castor tub. These models feature classic clawfoot supports but are made of acrylic instead of traditional cast iron. For a modern take on footed tubs, try the Sayuri, which stands in a black metal cradle that lends it a dramatic contemporary edge.
Devon & Devon
Drawing inspiration from Florence’s rich architectural traditions, Devon & Devon offers timeless designs in cast iron, marble, and proprietary materials like White Tec and White Tec Plus.
Their collection includes:
- Cast iron tubs with neo-classic bas-relief designs
- Marble baths for a touch of luxury
- Contemporary forms in White Tec and White Tec Plus
Devon & Devon allows for extensive customization, offering over 500 color options in matte and gloss finishes.
LaCava
Chicago-based LaCava stands out for its creative, modern bathtub designs. Their acrylic and solid-surface tubs often feature unique shapes that serve as striking focal points in contemporary bathrooms.
Notable designs include:
- The La Scala low-profile slipper bath with cascading levels
- The vase-like Lirico bath
- The Suave, a fluid semi-circle bath with a dramatic rectangular rim
For those who prefer more traditional shapes, LaCava offers a selection of oval, rectangular, and round baths with clean, geometric lines.
Additional High-End Bathtub Brands to Consider
Beyond the more well-known brands, there are several other high-end bathtub manufacturers worth considering. These lesser-known brands also offer unique designs and innovative features that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
BainUltra
BainUltra specializes in therapeutic bathtubs, focusing on hydrotherapy and relaxation. Their ThermoMasseur air jet systems provide a gentle, enveloping massage, while the Geysair warm air system ensures consistent water temperature. BainUltra’s designs often incorporate ergonomics, with contoured shapes and integrated armrests for enhanced comfort.
Aquatica
Aquatica combines modern aesthetics with advanced technology, offering a range of freestanding, built-in, and corner tubs. The brand is known for its signature AquateX solid surface material, which provides excellent heat retention and durability. Aquatica’s hydrotherapy and chromotherapy features and built-in Bluetooth speakers elevate the bathing experience.
Duravit
Duravit is a German brand renowned for its minimalist, contemporary designs. Their bathtubs often feature sleek lines and geometric shapes, making them ideal for modern bathrooms. Duravit offers various materials, including the innovative DuraSolid, which combines the look and feel of natural stone with superior performance and ease of maintenance.
MTI Baths
MTI Baths is an American brand specializing in custom, handcrafted tubs. They offer a range of options, from classic clawfoot designs to contemporary freestanding models. MTI is known for its customization capabilities, allowing homeowners to select from various materials, colors, and features, including air jets, heated surfaces, and chromotherapy lighting.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a High-End Bathtub
When investing in a luxury bathtub, consider several factors to ensure you get the best option for your needs and space.
Size and Space
Measure the bathroom carefully to determine the maximum size tub that will fit comfortably. Remember to account for additional space needed for faucets, steps, or other accessories.
Installation Requirements
Ask yourself whether the chosen tub will require additional structural support or plumbing modifications. Freestanding tubs may need reinforced flooring, while built-in models typically require custom surround work.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Different materials and designs require varying levels of maintenance. Stone and copper tubs often need special care, while acrylic and composite materials are typically easier to clean and maintain.
Energy Efficiency
If you’re concerned about water and energy usage, look for tubs with good heat retention properties or those that can be fitted with energy-efficient heating systems. Well-insulated tubs made from materials like cast iron and stone naturally retain heat longer, reducing the need for additional hot water. Additionally, some high-end brands offer tubs with built-in heating systems that maintain water temperature without excessive energy consumption.
Customization Options
The ability to customize your bathtub can be a huge deciding factor in making it more stylish and functional for your day-to-day. Many luxury brands offer personalized design elements such as custom paint colors, unique finishes, and tailored dimensions. Homeowners with specific design visions or space constraints will find these options particularly valuable.
Budget Considerations
High-end bathtubs are available at various prices, and you need to establish a budget before beginning the search. Prices vary based on brand, material, size, and additional features. By setting a clear budget, you can narrow your choices and find a tub that offers the desired balance of luxury and affordability.
Environmental Impact
In today’s eco-conscious world, the environmental impact of a product is a growing concern for many homeowners. Choosing a bathtub made from sustainable, recyclable, or low-impact materials can reduce the bathroom’s overall carbon footprint. Some high-end brands adhere to strict environmental standards, making it easier for eco-minded consumers to make responsible choices.
Enhancing the Bathtub Experience
While the bathtub is a crucial element of a luxurious bathroom, additional accessories and fixtures can improve your bathing experience.
Quality Fixtures and Faucets
Investing in high-quality fixtures and faucets can enhance the form and function of the bathtub. Brands like Waterworks, Dornbracht, and Grohe offer a range of sophisticated options that blend seamlessly with luxury tubs.
Bath Trays and Caddies
Bath trays and caddies conveniently keep essentials like books, candles, and bath products within reach. Look for options made from durable materials like teak or bamboo, which can withstand moisture while adding natural elegance.
Towel Warmers
A towel warmer is perfect for a luxurious bathroom, ensuring warm, fluffy towels are always available. Wall-mounted or freestanding models come in various sizes and styles to suit different bathroom layouts.
Bath Pillows and Cushions
Comfortable bath pillows and cushions can elevate the soaking experience, providing neck and back support for extended relaxation. Materials like memory foam and waterproof fabrics ensure durability and comfort.
