Freestanding Baths That Define Luxury in 2025

Monday 28 July 2025
Freestanding Baths That Define Luxury in 2025

In 2025, the bathroom is more than just a functional space-it’s a personal sanctuary, a place to unwind, rejuvenate, and indulge in pure comfort. At Robertson, we believe that nothing embodies this new era of luxury quite like the freestanding bath.

As New Zealand’s leading bathroomware brand, we’re passionate about helping you transform your bathroom into a retreat that reflects your unique style and pursuit of relaxation.

In this post, we’ll explore why freestanding baths are trending, the latest design options, and our top recommendations from the Robertson range, including iconic brands such as Victoria + Albert, Apaiser, Parisi, and Elementi.

Why Freestanding Baths Are Trending

Freestanding baths have become the centrepiece of luxury bath designs in NZ and around the world. Their rise in popularity is no accident - these sculptural pieces blend aesthetics and functionality in a way that built-in tubs simply can’t match. Here’s why they’re the must-have feature for 2025:

  • Spa-Like Experience at Home: The modern bathroom is evolving into a wellness retreat. Deep soaking and elegant freestanding tubs offer a relaxing, immersive bathing experience reminiscent of high-end spas, making them a focal point for those seeking daily indulgence.
  • Statement-Making Style: Freestanding baths are designed to be the visual anchor of the room. Their sculptural forms draw the eye and instantly elevate the space, whether you opt for minimalist lines or ornate details.
  • Flexible Placement: Unlike built-in models, freestanding baths can be positioned anywhere in the room, allowing for creative layouts - from open-plan bathrooms to private bathing suites.
  • Easy Maintenance: With access on all sides and no hard-to-reach corners, cleaning is simpler and more thorough, supporting both hygiene and longevity.
  • Timeless Appeal: Freestanding tubs nod to the elegance of bygone eras while embracing modern materials and technology, making them a lasting investment in style and comfort.

Design Options: Minimalist vs. Ornate Styles

When it comes to luxury bath designs, freestanding baths offer a spectrum of styles to suit every taste.

Minimalist Designs

Minimalism is all about creating a serene, clutter-free haven. Minimalist freestanding baths feature:

  • Clean, uninterrupted lines and soft curves
  • Neutral tones such as white, grey, and beige to visually expand the space
  • Subtle, sculptural forms that balance simplicity with elegance
  • Matte or gloss finishes for a contemporary look

Pair your minimalist bath with streamlined fixtures in finishes like matte black or polished chrome for a cohesive, modern statement. The bath becomes the star of the room, set against a calming backdrop of natural textures and soft hues.

Ornate and Classic Styles

For those drawn to tradition and opulence, ornate freestanding baths evoke the glamour of grand hotels and historic estates:

  • Clawfoot and slipper designs with intricate detailing
  • Rich materials such as stone composites or metallic finishes
  • Decorative feet, fluted exteriors, or bold silhouettes
  • Deeper soaking profiles for a truly indulgent experience

These baths pair beautifully with vintage-inspired taps and accessories, transforming your bathroom into a timeless sanctuary.

Recommended Freestanding Baths from Robertson for 2025

At Robertson, we curate only the finest freestanding baths NZ has to offer, featuring world-renowned brands and innovative designs. Here are our top picks for 2025, each selected for their quality, beauty, and ability to define luxury.

Victoria + Albert Baths

Victoria + Albert is synonymous with luxury bath designs. Crafted from their unique QUARRYCAST™ material-a blend of Volcanic Limestone™ and high-performance resins-these baths are naturally white, exceptionally durable, and hand-finished by skilled artisans. Key models include:

  • Taizu Freestanding Bath: Victoria + Albert’s first collaboration with renowned Hong Kong-based designer Steve Leung, the Taizu bath is inspired by the fine porcelain designs of the Song Dynasty. This opulent circular bath features gently sloping sides softened by a chamfered edge and sculpted detail at the base. Crafted from the signature QUARRYCAST™ volcanic limestone composite, it offers a spa-style centrepiece that combines timeless elegance with exceptional durability and heat retention.
  • Barcelona Freestanding Bath: With its deep, double-ended form, the Barcelona is ideal for those who crave a truly immersive bathing experience. The generous proportions and sculptural lines create a striking centrepiece.
  • Cheshire Freestanding Bath: For lovers of traditional style, the Cheshire offers a modern take on the classic roll-top bath, complete with ornate feet and a timeless profile.

Victoria + Albert baths are backed by a 25-year guarantee, underscoring their commitment to lasting luxury.

Apaiser: Bath Couture for the Discerning

Apaiser is globally recognised for its bath couture, gracing luxury hotels and exclusive residences worldwide. Their signature material, apaiserMARBLE®, is a high-performing, sustainable marble composite made from up to 90% reclaimed marble and enriched with Australian minerals. The result is a bath that is both visually stunning and exceptionally durable.

  • Reflection Bath: Inspired by the gentle form of a water droplet, the Reflection bath is available in a wide range of finishes. Its organic silhouette and deep, inviting interior make it perfect for a restorative soak. The apaiserMARBLE® construction ensures a silky, tactile feel and excellent heat retention.
  • Zen Round Freestanding Bath: This luxurious round bath is a showstopper, offering a generous soaking space and a sculptural presence. Its marble composition adds a sense of permanence and sophistication, making it ideal for contemporary and classic settings alike.

Apaiser’s baths are the epitome of luxury bath designs, offering both environmental responsibility and timeless allure.

Parisi: Italian-Inspired Elegance

Parisi brings Italian flair and innovation to the freestanding bath market, offering a diverse range of models crafted from advanced materials like Lucite® acrylic and Stonetec composite. These baths are celebrated for their durability, scratch resistance, and easy maintenance.

  • Isola Collection: Parisi’s Isola baths offer a natural stone look with the benefits of lightweight engineering. These baths come in a variety of colours - catering to every design preference.

Parisi’s Isola Stonetec Freestanding Bath stands as a testament to Italian-inspired design and advanced material innovation, making it a highlight in the Robertson freestanding baths NZ collection for 2025. This bath is crafted from Stonetec, a new generation, environmentally friendly composite that combines natural materials with pure polyester resin. The result is a bath that is not only visually striking but also highly durable, stain resistant, and easy to maintain.

The Isola’s unique offset shape features a long, gentle curve perfectly contoured to support your back, offering both ergonomic comfort and a visually inviting silhouette. With a generous 292-litre capacity, it provides ample space for a deep, luxurious soak, making it ideal for both relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Designed for both residential and light commercial use, the Isola Stonetec Freestanding Bath is suitable for homes, hotels, motels, and retirement villages, meeting strict quality and durability standards. 

Elementi: Harmonious Design for Every Home

Elementi is renowned for its blend of innovative functionality and visual harmony, drawing on international design trends to create baths that complement any bathroom style.

  • Marzo Freestanding Bath: Available in multiple sizes, the Marzo bath features clean, modern lines and is crafted from high-quality acrylic for durability and comfort. Its understated design makes it a versatile choice for both contemporary and transitional bathrooms.
  • Pettine Freestanding Bath: Available in both Matt and Gloss white, the Pettine Freestanding Bath features the signature Pettine texture adding a modern and contemporary focal point to any bathroom. Made from high-quality acrylic, the Pettine bath is durable and comfortable while adding a unique outer moulding, making it a standout choice within design focused bathrooms.
  • Elementi’s Philosophy: Each Elementi bath is designed to work in harmony with other bathroom elements, from basins to tapware, ensuring a cohesive and satisfying aesthetic throughout your space.

Whether your style is bold and architectural or soft and organic, Elementi offers a freestanding bath to anchor your bathroom with elegance and ease.

Other Noteworthy Robertson Freestanding Baths

Explore the full Robertson range to discover baths that cater to every preference:

  • Back-to-Wall Freestanding Baths: Ideal for smaller bathrooms, these models offer the look of a freestanding bath with space-saving practicality.
  • Oval and Rectangular Silhouettes: Choose from a variety of shapes to suit your bathroom layout and personal style.
  • Advanced Materials: Enjoy the benefits of modern acrylics and composites - lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain.

Each bath in our collection is selected for its build quality, ergonomic comfort, and ability to transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat.

Summary

Freestanding baths are the defining feature of luxury bath designs in 2025. Their blend of sculptural beauty, functional flexibility, and indulgent comfort makes them the centrepiece of any modern bathroom. Whether your taste leans minimalist or ornate, Robertson’s curated range - including the iconic Victoria + Albert, Parisi and Apaiser - offers the perfect solution for your sanctuary. With the right freestanding bath, you can create a space that is not only stylish but also a true haven of relaxation.

FAQs

What are the benefits of a freestanding bath over a built-in bath?

Freestanding baths offer greater design flexibility, easier cleaning, and serve as a stunning focal point. They can be placed anywhere in the room and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any space.

Are freestanding baths suitable for small bathrooms?

Yes! Many compact models are designed specifically for smaller spaces. Consider back-to-wall or petite slipper designs to maximize space without sacrificing luxury.

What materials are best for freestanding baths?

Modern freestanding baths are made from advanced materials like acrylic, stone composites, and proprietary blends such as Victoria + Albert’s QUARRYCAST™. These materials are durable, easy to clean, and retain heat well.

How do I choose between minimalist and ornate styles?

Consider your overall bathroom aesthetic. Minimalist baths suit contemporary, serene spaces, while ornate designs pair well with traditional or statement-making interiors.

Can I pair my bath with luxury accessories?

Absolutely. Brands like Samuel Heath offer high-end freestanding accessories that complement your bath and add to the overall sense of indulgence and style. Ready to redefine luxury in your bathroom? Explore the full range of freestanding baths NZ loves at Robertson and let us help you create your dream retreat for 2025 and beyond.