Bathtub Design Ideas

Give your bathtub presence with a gorgeous tile surround, center-mount faucet, and handheld shower. These windows let in plenty of natural light, giving the bathroom a light and airy presence. For privacy, cafe curtains obstruct views into the bathroom without diminishing the light coming in through the windows.

Place your bathtub on a platform, as this vintage-style tub is, for an added dose of drama. This attic bathroom has a stunning ocean view, and by giving the tub a little more height, soakers can take in the scenery far better than if the tub was resting on the floor.

For a unique take on a bathtub surround, try stripes of small mosaic tiles. A vertical design like this one draws the eye up from the tub to the ceiling, making the bathroom appear higher.

This nook was once home to a bulky and outdated aqua-green whirlpool tub. In a bathroom remodel, it was replaced with a freestanding tub that works just as well for soaking and relaxing but reflects an updated cottage style. When creating your own bathtub retreat, consider not only the tub but its surroundings, such as the walls and lighting. White beaded-board panels and pretty wall sconces compliment the cottage-inspired tub and give the space a finished look.

While the wood surround and spacious soaking tub stand out, the addition of a wall-mounted TV takes this bathroom from amazing to ultimate. Because the TV is positioned up near the ceiling, the screen is visible from the large tub as well as other areas in the bathroom.

Nestled in a platform of marble, this soaking tub is the definition of elegance. A recessed panel along the front of the surround further carries the graceful design, as does the vintage-inspired faucet.

• Learn more about corner bathtubs.

With clean lines and a rectangular shape, this spacious soaking tub is a reflection of modern style, which is repeated in the minimalist design of the tub filler positioned in the center of the tub. A sliding shelf, which fits around the edge of the tub, provides a spot for bathing essentials.

A curved surround topped with slate sets the stage for a luxurious soaking tub. A unique design like this one adds architectural interest to a bathroom, and a wide countertop-like space around the tub provides a spot for towels and bottles of bubble bath.

A clear tempered-glass partition adds shower functionality to this spacious soaking tub. The added partition acts as a splash guard without distracting from the tub's clean design the way a traditional curtain or sliding door would.

A few added amenities make this a bath to envy. With a built-in backrest, retractable handheld shower, and digital temperature control, this tub lacks nothing -- including style. The elegant surround with recessed panels is topped with elegant stone, a style repeated on the storage cabinets flanking the tub. Easy-to-operate shutters provide the option of letting in natural light when open or providing privacy when shut.

In a sea of white walls and grey-veined Calacatta marble, a dark-stained tub surround makes this elegant tub the focal point in an elegantly neutral bathroom. A silver faucet draws out the hints of gray in the marble flooring.

If we could, many of us would live in our bathtubs. This elegant, European-inspired bathtub lounge is a case in point. The abundant natural light, Calacatta marble mosaic-tile flooring, and neoclassic furniture make this a perfect spot for reflection.

This bathtub is a fusion of unrivaled style and understated simplicity. Inconspicuous linen-white walls serve as the backdrop for a sliver of gray stone that wraps around the tub surround. Although small, the detailed faucet and handheld shower fall in line with the simple yet elegant credo of the space.

Combining the style of a tub surround with the structure of a freestanding tub creates a unique look that gives this bathtub presence. The beautifully detailed wood surround wraps around the oval tub and is topped with a ledge of elegant marble, encasing the freestanding tub.

A silver metallic finish gives this freestanding white tub a signature look. The shiny finish also reflects light, which brightens this cozy master suite.

• Learn more about freestanding bathtubs.

Before knocking down walls, consider integrating a custom tub into your existing space. Instead of moving windows and chimney flues in their century-old home, these homeowners had this Japanese-style soaking tub built around the features. The tub provides extra-deep seating for two, and the plumbing beneath heats up the stone steps as the water is drawn.

Architectural details go a long way toward bringing the outdoors in. Intersecting ceiling beams, bold columns, and leafy wallpaper give this cottage-style master bath an arborlike feel. Meanwhile, beaded board on the tub and wainscoting emulates the vertical lines of a picket fence. The ample tub deck and the ledges above the wainscoting offer convenient spots for towels, bath salts, and soaps.

For your next bathroom renovation, try a new angle. Setting the bathtub in a corner opens up wall space for countertops and cabinets. The surrounding hexagonal tile and beaded board give the room cottage character and help make this tub a focal point.

For many people, the tub is a place to relax. Often, some carefully selected details can help create a more soothing environment. In this Parisian-style bath, the gentle curves of the marble backsplash, tub filler, and window swag complement the bathtub's traditional panel and soften the surrounding alcove.

Artful design can turn any bathroom remodel into a masterpiece. This elegant bathtub is tucked into an arch-top niche and surrounded by stone tiles that conjure the romance of Italy. The alcove's dramatic oil painting (protected by a moisture-resistant wax coating) draws the eye and provides an added touch of distinction.