After a long, hard day at work, there's nothing better than a relaxing soak in your bathtub. Add a bath bomb, light some candles, pour yourself a drink and ease into the hot, soothing water. But most apartment bathtubs are too small, meaning that you can't fully submerge yourself.
If you're someone who loves bathing and prizes the luxury that is a long, hot bath, investing in a garden tub could be a great option to indulge your favorite pastime. But what is a garden tub? With this guide, learn all about these historic tubs that are once again growing in popularity, becoming a trendy must-have in modern bathrooms.
A garden tub is a freestanding soaking bathtub that's much larger and deeper than a normal tub. Garden tubs are designed to be luxurious additions to bathrooms. They can come in a variety of different shapes and styles, but most are elongated ovals.
First used by the French elite of the 1700s since indoor plumbing was a limited luxury available to a select few, the garden tub gets its name because it was typically placed close to windows. That way, the bather could enjoy views of the gardens outside while they bathe. Because they are freestanding, these elegant and ornate tubs could even be placed outside in the garden if desired.
The main differences between a standard tub and a garden tub are size and shower functionality. Larger than the standard bathtub, they often resemble an oval jacuzzi or hot tub rather than a regular bath. Sometimes they're built against a wall, while other times they're stand-alone.
Garden tubs are also always freestanding tubs, meaning there's never a showerhead attachment and the tub is only intended for soaking. The shower will almost always be separate.
Although they can come with hot tub and jacuzzi accessories like water jets, garden tubs traditionally don't come with these types of features. Aside from the faucet, there are no other splashy add-ons. The style, materials and stand-alone placement are what give them their "wow" factor.
Adding to their glamorous air, these types of bathtubs are made with high-quality materials.
Made from hard, durable plastics like acrylic or fiberglass, these types of soaking vessels are usually more affordable, less heavy, flexible and come in many different designs.
While they are more expensive, garden tubs made from natural materials like stone resin and enameled cast iron not only look nicer but better retain heat. Some are even constructed with wood.
If you love luxurious soaks in the bath, then having a garden tub is one of the best ways to transform your bathroom into a spa-like experience. Here are 11 reasons why.
With its deep bowl, tall sides and ergonomic shape, you can fully submerge yourself in the hot water for a luxurious soak. It's like having a spa in the comfort of your own bathroom.
Because they fit your whole body, a garden tub provides a comforting, restorative experience that can aid both your mental and physical health.
From ornate materials to its eye-catching stand-alone design, a garden tub can create a focal point in your bathroom and add an air of luxury and sophistication.
With their smooth walls and floor, they are pretty easy to clean and keep in good shape.
If you own your apartment or condo, having a stylish soaking bathtub can increase the resale value of your unit.
Whether it's a romantic soak with your partner or bathtime for your kiddos, garden bathtubs can easily accommodate several people at once.
Even though they've been around since the 1700s, garden tubs are once again a popular choice. If you like being on-trend, this could be a great addition to your interior design.
If you're on the hunt for a luxury apartment, garden bathtubs are a coveted, desirable amenity.
Available in a wide range of materials and styles, you can find the perfect garden soaking tub for your personal style and aesthetic.
If you suffer from issues like back pain or arthritis, being able to fully soak yourself in hot water can help ease aches and pains, among other health benefits.
Made from solid, reliable materials, a garden tub can last you for years with proper cleaning and maintenance.
Before falling in love with the idea of having your own garden tub, there are some important downsides to consider before you install one in your bathroom.
Due to their large size, garden soaking tubs take up more space and room in a bathroom than standard tubs. If you have a small bathroom or a small apartment in general, a garden tub may not be the best fit.
A freestanding bathtub may not be the right choice for people with mobility issues. The tall sides and type of material can be slippery and difficult to get into and out of.
Although cheaper models are available, a standard garden tub usually starts at around $2,000. Depending on the type of material, model and installation fees, the cost of owning, installing and maintaining a garden tub can be in the thousands. Plus, since they require much more water to be filled completely, it could also drive up your water bill.
From connecting to the plumbing to making sure your bathroom floor can handle the weight of a fully waterlogged tub, there are lots of different engineering and installation factors to consider. Since they're so big, you may even need to check if you can even get the tub through your bathroom door before it can be installed.
This is one reason getting a garden tub is an investment for the long run. If you're not in your favorite apartment, mobile home or house yet, you may want to hold off on getting one until you're in a space that you're going to live in for a long time.
Because of the water depth, it takes a lot of hot water to fill up a garden tub. This could require an extra water heater, which is another added expense.
If you're the kind of person who needs to melt away stress in a bath after a long day, having a garden tub might just be your perfect stress antidote.
Still looking for that perfect apartment with this amenity? Check here to find one in your target city.