A freestanding bath can transform your bathroom into a sanctuary, but before falling in love with a sculptural design, it’s important to understand how much space it really needs to shine — and function.
A common guideline is to allow a minimum 150mm gap between the bath and any adjacent wall. This clearance creates enough breathing room to emphasise the bath’s standalone presence while still allowing for basic cleaning access. However, that’s not always enough.
The ideal distance depends on more than just aesthetics. Consider the shape of the bath, the layout of the room, and how easily you’ll be able to clean around it. For example, curved baths may appear closer to the wall at their ends even with a uniform distance from the centre. Newtech recommends ensuring there’s enough space to fit a large mop head behind the bath. This helps reduce build-up in hard-to-reach areas and makes ongoing maintenance easier.
Aside from cleaning, it’s important to think about usability. If your bath is paired with a wall-mounted mixer or filler, make sure it’s within easy reach. If the bath is placed too far forward, you might find yourself stretching awkwardly just to fill it.
Freestanding designs like the Harper or Galleno work beautifully when space allows for that full wraparound access. In larger bathrooms, these baths can be positioned centrally or set off a feature wall to create a true focal point.
A Smart Alternative for Compact Spaces
If you’re working with limited room, a back-to-wall freestanding bath offers a stylish compromise. Models like the Newark Back-to-Wall are specifically designed to sit flush against the wall, providing the look of a freestanding bath without the space demands. These are also much easier to clean and install in smaller bathrooms, with optional upstands available to assist with waterproofing.
Need Help Planning Your Layout?
The right bath layout balances form and function. If you’re unsure what will work best for your space, the Newtech team is here to help. Contact the team at sales@newtech.co.nz or call 0800 728 662 for expert guidance, or explore the full bath range at newtech.co.nz/categories/baths.
