:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Brown_Lake_Master_Bath-ea939abf18794e1f850bfbc9c06748b81-35a89b563e604cb1a8922f44c2c83a1a.jpeg)
Transforming your bathroom into a serene, spa-like retreat doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just thoughtful design choices that prioritize comfort, calm, and indulgence. A bathtub with a sculptural quality, for example, can turn your daily soak into a restorative ritual.
In today’s most luxurious bathrooms, designers are blending clean lines with organic textures, layering in tactile materials, and rethinking layouts to emphasize spaciousness and serenity. Bathtubs play a key role in this aesthetic movement. The result? Spaces that feel less like utilitarian rooms and more like personal sanctuaries.
From primary baths to wet rooms, mood lighting to minimalist palettes, these 18 bathtub ideas prove that a luxurious soaking experience is as much about atmosphere as it is about aesthetics.
Warm and Neutral
Casey Dunn
In this soothing primary bath by Mark Odom Studio, a deep concrete soaking tub perfectly complements the space’s organic materiality and neutral color palette. A recessed shelf within the Brazilian quartzite wall makes for easy access to bathing accessories, such as scented candles, scrubs, or salts.
Simple Geometries
Lacey Land
The lines of this sleek, geometric tub are softened by surrounding drapery and pale cabinetry—above, a faceted crystal chandelier illuminates the space. Designed by Forbes Masters, it’s an elevated, contemporary primary bath that feels warm and welcoming.
Statement Pitch
Jordan Katz
Designer Laura Medicus centered a tall, freestanding tub beneath a dramatic gabled ceiling in this bungalow.
“Surrounding the tub with rich walnut cabinetry and natural light evokes a spa-like calm, while honoring the vintage charm of the original Craftsman design,” she says.
Textured Contrast
Blaine Johnathan Photography
In this luxurious bathroom by Tye Interior Design, a deep, egg-shaped tub creates a sculptural focal point. Surrounded by three-dimensional honed marble, the mix of textures creates a contrast that allows the clean, minimal lines of the tub to shine.
“It’s a crisp, serene moment that elevates the entire room,” says principal Tye Davis.
Concrete Statement
Amanda Peterson
This primary bath by Allison Campbell Design centers a deep, concrete tub against a wall of natural stone.
Made from NativeStone, a sustainable blend of natural jute fiber and cement, the Mendocino tub from Native Trails is designed with thick walls to ensure a hot soak. The finish is rustic yet contemporary, creating a primary bath that feels elevated, yet rooted in nature.
Sculptural Contrast
Studio Thomas
For Denver-based interior designer Kristen Thomas of Studio Thomas, honoring the original architecture of this historic Tudor home was paramount.
“The Juliet tub feels like a sculptural moment,” she says. “Set against the backdrop of those original leaded glass windows, it’s a perfect expression of old meets new.” With the addition of live brass plumbing that will patina with age, “even the modern additions feel storied and rooted in time,” she adds.
Robust Round
Lance Gerber
In the primary bath of Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum’s stunning Palm Springs escape, designer Ryan Saghian specified this satisfyingly round tub. It’s the perfect statement piece and is framed by a classic, midcentury picture window.
Although upon first glance the tub may appear to be your run-of-the-mill porcelain, it’s actually made from hand-formed, finished, and sealed concrete by Native Trails.
Tile Style
Joyelle West
This rustic Maine cabin by Lawless Design makes use of an alternating checkered tile to transform a simple undermount tub. “It is an elegant yet rustic look—perfect for a charming New England home,” says firm owner Hannah Oravec.
Low-Slung Sophistication
Jason Varney
This moody primary bath from Velocette Studio capitalizes on the low ceiling and original dark wood finishes to set a sanctuary-like tone.
“We emphasized the feeling of luxury and relaxation by floating a Victoria + Albert bathtub in the room, and surrounded it with earthy finishes like tadelakt plaster and terrazzo,” says designer Hope Velocette. “An in-reach shelf, stool, or table can add style to any bath and creates a great spot for your portable speaker and soothing beverage.”
Bold Brass
Caroline Brackett Studio of Design
The centerpiece of this richly layered lake house primary bath is undoubtedly the bold, brass-finished tub. “Its unique finish beautifully echoes the coordinating hardware throughout the space,” says designer Caroline Brackett.
Smooth and Sophisticated
Jean Allsopp
For Lauren Conner Interiors, the goal for this primary bath was to create a bathroom that felt like “a luxurious destination, rather than a utilitarian space.”
To achieve this, she installed hardwood floors, a dressy, antique mirror, a beaded chandelier, custom cabinetry, and an antique rug. At the center, an elegant, freestanding tub ties it all together.
Luxurious Alcove
Lauren Andersen
To maximize the potential of this secondary bathroom, HarmoniQ Design Studio combined an archway, wall-to-wall tiling, and a tub that spans the length of the room. A major level-up from the typical curtained shower, this solution is a reminder of the transformative power of good design.
Soothing Sculpture
Polina Pigulevsky Photography
The organic lines of this sculptural tub set a calming tone in a bathroom designed by Oak Heart Interiors. “Its soft, fluid shape brings a sense of quiet and ease, especially against the warmth and texture of the fluted tile,” says principal designer Nina Asadoorian.
Overhead, a woven chandelier adds just enough visual interest, without taking away from the serene simplicity of the space.
Walk-In Relaxation
Charlotte Lea Photography
The wet room trend shows no signs of slowing down—and it’s easy to see why. In this dramatic primary bath by Vitale Design Group, combining the bath and shower into one expansive, spa-like zone creates a sense of luxury and calm.
Encased in glass, the sculptural soaking tub invites pause. “It’s perfect to crawl into, sit back, breathe, and just relax,” says founder Alexis Vitale.
Stately Elegance
Rebecca McAlpin
Tucked away in an alcove with a gently arched ceiling, this primary bath is swimming in old-world design features, like honed marble, wood paneling, and hardware in traditional profiles.
“Twin towel bars add to the clean and serene aesthetic,” says Maria Viola-Kuttruff, principal of Viola Interior Design.
Light-filled Lounge
Catherine Nguyen Photography
Natural light can enhance any space, but it’s especially beautiful when it’s side-by-side with a sculptural bathtub.
“I love placing freestanding tubs where natural light can kiss the curves and the silhouette becomes part of the architecture,” says Michelle Murphy, founder of design firm Demi Ryan. “Add a vintage rug, a small table for candles or books, and you’ve created a personal sanctuary—not just a place to bathe.”
Serene Nuetrals
Kirsten Francis
Subtle texture and soft hues are the name of the game in this Westport, Conn. primary bathroom by Studio Seva. The contemporary tub and floor-mounted tap are softened by a natural wood stool, as well as the patina of an antique light fixture.
link