The National Kitchen & Bath Association annual trends report is a great place to start if you’re interested in what’s new and exciting for bathtub designs. Contractors, designers, and other industry experts weigh in on the colors, styles, products, and features they expect to take off in the year ahead. We’ve combed the report to bring you the top trends for 2024 for a bit of bathroom inspiration.
1. At Home Spa: Spacious Tubs to Soak the Day Away
In 2024, there’s a focus on transforming bathrooms into calm, soothing spaces with Zen-like color palettes and earthy materials. Think blues and greens for paints and accessories made of natural stone and wood. Add live plants and soft, organic towels and rugs to create a sanctuary within your home.
Bathtubs can be a place to relax and recharge. If your tub has seen better days and isn’t up for soaking, consider a quick, cost-effective makeover using Re-Bath tub liners. Liners are an excellent alternative to bathtub reglazing because they are custom-manufactured to fit perfectly over your old bathtub. Also, Re-Bath bathtub liners do not require demolition, overspray, or odor. And your tub is ready to use the same day!
Re-Bath can also remove and install a new bathtub in as little as a few days. We have styles, colors, and sizes to fit any space and offer free bathroom design services to help you choose a new bathtub with the fixtures and features you’re looking for.
2. Clean and Contemporary: Freestanding Tubs Make a Statement
Designers are also leaning toward clean, minimalist bathroom designs in 2024. Contemporary shapes for bathtubs, toilets, sinks, and fixtures are becoming popular as less becomes more. Modern, freestanding bathtubs combine comfort and visual appeal to become the bathroom’s focal point.
Freestanding tubs are especially versatile because they can go anywhere in the room as long as water hookups are available. That gives you room to be creative and reimagine the configuration of your bathroom when renovating. Freestanding tubs are also low-maintenance because you can easily reach around the tub for cleaning. There’s also more space inside the tub because the freestanding tub faucet is outside of the bathtub and mounted into the floor.
3. Minor Bathtub Updates Make a Big Impression
So maybe you are looking for a way to make your bathtub more on-trend without removing and replacing it. Simple, budget-friendly updates can make your tub and bathroom look brand new.
If it’s been a while since you’ve done your bathroom spring cleaning, now’s the time. Remove products, accessories, and towels from the bathtub and tub surround. From polishing metal fixtures to cleaning the grout in your shower, tackle each surface with gentle but effective cleaners recommended for each material.
Dull, scratched, rusty, or mismatched fixtures can date your bathtub. Replace them with matching bathtub faucets and drains to match your design style, whether rustic, contemporary, traditional, or transitional. Bathtub fixtures come in a wide range of bathroom metals and finishes to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your space.
Add some accessories to make your bathtub pretty and practical. An expanding bath tray holds everything you need for “spa night” and folds up when not in use. This adjustable side table keeps essentials close and comes in various colors and finishes. If you have a drop-in tub with a surrounding deck or platform, add plants, candles, art, and other accessories to give your bathtub a cozy feel and a personal touch.
4. Renovate Space With Shower-to-Tub Conversion
Unlike showers, bathtubs offer a haven of relaxation and safety, particularly for young children and those with mobility limitations. Imagine indulging in a therapeutic bubble bath after a long day, or picture creating cherished bath time memories with your little ones. A shower-to-tub conversion unlocks these possibilities, transforming your bathroom into a space that prioritizes both comfort and well-being.
Walk-in bathtubs and showers maximize space and prioritize safety. They allow for easy entry and exit and lower the risk of falls with anti-slip coatings and safety grab bars. These are just a few accessibility products and features Re-Bath offers to help owners age in place and bathe safely and securely.
5. Clawfoot Tubs Offer Vintage Charm
While some designers are embracing more futuristic, modern shapes and lines, others are more nostalgic for designs from a bygone era. Clawfoot bathtubs are having a moment in 2024—but have they ever really gone out of style?
Clawfoot tubs are freestanding tubs supported by four legs or “claws.” Traditionally, the claws are ornately designed and made of cast iron or other metals. Clawfoot tubs tend to be larger and deeper than other types of bathtubs. Because they are perched on the legs, the open area between the tub and the floor creates the illusion of space.
If you’re a purist, you should know antique bathtubs are more challenging to install because they weigh more than tubs made of acrylic or fiberglass. Also, they may require bathtub refinishing to brighten them up and cover scuffs and scratches. Typically made of porcelain or cast iron, vintage tubs retain heat very well.
Although new clawfoot tubs are lighter than older tubs, they tend to scratch more easily. Newer materials may not retain heat as well, which is important to consider if you like a long, hot bath. New tubs do come with a wider variety of feet. You can find round, square, and curved claws in various colors and finishes.
Let Re-Bath Refresh Your Bathtub to Change the Look of Your Space
If your bathtub is not as inviting or functional as you’d like, Re-Bath offers different options to update your space for your timeframe and budget. We customize design solutions to meet your unique needs, from quick and convenient bath liners to tub-shower conversions and complete bathroom renovations.
Now that you’re up to speed on the latest bathtub trends, are you ready to transform your bathroom? Call 800-216-8526 or connect online to schedule a free in-home design consultation with a Re-Bath expert near you.