Colman Domingo's sunken tub evokes an Ancient Roman ritual – it's resurged as an 'immersive' spa trend in modern bathrooms

Bathtubs are inherently luxurious; a space designed to relax and unwind should look as magnificent as it feels.

We're taking cues from Colman Domingo, whose sunken bathtub evokes ancient bathing rituals. The actor's tub features a historied, sunken design, outfitted in mosaic tiles for a contemporary-meets-traditional look.

While we've seen plenty of clawfoot tubs making the rounds over the last few years, the sunken tub is on our radars (and designers agree that this is a trend to watch). It's an ever-popular bathroom trend with roots in anicent history.

Shop the sunken bathtub edit

According to experts, sunken tubs date back to approximately the eighth century, and have been a staple for many ever since.

'Sunken bathtubs date back to the Roman times, where bathing was seen as both a ritual and a retreat,' says bathroom design expert Rikki Fothergill.

'The appeal is sparked by a spa-like feel they bring to any bathroom. The feature creates an almost ‘immersive’ experience for ultimate relaxation. They continue to be a favourite for modern interiors, especially in minimalist or open-plan bathroom designs.'

How they are decorated is just as critical to its appearance in a space; they good news is, tubs are highly customizable. However, experts say that Colman is on to something with his tiled take on the tub.

'Concrete with mosaic tile or cedar are the best materials for a soaking tub as they feel the most natural on the skin, and are both reminiscent of ancient times when deep soaking tubs were the norm,' says Karen Larson, cofounder of Soake Pools.

We love how Colman has paired his white tiled tub with a rainbow tiled wall, fusing a calming hue with a vibrant background. To make a sunken tub feel even more luxurious, consider adding accessories like a bath caddy or tray to house soap, candles, or whatever else you might want to have on standby.

When using a sunken tub, it's important to be mindful of safety – we suggest investing in a step stool, especially if the tub doesn't have any handlebars. Then enjoy bathing, the ancient way.