Should you put a bathtub in your bedroom? Experts weigh in on the hotel-style feature that always divides opinions

Picture this: you're staying at a luxury hotel for the weekend, and the focal point of your bedroom is a beautiful, freestanding bathtub. It's truly become the pinnacle of a luxe space, but is it actually a good idea in your own home?

Over the years, we've seen many different bath ideas rise to the top of trends, but freestanding designs have remained a favorite and timeless choice. But is introducing one to your bedroom ideas a step too far?

We've asked interior designers for their expert opinions on the rising trend for bathtubs in bedrooms to find out if this is the new way to create a luxurious design or an impractical, logistical nightmare.

Should you put a bathtub in your bedroom?

When you're remodeling your home, it's easy to get carried away with adding all of your dream features, especially when it comes to the main bedroom. Perhaps a bath is part of your evening ritual, so you want to give it a more prominent spot, or maybe a bath won't fit in your ensuite, so it's the best alternative. But do designers recommend it?

'If space allows, I always encourage our clients to consider including a bath in the bedroom. There is something so serene about the idea. It brings a sense of sanctuary and calm, much like a beautifully designed hotel suite,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

'It feels like the ultimate luxury, especially when positioned near a window with countryside views. If privacy is needed, a simple sheer curtain works beautifully. Café-style curtains are a favourite of mine as they add softness without blocking too much natural light,' she adds.

And while it feels like a new way to make a bedroom more luxurious, this trend for bedroom baths isn't quite as new as you might think. 'It can be traced back to the Middle Ages when many of the rich lords would have a bath in their bedroom,' says Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.

'Fast forward to the 1990s, and the trend was revived by boutique hotels placing free-standing roll-top baths at the end of huge beds. They are at last becoming a desirable feature; separate bathrooms are out, hello open plan bathing,' she adds.

There's a ritualistic element that makes a bathtub in a bedroom feel so luxurious. There's a theme of relaxation and rewinding, a focus on self-care, which is why, where architecture allows, designers love this feature.

'There is a softness in blurring the boundaries between bathing and sleeping. When the layout allows for it, a bathtub in the bedroom invites a different kind of rhythm. One that privileges pause over productivity,' says Britt Zunino, of Studio DB.

'In our upstate home, the bathtub becomes both a sculptural focal point and a ritual object, placed intentionally in front of expansive glass to bring the outdoors into the most intimate parts of the day. It creates a direct line between rest and restoration. The kind of quiet luxury that feels earned, not ornamental.'

But the other reason a bathtub in a bedroom works so well is that it's always a cozier room. It's warmer, softer, and always feels more relaxing than a bathroom that's filled with harder, colder materials.

'Bedrooms are often more layered and comforting than bathrooms, which is why I think there has been a rise in people choosing to include a bath in the bedroom. It turns the space into something more like a grand suite rather than just a place to sleep,' says Lauren, who has designed several bedrooms with freestanding tubs.

What functional elements do people need to consider?

While your thoughts might immediately go to the luxury side of a bedroom bathtub, there are a lot of functional considerations to think about. For example, making sure the area is watertight to avoid any plumbing disasters.

'Functionality is just as important as how a space looks. We often create a dedicated zone for the bath within the room, perhaps with a slight change in floor level or flooring material. In one project, we used wooden flooring beneath the bath, which was practical. The rest of the room had a different finish,' explains Lauren.

If you have your heart set on introducing a bath to your sleep space, it's important to get the planning right. From plumbing to materials, there's a lot to consider if you want this to be a usable feature.

'It starts with good planning,' says Britt, who also emphasizes the need for properly thought-out ventilation, light control, and privacy. 'Ensure there is adequate plumbing access and proper waterproofing, especially around the tub, [and] choose durable, natural materials like stone or sealed wood that can age beautifully.'

It's also really important to consider how and who will use the bathtub. 'When it comes to family living and splashing children, a separate bathtub in a family bathroom is most likely a must. Bedrooms tend to have electrical equipment, expensive items, and soft furnishings that don’t mix very well with bubbles or water,' adds Keeley.

How to style a bathtub in a bedroom

Designing and styling a bathtub in a bedroom is a bit different from that of a bathroom. A bedroom is a cozier, softer space, so the way you style your bath and bathing essentials needs to feel cohesive and at home in it.

'Styling should feel gentle and intentional. A stool beside the bath can be a practical and beautiful addition, ideal for shampoo bottles or folded towels. A bath tray is another useful detail, especially where built-in storage is limited. Texture is key here. Natural materials, layered fabrics, and soft lighting all help to make the room feel calm, warm, and luxurious,' says Lauren.

'Lighting is also worth thinking about. In a bedroom, lighting tends to be softer and more atmospheric than in a traditional bathroom, which helps to create that spa-like feeling,' she adds.

It's also a good idea to stay away from anything that feels to utilitarian – instead, introduce soft lines, cozy materials, and a scheme that feels cohesive with the other decor in your bedroom.

'Keep it quiet and elemental. In our space, we paired a soft, rounded tub with a sculptural marble table and a simple vessel of cut stems. A boucle chair adds warmth and texture, and a neutral palette of white, cream, and natural stone grounds the space without overwhelming it,' says Britt.

It's the pieces you add around the bath that are key to making it feel at home in your sleep space. You want to blur the lines between sleeping and bathing areas, so bring in decor and scents that do just that.

'Everything should feel collected, not decorated. A well-placed towel, a book, a bloom. Restraint is what makes the scene feel lived-in and considered. Include nearby surfaces such as a pedestal or low table for candles, books, or a towel. The key is to treat the bathtub as furniture, not as a fixture. It should feel integrated into the language of the room, not an afterthought,' Britt explains.

Essentially, you need to ensure that the space around your tub is functionally sound to hold up to water, but feel lived-in, cozy, and like it belongs in your bedroom. 'Think tactile materials like stone, plaster, linen, and wood. Let light be a through line, and curate objects with both utility and poetry,' she notes.

So, if you were wondering if you should put a bathtub in a bedroom, the answer is a resounding yes, as long as you have the space and ensure the area is perfectly prepped for it. Not only is it the best way to create a luxury bedroom, but it's also a luxury hotel interior design lesson we should all be taking home with us.