The Freestanding Bath: A History

The Freestanding Bath has long enjoyed a reputation as a status-symbol, from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Once enjoyed only by the aristocracy, centuries of refinement and the discovery of new materials has helped to introduce it into the everyday household – though owning one is still considered the height of luxury!

With its popularity rising, and the play on different shapes and styles, there is no limit to what designers can create - the freestanding bath has never been more exciting!

Frontline Bathroom’s latest offerings are no exception. The indulgent Knightsbridge bath combines a neo-industrial, matt aluminium-effect casing, with a traditional roll-top design, whilst the small but mighty Zenith bath, at only 1500x700mm wide, is sure to bring a touch of opulence to even the smallest of UK bathrooms.

A Brief History:

3300 BC - Evidence of the oldest 'baths' discovered.

c1500 BC - Earliest known personal bathtub discovered in knossos, Crete.

1800's - Copper baths take over from unsuccessful wooden versions - but there are still no dedicated 'bathrooms' in British houses - bathtubs are carted around between rooms.

c1850 - Frenchman Louis Pasteur starts research into 'Germ Theory' - personal hygiene becomes a public concern.

Late 1800's - The 'clawfoot' freestanding bathtub becomes popular with the British aristocracy.

Early 1900's - Britain starts building 'bathrooms' in houses - the freestanding bath declines in popularity with the emergence of more 'affordable' baths.

21st Century - The Freestanding Bath re-emerges as a symbol of 'luxury' - popular with vintage-style bathrooms; available in many different shapes/sizes/options.