There’s nothing better than a hot bath to help you relax. If a bath is a must-have for your bathroom renovation, you've likely encountered a fair few options. We hone in on back to wall baths in this article, comparing them to built-in and freestanding options to help you choose the best fit for your space and style.

What is a back to wall bath?

A back to wall bath is exactly what it sounds like — a bathtub that sits against the wall on one or two sides, creating a small ledge between the tub and wall. The other sides are finished, giving you the look of a freestanding bath without taking up as much space. They're a great middle ground between built-in and freestanding tubs.

What is the difference between a back to wall and a freestanding bath?

A freestanding bath stands alone, usually in the centre or a corner of the bathroom. There’s a gap around all sides of it, sometimes big enough to walk around. Back to wall baths are placed against the wall on one side (sometimes two). They shouldn’t be confused with built-in bathtubs, which can look similar but need to be installed into a recess in the wall.

Why install a back to wall bath?

Let's break down the five reasons why you might want to install a back to wall bath in your bathroom:

A back to wall bath is a great option for smaller bathrooms. They take up less floor space than a freestanding bath but still give you that standalone look. You can fit a back to wall bath in a space where a freestanding one might not work because you don't need to leave room around all sides of the tub. This leaves you with more room for a larger vanity and maybe even a separate shower.

2. Easy to clean

Cleaning the bathroom isn't anyone's favourite job, but a back to wall bath can make it a bit easier. Because the sides against the wall are usually sealed, there's no awkward gap like you might find with a freestanding tub near a wall. You won't have to worry about dust and grime building up in hard-to-reach spots, and it should be easy to wipe down the exposed smooth surfaces. Because your back to wall bath isn’t surrounded by tiles or a built-in structure, you also don't have to deal with cleaning grout.

3. Less hassle

Back-to-wall tubs don't need as much forward planning and work as built-ins. With built-ins, you've got to sort out the tiling, create a structure for the bath and take extra care during installation. With a back to wall bath, you won’t need a special structure or to decide on tiles before you’re ready. Just pick your spot, sort out the plumbing, and you're set.

4. They look great

Back-to-wall baths look really good. They’re an easy way to give your bathroom that drama a freestanding bath would bring without being so out there that they'll go out of style. And you can easily find one that suits your bathroom because they come in different designs — it doesn't matter if you're into modern spaces or something a bit more cosy or traditional. 

You’re also more open to tapware options. A wall spout and taps combo is a classic choice or go with a freestanding bath spout and mixer. Best of both worlds. 

5. Best of both worlds

Back-to-wall baths give you the best parts of both freestanding and built-in baths. You get the standalone look of a freestanding bath with the practicality of a built-in bath. Back to wall baths are as easy to clean as a built-in bath and as easy to install as a freestanding bath. Modern bathtubs may also come with a built-in corner ledge for your wine and candles.

Back to wall bath tapware with Yabby