The Once-Popular Bathroom Feature That Now Looks Dated And Cheesy

Phoenix Grey is one designer who's all about practicality, and he shares some tips when discussing the furniture pieces he would never buy (via TikTok). Jetted bathtubs are a big no for him. Not only does he consider them loud and impractical to clean, but he also feels they're very dated and can take a bathroom's look back to the '80s and '90s. "They're giving me '80s honeymoon hotel suite," says Phoenix Grey on his TikTok.

Trends in home design are always changing, and it's common to see features lose their appeal after being all the rage. What's typically behind this is an evolution of style preferences and priorities in homeowners when deciding what to put in their houses. A major example is the fairly recent move toward practicality and simple forms, focusing on the comprehensive appeal of a feature. When it was in vogue, the jetted tub represented luxury and easy access to features you'd get at a spa. Now, it's become unnecessary to have and impractical to maintain, so people are seeking more modern options.

A few decades ago, people used to appreciate the therapeutic benefits offered by jetted tubs and saw it as a luxe feature. If they could, they chose to incorporate them into their homes, or, like Phoenix Grey pointed out, they would enjoy them when away from home at a hotel. Unfortunately, the appeal has worn off. Jetted tubs are now seen as dated and cheesy because they are mainly associated with a time period decades in the past.

They are also hard to clean and maintain. "These are bacteria hoarder[s] and they require so much maintenance and upkeep," says Phoenix Grey. Jetted tubs require frequent and deep cleanings to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from growing in them because their jets and many corners are prime breeding grounds. The noise they produce is another con. "If you've never had one of these in your space ... It sounds like a shuttle going off," Grey adds. The hygiene risk coupled with the loud sounds makes the reality of a jetted bathtub very different from what it sets out to achieve. Truthfully, it isn't that relaxing spot where you can retreat and enjoy your bath time. Instead, it can give the appearance of bad taste.

In search of simpler tub designs, homeowners have found freestanding, soaking tubs. They lack the nooks and crannies of jetted tubs and are smooth all around, making it easier to stretch out the body and easier to clean. They also don't make annoying noises, which means you'll have the right ambiance to create a spa-like experience in your bathroom.

Freestanding tubs are fairly simple fixtures that can elevate your bathroom and make it feel modern. They come in different materials, shapes, and sizes, and can be installed in different ways to work with your space. Clawfoot tubs are one interesting type to point out because they have undergone a style evolution. If you're going for a classic aesthetic or you'd like to add some vintage charm to your bathroom, you can get a contemporary model or restore an original for this purpose. Modern built-in tubs are also better alternatives to jetted tubs. If they are sleek, stylish, and fit into your space well, they can really elevate your bath experience. One way to do this is to install the built-in tub on a raised platform. Not only does this make it sit up higher, the placement can also make the tub the statement piece of the room.