The Over-The-Top Bathroom Trend That Is Out For 2025

Statement bathtubs have been taking up significant space in bathrooms for years, even though they are often one of the least-used fixtures in the space. After looking at the current trends, however, it appears that the era of the giant tub is finally on its way out. If you are lucky enough to have plenty of functional space in your bathroom, even with a statement tub taking center stage, this luxurious design feature can still be a welcome addition. However, if you are planning a remodel in a smaller space, it may be wise to think twice about sacrificing so much square footage for something so rarely utilized.

Much like jetted tubs were a once popular bathroom feature but are now considered cheesy, the same goes for big, built-in tubs of any kind. Freestanding tubs that combine sleek design with a smaller profile are now in. The truth is, American homes are getting smaller, and with less square footage comes fewer unnecessary luxuries, like over the top bathtubs — and, in some cases, any bathtub at all.

Large soaking tubs take up much more room than their normal-sized cousins, and while the cost can vary widely, it is safe to say the bigger the bathtub, the more likely it is to break the bank. Unless you are the rare person who regularly takes long, luxurious baths, the truth is that an oversized tub probably is not worth the extra cost or the space it takes up in your bathroom.

Choosing the right bathtub style for your bathroom is always a challenge, but if you are budget-conscious and looking to maximize your space, bigger is not better in this case. A standard bathtub typically measures about 60 inches long and 30 inches wide. A typical soaking tub, however, can start at 60 inches and can be as long as 72 inches. That extra 12 inches could mean the difference between whether or not you can have a double vanity or walk-in shower with enough room to wash your hair without bumping your elbows. There are many bathroom design choices that can make it harder to sell a home, and small bathing spaces are often on the list. So, ask yourself, how big of a tub do you really need — or better yet, do you need a tub at all?

In most homes, showers get much more use than tubs, so plenty of people wonder whether they need a bathtub at all. Still, it's wise to keep at least one bathtub in the house. Families with young children often need a bathtub to keep the kiddos clean. However, if you are making over your primary bathroom and there is a tub somewhere else in the house, go ahead and ditch the tub if you can't picture yourself using it.

Repurpose that space for a double shower, a bigger vanity, or even a water closet. There are many ideas to make your bathroom feel like an oasis that do not include an oversized tub. In other words, there is no need to skimp on luxury just because you do not have a giant tub. Allocating space and resources to the items you actually value, especially if you are planning to stay in your house for decades or age in place, will ultimately be the better decision for you. And if you still want a beautiful, freestanding tub, the good news is they come in many shapes and sizes — you just have to find the one that works for the space you have.