How to Create a Spa-Like Retreat with Deep Bathtubs and Freestanding B

There’s something about a spa that makes you breathe a little deeper. It’s not just the mood lighting or soft robes: it’s the sense that everything has been considered. That same calm can exist in your own bathroom, if you take the time to design it right. And it starts with two things: a deep bathtub and a freestanding tap. In this article, we’ll show you how to use these two statement pieces to transform your space into a personal retreat.

Why Depth Matters: Choosing the Right Bath for Soaking

When you’re building a spa-like bathroom, comfort is non-negotiable. A deep bathtub is designed for long soaks. It holds more water, supports the body better, and gives you that floating sensation you associate with hotel suites or high-end spas.

Unlike standard bathtubs, deeper models often feature curved or reclined shapes that support your back and shoulders. They also tend to hold heat longer, meaning you won’t need to top up with hot water halfway through your soak.

If you have space, a freestanding deep tub can become the hero of the room. And when you pair it with thoughtfully selected tapware, it stops feeling like a regular bathroom and starts to feel like a sanctuary.

A deep bathtub plus freestanding mixer tap = instant spa vibes

Freestanding Taps: Function Meets Calm-First Design

Freestanding bath taps look beautiful and make your space feel intentional. Because they’re installed independently of the bath or wall, they open up the layout and create a more architectural feel.

Their height naturally complements deep tubs, allowing water to flow from above in a way that feels more like a waterfall than a faucet. This adds a subtle sensory layer to your bath routine.

Choose a gooseneck spout to enhance the curve of the tub, or something more angular for a minimal, modern aesthetic.

For freestanding bath taps that balance elegance and performance, explore Phoenix freestanding bath taps, Caroma bathroom tapware, and Nero bathroom tapware. These ranges offer sculptural lines and premium finishes that elevate your bath setup into a true design feature.

Want to explore different finishes? Try Transform Your Home: Buildmat’s Guide to Tapware Finishes to see how each one shifts the mood of the room.

Creating Space to Unwind: Layout Tips That Feel Intentional

You don’t need a huge bathroom to create a spa-like effect. What matters more is that your layout feels open, balanced and clutter-free. If you’re placing your tub under a window or near natural light, position your freestanding tap to one side (not in the centre) to keep the visual weight feeling grounded.

Keep the surrounding area clear. Avoid over-styling the bath ledge or adding storage directly beside the tub. Instead, lean into negative space. If you need storage, consider recessed niches or low-profile shelving in soft stone or timber finishes.

Lean into the negative space to create a true spa experience

If you're adding accessories, look for cohesion in material. Brushed nickel, matte black or soft chrome finishes can be echoed through your bathroom accessories, towel rails or even your mirror frame. This helps the space feel consistent without being overly styled.

For styling tips, read Creating a Cohesive Bathroom Design with Matching Towel Rails, Sinks, and Tapware.

Choosing Finishes That Feel Spa-Worthy

Colour and texture make a big difference when you're chasing that spa energy. Brushed finishes, like brushed nickel bath taps, are softer on the eye and less prone to showing fingerprints or watermarks. This gives the bathroom a low-maintenance, always-clean look that adds to the sense of calm.

Meir bathroom tapware offers brushed nickel, brushed bronze, and matte black finishes that work beautifully in light-filled, textured bathrooms—perfect for spa-style retreats with a contemporary edge.

Brushed nickel taps are low maintenance, perfect for keeping you calm

Matte black taps add contrast and pair well with natural textures like stone and timber. If your room is full of light and pale tones, black becomes the grounding element. For something timeless, chrome bath taps reflect light and add a subtle polish without looking too modern or too vintage.

Looking to explore options? See how your tap choice can reflect your personal style in What Your Tapware Finish Says About Your Style

Soft Details That Bring the Room Together

Once your bath and tapware are in place, layer in small comforts. A timber stool or stone side table gives you a surface for bath salts, a glass of water or a candle. Use soft linen towels and add a plant or two if you have the light for it – greenery softens the hard finishes and adds life to the room.

Avoid overdoing decor. The whole point of a spa-like retreat is that it feels effortless. Let the curve of the bath, the height of the spout, and the warmth of the materials do most of the talking. Everything else should support the sense of calm.

Bring the Spa Home with Buildmat’s Premium Bathtubs & Taps

You don’t need to book a weekend away to feel recharged. With a deep bathtub and a freestanding bath tap, your bathroom becomes the place you go to unwind, reset and soak it all in.

Whether your style is earthy and calm or sleek and contemporary, the right layout and materials can completely shift the feel of your space.

And if you're still deciding which tap finish works best, Buildmat’s range of bathroom tapware is designed to help you get the look without the guesswork.

Looking for More? Find the Right Bathtub for Your Personal Spa

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to creating your ideal soaking experience. That’s why Buildmat offers a curated selection of premium bathtubs designed to suit every bathroom style and space. From compact options for small ensuites to dramatic centrepieces that anchor the whole room, you’ll find something to match your layout and vision.

Working with a compact space? Small bathtubs deliver comfort without compromise — deep enough to soak, but perfectly sized for inner-city homes or minimalist layouts.

Dreaming big? Our large bathtubs bring the wow factor. These generously sized designs turn everyday baths into full-body rituals.

After a little texture? Fluted bathtubs offer soft curves and sculptural lines that elevate your space with just the right amount of detail. Ideal for design lovers who want their bath to double as a feature piece.

Prefer a timeless silhouette? A rectangle bathtub gives you clean edges and classic proportions, easy to integrate into both modern and traditional bathrooms.

Want something with attitude? A black bathtub brings contrast, edge and instant sophistication. Perfect when paired with light tiles, brushed brass or warm timber tones.

Choosing the right material matters too. Acrylic bathtubs are lightweight, warm to the touch and easy to clean — a great choice for busy households and renovations. For those wanting a luxe, matte finish with serious durability, solid surface bathtubs offer a premium look and feel that elevates the whole room.

No matter your style or layout, there’s a bathtub in our collection that can help you create a space that feels calm, considered, and truly your own.