Designing a bathroom is fun and exciting and opting for a freestanding bath can really make all the difference. Traditionally, freestanding baths were made from cast iron, but today, they are available in lots of materials, particularly acrylic. This allows for a greater breadth of styles, shapes and finishes to consider.
Choosing an acrylic freestanding bath has many advantages. It’s very good at retaining heat, keeping your water warmer for longer, but it’s also very durable and generally resistant to chipping and cracking. It’s also lightweight making it easier to install overall - a win-win when it comes to fitting a stand alone tub.
One of the most important features you’ll need to decide on is whether to opt for a matt or gloss finish to your bath. Both have their unique appeal and advantages, but which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each, so you can make the right decision.
A Glossy Finish
The gloss finish freestanding bath is the go-to for those who want their bathroom to sparkle with a sense of luxury and shine. This glossy, polished look can instantly elevate the room and make it feel more modern and high-end. The reflective surface of a gloss freestanding bath also works wonders to brighten up the space, especially in smaller or less naturally lit bathrooms.
However, keep in mind that gloss finishes can show water spots and fingerprints more easily, requiring a bit of regular maintenance to keep them looking pristine. A glossy finish can also show scratches and chips more visibly.
Why choose a glossy freestanding bath?
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Brightens up the room: The reflective surface helps bounce light, making your bathroom appear brighter.
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High-end, sophisticated look: Gloss finishes add a polished, clean and luxurious feel.
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Easy to clean: Because the surface is smooth, it’s typically easier to wipe down and maintain, keeping your bath sparkling with minimal effort.
Billy Fluted Freestanding Bath - 1700 x 800mm
£899.99
Riley Acrylic White Freestanding Bath - 1680 x 700mm
£999.99
Charlotte Edwards Portobello Freestanding Bath - 1720 x 730mm
£1,249.99
The Matt Look
On the other hand, matt finishes to a freestanding bath are all about understated elegance. They give off a more relaxed, minimalist vibe, creating a chic and modern look without the high-shine. The muted, smooth surface can add depth and texture to the space while still maintaining an air of sophistication.
The downside? While it’s easier to keep free from marks, the surface can be more difficult to clean if soap scum or grime builds up, as the finish doesn’t reflect light the way a gloss finish does.
Why choose a matt freestanding bath?
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Subtle elegance: The soft, non-reflective finish creates a serene and inviting atmosphere.
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Smudge and fingerprint resistant: The absence of shine means fingerprints, smudges and water spots are less noticeable.
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Versatile design: A matt finish can easily blend into various bathroom themes, from minimalist to rustic or even industrial.
Charlotte Edwards Richmond Matt Black Freestanding Bath - 1760 X 680mm
£1,449.99
Britton Bathrooms Formoso ClearStone Freestanding Bath - 1500 & 1690 x 800mm
From £1,420.19
Charlotte Edwards Rosemary Matt Black Freestanding Bath - 1710 X 720mm
£1,499.99
Match Your Bathroom Style
It’s not just about aesthetics when it comes to choosing a gloss vs matt freestanding bath, the style of your bathroom is also going to come into play.
Gloss Finish: Perfect for contemporary and modern bathroom designs. If you're aiming for sleek, polished aesthetics, this finish is an excellent choice. It pairs well with glossy tiles, chrome fixtures and a cleaner, fresher vibe.
Matt Finish: Ideal for rustic, industrial or vintage-inspired bathrooms. If you prefer a more organic or subtle look, matt is the way to go. It complements matt tiles, copper or brass fixtures and earthy tones.
What About More Traditional Bathrooms?
If you’re styling a more traditional or period-inspired bathroom space, you’ll probably find much more styles available in a glossy finish. However, you can still get that matt look with a special finish stand alone tub or a tin boat style bath.
Are There Any Differences in Cost?
Price-wise, both gloss and matt finishes can come at a similar price point depending on the brand and material. However, there are a broader range of prices for glossy styles, meaning you can find this type of freestanding bath for as little as £800. However, some high-end models with a gloss finish may come at a premium. It's always worth considering your budget and the overall cost of your bathroom renovation when choosing between the two finishes.
Typically, a freestanding bath is going to be more expensive than a standard, fitted bath. They are an investment piece that adds aesthetic appeal as well as being the clincher when it comes to potential buyers looking at your home.
Glossy freestanding baths range from £799.99 for this stunning Ellie Acrylic White Freestanding Bath - 1650 x 700mm, rising to around £1500 for the beautiful Burlington London Round Freestanding Bath -1800 x 850mm and as much as £4000 for the bestselling BC Designs Senator Freestanding Bath -1800 x 840mm.
If you’re considering a matt option, expect to pay around £1400 - £4100. The Charlotte Edwards Belgravia Matt Black Freestanding Bath - 1700 X 670mm is at the lower end of the scale - £1399.99 - while the BC Designs Casini Freestanding Bath - 1680 x 700mm is more luxurious at £3346.99.
Style vs. Functionality
Choosing between a gloss or matt freestanding bath ultimately boils down to personal preference and how it will fit within your overall bathroom design.
If you want your bath to be a showstopper, sparkling in the light and reflecting your high-end style, gloss is the way to go. But, If you prefer something understated, with easy maintenance and a timeless charm, then matt is your match!
Both glossy and matt finishes are durable options. A matt finish is generally more resistant to scratches as the matt surface tends to hide imperfections better. They are also less prone to showing smudges and watermarks, but may require more regular cleaning to maintain that smooth appearance.
Whether you’re leaning towards a lustrous, light-catching gloss or the quiet sophistication of matt, both finishes bring their own unique appeal and practical benefits. Whichever you choose, you’ll be sure to create a bathroom that’s both beautiful and functional.
Browse our full range of freestanding baths or take a look at more of our inspiration and guides via the blog. Here’s a few more articles you may like to read next!
