Once regarded as the epitome of luxury, then fading out of sight, round bathtubs are now returning – sophisticated, elegant, and ready to steal the show in the bathroom.
Round bathtubs have reappeared in our lives over the past decade, and it seems they’re here to stay. If in the past they symbolized extravagance and sometimes even kitsch—similar to the round beds of the seventies and eighties—today they take on a fresh, clean, and elegant interpretation, combining advanced materials with contemporary design.
One of the main differences lies in the minimalist design language, which allows the round bathtub to become a focal point in the space without overwhelming it. Its shape offers the advantage of creating a soft and flowing feel, resonating with ideas of calmness and a home spa.
Ronit Lang, CEO of Porcelanosa Israel, notes: “Today’s round bathtub no longer ‘shouts’ like it once did. Thanks to modern materials and proper planning, it becomes a soft, romantic centerpiece in the space rather than a gimmick. One of the most prominent trends today is placing the bathtub as a freestanding element, sometimes in the bedroom itself or facing a wide window overlooking the view, which creates a powerful yet intimate experience.”
Advanced Materials and a New Design Language
Today, round bathtubs are made from innovative materials such as Corian, cast stone, polished concrete, or advanced porcelain, which make maintenance easier and provide high resistance to stains and scratches. These materials allow for a wide range of shades and textures, along with lightweight, water-resistant acrylic, luxurious natural stone, and hybrid materials enhanced with nanotechnology, offering a silky touch and scratch resistance.
Proper Planning – The Key to Success
Interior designer Guy Buchhalter emphasizes the importance of planning: “First of all, the size of the space. A round bathtub requires more floor area compared to a rectangular one. It’s important to leave at least sixty to eighty centimeters of clearance around it to ensure comfortable access and effective cleaning.”
Buchhalter adds: “In smaller spaces, you can opt for a smaller-diameter bathtub and place it in a corner or against a wall. In larger spaces, the bathtub can be positioned at the center of the room, turning it into an impressive sculptural element. In addition, attention should be paid to the location of plumbing systems and fixtures to maintain a clean and aesthetic appearance.”
The target audience for this trend is diverse: Lovers of contemporary design looking for an inspiring sculptural element, couples who want to elevate their daily bathing experience, and luxury clients seeking to bring the spa experience into their private home.
Architect Ornit Buchhalter points out: “Today we see round bathtubs being incorporated even into luxury urban apartments, not only in large private homes, thanks to customized solutions and lightweight materials.”
Buchhalter continues: “Compared to the past, we can also see changes in the dimensions and proportions of round bathtubs. In the past they were usually heavy and very large. Today, they are easier to work with, come in a wide variety of diameters, and are made from advanced materials with a smooth, silky feel.”
When choosing materials, it’s also important to consider the atmosphere you want to create. Light materials, such as white or pale stone, offer a sense of calm and softness, while darker materials, like basalt stone or colored concrete, create drama and a unique elegance.
Guy Buchhalter concludes: “The secret is not just choosing a beautiful bathtub, but giving it a stage—soft lighting, warm materials, and architectural elements that complete the look. The bathtub should become an integral part of the space, providing both a design statement and a functional experience.”