Beyond The Bathroom: The Unexpected Places You'll See Tubs In 2026

Bathtubs are currently making a statement — and not necessarily in the way you think. They're being installed as an architectural design choice rather than a functional one. It seems bathtubs aren't just features to create the perfect spa-like bathroom. Designers are now accenting luxurious fixtures in unexpected spaces, such as master bedrooms and even outside on balconies and backyard patios. According to some experts' predictions, we're going to be seeing a lot more of the trend of putting tubs in rooms other than bathrooms in 2026.

"If space allows, I always encourage our clients to consider including a bath in the bedroom. There is something so serene about the idea. It brings a sense of sanctuary and calm, much like a beautifully designed hotel suite," interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe explains to Homes and Gardens. Bathtubs have long been a symbol of retreat and luxury. Freestanding tubs are a classic focal point in a bathroom and elevate the space's aesthetic appeal. Gilberthorpe adds that you can further achieve this look by placing the tub near a window that looks out to the countryside or adding cafe-style curtains to add texture and softness. 

Adding a sculptural tub can promote relaxation, making the bathroom look like a wellness retreat. That said, it's not hard to imagine that bathtub placement would have a similar effect in unconventional rooms, like near sunlit windows or partitioned behind a divider in a bedroom for maximum self-care and indulgence.

There's no question that placing a tub outdoors, such as tucked away in a backyard garden, can give you that luxury wellness retreat feel, but there are other emotional and physical benefits, too. Beyond soaking in the water, you may feel the fresh air hit your skin, see and smell the foliage, and hear the rustling of leaves and wildlife around you. These sensations blend together for a full sensory experience, helping you to stay grounded in the present moment, which can ultimately soothe your nervous system and promote calm.

Plus, a bathtub as an aesthetic focal point in outdoor areas is akin to displaying a sculpture, creating an element of drama and elegance. By combining the peacefulness of soaking in a beautiful bathtub with the natural elements, it creates a surprising yet relaxing visual intrigue. You also don't have to have an expansive private yard to create this feature; an outdoor tub placed out on a deck can feel just as glamorous and prompt peace and serenity.

Beyond outdoor spaces, you might consider relocating your tub to another room, like your bedroom, if your bathroom isn't large enough for both a walk-in shower and a freestanding tub. Creating an immersive luxury spa environment in the bedroom can optimize your sleep area into a seamless self-care experience, similar to what you'd find in relaxing hotel suites. For privacy, you can separate the areas with a partition or leave your tub out in the open, but either way, this unexpected element creates intrigue and makes the bedroom look and feel unique.

But as with all interior design trends, it's important to know what to consider before hopping on the bathtub in the bedroom trend or in another room other than a bathroom. Assuming you have enough space in your home and are curious about adding a bit of luxury to a room, you'll want to think about how positioning a soaking bathtub in a bedroom or private garden on a patio raises the question of privacy. It also comes with its own set of plumbing concerns, depending on where the placement is.

However, you can combat the privacy aspect of a bathtub in a bedroom or patio by adding partitions or a room divider as a barrier between the spaces. In a bedroom, for example, consider opaque wooden screens which can complement a modern, minimalistic, or Japandi style bedroom. The same can be said about an outdoor bathtub. Privacy walls or lattice screens, for instance, can provide seclusion, or you can install a pergola with curtains for extra security. As for plumbing, you'll want to consult a professional to ensure that your tub can function properly and efficiently, no matter where you position it.