Choosing the right bathtub style for Indian bathrooms can make a huge difference and can decide how your shower experience will be for years to come. The type of bathtub in your bathroom can make your shower an indulgent and rejuvenating spa-like experience or a banal and boring everyday chore. 

There are different categories of types of bathtubs. One category is the experience that the bathtub offers, like a jacuzzi tub, a whirlpool tub, or a standard soaking tub. The second category lists the bathtub style, shape and size. 

We’re going to take a closer look at the basics first, detailing the different bathroom bathtub designs available in India for you to choose from.

Bathtubs Styles: Types of Bathtubs For Indian Homes

1. Alcove Bathtub

These bathroom tubs are the most common types of bathtubs and are often found in Indian residential apartments. Alcove bathtubs are enclosed on three sides, which means they fit in the space between three adjoining walls, while the fourth side, one of the tubs' lengths, is exposed for the user to step in and out. The faucets are usually embedded in one wall, and alcove bathtubs usually have showerhead fixtures placed high above the faucet valves. 

This bathtub style is best for small homes with single bathrooms as they help save on space. Most come with a wide skirting on which you can place shampoos and soaps. Alcove bathtubs are also inexpensive and work perfectly as a tub shower combo, allowing for either shower experience based on the mood or need. 

Best Features: Compact design optimized for space efficiency, seamlessly integrating into smaller bathrooms. 

Best Suited For: Ideal for those seeking a functional and space-saving solution without compromising on the bathtub’s style.

2. Clawfoot Tub

Once a common and classic bathroom bathtub designs, clawfoot tubs are still in style. They are essentially freestanding tubs which sit on elevated feet at the four corners of the tub. These shower tubs are beautiful, lending any bathroom an element of charm and rustic elegance. These are also popularly referred to as soaker tubs, as they allow you to sit in the bath and unwind, washing away the day with a calming soak. 

You can jazz up your tub according to the style of your bathroom by choosing a freestanding tub that suits your bathroom design, and you can select ornamental, modern or sculptural feet to add to the finish you want. Be mindful of the amount of space clawfoot tubs take up though – they leave little space for anything else in a small bathroom.

Best Features: Timeless, elegant clawfoot design adds a touch of luxury, transforming the bathroom into a vintage-inspired haven. 

Best Suited For: Perfect for individuals who appreciate classic aesthetics and desire a statement piece that exudes charm and sophistication.

3. Freestanding Bathtub

Freestanding bathtubs are similar to clawfoot tubs – the difference is that they do not have the support of the claws to elevate them. Rather, these shower tubs sit on the floor, with their base designed to support its full weight allowing it to stand alone anywhere. While these can be placed anywhere in a bathroom, they are usually installed so that all the sides remain open, or with only one wall closing off access to it, because these bathtub styles are for freedom of movement. Freestanding bathtubs come in many different shapes, and the most popular ones are oval and rectangular. Some of these bathtub types come mounted and installed on a flat pedestal.

Freestanding tubs also take up a significant amount of space in any bathroom, so these are best installed in large, spacious bathrooms. If installed in a smaller space, they make the bathroom space look cramped, and the premium feel of this tub is completely removed.

Best Features: Sculptural and stylish, freestanding tubs offer a modern and luxurious focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics of any bathroom. 

Best Suited For: Those who prioritize contemporary design, seeking a spa-like experience with the freedom to place the tub anywhere for maximum visual impact.

4. Corner Bathtub

By far the most premium kind of bathroom bathtub design, a corner tub is shaped and designed to be installed into a corner of your bathroom. This type of bathtub is meant for a spa-like experience, as they tend to come with in-built features, like jetstreams and jacuzzi modes. 

These bathtub styles come in different sizes, and you can choose according to the amount of space your bathroom offers. But they are more often the best choice for large, spacious bathrooms, as the aesthetic a corner bathtub offers is one of luxury and lavishness. Fitting it into a small bathroom may make the tub look hemmed in.

Best Features: Cleverly designed to optimize corner spaces, these bathtubs provide a cozy and space-efficient solution without sacrificing comfort. 

Best Suited For: Ideal for homeowners looking to maximize bathroom space utilization while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing bathing experience.

5. Built-In Bathtub

When it comes to choosing different bathtub styles for Indian bathrooms, built-in bathtubs are a practical and good-looking option. They fit smoothly into the bathroom structure, giving a neat and sophisticated appearance that works well in the often limited space of Indian homes. Built-in tubs let you customize the area around them, so you can create a cohesive design that matches the overall look of your bathroom. This makes them a great choice for Indian bathrooms, where making the most of space while keeping things stylish is important.

Best Features: Seamlessly integrated into the bathroom structure, built-in bathtubs offer a clean, cohesive look with customized surround options for a personalized touch. 

Best Suited For: Perfect for those aiming for a polished and harmonious bathroom design, prioritizing a built-in, streamlined appearance.

6. Whirlpool/Jacuzzi Bathtub

If you're dreaming of a more luxurious bathing experience, jacuzzi or whirlpool bathtubs can bring a touch of indulgence to Indian bathrooms. These bathtubs have special jets that give a therapeutic massage, making your bath more relaxing. In a country where life can be busy, these bathtubs offer a special place to unwind, with jets that you can adjust to your liking. Jacuzzi or whirlpool bathtubs are a popular choice for people who want to create a spa-like feeling in their Indian homes and enjoy the soothing effects of hydrotherapy.

Best Features: Therapeutic jets and a hydrotherapy experience make Jacuzzi/whirlpool bathtubs stand out, providing relaxation and muscle relief. 

Best Suited For: Tailored for individuals seeking a spa-like retreat at home, these bathtubs offer a soothing experience with customizable water jets for a therapeutic soak.

Before you decide which bathtub style you’d like in your own bathroom, it’s important to determine the size of your bathroom and whether or not the bathtub will fit properly, not only in terms of size but also in terms of style and design of your bathroom.