By Benjamin Clarke | Published on 5th February 2026

Inset bath ideas

When it comes to overcoming the stresses and strains of everyday life, there's absolutely nothing better than sinking deep into a lovely warm bath and relaxing your mind. However, if you're planning a project to update your bathroom then making a decision on the best type of bath for you can be difficult.

Do you want a standard bath, a freestanding bath or an inset bath? Should it have a shower attachment or perhaps a whirlpool function? These are serious considerations for anyone upgrading their bathroom or ensuite, so it pays to be armed with the best possible information for you to make the right choice.

In this article, we've put a specific focus on inset bathtubs to enable you to decide if one would be appropriate for the bathroom in your home.

What is an inset bath?
Inset bath or freestanding bath?
Is an inset bath suitable for you?
Inset baths at LunaSpas.com

What is an inset bath?

Inset baths are characterised mainly by being installed against one, or more, walls which makes them great if you have limited space in the bathroom.

Whereas a standard bathtub will be installed right up against a wall and simply have a side panel to disguise the underside of the bath, an inset bathtub will usually be set into some sort platform or structure. The design of the platform usually results in a shelf or ledge that runs around all four sides of the bath - think of a kitchen sink being placed into a kitchen worktop for a similar comparison.

When done within a bathroom, an inset bath provides a more luxurious look than a standard bath and also gives an element of functionality with a surface to place candles, a glass of sparkling wine or shampoo dispensers.

Inset bath or freestanding bath?

The last few years has seen a huge increase in the amount of freestanding baths appearing in fashion magazines and interior design shows. There's no doubt that they look fantastic and really do lend a sense of additional grandeur to any bathroom they're installed in.

A large and very important drawback for many people is that they simply don't have a bathroom big enough to accommodate a bath that is not pressed up against a wall, as well as a basin, storage, shower cubicle and enough space to move around comfortably.

Inset baths are a great way of adding in some luxurious style but without the inconvenience of a large tub taking up space in the middle of a small room. There are many possibilities with inset baths, from being set into a marble surface that runs along the entire length of a room to a varnished wooden platform with a step allowing you to step up into the tub.

Inset bathtubs really are a creative solution to those with a small bathroom but don't want to miss out on making the room a focal point of their home.

Is an inset bath suitable for you?

If you are considering the possibility then there are a couple of things to keep in mind and potentially discuss with your bathroom fitter to ensure you are indeed making the right choice.

Space

The biggest consideration when it comes to putting in an inset bath is whether you have enough space to fit one in. The most attractive-looking inset bathtubs have a ledge that runs all the way around the bath. If your bathroom is tight for space then the projection from the wall may be too much, making the bath a bit too much of an obstacle to walk past.

A practical compromise would be to have a the ledge running around three sides with the fourth pressed flush against the wall. Alternatively, you could disguise the lack of space by having ledges at the end of each bath, like a worktop running the length of one wall.

Cost

When installing a bath into a bathroom, there's no doubt that the cheapest option is to have a standard bath put in with a matching bath panel. These are the easiest and most common installations that are suitable for virtually any bathroom.

Including an inset bath in your design plan will usually increase the cost to some degree, simply because of the extra work that will go into installing them. For example, there may be extra carpentry required for creation of the platform that tub will need to be 'inset' into and there might be more materials required, like tiles, in order to complete the finish.

Doing a comparison on the numbers between a standard bath and inset bath installation with your installer will quickly establish whether your budget will allow for the extra cost.

Inset whirlpool baths at LunaSpas.com

Riho Lima: An Extra Deep Double Ended Collagen Pool

At Luna Spas, we offer an extensive and carefully curated range of inset whirlpool baths designed to suit a wide variety of bathroom layouts, styles and personal preferences. From compact inset baths ideal for smaller bathrooms or en-suites, through to generously sized luxury models that make bathing the centrepiece of the room, our collection is built around comfort, performance and long-lasting quality.

Each inset whirlpool bath is crafted with premium materials and advanced jet systems to deliver a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating bathing experience. Whether you’re looking for subtle hydrotherapy to unwind at the end of the day or a more invigorating massage-style soak, there are multiple configurations and features available to help you tailor the bath to your needs. All Luna Spas inset baths are backed by a comprehensive 20-year guarantee, offering peace of mind alongside everyday indulgence.

If you’re planning a bathroom update and want to combine a refined, built-in aesthetic with the unmistakable luxury of a whirlpool bath, our inset range is an excellent place to start. Explore the full selection of inset whirlpool baths at LunaSpas.com to find a model that complements your space and turns your bathroom into a personal retreat.

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