A freestanding bathtub that’s against or partly enclosed by a wall or ledge gives you the best of both worlds. The shapely tub appears to be unattached, yet there’s a place nearby to put books and beverages. Here’s why a partially freestanding tub is a winning combination of style and practicality.

1. It looks like it’s floating. Tiling partway around the bathtub still gives the illusion that it’s suspended in midair. This is a creative way to bring personality to a bathroom.

2. It provides a focal point. Compared with traditional bathtubs, a sculptural beauty like this draws your eye when you enter the room.

3. It makes the bathroom appear larger. Having space around the bathtub gives the impression of a bigger bathroom overall. When the tub is white against a curved wall of dark tiles, the space looks not only larger, but also more sophisticated.

4. It is available in different materials to suit your style. Freestanding bathtubs come in a range of styles and materials, including cast iron, smooth granite or stone resin.

5. It can be easier to enter and exit. With the tub filler out of the way, partially freestanding baths sometimes offer improved access when bathing children or dealing with mobility issues.

6. It offers a landing space for bath items. Bathing is an experience, not just a daily chore, so you may like to have items like books, wine and candles on hand to make your bath time even more special. One of the benefits of a partially freestanding bathtub is being able to put pampering products within easy reach.

7. It suits a wide range of faucets. The faucets for partially freestanding bathtubs can be mounted on the wall, shown, or on the rim. This is generally cheaper than the floor-mounted equivalent for fully freestanding tubs.

8. It can be easier to clean. Built-in bathtubs sometimes require you to climb inside to clean them. Depending on how they’re placed, fully freestanding tubs also can be quite hard to clean behind. A setup with no gap between the tub and the wall simplifies maintenance.