Gloss White vs. Matte White: Choosing the Perfect Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub for your Sanctuary

For many, the bathroom is a sanctuary—a place for solitude and contemplation.

If you are looking to elevate the experience by considering aesthetics and functionality into the equation or currently undergoing a bathroom remodel, then choosing between a gloss white and matte white finish is an essential decision that impacts both style and maintenance.

They go beyond being mere bathroom fixtures since they can create a spa-like atmosphere every time you enjoy a luxurious soak.

Compiled here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice for your bathroom.

Why Acrylic Freestanding Bathtubs?

To give context, “freestanding” refers to bathtubs that stand independently. They sit on the floor and can be placed flushed against a wall like the popular corner baths. These tubs come in various shapes, sizes, and styles to match different bathroom decor preferences.

These types of bathtubs have become increasingly popular of late due to their contemporary look, versatility in design, ease of installation, and conveniently reparable. Their lightweight nature also makes them a favorite for both new constructions and bathroom renovations.

Some of its known benefits include:

Durability: Acrylic is resistant to chipping and cracking.

Material Advantages: Lightweight and easier to install compared to other materials.

Heat Retention: Keeps your bathwater warm for extended periods.

Easy Maintenance: The non-porous surface resists stains and is simple to clean.

Variety: Available in numerous styles, shapes, and sizes, fitting various bathroom decors and space allotted for it.

The combination of practical and aesthetic advantages in Acrylic Freestanding Bathtubs is why they are a top choice for homeowners.

But Which Finish to Consider?

Here’s a Closer Look to Gloss White and Matte White

Gloss White Finish: 

Are the types of bathtubs that reign in its visual appeal. Due to their shiny, reflective surface, they can enhance the bathroom’s brightness. Their reflective quality can also make any smaller bathrooms appear larger and more open. Not only that, but they can create a luxurious, polished look to your space, fitting seamlessly with other modern fixtures and decor.

The high-gloss finish makes the bathtub a striking focal point, the central showpiece of your sophistication.

But are they easy to clean and maintain?

Freestanding bathtubs with gloss white finish are resistant to most stains and scratches but may require more frequent upkeep to maintain their shine.

They are easy to wipe clean as the surface of a gloss white finish reduces the visibility of water spots and fingerprints, maintaining a pristine appearance with minimal effort.

The durable finish also helps in preserving the bathtub’s original lustre and appearance.

Matte White Finish

Are the types of bathtubs that rule in subtlety. Their non-reflective surface brings a modern, refined simplicity to the space but what’s surprising is that they blend well with various decor styles, from traditional to modern, making them a versatile choice for the kind of interior you are dreaming of. This kind of finish also provides a calm and serene ambiance, perfect for a relaxing bathroom environment. 

If you are seeking for a timeless look in your bathroom design where the bathtub can complement a wide range of bathroom fixtures and accessories then freestanding bathtubs with matte white finish are ideal for you.

What is their upkeep?

Acrylic freestanding bathtubs with matte white finish do hide water spots and fingerprints better than gloss but they are slightly more challenging to clean if stained.

They are equally durable as gloss but need attentive maintenance to avoid residue, requiring periodic deep cleaning to prevent build-up.

Recommended Maintenance for Both Tubs

1. Clean with warm, soapy water

2. Gently scrub away scum, dirt, and any buildup with a microfibre cloth

3. Rinse tub

Comparing Durability and Longevity

Gloss White Finish:

Long-Term Appearance: to prevent dulling, consistent cleaning is essential to maintains its shiny, reflective appearance over time

Surface Wear: it is more prone to showing wear and tear if not cleaned regularly, but overall, it holds up well under regular use.

Matte White Finish:

Long-Term Appearance: to maintain its elegance, occasional deep cleaning is required to keeps its non-reflective look and in order to hide imperfections better

Surface Wear: less likely to show everyday wear and tear due to its ability to conceal minor imperfections, making it a practical choice for busy households. 

Both finishes offer durability and long-lasting beauty with proper maintenance. Gloss white is perfect for those who prefer a surface that is easier to clean and maintain as matte white can be a tad bit harder to polish.

Heading into an Even Deeper Dive into the Gloss White vs. Matte White Debate

When selecting your ideal tub, you have to consider your bathroom’s layout, including dimensions, wall space, plumbing access, and overall house design. New constructions offer more flexibility in the choices you are left with while remodelling existing bathrooms may limit material and size options.

If you are now gearing up to buy an acrylic freestanding bathtub, you may want to look at practical deliberations for its everyday use, bathroom design goals, color and lighting, trends, and budget considerations.

Let’s discuss them one by one through the below sub-topics:

Practical Considerations for Everyday Use

For families with young kids, matte white finishes might be more practical due to their ability to hide minor smudges and less slippery nature. Both finishes are durable, but matte white offers a slight edge in terms of daily practicality and safety.

In terms of cleaning up after children and in a busy household, gloss white tubs are also recommended for families with children as they are easier to clean.

Environmental Impact

Both gloss white and matte white acrylic bathtubs share similar environmental impacts due to the nature of acrylic production and disposal. The choice between gloss and matte may slightly affect the type and frequency of cleaning products used, but overall, their environmental footprints are comparable.

For a more practical, sustainable solution, using both microfibre cloth and warm, soapy water is enough to clean the tubs. If a stain has occurred, light buffing can remedy it, with a bit of repainting if needed. 

Style

By understanding these aspects, you can choose the perfect acrylic freestanding bathtub that aligns with your bathroom design goals, color preferences, lighting conditions, and current trends.

Gloss White Finish:

Design

Modern Elegance: ideal for creating a bright, luxurious, and polished look.

Visual Impact: acts as a striking centerpiece, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the bathroom.

Color and Lighting

Reflective Surface: enhances natural and artificial light, making the bathroom appear larger and brighter.

Bold Contrast: pairs well with bold colors and metallic accents for a modern look.

Trends

Timeless Appeal: continues to be popular for its classic and luxurious look.

Contemporary Designs: frequently featured in high-end, modern bathroom designs.

Matte White Finish:

Design

Subtle Sophistication: perfect for a calm, contemporary, and understated elegance.

Blends with Various Styles: complements a range of decor styles, adding a refined touch without overpowering the space.

Color and Lighting

Soft Finish: diffuses light gently, creating a soothing and relaxed ambiance.

Neutral Backdrop: works well with both muted and vibrant color schemes, providing versatility in design.

Trends

Growing Popularity: increasingly favored for its minimalistic and sophisticated appeal.

Eco-Friendly Options: trend towards matte finishes in sustainable and eco-conscious bathroom designs.

Initial Costs, Maintenance Costs, and Long-Term Value

Both finishes offer unique benefits and cater to different aesthetic preferences. While the initial costs are similar, the choice between gloss and matte may influence long-term maintenance expenses and potential resale value.

Gloss white bathtubs are widely available in various designs and sizes, allowing for flexible budget options. Matte white bathtubs, on another hand, offer a broad range of options to fit different budget needs but specific design trends or finishes could affect their prices to some degree.

Both have a positive resale value too when maintained properly as they appeal to buyers with different needs. Easy installation and uninstalling also helps if you would like to remodel your bathroom one day and resell.

Before and After

Here are some visual examples of bathroom transformations with each finish.

The client wants to opt for a fresh and bright new space and a matte finish tub creates a certain finesse to the room.

The corner spa is taking up too much space but the gloss white tub frees up that space for other bath essentials.

Our Top Picks

For Gloss White Freestanding Bath

Byron Egg 1600mm Oval Freestanding Bath, Gloss White

The Byron Egg offers a comfortable interior and comes in various sizes 1200mm - 1800mm to fit any bathroom, which is why it has been our top-selling tub for some time now. It also comes in back to wall and corner designs in gloss white, matte white and matte black! Some limited edition colours also available in the 1600mm oval.

Styled By Our Shoppers

For Matte White Freestanding Bath

Avalon II 1700mm Right Corner Freestanding Bath, Matte White

The Avalon II corner fit bath combines elegant design with functionality, addressing space limitations while providing a comfortable bathing experience. Its refined look is enhanced by sturdy panel backing, making it easy to clean. Designed to sit flush against back walls, this bath simplifies maintenance and adds a touch of sophistication to any bathroom.

Choose the Avalon for a blend of style, comfort, and practicality.

Styled By Our Shoppers

Two-Cents from Our Customers

Final Thoughts

Elizabeth Farrelly, in her article “In praise of the bathtub,” examines how modern design is eliminating the ritualistic and holistic aspects of bathing. According to her, for millennia, bathing has been a ritual for physical and spiritual purification.

The oldest known bath, the 5,000-year-old Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro, was used in priestly training. Ancient Greeks and Romans valued thermal springs for healing, building elaborate baths. Bathing rituals exist across cultures, such as the Turkish hammam and Jewish mikvah. Today, the focus has shifted to practical benefits like those of ice baths, losing the ritualistic essence. Modern design often neglects the holistic experience of bathing, favoring efficiency over beauty and connection with nature.

It does not always have to be the case. Buyers do not have to sacrifice design with practicality.

By understanding the differences between gloss white and matte white finishes when it comes to acrylic freestanding bathtubs, you can now select a bath that aligns with your aesthetic preferences, practical needs, and lifestyle while attaining physical and spiritual cleansing.

While adapting to the evolving needs of end-users, the aim of designing memorable bathroom spaces remains constant. And if you need to explore more options and want to hear a professional’s advice, then ATS is here to help you.

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