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Technically, an alcove tub is a built-in tub with 3 surrounding walls. Some of these are simple designs while others can be elaborate, luxurious designs.
However, the definition of “alcove” is “a recess in the wall of a room or garden.” Applying that definition, it’s our view that a primary bathroom with a recess in the wall with any type of tub qualifies as an alcove tub.
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Below are two collections of alcove tub ideas. The first collection is a group of built-in alcove tubs. The second is a collection of freestanding tubs in an alcove in the bathroom.
Luxurious arched ceiling bathtub alcove with a large oval tub in a luxury primary bathroom. This alcove is a “stage” and a show-stopper in this already impressive primary bath. There’s also a double sink vanity and a large walk-in shower. It’s hard not to appreciate this bathroom.This soaking tub is situated in an alcove with a window at the end of a galley style bathroom (vanities run parallel on both sides). The alcove includes an oval drop-in soaking tub and plenty of surrounding surface space for candles, plants, towels and more.
Light-filled alcove tub area beneath a large window in a huge, elegant primary bathroom with custom woodwork throughout including beautiful dark wood on the base of the tub.
Craftsman style primary bath with large alcove that has a huge picture window looking out into a lush garden (I love that view). The drop-in soaking tub is surrounded with rich stonework. The base of the elevated tub is a light tile that looks very much like a light wood. Adjacent to the tub is an open shower space.Light-filled contemporary primary bathroom with an alcove tub on the end under a large window with view of the ocean. I love this primary bath for it’s simplicity and stark contrast between the floating dark wood vanity and the remaining white and very soft pick colors.Here’s a huge primary bathroom with colomn-lined alcove tub which is pretty much it’s own room next to a large, deep wood vanity. Across from the tub is a huge glass-walled walk-in shower.Here’s an example of a deep corner alcove tub next to a shower. The highlight in this primary bath is the chandelier above in the center. That wood and white-surface vanity is very nice as well.
Here’s a long rectangle-shaped primary bath with black floor tile that rises up the side of the alcove tub and matches the black double-sink vanity. The black tile contrasts very nicely with the white grout, white walls and white ceiling.The alcove tub here sits in a huge bay window section which is a series of tall, narrow windows looking out onto the ocean. There are steps that lead up into the large soaking tub which has plenty of surrounding surface area for towels, candles and plants.This is an example of a fairly plain alcove tub set into a recessed portion of the bathroom surrounded by windows.The alcove here is opposite the contemporary vanity with vessel basins. The alcove has brown tile rising up half-way the wall. The ceiling includes dark wood beams that match the dark vanity wood and window trim.Stylish rectancle alcove tub with window that is built into a long alcove that provides plenty of surrounding space for towels and plants and drinks. The alcove here is the focal point of this bathroom’s design.
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Contemporary primary bathroom with a gray-brown tile throughout. It’s a fairly small primary bath with an alcove tub on the end. It doesn’t really look like an alcove because the tub spans the entire width of the bathroom but the three surrounding walls arguably qualify it as such.
This is an example of a nicely designed, yet modest and small primary bathroom with an alcove tub. The side of the alcove is a tan tile that looks like wood which is slightly darker than the other off-white tile in the rest of the bathroom.Here’s a masculine bathroom design with a large white trough sink perpendicular to the alcove white tub. There’s a recesssed shelf above the tub for shampoo, soap and other products. A stand-out design feature here is the lighting.Designed by: ARRCC | Architect: SAOTA. Here’s an alcove tub that is basically a separate room with a window that looks out into the home’s courtyard. The tub is a large square design – almost looks like a hot tub.Check this Roman-style primary bathroom with columns flanking a raised alcove soaking tub which also opens up into a huge open shower area. There’s an arched window next to the tub as well as recessed lighting providing plenty of light in this extraordinarily luxurious primary bath.Source: Zillow DigsTM. Here’s a corner alcove tub surrounded by windows overlooking a lake. One wall is a glass wall that provides a bit of seclusion from the rest of the space.Source: Zillow DigsTM. Here’s an over-the-top round alcove tub with four columns and rich stonework throughout. The bathroom is decked out in dark granite and gold. This is what is referred to as a glittering primary bath.
Here’s a Mediterranean style primary bathroom with a large separate bathtub alcove area with built-in shelving next to on one side and a large window looking out onto manicured lawns on the other side.Here’s a sauna-like primary bathroom with wood walls and ceiling. The alcove tub is surrounded with wood and mood lighting.Designed by: 2e Architects. Here’s a white alcove tub with a large arched window overlooking the forest. Off to the side of the alcove is a dark wood vanity with sink. The space is lit with a small chandelier, recessed lighting and wall-sconces.This alcove is flanked by small white pillars built into a navy blue accent wall flanked by wood vanities on each side.
Here’s a huge luxurious primary bathroom where a considerable portion of it is a dedicated alcove a large tub – basically a room on its own. The large bathroom includes three vanity areas and a sitting ottoman in the center.
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Light beige alcove tub flanked by pillars with the tub under a large window. The alcove is opposite a long two-sink vanity. In the corner is a glass-walled shower. The corner opposite the tub is a wall-mounted TV.A long, tufted ottoman runs down the center of this primary bathroom leading the eye to the alcove and tub area that sits under a huge picture window with a valiance and blinds.The end-of-the-bathroom columned alcove tub has rich reddish woodwork matching the flanking vanities. The cathedral ceilingcreates more space and offers sufficient height for a small chandelier.Trulia. Here’s a gorgeous white transitional primary bathroom with a wide/long white alcove tub under a large window. I love the wide-plank light wood floor against the otherwise all white bathroom decor.Trulia Interesting cave-like alcove tub adjacent to a huge open shower area. This is the type of set up you might find in a spa.Here’s an example of a very modest primary bathroom with a standard alcove tub (i.e. surrounded by three walls).Trulia. Here’s a corner alcove tub with several steps leading into a separate, column-entrance alcove tub surrounded by arched windows.BFDO Architects. I love the light blue and white design in this primary bathroom with a cozy alcove tub in the corner with a large window overlooking the grounds.Here’s an interesting octagon-shaped primary bathroom with a day bed in the center. The alcove tub takes up one of the 8 sies as does the entrance, built-in vanity and other bathroom features. A chandelier hangs in the center.
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Zillow DigsTM. Here’s an alcove tub set like a stage in this huge primary bathroom. The alcove is square with pillers in each corner. Stained glass windows emit light one side. Vanities flank the alcove. There’s also an armchair with ottoman in the bathroom.Zillow DigsTM. Gold steps lead you into this unique alcove tub area that looks out onto a large patio.
Freestanding Tubs in Alcoves
Contemporary freestanding tub in a nicely wood-paneled alcove with window. The alcove space includes a uniquely designed arched ceiling.Modern white freestanding tub in spacious alcove room off the primary bathroom with French doors leading out and looking out to the grounds.Here’s an example of a small arched ceiling alcove with a clawfoot tub.Blue primary bathroom with a modern solid-base freestanding tub in an alcove off the main bathroom space.Very cool soaking freestanding tub in a room off the main bathroom with a large curtain screen. The alcove tub area includes double doors with large glass windows with blinds overlooking the property.Source: Trulia.Source: Zillow DigsTM
Modern straight edged freestanding tub in private alcove in beige bathroom.
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Jon Dykstra
Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.
His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.
His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn
