Claw Foot Tub Bathroom

Freestanding Tub

Keith Scott Morton

First manufactured in the United States in the late 19th century, claw-foot tubs remained popular until built-in bathtubs came into favor in the 1930s. Today, the freestanding tub is enjoying a revival due to its elegant style and the luxurious bathing experience it provides.

Lip style: Traditional tubs (as shown above) are contoured at the end where you recline, while the drain end is not. Slipper tubs are similar, but feature a markedly higher back at one end. Dual-ended tubs, contoured at both ends with a center-set drain, are another option.

Leg style: Claw feet may replicate animal's paws or feature more abstract designs. Manufacturers often sell the feet separately so that you can choose the style and finish.

Faucet: Like the supply lines, drain, and overflow, faucets are typically sold separately from the tub. Some are mounted on the tub; others come up from the floor or through the wall. Consult a plumber to determine which is best.

Keep in mind that cast-iron tubs can weigh close to 1,000 pounds when filled. Floors in most homes that were built to code are able to withstand this weight.

Vintage Claw-Foot Tubs
Five-foot long tubs are the most common

Brooke Slezak

Acrylic: Weighing in at only 150 to 200 pounds, acrylic tubs keep bathwater warmer longer. Affordable Antique Bath has a wide selection (including jetted models), starting at $1,100 including shipping. American Bath Factory's acrylic and AcraStone tubs come with optional jets or massage features; $1,549 and up. Customize American Standard's Reminiscence Slipper Soaking Bathtub with a choice of 10 interior colors; $1,447 and up.

Cast-iron: Traditionalists prefer the look and feel of cast-iron tubs, an appropriate feature in historic homes. Porcher's Epoche Cast Iron Bathing Pool offers a classic look, starting at $3,000. Iron Works Historic bath by Kohler is a roomy 36? wide, starting at $4,267.90. At 69? long, Circe by Kallista is ideal for taller bathers; starts at $3,835. Herbeau's Retro, Josephine, and Marie Louise models come in several hand-painted finishes, starting at $4,579.

Going vintage: Impart authentic old-fashioned style with a vintage claw-foot tub. Check salvage yards, antiques shops, and online auction sites for a wide selection. Five-foot-long tubs--the most common at one time--are often cheapest. And a like-new tub commands a higher price than one with scratches or stains, although refinishing can repair superficial damage.

yellow bathtub
A simple color scheme of white, yellow, and black makes a big impact in a cottage bathroom.

Paul Wicheloe

Most cast-iron tubs have a plain white finish, but painting the exterior to match your bathroom can add a fun splash of color. Some retailers, such as clawfootsupply.com, will do this for an extra fee. To do it yourself, follow these steps:

Prime: Thoroughly clean the tub's exterior, then apply a quality latex primer with a foam roller and let dry to create a smooth surface.

Apply: Paint at least two coats of exterior-grade latex paint in a satin or semigloss finish onto the exterior using a foam roller.

Set: Some paints may take 90 days to completely set. To prevent marring the surface, avoid scrubbing or scratching the exterior.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Claw Foot Tub Bathroom

Source: https://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/home-makeovers/advice/a436/claw-foot-tubs-0406/