Clawfoot Tubs - A Touch of Elegance and Style for Your Bathroom

By Jesse Whitehead

If you’re looking for an addition to your bathroom that is beautiful, elegant, and stylish consider getting a clawfoot bathtub. With a clawfoot tub, you can take a long hot bubble bath at the end of a hard day, and soak your aches, pains, and cares away.

Why is it called a Clawfoot Bathtub?

The clawfoot bathtub is aptly named for the claw-like feet that are attached to the bottom of the tub.  The clawfoot tub is sometimes referred to as a Victorian tub, which first originated in the Victorian era of the 1800’s. Clawfoot bathtubs are typically deeper than contemporary tubs and are perfect for a nice hot soaking bath after a hard day at work.

Materials

Clawfoot tubs typically come in two different materials: cast iron, and acrylic.  Cast iron models are durable, heavy tubs that can be painted any color to match the decor of your bathroom. However, because of the weight of the cast iron, it is usually not advisable to install on an upper floor. Acrylic bathtubs are much lighter in weight and easier to maintain than traditional cast iron tubs, a factor that makes it an ideal choice for modern homes.

No Longer Just for the Rich

In the 1800’s and until recent times, a clawfoot tub was considered a luxury item that only the well-to-do could afford. Today’s manufacturing technology has brought the price of these tubs to affordable levels for most homeowners. Authentic antique tubs are scarce and hard to find, and are highly sought by collectors. Reproduction tubs on the other hand are more affordable and widely available, making them a perfect choice for new homes and remodels.

There are 5 Basic Styles of Clawfoot Tubs:

1. Traditional flat rim, roll rim, or roll top tubs. This is a flexible design that allows the faucet to be mounted on the tub wall, on the tub deck, or on the bathroom wall.

2. Pedestal tubs which do not actually have claw feet although they are usually included in the clawfoot tub category. Instead of feet, the tub sits on a pedestal, hence the name pedestal tub.

3. Double slipper tubs, which are raised at each end and slope towards the center. Considered by many to be the most elegant of clawfoot tub designs, this style tub is a near work of art that looks gorgeous in any bathroom.

4. Slipper tubs have one end raised up which slopes down toward the center.

5. Double ended tubs have both ends of the tub rounded. With this design, the faucet and drain must be mounted at the center of the tub.

Where to Find Them

A clawfoot tub will bring elegance and style to your bathroom.  Shop around online, or go to your nearest home improvement store to check out these beautiful bathtubs. You will fall in love with them and wonder why you haven’t got one sooner.

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