How to Make the Most of a Clawfoot Tub

Kathryn
I work as a blogger for businesses although I do a variety of different types of writing. I particularly enjoy writing about all aspects of design and creativity. I think that your home should reflect your personality and that it should change as you change. More about me at www.kathrynvercillo.com and http://diaryofasmartchick.com.
I work as a blogger for businesses although I do a variety of different... More »
There are so many different types of bathtubs to choose from for your home. There are regular contemporary bathtubs. There are combination tub / showers. There are whirlpool bathtubs. But I happen to think that one of the best types of bathtubs from a design perspective is the old-fashioned clawfoot bathtub.

The clawfoot bathtub is a bathtub that has a personality. It is a fun bathtub that begs for you to sit in it and relax for awhile. It invites you to add bubbles and indulge in the sanctuary of your bathroom. And it urges you to decorate around it in a way that really lets it shine.

Most people consider a clawfoot bathtub to be a bit vintage. As a result, a lot of people will choose to decorate in a vintage fashion around these tubs. That's a great idea! However, you can also modernize your bathroom to give an updated look to this type of tub. Whichever choice you make, you should definitely design with the tub as the centerpiece of the space!
I love the combination of vintage and modern design used in this bathroom. The bright red tub has a vintage feel to it but it's also bold. The same could be said of the wallpaper which reminds us of days gone by but has an updated feel to it. The glass table brings even more modern appeal to the space. Don't you just want to get into a bubble bath and play with the rubber duckie that's floating in that tub?
There are two different things that I like about the decor of this bathroom. First, I love the symmetry; the towels and the lights above the bathtub create a great symmetrical appearance for the room. And second, I love that the feet of this tub were kept white to really highlight the fact that this is a clawfoot tub.
The design of this bathroom seems a little bit hodge podge to me. The tiles are really cool and they go well with the tub. The sink seems a bit out of place as does the chandelier-style light. However, I think it could be salvaged easily by hanging a great picture on the wall behind the tub. Something nautical would make sense here wouldn't it?
I think that this is a perfect example of how a clawfoot bathtub can look really classy. The neutral colors here (with small touches of gold) make the tub look very elegant. This is a case of choosing exactly the right minimal accessories for the room to highlight the beauty of the tub.
Okay, so this isn't actually a clawfoot tub but I think the design around it would be ideal for a clawfoot tub. Set your tub inside of an enclosed bathing area like this and you've created your own little spa. It's truly the centerpiece of the room.
Here's another tub that's not quite a clawfoot tub but I think it serves as a good example of the type of tub that someone might get if they like the idea of a clawfoot tub but can't find one that suits their style. The basic shape of this tub is remniscent of the vintage look of a clawfoot tub but the tub itself is more modern. This would be a good one for families.
A modern family might also be able to make a true clawfoot tub work for them by choosing an all-white tub and bathroom. This reduces the "vintage" appeal of the clawfoot tub and offers a moderate design method for enjoying this type of bathroom.
If you are more interested in creating a true vintage look for the bathroom then you'll want to pay attention to two things. First, choose a tub that has a great vintage color - pink and green are good choices or else you could go with an antique metal tub. And second, choose accessories (like the radio here) that add to the vintage tone of the room.
Here's a more in-depth look at the type of accessories you might want to add to a bathroom that has a vintage clawfoot tub. A dress form with vintage clothing on it, an antique vanity and vintage perfume bottles would spice up this space and create a great bathroom for lounging.
This type of clawfoot tub is called a slipper tub. As you can see, one side is raised like a chaise lounge so you can truly lounge in the bath. I don't think it would matter what you do to design around this type of tub because it's such a great piece that you really can't go wrong!
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Comments

Brooklyn Limestone We salvaged ours and while I don't use it that often, it just looks so pretty. Amazing how many of these were trashed over the years.
4 years ago ·
sakura i love the last picture! i'd love to take a bath there everyday :D:D:D
3 years ago ·
Classic Clawfoot Tubs That vintage styled room with the chrome finished clawfoot tub is great. The wallpaper and the floor really make it. Not a huge fan of the vanity, but understand not everybody has my same tastes. :^)
12 months ago ·
jemame Don't use CLR on your vintage bathtub! It will eat away the finish in a blink of an eye!
3 months ago ·
Classic Clawfoot Tubs Good point. Always use a non-abrasive cleaner. Nothing gritty like 'Comet'.
3 months ago ·
Eco Refinishers If you do take the finish off.. we can help, with a new Warrantied finish Love your product "Classic Clawfoot Tubs"
3 months ago ·
jemame To add to my previous comment, CLR advertises itself as a bathtub cleaner. Don't try it. My tub was a new extra large tub from Restoration Hardware ($$$) so it was in excellent condition-until I used CLR! Also, it is a liquid cleaner, not a gritty powder. It literally took the surface off in about 90 seconds.
3 months ago ·
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