Clawfoot tub is not as practical as a shower.

This is a highly personal decision: while some people prefer the speed of a shower, others wouldn't trade in the luxury of a tub and it's ability to allow for both a shower and a long soak. (The kids can't play with rubber duckies, and candles and champagne just aren't the same when you have to stand up to enjoy them!). There really isn't a bad choice, though.

I like Darzy's suggestions. I prefer to soak my bad back in a tub, but I think most people prefer showers. Are you remodeling for yourself or to put the house on the market? For yourself, do what you want. For resale, put in a shower.

I have a clawfoot tub with a shower. The day is coming, not too far off, when I won't be able to get into it anymore. Just something to think about...

BTW..if it was MY bathroom to use, I would prefer a walk-in shower. But, I'd hope a tub was available somewhere in the house. :)

What do you have on the other floors? If you have a shower than a tub with a shower bar.

I like a shower. I've got a whirlpool tub too but rarely use it. a shower is a must though.

The rest of the house does have tubs and showers. And for a good while its for me, we don't plan on selling for several years. Here's a picture I found if that helps. There's a doorway to the left where they have a toilet and sink currently that would be the walk in shower.

I think keeping the tub is more in keeping with the style of bathroom and age of home so I'd go with darzy's suggestion.

Another vote for Darzy's suggestion! :)

I love that tub. You can buy shower hardware specifically for old clawfoot tubs. The best of both worlds. It goes with the character of the home. But if your heart is set on a walk-in shower, go for it. You can sell that clawfoot tub to someone like me who loves them and prefers baths to showers.

Your house sounds a bit like ours (circa 1920). We kept our original clawfoot tub in the 3rd floor bathroom, but added a hand held shower. Our third floor is configured as a guest suite, so not used that often. But I go up to take luxurious long bubble baths in the tub, perched on top of the house with the whole floor to myself, so it's very quiet and peaceful. I love it.

I have a claw foot tub in my bathroom. I am seventy now and wish it was a walk-in shower. Certain things do get harder to do as you get older. Just sayin'

Like getting to that third floor? :) ( I'm more inclined to consider that issue closer to the ground.)