Clawfoot Tub Showers

Imagine a clawfoot tub, and you'll likely conjure a long, soothing bath, perhaps with a book or candles or even a companion. But luxurious as bathing in them can be, today's clawfoot tubs must sometimes submit to our busier bathing habits. The solution? Clawfoot tub showers.

Showers then and now

Though much commoner today, the clawfoot tub shower has actually been around since the clawfoot's heyday at the beginning of the 1900s. In the Victorian era, clawfoot tub shower enclosures were sometimes built from wood-paneled rounded hoods. Shower risers (the part that extends from the faucet to the shower head) were also shorter, but it wasn't a height issue: hair washing was less frequent in that era, and shower head heights were set lower in order to keep hair dry and better wash the body.

Today, clawfoot owners have two shower options: enclosures and handheld shower heads.

Handheld

Though less efficient for regular daily use, handheld showers are sometimes preferred by those who dislike the visual effect of an oval or rectangular shower rod overhanging the tub. A handheld shower head is ideal for washing the tub and for occasional daily showers, as well as for easier rinsing during bathing or hair washing.

Enclosure

A clawfoot tub shower enclosure is the preferred choice of clawfoot owners who shower regularly and enjoy an occasional relaxing bath. Clawfoot tub shower enclosures are sold in kits or sets that usually include the various items needed for installation, such as a diverter faucet, shower head, shower riser, oval or rectangular shower rod/ring, ceiling and wall support rods, etc. (though shower curtains are usually sold separately).

Clawfoot shower tips

• Make sure that the shower enclosure you buy is compatible with your tub's mounting style, be it rim/deck mounted, tub wall mounted, or freestanding/floor mounted.
• Shower-capable clawfoot tub faucets have a diverter valve that's operated via a third faucet handle or a spout button.
• Acrylic clawfoot tubs are less capable of supporting shower enclosures that are tub wall mounted. A shower faucet of this mounting type is best used with stronger and heavier cast iron clawfoot tubs.
• Chrome, brass, bronze, and nickel are the available finishes for enclosure and handheld shower faucets. Nickel is the most traditional choice for vintage tubs.