1. Cleanliness became a virtue during the Victorian era (thankfully), when weekly baths in a rain barrel were replaced by daily soaks in an elegant clawfoot tub. These luxury items are happily back in style.
2. Made from sturdy cast iron covered with white, easy-to-clean porcelain enamel, a traditional clawfoot tub will be heavy - especially when you add water. If your flooring isn't up to the challenge, choose a lighter, yet equally attractive, acrylic model.
3. The traditional roll rim tub is the image in your mind when you think "clawfoot tub." These tubs were manufactured by the millions between 1890 and 1940 and may be responsible for our current obsession with stylish bathrooms.
4. A standard clawfoot tub measures 5 feet in length, which was just the right size for most post-World War I bathrooms. Today, however, you can find tubs ranging from 4 to 6 feet in length to fit all sizes of bathrooms and bathers.
5. If you're dreaming of hours-long baths on a hillside watching the sunset (hey, it's a dream, right?), you'll need a slipper tub. One side comes up higher than the other on a slipper tub, providing support for your back and head while your fingers and toes pickle.
6. Double-ended clawfoot tubs are rounded on each side so you can choose your lounging position. A center drain position and center-mounted faucet complete the ambidextrous experience.
7. Perfect for modern bathrooms, pedestal tubs have a solid base for a more built-in look. This Art Deco style was popularized in the 1920s and '30s as an update to the traditional clawfoot style.
8. If you can't afford an authentic antique clawfoot tub (or don't want to mess with the restoration process), period-piece reproductions capture the classic look but use lightweight, affordable acrylic fiberglass.
9. Clawfoot tubs may be freestanding and simple, but you should still hire a plumber to install your new tub. Measure your space before buying, make sure your tub is level, and use foot coasters to protect your floor and prevent slipping.
10. Clawfoot tubs are larger and deeper than regular tubs so you can relax more effectively. The luxurious look with furniture-style feet also adds to the experience. Look for modern updates like whirlpool jets, to get the best of both old and new innovations.