The Magic of Clawfoot Tubs

Antique style is popular again for the bath

As early as 10 years ago, the term "Shabby Chic" started to be bandied about in regard to interior design. It refers to the practice of using worn, antique items to enhance a room. Everything from linens and furniture, to wall decorations and fixtures are fair game for this new technique. Suddenly, everything old is hip again. So it is for bath tubs. Especially from the Victorian Era.

Cleanliness is next to stylishness
Clawfoot tubs are stylish and desirable vintage pieces made popular in the Victorian era, where theycame into vogue as cleanliness became a valued social characteristic. These clawfoot tubs were made of cast iron and then covered with white porcelain. White was chosen to reflect the look and feeling of cleanliness.

Curvy Victorian style and detail
Molten porcelain was poured into the cast iron shell, and gave the clawfoot tub its hard surface. The combination of cast iron and durable porcelain created a tub that was quite durable. The edges and feet of clawfoot tubs reflect the typical attention to detail and shape that Victorian era pieces displayed.

Yesterday's looks with today's quality
Many clawfoot tubs can be found today, though some are chipped, rusted, and missing feet. If you are vigilant about antiquing, attending estate sales, or shopping eBay, you can probably find a working clawfoot tub in good condition, but it might set you back four figures or so.

If you don't feel like exerting all that work to find the perfect clawfoot tub, never fear. This style is becoming so popular, new ones are being made today. And, the clawfoot tubs of today often offer more amenities, such as a shower head or connected knobs that turn on actual running water.