Among many, a clawfoot bathtub is a must for people who want the best bathing experience. This blog will tell you about the pros of adding a Clawfoot bathtub. But before that, let’s talk about what it is and what makes it different.
What is a Clawfoot Bathtub?
A Clawfoot Bathtub is a self-supporting tub that looks aesthetically beautiful in any bathroom. It is available with four legs, usually made up of non-rusting material. The reason behind it getting the name ‘Clawfoot’ is its claw-designed feet.
Talking about its roots, it originated in Holland in the 18th century in a ball and claw design. There is a belief that the design of this bathtub is inspired by the Chinese dragon holding a precious stone in its claw. This design then became popular in England in the 19th century, where it got the foot legs and started to be considered as a fashion and luxury symbol.
In the beginning, the Clawfoot bathtub was made using cast iron and lined with porcelain or copper or tin and then painted in beautiful colors, but that used to change its appearance with time and might become rusted. So later, considering the durability and appearance, it evolved and is now found in beautiful and cost-effective materials like acrylic and fiberglass.
Pros of adding a Clawfoot Bathtub:
- Material:
Authentic Clawfoot Bathtubs are designed using iron, tin, or copper material, but nowadays, these are effortless to find in different materials, and you can select them as per your requirements. For instance, for a lighter and balanced look, you can choose the acrylic one, and for adding a warm touch to the bathroom, you can get the iron one. Both will add a different appeal to your bathing area.
Note: Each material requires a different kind of cleaning, where cast iron ones are most difficult to clean, and acrylic tubs are designed to be cleaned easily. You should choose the one that is easy to maintain for you. Additionally, iron tubs hold heat for a longer time when compared with acrylic tubs, but they make the water colder easily. So, also consider this point while selecting the material.
- Placement:
With Clawfoot Bathtub, you get the freedom to decide your bathing placement. It has a freestanding style that makes it easy to function and install. You can even place it perpendicular to the wall, middle of the bathroom, or parallel to any wall as per your comfort. In short, depending on your space, you can select placement and don’t let your bathroom look cluttered.
Note: If planning to transition from a normal bathing area to a Clawfoot tub bathroom, you should know it’s not an easy task. The entire installment and spacing are required to be planned in advance to avoid later troubles.
- Convenience:
Clawfoot Bathtub generally comes with more space to store bathing essentials like soap, shampoos, essential oils, and more and doesn’t require installation of extra storage carter. Even new designs in these bathtubs have drawers to keep clothes, towels, etc. It allows you to access essentials without stepping out of the tub and eventually increase the overall convenience and save money on getting more storage.
Note: To get more space, the Clawfoot Bathtub is required to install against the wall. It will allow you to utilize the wall space near the tub. However, buying a tub with an additional slab or storage area would solve the purpose anyway.
- Shower:
Clawfoot Bathtub is designed for bubble baths and not showers, but you can still shower in it. Depending on your requirement, you can get the hand or standing shower installed to make your bathing space more appropriate for everyone. This option allows you to be customizable with your bathing experience.
Note: Getting a shower installed with a Clawfoot bathroom can be expensive and inconvenient sometimes. You will require installing a shower curtain around the tub to avoid water dripping out of it. Even the shower curtain will need time to time inspection as they offer minimal safeguarding.
- Plumbing:
Plumbing the Clawfoot tub, especially the ones available at Mac the Antique Plumber, is convenient because they can be installed anywhere in the bathroom. For the plumbing part, you can reinstall it or change its location. And once done, you can place it at the earlier exact location. It has a beautiful design as well as flexibility for cleaning.
Note: The flexibility can sometimes be expensive and difficult because a specific part of the bathroom already has a drain and spout. And installing a bathtub somewhere else means you will require a new drainage line there, leading to ripping the walls and floor and harming the bathroom design. In addition, it might increase the renovation-related cost.
- Cleaning:
Most Clawfoot Bathtubs are available with a hand shower that makes cleaning convenient as you can easily target the water to the wash and rinse any dirty section of the tub. Additionally, as the feet are installed underneath the tubs, and they are approximately 24 to 30 inches deeper, the comfort level eventually increases, making cleaning your animals or any home décor conveniently in them.
Note: Clawfoot Bathtubs can be very difficult to clean from the sides, near the feet, and underneath. So, getting it in easy to clean, non-scratchy, non-chipping, and stainable material would help you maintain its appearance for a longer time.
If you want to explore a variety of Clawfoot Bathtubs at one place, visit Mac the Antique Plumber. You will find quirky designs that will allow you to bring antiqueness to your bathing place.
So what do you feel about Clawfoot Bathtub? Please share your opinion with us!