Make a Statement of Sophistication and Elegance With a Vintage Tub
For anyone looking at new homes or watching television programs showing others doing so, complaints often center around bathrooms that only contain a shower instead of a bathtub and shower. Although out of vogue for many years due to the increased pace of daily life, bathtubs are expected in every bathroom and nothing says sophistication and elegance better than a vintage bathtub.
Vintage bathtubs add value to a home. Not only are they seen as the focal point in the bathroom, but they also provide a spa-like atmosphere inviting users to take time out from their busy day to enjoy the moment and reflect. Additionally, the many options available make them especially desirable as they fit in with any space and décor. Whether a one-person model in a 2nd bathroom or a two-person style for the master suite, vintage bathtubs not only have a therapeutic value, but come in a variety of styles, finishes, and price points making them a very desirable addition to any home.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect tub to enhance your vintage look:
o Style – Whether a clawfoot tub, pedestal style, cast iron clawfoot tub, or high-end copper version, vintage tubs are designed to evoke a nostalgic appeal while providing a retreat that is worthy of any visitor.
o Composition – Many materials are used to make vintage bathtubs. Whether traditional cast iron or copper or made of the newer, technologically-advanced acrylic, fiberglass, or enameled steel, vintage tubs provide a sophisticated and elegant look to any bathroom.
o Price – An important element to consider is the price point; however, it’s not necessary to give up look and appeal for price. Traditional cast iron and copper will be more expensive than acrylic or fiberglass, yet in choosing a lower cost tub you can still have the same elegant vintage look in a replicated version; therefore, don’t allow cost to prevent you from having exactly what you want.
o Comfort – The primary consideration in selecting the best vintage tub for you is comfort. Whether you’re buying it to add to or change the existing décor of a bathroom or just because it’s “pretty,” it still has to satisfy basic needs as it will ultimately be used for the purpose of bathing.
o Size – If a vintage tub is too large it will not only waste water, but also will be hard to relax in without slipping around. If too small it may be uncomfortable because you will be playing the, “what do I do with my legs,” or the “what do I wash, torso or legs,” game. When it comes to vintage bathtubs size matters so select the one that fits your body type best.
o Overall Look – Look around to find the style, color, and size that fits your needs best. Make sure measurements for the tub space are accurate when seeing a retailer as this may affect the style and size of vintage tub that will fit in the space. Also, don’t shy away from colors; they can really add an element of surprise and wonder as well as enhance any vintage bathroom.
A bathtub is an essential component in any home. The more high-end the tubs style and design, even if the price is low, the more sophisticated and elegant the bathroom will look. Remodeling bathrooms with the inclusion of vintage bathtubs today, more than ever, adds value to a home. To ensure that you get the most for your money, this option should be a top consideration.
CLAW FOOT BATH TUB
The most prominent thing in any bathroom is the bathtub. For several years homes had bathtubs that were square and flush with the floor and wall. However, in the past few years designers have found that the claw foot bathtub has added considerably to the bathroom’s décor when carrying through a Victorian design.
It is interesting to note that the original claw foot bathtub was built from a horse trough with legs added on in the 1880’s. Today finds the tubs far beyond this original concept. There are basic styles as well as shapes and various colors of claw foot bathtubs. Pedestal, classic, slipper and double-ended are the basic shapes that most people are familiar with. Styles come in cast iron and acrylic. The acrylic tub includes polyester resins, fiberglass, acrylics, and ceramic powders. The cast iron tub is made of iron and is coated with high grade enamel. The iron tub is very heavy while the acrylic tub is lightweight and easier to clean.
In decorating the bathroom in the Victorian style one might wish to also include a washbasin with claw feet and other appropriate décor. To go all out it might fit in to have an old style toilet with the water tank holding water above the toilet rather than directly attached to the toilet.
There is also claw foot hardware to fit each of the bathroom fixtures.
Some of the faucets of the claw foot tub stand free, on the outside of the tub, with the only tub opening being the drain hole. 
These faucets usually have their own enclosure and blend in nicely with the surroundings. Others have the faucets on the edge of the tub or affixed to the inside. If using a previously owned claw foot tub it is recommended that the same style of faucet be used to avoid having to drill holes in the tub. If the tub previously had faucets on the tub interior then they should be replaced in the same manner as it is virtually impossible to completely seal a previous opening in the tub. The faucets used in claw foot tubs can vary a great deal.
Some claw foot bathtubs have a spray type hose attached to a pipe rising above the faucets. At the end of this pipe is a cradle that holds a sprayer. This is very convenient for rinsing soap from the hair or body.
Claw foot bathtub accessories come in many beautiful designs. The entire faucet and water dispenser may be fashioned like a beautiful bird or some other outstanding design. This theme can be carried over to the other items in the bathroom such as the washbasin, curtains, etc. These designs can be of almost any color or material desired. Brass, copper, chrome, and other metals are available to complete the decorating scheme and add a great deal of appeal. Some designers choose a tub with gold feet which makes a white tub really outstanding and truly representative of the Victorian era. With imagination and reviewing books of this era, a beautiful bathroom can be designed for all to appreciate.