The Charm Of Old Fashioned Antique Batchtubs

24 Dec 2009 @ 8:16 AM

The Charm Of Old Fashioned Antique Batchtubs

There comes a time when a bathroom makeover is a necessary evil. Modern bathrooms can become boring. The standard stall shower, modern vanity and linoleum flooring is the typical recipe for a bathroom remodel. Why not think outside the box? Bathroom remodels are not cheap, so your new bathroom should offer a substantial aesthetic improvement over what you’ve got now. Hot looks now are all retro from shoes to clothing to, you guessed it, bathrooms.

Everyone recognizes a Victorian bathtub with its unique telltell claw feet. Unlike modern bathtubs, the claw foot bathtub is generally oval in shape, made of enameled cast iron, with the base raised off the floor, pedestal style, supported by ornate feet most often resembling the feet of a lion. You can find the right bathtub by shopping at local antique fairs and flea markets in your area. These tubs are made from cast iron and are very heavy. Be sure to bring a truck as well as some strong people to load it up.

Since this bathtub is unique, it may take some time to find the right one at the right price. Rust stains are a real concern, but todays cleaners offer quick ways to eliminate the problem. The original antique bathtubs with claw feet were often adorned with gold leaf paint on the claws. The ones you’ll find in the antique markets are usually absent this finery, but gold leaf paint is still available, making it a simple task to artfully recreate this fine effect. These antique bathtubs also feature a rounded lip at the top of the tub, providing a comfortable arm rest for the bather.

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