Past to Present: The Clawfoot Bath
Step back in time and soak in the elegance and charm of the clawfoot bath
There aren’t many bathroom fixtures that say ‘old-fashioned luxury’ quite like the freestanding clawfoot bath. With its sculptural and decorative animal-like legs and feet, the clawfoot bath was considered a luxury item among European aristocracy.
Replaced in the 20th century by built-in tubs, the recently revived popularity of the clawfoot tub has brought a touch of grandeur and nostalgia back to modern bathrooms. Today, they are the focal point of any bathroom they grace.
Replaced in the 20th century by built-in tubs, the recently revived popularity of the clawfoot tub has brought a touch of grandeur and nostalgia back to modern bathrooms. Today, they are the focal point of any bathroom they grace.
The distinctive clawfoot leg was first seen in Europe on carved furniture and developed by craftspeople in the early 18th century. It was likely inspired by the popular Chinese motif of a dragon holding a pearl or precious stone. The design spread to England and America, where it became typical on tables, consoles, chairs and other furniture.
As the act of bathing itself became increasingly fashionable in the 1800s, craftspeople applied clawfoot legs to bathtubs as well. Made of cast iron lined with porcelain, the baths were – and still are – very heavy and traditionally installed on the ground floor.
In England and America, the clawfoot tub assumed pride of place in the bathrooms of the wealthy and was usually elevated and set in the centre of the room. In Australia, they were a common feature of Victorian, Federation and Edwardian homes.
THE STYLES
Clawfoot baths are available with different coloured feet, exteriors and interiors. Both the shape of the tub and the feet can vary.
20 cottage-cute bathrooms
Clawfoot baths are available with different coloured feet, exteriors and interiors. Both the shape of the tub and the feet can vary.
20 cottage-cute bathrooms
SHAPE OF THE TUB
Roll-top or flat-rim tub
The roll-top or flat-rim is the style of a standard clawfoot tub, with one rounded end and one flattened end that fit against a wall. The roll top or flat rim forms the lip on the tub.
Roll-top or flat-rim tub
The roll-top or flat-rim is the style of a standard clawfoot tub, with one rounded end and one flattened end that fit against a wall. The roll top or flat rim forms the lip on the tub.
Double-ended tub
Both ends of the tub are rounded in double-ended tubs, which are better suited to being placed in the middle of the wall or room for symmetry.
Both ends of the tub are rounded in double-ended tubs, which are better suited to being placed in the middle of the wall or room for symmetry.
Slipper tub
A slipper tub has one end raised higher than the other, creating a more comfortable reclining position. Double slipper tubs have both ends raised and sloped towards each other.
Feature floor tile ideas
A slipper tub has one end raised higher than the other, creating a more comfortable reclining position. Double slipper tubs have both ends raised and sloped towards each other.
Feature floor tile ideas
SHAPE OF THE CLAWFOOT
Because the original clawfoot tubs copied stylish furniture of the time period, there are two common variations of the ball and claw; the eagle and the lion. Styles within both variations range from simple to ornate.
Because the original clawfoot tubs copied stylish furniture of the time period, there are two common variations of the ball and claw; the eagle and the lion. Styles within both variations range from simple to ornate.
Eagle claw
Shaped like eagle talons around a ball, the eagle’s clawfoot was popular on America bathtubs as the bird was a symbol of the republic.
Shaped like eagle talons around a ball, the eagle’s clawfoot was popular on America bathtubs as the bird was a symbol of the republic.
Lion paw
In England, the lion’s paw was more popular, being a symbol of the kingdom. The lion’s paw may be grasping a ball or standing directly on the floor.
In England, the lion’s paw was more popular, being a symbol of the kingdom. The lion’s paw may be grasping a ball or standing directly on the floor.
CONSIDERATIONS
Clawfoot tubs are traditionally cast iron with a layer of porcelain, but contemporary manufacturing means they are now also available in fibreglass, acrylic or other modern materials. While these newer materials don’t hold the heat as well as cast iron, they are a lot lighter and easier to install.
Cast iron clawfoot baths are heavy and should be set on reinforced floors. Also keep in mind that freestanding baths generally do not have tapholes, so choosing the right tapware is extremely important.
Clawfoot tubs are traditionally cast iron with a layer of porcelain, but contemporary manufacturing means they are now also available in fibreglass, acrylic or other modern materials. While these newer materials don’t hold the heat as well as cast iron, they are a lot lighter and easier to install.
Cast iron clawfoot baths are heavy and should be set on reinforced floors. Also keep in mind that freestanding baths generally do not have tapholes, so choosing the right tapware is extremely important.
WHERE TO BUY
Clawfoot tubs can be bought vintage or new. Check with bathroom suppliers for new clawfoot baths. Vintage tubs can be refinished and new legs bought, butbe aware that refinishing can cost more than buying new, depending on quality and materials.
How to restore a vintage tub
Clawfoot tubs can be bought vintage or new. Check with bathroom suppliers for new clawfoot baths. Vintage tubs can be refinished and new legs bought, butbe aware that refinishing can cost more than buying new, depending on quality and materials.
How to restore a vintage tub
YOUR TURN
Do you have a clawfoot bath? Share pictures of it with us by uploading them to the Comments section.
MORE
World of Design: 12 Soothing Bathtubs in Rejuvenating Settings
Bath Lovers Unite: 18 Deluxe Tubs You’ll Love
Blissful Bathtubs With a Material Difference
Do you have a clawfoot bath? Share pictures of it with us by uploading them to the Comments section.
MORE
World of Design: 12 Soothing Bathtubs in Rejuvenating Settings
Bath Lovers Unite: 18 Deluxe Tubs You’ll Love
Blissful Bathtubs With a Material Difference
Modern bathrooms, vintage glamour