Romance And Nostalgia With Antique Bathtubs
Your bathroom has been screaming for a makeover for a while. 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. Retro looks are all the rage, from clothes and shoes to, well, bathrooms!
The antique bathtub of Victorian times is personified in the claw foot bathtub. 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.
Searching for the perfect tub at the right price may take some time, but will be worth it. Rust stains are often a problem, but modern technology has provided us with solutions. 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. Another notable comfort item for the bather is the rounded lip at the top of the tub itself which provides a nice arm rest.