Go Retro Or Modern With Freestanding Bathtubs

Not so very long ago, the only type of bathtub anyone knew about was the freestanding bathtub. You may have seen one of these in an old movie, or perhaps at your grandmother's house when you were a small child. Freestanding bathtubs of that era were usually clawfoot bathtubs, and it was not until the 1950s, when bathroom design ventured into the sleek and modern, that freestanding bathtubs fell out of favor with those who tried to keep up with decorating trends. The newest fad was a bathtub housed in a box shape which served to conceal the plumbing.

The Old Style Has Come Full Circle

Many people held onto their old clawfoot bathtubs, some out of necessity, some for nostalgia's sake. Over time, these great beauties have slowly disappeared from mainstream American bathrooms, until recently. Freestanding bathtubs have come full circle, and are now popular again. That old clawfoot beauty has been resurrected to its former glory, but there are also many new and more modern freestanding bathtub designs that will delight the tub aficionado. Many people are also interested in true vintage freestanding tubs, elderly clawfoots rescued from old homes about to be demolished or that have been languishing in someone's garage.

The Old Clawfoot

The clawfoot is the most traditional freestanding tub, and it looks almost the same as it did a hundred years ago. These tubs were BIG, and deeper than today's modern, built-in tubs. They also had a curved back, which made them ideal for a leisurely soak. The new clawfoots of today have kept that curved back, and also the same basic shape and size.

More Modern Styles

The new and more modern freestanding bathtubs can be found in a myriad of shapes and sizes and materials. A well-liked shape is the oval, which can help make a bathroom look totally original, for how many people can boast of an oval bathtub? Another popular shape is the oblong bathtub. With its 90 degree angled corners, it reminds one of a small swimming pool, and is perfect to stretch completely out in for a nice, relaxing bath.

Exposed Plumbing

Do keep in mind that if you choose a freestanding bathtub for your home, the plumbing will be exposed. It can take a while to get used to that look, but it may just grow on you... especially if the pipes are made of a slick, gleaming chrome. These new versions of the old standard tubs are made from cast iron, porcelain, or acrylic materials.

For people who have taken on the task of restoring an older home where a freestanding bathtub was once de rigueur, this revival of the elegant old classic clawfoot tub has been greeted with glee. Now they can have a retro bathroom that matches the age of their home in looks, without having to hunt down a used one.

Plus, they can enjoy all the modern functionality these new tubs feature. And, for those who are looking for a sleek, modern, totally different style of bathtub, you can choose from one of the newer freestanding bathtubs, and take baths in this new form of luxury.

Whether you choose a retro freestanding bathtub, or a more modern one, you will definitely be washing yourself in style!