Few bathroom elements can beat the appeal of a freestanding bath, and even fewer can trump the charm of her majesty, the clawfoot tub. A contemporary take on the iconic bathtub model, clawfoot tubs rock a colorful guise these days, ushering a touch of hue into elegant bathrooms, along with a precious dose of vintage glamour and comfort of an at-home spa experience. In case you’re looking to boost functionality and aesthetics of your restroom by a single upgrade, a classy retouched clawfoot bathtub may just be your best bet. But how do you choose the right standalone tub for the endeavor, and how do you overhaul it with a fresh paint coat?
Size and Materials: The Perfect Bathroom Fit
When selecting a clawfoot tub to introduce into your suave bathroom, should also pay attention to the unit’s size and materials. When it comes to size, bigger is better, but make sure to leave a few spare inches to accommodate plumbing elements, just to stay on the safe side. In case you aren’t sure whether a clawfoot tub would be a good fit for your bathroom or if it would sit well with the existing décor, you can consult design pros for expert suggestions on the best ways to go about the makeover.
As for bathtub materials, you will be able to choose between acrylic and cast iron. Cast iron tubs are resistant to stains and wear, but their price is considerably higher than that of acrylic baths. Though somewhat more susceptible to impact and heavy use, acrylic clawfoot tubs are cheaper, lighter, and easier to install, which makes them a better choice for homeowners on a limited bathroom makeover budget.
Clawfoot Tub Models: Timeless Bathtub Styles
Clawfoot tubs come in a wide range of sizes, materials, and styles, but the classic flat rim model is by far the most common. Fitted with a faucet and optional showerhead at the head of the tub, the flat rim clawfoot bath features a straight and level rim and curled lip running throughout the edge. The double-ended clawfoot tub boasts pretty much the same design as the flat rim model, faucet placement being the only difference: instead at the head of the tub, the faucet is located at the center of the lengthwise bathtub edge.
Single and double slipper clawfoot tubs are also a common bathroom sight these days, and both models feature a raised edge for greater depth at one or both ends of the tub. When it comes to price of shower repairs and faucet replacements, there isn’t a major difference between slipper and flat rim tubs, so you can go with the style you like best without worries about long-term tub update costs.
For an extra dose of luxury, you can also try the pedestal tub: though it has a solid base in place of clawed feet, it is still regarded a member of the clawfoot tub crowd. As a bonus artistic point, the pedestal bath boasts an upmarket look few other clawfoot tub models can match.
Colors that Speak of Style: Tub Retouching
If you already have a clawfoot tub in your home, you can give it a fresh paint coat the DIY way. First, scrub the bath clean and remove peeling paint and signs of rust with fine sandpaper. Most outdated bathtubs have two or three paint coats, so the process may take a while. With the tub pared of old paint and stains, use an oil-based primer to prepare the base for the new dip. You should allow the primer a few days to dry completely before proceeding to paint the body in a color of your preference.
Matte black, red, gold light blue, and earthy tones are currently on-trend in bathroom design, but you can experiment with other hues that fit your restroom décor best. In case the primer has been applied properly, one paint coat will suffice, and you can also repaint the tub feet in a different tone if you wish so.
Colorful clawfoot tubs are a perfect match for a chic vintage bathroom, and they can add depth, character, and glamour to the dullest of shower rooms. A symbol of timeless Victorian elegance, a colorful clawfoot bathtub will infuse your bathroom with dynamics, comfort, and unrivaled visual value. If you think that nothing feels better than a long, hot bath in the lap of luxury after a busy day, make sure you’ve decked your bathroom with one of these quaint baths in a cool paint coat for a dose of modern-meets-vintage design.
Even though the article was published almost 7 years ago, it still provides valuable insights. Thanks for this!
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