There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a bathroom tub. Interior designers have been busy, and we see new bathtub ideas always being introduced to the market. Despite the many changes in modern home design, some styles have remained constant. The clawfoot tub is one of these, and although it became widespread in the mid-19th century, this curved bathing fixture remains a relevant part of today's bathroom design.
It's impressive to see, and it's clearly understandable: few tubs can pull off the old-house Victorian appeal and a sleek, modern retreat at the same time. If you're looking to incorporate this versatility into your primary bathroom, we've compiled unique clawfoot tub ideas to transform your space.
But before we get into that, what exactly do we mean by a clawfoot tub? Let's start with the basics.
What is a Clawfoot Tub?
A clawfoot tub is a version of the classic freestanding bathtub with dramatic feet, rather than being built into the floor or wall. These feet often resemble claws, which is where the name originated from.
They were most popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and are still loved today because of their unique, vintage style. These bathtubs were originally made from vintage cast iron with porcelain enamel coating, but today, you'll find a clawfoot tub in a range of materials like acrylic, fiberglass, stainless steel, and lighter modern composites.
This range makes the clawfoot tub more accessible and suitable for a variety of homes, like boutique hotel spaces, luxury homes, farmhouses, or apartments. Most clawfoot tub designs are versatile enough to be customized as traditional, designer, old world, classic, and more.
Why Choose a Clawfoot Tub for Your Bathroom Design?
This type of bathtub is a highly sought-after option, and there are several reasons behind its appeal.
The first is that a clawfoot tub is a statement piece with inherently stunning features. A new clawfoot tub instantly adds character and personality to your bathroom because, unlike a regular built-in tub, it doesn't disappear into the background. Instead, it anchors your space and creates an elegant focal point that you can’t help but be drawn to.
Another major plus is that the clawfoot tub is mostly larger and deeper than standard built-in designs. This size advantage of a clawfoot tub comes with many perks, like deep soaking experiences and more luxurious moments.
Before you worry that a larger tub might overwhelm your space, note that the clawfoot tub is usually raised off the floor tile. This added height creates an illusion of more space, making the bathroom feel less cramped.
The tub can also come in customized sizes, finishes, or designs to fit your vision and smaller bathrooms.
Best Clawfoot Tub Bathroom Ideas for All Home Types
While many clawfoot tub designs are versatile enough to fit into most homes, this is often only possible when done right. When styled properly, the tub can look just as good in a modern home apartment as in a classic family house. So how do you make the clawfoot tub practical regardless of what design you're working with? Here is how it works in varying categories.
Traditional or Vintage Style Clawfoot Tub Ideas
A clawfoot tub already feels right at home in a traditional design setting with an equally ornate backdrop. However, this doesn't mean it can't look better. To retain the vintage-inspired look, select a rolled rim or double-slipper tub with aged brass or brass fixture feet, as these are key characteristics of these designs. Most of the foot types are decorative and bold, with options like lion's paw, ball and claw, or scroll style feet.
You'd also find that many clawfoot tub models are made from cast iron coated with a porcelain enamel finish. This particular feature makes the tub more durable and excellent at retaining heat. You should also keep in mind that traditional designs are known for their solid, substantial feel, which is why they do not use lighter materials like modern designs. Lastly, adding other accessories like a telephone faucet will give your space a more vintage appeal.
Modern Clawfoot Tub Ideas
One of the easiest ways to modernize the clawfoot tub look is with neutral colors. Matte black tubs, charcoal gray finishes, or even deep navy like Behr Mosaic Blue paint instantly give a clawfoot tub a contemporary edge. When you pair this with sleek floor-mounted faucets, minimal decor, and clean-lined surrounding tile, you're setting up for a fresh clawfoot tub bathroom idea.
Modern bathtub designs also have more of a minimalist approach, so instead of an ornate feel and heavy decorative details, you'd find designers leaning towards a lighter feel. To achieve this, use materials like acrylic or fiberglass with reinforced bases for additional stability and durability.
Most modern clawfoot tub designs favor minimalist aesthetics, so a sturdy base can help your tub retain that solid feel without disrupting the look you're aiming for. You can consider a separate shower for additional functionality.
Farmhouse Clawfoot Tub Ideas
A traditional clawfoot tub would look great and inviting in a farmhouse bathroom, mainly because it comes with the vintage-inspired design details of old farmhouses.
Moving on, farmhouse styles are cozy, warm, and welcoming, and your tub should have the same appeal. These spaces often feature distressed or painted tubs, sometimes with copper finishes for a rustic twist. When designing a clawfoot tub for a farmhouse style, consider wood accents like shiplap walls, reclaimed beams, or a wooden bath tray to add some warmth and texture around the tub.
Additionally, soft neutrals like beige, vintage-style lighting, and decor such as a woven basket in a nearby linen closet can help make the space feel more lived-in. Consider a clear shower curtain paired with a classic shower curtain rod for a tub–shower combo. You can also choose an oval curtain rod, adding a subtle vintage touch to your bathroom.
Legacy LX1 Clawfoot Tub
The Legacy LX1 clawfoot tub is perfect if you’re looking for a farmhouse style. Choose from finishes such as:
- Brass: Polished, Burnished, Aged, Blackened
- Copper: Polished, Rustic, Aged, Fire
Our clawfoot finishes come in Polished brass and nickel, and you can customize with brass, nickel, bronze, and chrome drains for a truly one-of-a-kind feel. And with a range of size options, you can find the perfect choice for your space.
Rustic Clawfoot Tub Ideas
Rustic clawfoot tub designs share similarities with farmhouse styles, as they also have that more lived-in look and include whimsical bathroom features. They lean heavily on natural materials like wood, stone, brick, or textured styles surrounding the tub, along with gorgeous vintage elements. Designers also lean into earthy and muted finishes in these homes, with elements like antique fixtures in bronze or matte black to complete the look.
Exposed pipes are also a key feature in rustic bathrooms, coupled with floor-mounted faucets in an aged finish. Lastly, these tub designs also focus heavily on what surrounds the tub, like wooden bath stools, linen towels, vintage-inspired furniture, trays, and more. Together, these elements create a setting with a truly photograph-worthy, vintage clawfoot-tub appeal.
Legacy LX2 Clawfoot Tub
The fully customizable Legacy LX2 is perfect if you’re looking for a rustic bathtub. Like the LX1, finishes include:
- Brass: Polished, Burnished, Aged, Blackened
- Copper: Polished, Rustic, Aged, Fire
Choose from Traditional, Designer, Old World, and Classic feet designs. Our clawfeet are solid castings that come from hand-carved moldings for a truly rustic and unique look. Customize your size, gauge, drain, and tub filler to make your bathtub your own.
Luxurious and Spa-Inspired Clawfoot Tub Ideas
Luxury clawfoot tub spaces go heavy on high-end materials, much like those found in hotel rooms or boutique hotel settings. So, a sleek freestanding clawfoot tub with a flashy touch works fine. You can easily achieve this look with materials like marble, neutral stone, and large-format tiles. Designers also use fixtures in polished brass, gold, or sleek chrome that add a refined hotel-like feel to the clawfoot tub.
The lighting choice also plays a huge role in creating a spa-like atmosphere. Most luxury bathroom decor ideas lean into layered lighting, like wall sconces, pendant light, or statement chandeliers. They also use warm tones to help set a calm mood and keep the space serene and intimate.
Small Clawfoot Tub Ideas
While most clawfoot tub designs are larger, a small bathroom shouldn't stop you from having your dream clawfoot tub design. By working with the right supplier, like us, you can customize the size and shape of your clawfoot tub to match your bathroom size. A compact clawfoot tub can feel just as good and stylish as the full-sized one.
If you're working with a smaller-sized clawfoot tub, color makes all the difference. Lighter finishes like soft whites, cream, or pale grey help reflect light and make the room feel more open. You can consider keeping the tub and surrounding walls in the same color or similar tones to create a uniform look.
Having a wall-mounted faucet works better in this case, because it reduces visual clutter and helps you free up floor space. Lastly, prioritize minimal bathtub accessories around the clawfoot tub.
Style Tips and Accessories
When it comes to styling a clawfoot tub bathroom, the key is choosing elements that complement your overall home's aesthetic.
For instance, copper and brass tubs are a gorgeous choice for traditional and luxury-inspired bathrooms. On the other hand, acrylic, fiberglass, or stainless steel bathtubs can be a better fit for modern or smaller spaces because they offer a lighter feel than the clawfoot tub.
Subtle florals and patterned wallpapers work beautifully with a clawfoot tub in vintage-inspired bathrooms with a period-appropriate backdrop. However, for modern or farmhouse styles, shiplap, simple wall finishes, or textured styles are considered more appropriate.
The key is to research what suits your home design and tailor your clawfoot tub choices accordingly, whether you’re taking on full home renovations or improving your existing space. Lastly, to achieve a cohesive look around the clawfoot tub, we recommend matching your tub feet and faucet finishes to the existing hardware in the room.
Wrapping it Up
Clawfoot tubs have stood the test of time for several reasons, and they are likely to remain a highly popular choice among homeowners.
If you're unsure how to get started, CopperSmith is a great place to start, as we offer a wide range of clawfoot tub designs in varying styles, textures, and with endless customization.