Getting to Know Classic Bathtubs

When it comes to the bathroom, Americans are certainly paying more and more attention. What used to amount to a large closet size-wise, more and more homes are adding spacious bathrooms to their homes. Gone are the days of one-bathroom homes with a standard bathtub. Today’s new homes require multiple bathrooms and more-stylish bathtubs.

For nearly eight decades homes in the United States included insert bathtubs. You know the type. Rectangular in shape, about 18 inches high, and one looks like all the others. One may call them boring!

Over the past few years a new demand has risen for something classic-looking in the bathroom. Homeowners wanted something they could look at and be proud of and show off to their friends. They also wanted a place they could relax and soak away all of life’s stress.
Enter the classic bathtub. Classic tubs come in two unique styles. One gives a more modern feel while the other takes you back to a time when bathtubs were created as an art form and built to last.

The first type of bathtub listed is called a freestanding bathtub. As the name suggests, the tub sits flat on the floor and may or may not include holes drilled for faucets. The second type of bathtub mentioned is the classic clawfoot bathtub.

Freestanding bathtubs can be made from a variety of materials. Hammered copper, faux marble, cast iron and acrylic are all materials of choice for these tubs. Acrylic is the most-popular, though, as it makes it possible to design more and more unique designs. Clawfoot bathtubs may also be made from cast iron and acrylic. Some have been made from copper. Faux marble is not a good material to make these from.

Both styles of bathtub (freestanding and clawfoot) can be crafted into a variety of designs. The most popular designs are the rolled-rim, the slipper, and the double slipper. Rolled-rim designs are identified by the characteristic that the bathtub is the same height around the entire circumference of the bathtub. The tub height at the foot of the tub is the same as the other end of the bathtub. These are the oldest styles of bathtubs and were very popular for decades. This style is also the smallest of the styles listed above.

The second design type is the slipper tub design. This type has one of the ends of the bathtub raised. If you look at the tub from the side it resembles a slipper. Slipper tubs are coveted for their luxurious look and also the functionality which allows a person to recline comfortably in the tub while bathing.

The third design type is called the double slipper. This design has two raised ends but the middle of the tub is lower than either side. The faucet is typically mounted on one of the sides in the middle of the tub. These tubs are typically the largest classic bathtubs you can find and are best-suited for larger bathrooms.

Knowing the style and design of a bathtub is important for anyone wanting to purchase a classic bathtub. Understanding the amount of room one has to work with is obviously looms large when deciding on which bathtub to purchase. However, being familiar with the designs and styles is important when figuring which one most appeals to your tastes.