Antique Bathtubs
It was three thousand years ago that the first antique bathtubs made their appearance. The clawfoot tub was founded on the island of Crete and was made out of hard pottery. Modern bathtubs were crafted following this design of a five foot long bathtub. The Victorian Era saw cast iron clawfoot tubs come into existence in conjunction with bathing becoming more popular.
Antique Bathtubs In Homes
Soon these antique bathtubs were introduced into homes. In 1873, clawfoot bathtubs were produced by J.L. Mott Ironworks who poured enamel over the interior of the cast iron tubs. This made the tubs easier to clean and prevented bacteria growth. The enamel covered tubs were soon the standard in the United States for the following 60 years. It was not until the 1930's that the built-in fiberglass tubs, that we know today, hit the market.
Original Clawfoot Antique Bathtubs
The original clawfoot bathtubs were coated by heating powdered enamel to a very high temperature and then pouring it over the cast iron tub. This created a smooth, glassy surface that weighed anywhere from 250 to 400 pounds. Today we are seeing a boom in the interest of antique bathtubs, reminiscent of these tubs from yesteryear. These tubs are part of our history and home owners are creating capturing this with antique bathtubs as the centerpiece for their modern bathrooms.
These tubs are generally deeper than traditional and can be more comfortable and safer as well. In contrast to its 18th century counterparts, antique bathtubs of today are made fiberglass and acrylic allowing them to come in many colors and textures for great design options. This is not your grandfather's old white cast iron tub, they are stylish and contemporary.
Today's Antique Bathtubs
Today's version of these bathtubs can also include a showerhead that is either wall mounted or freestyle on a vertical pipe. The addition of shower rod wrapped around the tub for the shower curtain, adds real authenticity. To complete the look, some home owners choose other antique style products for their bathrooms, such as the old fashioned pull chain box above the toilet. Newly styled antique products can create the updated version of the Victorian Era. Bathrooms are now one of the most popular rooms in the house. An escape from every day life, a nice hot bath can take you away to anywhere in the world you want to be. With antique bathtubs, why not escape to the 18th century, complete with the romance and beauty of that beautiful era.
