Getting Your Hands On A Small Clawfoot Bathtub
Three thousand years ago the five foot long clawfoot tub was found on the island of Crete. Made out of hard pottery, this tub is what modern day bathtubs were crafted after. During the Victorian Era, cast iron small clawfoot bathtubs came into existence as bathing became more popular in our culture and they were introduced into our homes.
In 1873, small clawfoot bathtubs were produced by a company called J.L. Mott Ironworks who were the first to pour enamel over the interior of the cast iron which was easier to keep clean and prevent bacteria from growing. These enamel covered cast iron clawfoot tubs became the norm in the United States until built-in fiberglass tubs took over in the 1930’s.
The Kohler Company began manufacturing small size bathtubs in 1883 when they created their first clawfoot tub out of a cast iron and steel horse trough / hog scolder. They added legs and the clawfeet which then turned it into a bathtub and they began their reign as the premier plumbing supply company manufacturing bathroom and kitchen items.
Continuing to dominate the market today, Kohler bathtub designs encompass a variety of styles including small clawfoot bathtubs. They adapted their tubs to the fiberglass and acrylic versions of which also includes the small corner bathtubs that we know today and maintained their presence in the market.
The original small clawfoot bathtubs were made out cast iron but then became enamel coated. Powered enamel was heated to a very high temperature and then poured over the cast iron tub, creating a smooth, glassy surface. Typically, a clawfoot tub would weigh in at 250 to 400 pounds. Today we are seeing a reemergence of the clawfoot bathtub from many designers and home decorators.
This elegant design is a piece of history that brings us back to a simpler time. Homeowners are creating bathrooms designed with this historical tub as the centerpiece and are opting for the acrylic version due to weight and price. Small clawfoot bathtubs are popular with owners of small bathrooms. The tubs can be made deeper and therefore shorter for spaces with minimal space. The standard 5 foot styles were the norm since they were created, but many variations exist today.
The clawfoot tubs of today are much more comfortable and safer than their counterparts of the 18th century. Fiberglass and acrylic come in many colors and textures allowing decorators to go crazy with design. Not just your grandpa’s old white tub with cast iron black marks worn through, these new tubs are stylish and hot right now!
Today’s version of small clawfoot bathtubs also include the small bathtub shower. Either wall mounted or freestyle on a vertical pipe, the choice is yours. For a Victorian Era feel, a round shower rod wrapped around the tub with shower curtain adds real authenticity. You can even add an old fashioned toilet pull chain and box above your toilet, either fake for looks or the real deal.
Create an entire bathroom design that is an updated version of the Victorian Era and float away with visions of elegant dresses and wigs of that same era. A bath can take you anywhere, why not create your own fantasy right in your own home.
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