Clawfoot bath tub history lesson

Believe it or not, clawfoot bath tubs and pedestal tubs - now regarded as elegant and luxurious - had their origins in the barn before they moved into the main house. An early antique clawfoot tub manufactured by the Kohler Company in the 1880s was advertised for use as a horse trough or hog scalder.

At that time in America, these troughs were more useful to most people as hog scalders than as bathing facilities. Nonetheless, according to Kohler's marketing materials at the time, the cast iron units could be converted to clawfoot bath tubs with the addition of four legs.

As the 20th century rolled on, those old cast iron baths evolved into enameled units, porcelain and built-in acrylic models that were enclosed and easy to maintain. With each new technology, baths became lighter, more stain resistant and more versatile in size, shape and color.

The antique clawfoot tub returns

As the saying goes, what's old is new again. The nostalgia and simple elegance of those classic designs are making a comeback.

The antique clawfoot tub, once a staple of the early 20th century bathroom is back and more useful than ever. With the addition of new and exciting colors, a variety of sizes and shapes based on the original concept, and options such as therapeutic jets and sprayers, manufacturers are putting a whole new twist on an old favorite.

This isn't your father's old tub - it's bigger and better. Browse the amazing variety here at the Bathing Barn Web site to see the wide array of styles and brands including Maax tubs and Jason tubs.