Bathtub Sampler (For the One Perfect for You)

Having too many choices can be overwhelming. Sometimes you think you know what you want, but after being presented with a bunch of options… maybe not. For example, if you take me to an ice cream shop with more than 10 flavors, I guarantee we’ll be there for at least fifteen minutes while I decide. It’s not that I don’t want ice cream, I do! But without trying all the flavors, I just can’t make an informed decision.

Some of you may feel this way about making large purchases for your home. For things like washing machines, stoves, and refrigerators, picking the right one is kind of scary. The same goes for bathtubs. You’d think a bathtub is just a giant bucket of water for you to sit in, but unfortunately (or fortunately), you’d be wrong. There are a handful of different bathtub types for you to choose from, but fear not— this post is going to help you figure out the differences.

1. Clawfoot Bathtubs

What sets clawfoot tubs apart from other bathtubs are its feet. If bathtubs are buckets, this bucket relies on four legs to lift it off the ground. As a result, this isn’t the usual white bathtub you’d normally see, as the feet come in a variety of finishes to match your decor. Clawfoot tubs have been around since the 1700s and reached peak popularity in the late 1800s, so you know they’re the epitome of timeless style.

This tub is perfect for you if you:

• Have a traditional themed bathroom
• Really like antique style
• Like a little splash of color to go with your tub
• Have read too many Austen novels and watched an inordinate amount of period dramas (Downton Abbey, anyone?)

To shop more clawfoot tubs like the one above, click here.

2. Freestanding Bathtubs

Freestanding tubs, as you might guess, are not fixed to any walls, nor do they rely on feet. Instead, freestanding tubs sit squarely on the floor and are plumbed accordingly.

This tub is perfect for you if you:

• Want your bathtub to be the centerpiece of your bathroom
• Have a modern-themed bathroom
• Like tubs that look like ramen bowls

To shop more freestanding bathtubs like the one above, click here.

3. Pedestal Bathtubs

Pedestal tubs are also considered freestanding, but they have a solid base ring bordering the bottom perimeter to support and raise it off the ground. It’s commonly considered the contemporary descendant of the classic clawfoot tub.

This tub is perfect for you if you:

• Have a bathroom that’s a hybrid between traditional and contemporary
• Like the look of a clawfoot tub but want a more modern feel
• Want a tub that looks sort of like a trophy

To shop more pedestal tubs like the one above, click here.

4. Drop-In Bathtubs

Drop-in bathtubs are kind of like tiny swimming pools, and there’s something oh-so-luxurious about stepping right into silky warm water. Believe it or not, this bathtub is also easy to install in your home, proving that you can do posh and painless at the same time.

This tub is perfect for you if you:

• Like a clean, uncluttered look
• Don’t want to re-tile your bathroom
• Want a super classy feeling that makes you feel like you live with Kate and William in Kensington Palace

To shop more drop-in bathtubs like the one above, click here.

5. Alcove Bathtubs

Most homes have at least one of these bathtubs in their homes, but don’t be fooled— not all alcove bathtubs are created equal. For many, their alcove bathtubs were already installed before they moved in, and the time has caused those tubs to show their age. If you’d like the look of a brand-new bathroom without the hassle of removing the walls that frame your alcove tub, consider getting a sleek, stylish one to replace it.

This tub is perfect for you if you:

• Already have an alcove bathtub and would like to upgrade without changing the whole layout of your bathroom
• Like the cozy feeling of a more enclosed bath space
• Want less cleanup because you, like any other normal person, hate cleaning

To shop more alcove bathtubs like the one above, click here.