How to frame clawfoot tubs

Clawfoot tubs are the centerpiece of the bathroom. They already draw the eye in with their ornate feet, but there is more that can be done to make them a focal point in the room. Recently, a new trend has hit the bathroom interior design world that softens up some of the hard elements of the functional room.

What is framing?
Designers are setting the clawfoot tub apart from the rest of the room with a strategically placed drape and other decorations.

Drapes
One simple way to frame vintage tubs is with a fabric curtain. These can be picked up from the same place you purchase window treatments, or you can create your own. Use other items in your bathroom as a source of inspiration. If you have a particular color on your wall, choose a complementary hue for the drapes. There might be some artwork that has interesting patterns you can repeat in the curtain. For a refined look, opt for a two-tone style with a highcontrasting border.

You can frame your tub by either allowing the fabric to hang as it gathers at either end, or you can pinch it at the center and secure with a tie, as is often done on window treatments.

Artwork
Oversized art installations can anchor in the vintage bathroom design as well. Use the wall behind your clawfoot tub to showcase mosaic tilework. Another option involves having a painter create a colorful mural on the same surface. Additionally, you can combine small picture frames into a grouping or use one large piece. An alternative to art is a framed mirror. Opt for one with a decorative perimeter.

Windows
If you have bay or oversized windows, they could serve as the frame of your clawfoot tub. Outfit them with minimal drapes to allow natural light to enter the room. Or you can go without a window treatment altogether. Bay windows work best because they have an indent shape where you can install your tub. If you only have a small window, use its ledge as a focal point. Set a sculpture on its base along with plants and candles.

Mix and match
Sometimes, settling on one design choice isn’t enough. Mix and match pieces for an original look. Frame the bathtub with a thick curtain and add assorted picture frames. Include your favorite accessories, just keep them along the same color theme to ensure a cohesive result.

Platform
One truly stylish technique is building a raised platform for your tub. It can be just a few inches high or require steps to reach the top. You will feel like royalty bathing at an elevated height. Also, every time you enter the room it will be apparent that the clawfoot tub is the centerpiece of the bathroom. This surface can be made of the same material as your primary floor or you can set it out with its own finish. Two examples are decorative tilework or natural stone.