9 Ways to Style a Bathroom With a Clawfoot Tub

clawfoot tub in a bathroom

The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian

When they appeared in the 19th century, clawfoot tubs were considered a luxury item. They were made out of heavy cast iron with a porcelain lining. The classic style has the characteristic rolled rim as well as decorative "feet" that hold the tub off of the floor. 

Clawfoot tubs are an excellent choice if you want to give your bathroom a traditional or retro look. The feet and the type of rim will often make the difference between a true retro look and a more streamlined, modern interpretation.

  • 01 of 09

    Cottage Bathroom With Clawfoot Tub

    country cottage clawfoot bathtub
    Jenna Sue Design

    A gorgeous country cottage style bathroom needs a clawfoot tub. With a clawfoot tub, the country cottage style effect was achieved in a budget bathroom renovation by Jenna Sue. Add to this the wonderful herringbone brick floor, and you have quite an original and unexpected addition!

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  • 02 of 09

    Modern Bathroom With Clawfoot Tub

    modern bathroom clawfoot tub
    Chalet Development

    The clawfoot style doesn't have to be all traditional, all the time. In fact, it does very well in a more modern decor scheme, where it gives a touch of elegance. Take this clean, modern bathroom by Chalet Development, for example. The ornate feet provide a perfect contrast to the minimal colors, abstract art, and marble tile floor.

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  • 03 of 09

    Clawfoot Tub in a Victorian Cottage Bathroom

    traditional clawfoot tub
    OutinDesign/Home Bunch

    This Victorian beach cottage bathroom from OUTinDesign features a classic white clawfoot tub with shiny finish inside and out, very dark brass hardware, and windows that let in light yet maintain privacy. The paint on the beadboard is Benjamin Moore's Tree Moss, a soft sage green that suits the warm beach style.

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  • 04 of 09

    Double-Sided Clawfoot Tub

    beautiful clawfoot tub
    LS Interiors Group/Houzz

    The central position of the hardware in this double-sided clawfoot tub allows two people to sit in it comfortably. This traditional bathroom design ​by LS Interior Group takes you back to that summer you spent in the south of France with its natural stone flooring and wall, alcove decor, and beautiful mosaic focal point.

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  • 05 of 09

    Black and White Clawfoot Tub With Golden Accents

    black and white clawfoot tub
    Jenna Lyons via Camille Styles

    By leaving space around them, clawfoot tubs are excellent at making a small bathroom look bigger compared to alcove tubs. In the case of this particular space designed by Jenna Lyons and shared by ​Camille Styles, the black on white contrast also adds a lot of visual interest. The golden hardware does a particularly good job of avoiding the typical black-and-white monotony, helped by an array of textures and house plants to soften the whole.

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  • 06 of 09

    Splattered Clawfoot Tub in Colorful Bathroom

    kids bathroom clawfoot tub
    Rikki Snyder/Houzz

    Why stick to a boring white clawfoot tub when you can make it your own with a few splatters of paint? This farmhouse bathroom by Rikki Snyder features a personal, colorful take on the clawfoot tradition. Let your kids have a little fun with this one by letting them paint ​on the tub!

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  • 07 of 09

    Clawfoot Tub With Vintage Scale Tile Floor

    glamorous gold clawfoot tub
    Rosa Beltran Design

    Although the clawfoot tub is gorgeous, what really catches attention in this room by Rosa Beltran Design is the cement scale-shaped floor tiles. They really bring a sense of movement and originality to the room. The tub, painted in matte black, beautifully contrasts the shine of the flooring and the golden feet.

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  • 08 of 09

    Red Clawfoot Tub in Eclectic Bathroom

    red clawfoot tub
    Corbin Lee Gurkin via Design*Sponge

    What's not to love about this beautifully eclectic yet delicately feminine bathroom by Corbin Lee Gurkin featured on Design*Sponge? The red clawfoot tub coordinates with the cabinet door covers, and the baby blue accents soften the whole. This bathroom has color, style, and most of all, a personality that's all its own.

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  • 09 of 09

    Clawfoot Tub in a Farmhouse Style Bathroom

    Clawfoot tub in a shiplap bathroom
    Jeana/ Twenty20

    This modern farmhouse bathroom boasts a neutral color palette and warm finishes, creating a cozy, refreshing getaway. White shiplap gives the room a rustic feel, and the gallery wall provides a pop of color and personality to the space.