The good news is that many of the traditional bathtub designs can now be purchased made from modern materials. A traditional clawfoot bathtub was often made of cast iron, and so needed an incredible amount of support, but with the use of modern materials such as fiberglass this is no longer the case, and you can now install a vintage looking bathtub made from acrylic, for instance, without much need for extra support. These modern freestanding bathtubs are very lightweight, and although that they may not have the same look as the traditional porcelain bathtub they are usually enough to impart a real vintage style.

So what are the choices if you are not looking for the traditional Victorian bathtub? In fact, there are many choices since bathtub manufacturers have used modern materials to turn some of these vintage bathtubs designs into real works of art. The old clawfoot tub has now been redesigned so that the feet do not resemble the old clawfoot style at all, but have a much more modern feel. When this style of clawfoot bathtub is placed on a pedestal, particularly something like a marble pedestal, you get something that looks like something from the days of the Roman empire. This makes for a solid bathtub design that really makes an impact.

Porcelain Is A True Antique Material

This is especially true if you go for one of the contemporary square freestanding bathtubs. You can choose between standard porcelain or a tiled interior, although the latter may be an expensive option. So this is not an option if you are looking for a cheap bathtub in the freestanding style.

A spacious clawfoot tub is the Pegasus 60" slipper tub. Retailing at around $1,650, this Home Depot bathtub is made from acrylic and fiberglass and has polished chrome feet made in aluminum. Another freestanding claw foot tub worth looking at is the Elizabethan Classics tub. Retailing at around $500, this comes with hand shower and is a 56 gallon capacity tub. It also has a slip resistant surface in white porcelain with a paintable exterior in cast iron. For a darker look there's the American Standard Reminiscence slipper tub. This has a black exterior, made from acrylic, and costs about $1,600. It also has a headrest with arm rests. It measures 6-feet and has a sculptured rim design.

Get The Right Vintage

As well as making sure the design is the one you want, you also need to make sure you choose the right accessories such as the bathtub faucets. If you go for the vintage freestanding tub then the old-fashioned faucet will be just right, but if you go for something that is more contemporary then obviously a modern faucet will be better, especially in a modern material such as chrome.

Take a look at some of the various styles of freestanding clawfoot bathtubs available in today's marketplace and be amazed at the range of styles. Everything from square, oval, and even round freestanding tubs are available, and you're almost certain to find something that will fit in with the style of bathroom decoration you have chosen.