What is a Clawfoot Tub? 2025 Guide to Clawfoot Tubs

A clawfoot bathtub is a freestanding bathtub that has four pegs or feet directly underneath it. These pegs are finished with a claw design, lending the name of “clawfoot”. These feet are available in multiple styles, allowing you to change the aesthetics of your bathtub should you so choose. These bathtubs are finished on all sides, with a lip on the front, acting as a footrest or a place for a bath tray. 

Are Clawfoot tubs still popular in 2025?

No, clawfoot tubs are no longer considered practical for most modern bathrooms. While they remain beloved by vintage design enthusiasts, clawfoots tend to fall short in functionality compared to today’s options. They are heavier, harder to clean, and typically offer less ergonomic comfort than newer designs. As of 2025, many homeowners are opting for tubs that are easier to install, safer to step into, and more compatible with contemporary plumbing and bathroom layouts. Clawfoot tubs also have fewer material and customization options, limiting their flexibility and appeal for everyday use.

Freestanding bathtubs have taken over as the most popular choice in 2025. These modern tubs—especially sleek, flat-bottom and oval soaking models—account for the majority of installs in new builds and remodels. They’re available in a wide range of materials like acrylic, stone resin, copper, and even concrete, allowing for more aesthetic and functional variety. Homeowners appreciate their minimalist design, easy maintenance, and ability to be placed anywhere in the bathroom. Simply put, while clawfoots hold nostalgic charm, they’ve been eclipsed by freestanding tubs that better suit today’s lifestyles and design trends.

Why People Like Clawfoot Tubs

Clawfoot tubs have remained popular for well over a century, and much of their appeal lies in their timeless design and visual charm. The distinctive raised feet, graceful curves, and freestanding structure create an elegant focal point that instantly elevates the look of any bathroom. Many homeowners are drawn to clawfoot tubs for their nostalgic connection to the past—evoking the luxury of vintage spas and old-world craftsmanship. Whether installed in a historic home or used as a statement piece in a modern space, clawfoot tubs offer a sense of romance and sophistication that standard built-in bathtubs often lack.

Beyond aesthetics, clawfoot tubs are also appreciated for their comfort and versatility. Their deep basins allow for full-body soaking, making them ideal for relaxation and self-care. With multiple styles available—such as single slipper, double slipper, or double-ended designs—users can choose the most ergonomic option for their needs. Many models can also be paired with modern upgrades like shower attachments or customized finishes, blending old-world charm with contemporary function. For those who view bathing as a ritual rather than a routine, a clawfoot tub offers a unique and luxurious experience that stands the test of time.

Popular Types of Clawfoot Tub Feet

Clawfoot tubs are cherished not only for their vintage charm but also for their distinctive foot designs that can dramatically influence the overall look of a bathroom. These feet serve as more than just functional supports—they’re decorative elements that help define the tub’s style, whether it’s traditional, ornate, or modern. Below are the most popular clawfoot tub feet styles available today, each offering a unique aesthetic and character.

Ball and Claw

The ball and claw foot is the most iconic and widely recognized design for clawfoot tubs. It features a sculpted claw—typically resembling a lion’s paw—grasping a rounded ball. This style draws heavily from 18th- and 19th-century European design influences, particularly from the Victorian era. Its classic elegance brings a sense of history and refinement to the bathroom, making it ideal for traditional homes or period-inspired remodels. Ball and claw feet are often available in finishes like oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and antique brass to enhance their vintage appeal.

Eagle Claw

A more detailed variation of the ball and claw, the eagle claw foot showcases a powerful bird’s talon clutching a ball. The design is more angular and pronounced than the lion’s paw and is often used to make a bold, regal statement. This foot style is popular in bathrooms that blend traditional and eclectic elements, offering a sense of grandeur and strength. Homeowners who want a clawfoot tub that commands attention while maintaining a vintage flair often choose eagle claw feet for their visual drama and historical symbolism.

Lion’s Paw

The lion’s paw foot is a strong and commanding design that often forgoes the ball element to focus on the power and presence of the paw itself. With its thick, curved form and deep sculptural details, it conveys a sense of luxury and strength. This style is frequently used in opulent or stately interiors where dramatic, showpiece tubs are desired. Lion’s paw feet are often paired with deeper, cast iron tubs and dark or metallic finishes to emphasize their boldness and sculptural quality.

Scroll

Scroll-style feet move away from animalistic motifs in favor of flowing, decorative scrollwork. These feet are typically more feminine and delicate in appearance, offering a softer visual effect. The curves and flourishes of scroll feet make them a natural fit for romantic, shabby chic, or Victorian-inspired bathrooms. Homeowners looking to create a dreamy, whimsical atmosphere often choose scroll feet to add an artistic, handcrafted touch to their clawfoot tub.

French Style

French-style feet are known for their refined and minimalist design. Often incorporating gentle curves, fluted textures, or leaf-like patterns, these feet evoke a sense of subtle sophistication. They are especially well-suited for Art Deco, transitional, or modern classic bathrooms, where a hint of vintage elegance is desired without overpowering the overall aesthetic. Their less-is-more look blends effortlessly with other design elements, making French-style feet a versatile choice.

Imperial Style

Imperial feet are among the most decorative and elaborate options, often showcasing intricate carvings such as acanthus leaves, floral patterns, or shell motifs. These ornate details are rooted in classical European design and give the tub a distinctly royal or aristocratic presence. Ideal for luxury bathrooms or historical restorations, imperial feet elevate the entire bathroom space by acting as statement pieces in their own right. Their highly detailed construction pairs beautifully with traditional decor and upscale materials like marble and polished brass.

Square

Square feet offer a contemporary twist on the traditional clawfoot design. Instead of curved or sculpted details, these feet use clean lines and sharp edges to create a more geometric and minimal look. This modernized take allows homeowners to enjoy the nostalgic feel of a clawfoot tub without committing to a fully antique style. Square feet are ideal for urban lofts, transitional spaces, and bathrooms that combine vintage and industrial elements. They also tend to be more compact, making them a smart option for smaller bathrooms.

Conclusion

Choosing the right clawfoot tub foot style can dramatically influence how your tub complements the rest of your bathroom. Whether you’re drawn to the regal flair of eagle claws, the soft romanticism of scroll feet, or the clean sophistication of square feet, there’s a design to match nearly every aesthetic. Each foot style tells a different story—so when selecting your tub, consider not just function and comfort, but how these finishing details reflect your personal taste and home design vision.

What types of Clawfoot materials are there?

Clawfoot bathtubs come in a wide variety of materials, and these materials will drastically affect your bathing experience. For that reason it is best to associate yourself with some of the more popular materials on the market and better understand which is best for you. 

• Cast Iron -A highly durable material, cast iron is constructed by pouring molten iron into a shape then finished with a layer of enamel coating. These bathtubs are highly durable, perhaps the best on the market in terms of overall durability and heat retention. The drawback to cast iron is that the material is extremely heavy, perhaps the heaviest on the market so extra considerations towards floor reinforcement must be made.
• Copper –An expensive but high quality material, copper bathtubs carry a few interesting characteristics compared to other materials on the market. Overtime they will patena, creating a more vibrant bathtub the older it gets. They are remarkably easy to clean, with copper being an antibacterial material, and they have excellent heat retention. That being said, they are also the most expensive material on the market.
• Acrylic –The most affordable clawfoot on the market, acrylic is made by taking vacuumed sheets of acrylic which is then reinforced with fiberglass. The result is a lightweight material that has decent heat retention as well as durability. Compared to other materials on the market, it is not nearly as durable, but it’s lightweight nature makes it easier to install and remove.
• Porcelain –The classic clawfoot material, porcelain bathtubs are made by taking a bathtub made of glass, tile or metal and covering it with a protective porcelain enamel coating. The result is a bathtub that is durable, has good heat retention, but are highly vulnerable to heavy impacts. Restoring them can also be a bit pricey compared to other materials on the market. 

Average dimensions or size of a Clawfoot tub

The average size of a clawfoot bathtub is 54 inches long with a width of 32 inches. This is considered to be the medium size of a clawfoot bathtub. For the small size, you have a length of 48 inches, with a width of 30 inches which creates a compact bathtub size which is fairly popular. A step up from this is the widely popular 59-60 inches long with a width of 40 inches. This is considered to be the larger size of clawfoots, but the length can easily grow to 72 inches. The water depth between all these sizes will range anywhere from 24-30+ inches, depending on the size. 

Pros and Cons of Clawfoot Tubs

Clawfoot bathtubs are a timeless and elegant addition to any bathroom, known for their vintage charm and luxurious appeal. However, while they offer numerous aesthetic and comfort benefits, they also come with certain practical drawbacks. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide if a clawfoot bathtub is the right choice for your home.

Pros

1. Aesthetic Appeal
   • Timeless Design: Clawfoot bathtubs have a classic, elegant look that can enhance the aesthetic of any bathroom, making it feel more luxurious and vintage.
   • Versatile Style: They can fit into various design schemes, from traditional to eclectic, and even modern spaces when paired with the right fixtures.
2. Comfort
   • Deep Soaking: Clawfoot bathtubs are typically deeper than standard tubs, allowing for a more immersive and relaxing soaking experience.
   • Ergonomic Shape: The curved, sloping design of the tub is often more comfortable for reclining compared to regular tubs.
3. Mobility
   • Freestanding Flexibility: As a freestanding unit, a clawfoot tub can be placed in different locations within a bathroom, offering greater design flexibility.
   • Easier Cleaning Around the Tub: The space underneath the tub allows for easier cleaning of the bathroom floor.
4. Durability
   • High-Quality Materials: Clawfoot tubs are often made of durable materials like cast iron or acrylic, which can last for decades with proper care.

Cons

1. Cost
   • Expensive: Clawfoot bathtubs are generally more expensive than standard bathtubs, both in terms of the initial purchase price and potential installation costs.
   • Additional Plumbing: Freestanding tubs may require special plumbing fixtures, which can add to the cost.
2. Space Requirements
   • Large Footprint: These tubs require more space, making them less suitable for smaller bathrooms.
   • Heavy Weight: The weight of a clawfoot tub, especially if it’s made of cast iron, can require structural reinforcement of the bathroom floor, adding to the installation complexity and cost.
3. Maintenance
   • Difficult to Clean: While the space underneath can make floor cleaning easier, the tub itself can be harder to clean due to its intricate design and the exposed piping.
   • Vulnerability to Scratches: The exterior of the tub, especially if it’s painted, can be prone to scratches and chips, requiring more careful maintenance.
4. Comfort Considerations
   • Cold to the Touch: Cast iron tubs can feel cold when you first get in, which may be uncomfortable unless pre-heated.
   • Potentially Slippery: The smooth interior surface can be slippery, increasing the risk of falls when getting in and out of the tub.

How much can a Clawfoot tub weigh?

Clawfoot bathtubs are generally heavy bathtubs by normal standards, but the weight varies from material to material. An empty acrylic bathtub can weigh around 120 pounds whereas a cast iron bathtub can easily weigh around 200-400 pounds. Add in water and a cast iron bathtub can weigh anywhere from 500-900 pounds so it is vital that you reinforce your floor when installing a cast iron clawfoot bathtub. So when choosing your clawfoot bathtub, understand which material your bathroom can handle and it’s weight as acrylic is the lightest of the materials and cast iron is the heaviest, so as long as you sit in between, you should be fine. 

How many people can fit into a Clawfoot tub?

On average, two large people can fit into a clawfoot bathtub, but there are more personal sized clawfoot tubs that are meant to house just one individual bather. While it may seem like a good idea to have a larger bathtub just in case, it is recommended to have a bathtub that fits you comfortably, as in the long run, you will be using it more frequently, which means having it the right size for your body means more comfort and less risk of health problems down the road such as slouching or poor posture. 

Common Clawfoot Tub Accessories

While clawfoot tubs are admired for their vintage charm, a few key accessories can enhance their practicality and comfort. Whether you’re using your tub for daily showers or long soaks, these add-ons can help bridge the gap between classic style and modern convenience.

Shower Attachment

The most common accessory for clawfoot bathtubs is the shower attachment. Adding a handheld or overhead shower faucet transforms the tub from a purely soaking fixture into a fully functional, everyday bathing option. This upgrade allows users to enjoy the beauty of a clawfoot tub without sacrificing the convenience of a shower, especially important in homes with limited space or only one bathroom.

Bathtub Board or Shower Caddy

One drawback of clawfoot tubs is the lack of built-in storage for bathing essentials like soap, shampoo, and razors. A bathtub board or shower caddy solves this problem by providing a convenient, accessible surface to keep your items within arm’s reach. These accessories come in a variety of materials, such as teak, bamboo, or metal, and can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Shower Curtain

A shower curtain is another essential accessory for clawfoot tubs—particularly for those with an added shower attachment. It provides much-needed privacy and helps prevent water from splashing onto your bathroom floor. Shower curtains designed specifically for clawfoot tubs often include circular or D-shaped curtain rods to wrap around the entire tub, offering full coverage and a more comfortable bathing experience.

The value of a vintage clawfoot bathtub

Vintage clawfoot bathtubs continue to hold strong value in 2025, especially as demand for timeless, antique home fixtures remains high among renovators and design enthusiasts. However, their resale value depends heavily on the tub’s age, condition, style, and rarity. Common models manufactured between the 1920s and 1940s can still sell for anywhere between $400 and $1,200, depending on wear, enamel quality, and whether the original hardware is intact. More rare or ornate models—such as French double-ended or slipper clawfoot tubs—can command starting prices of $2,000 or more, especially if they’re in good condition or fully restored.

The standard 5-foot cast iron clawfoot tub typically resells in the $400–$600 range, though heavily worn or chipped models may go for less. Restoration costs should also be factored in: as of 2025, refinishing or reglazing a vintage clawfoot tub can range from $500 to $800, depending on location and the extent of the work needed. In some cases, restoration can exceed the cost of the tub itself—so buyers should carefully evaluate whether a fixer-upper is worth the investment. That said, when properly maintained or restored, vintage clawfoot tubs can be both a functional centerpiece and a valuable long-term asset in historic or design-forward homes.

Are Clawfoot Tubs Worth the Money?

Whether a clawfoot tub is worth the investment largely depends on your personal preferences, design goals, and how you plan to use the space. For those who value vintage aesthetics, historical authenticity, or simply love the look and feel of a classic clawfoot, the answer is often yes. A well-maintained or beautifully restored clawfoot tub can add a unique, luxurious touch to a bathroom that few other fixtures can replicate. For design purists or those renovating historic homes, the charm and craftsmanship of a clawfoot tub may be well worth the cost.

However, from a practical and resale perspective in 2025, modern freestanding tubs are the more popular and flexible choice. Freestanding tubs offer similar elegance but with more material options, better ergonomic designs, and fewer installation challenges. They also tend to appeal to a broader range of homebuyers and fit better with contemporary bathroom trends. So while clawfoot tubs are still a worthwhile investment if they hold personal or aesthetic value for you, many homeowners may find their money better spent on a freestanding tub that offers both style and everyday functionality.

How do I know if a Clawfoot tub is right for me?

When it comes to clawfoot bathtubs, you should understand that they will require a bit of work to make them more practical for everyday use. First off is having soap and shampoo close by as there are no compartments in a clawfoot bathtub unlike the wall compartments of a built-in bathtub-a workable fix, but something to consider. Second, the design of a clawfoot bathtub is a little less child friendly, making it quite easy for them to splash water over the sides, flooding your bathroom-this can be corrected by having a segmented or splash proof zone in your bath/shower space. A clawfoot bathtub is also a great deal taller than a built-in bathtub, so if you are a shorter individual, it may prove more difficult to use than a built-in bathtub.

In addition to the height, the overall size of a clawfoot bathtub may not fit every bathroom, so it is best to understand the limitations of your space. Lastly, is maintenance, as cleaning a clawfoot bathtub will require a bit of extra work when compared to built-in bathtubs as you have to clean the feet and undersides of your bathtub. If none of these factors bother you in the slightest, then a clawfoot bathtub is the right choice for you. 

Clawfoot bathtubs represent a beautiful part of our history. They appear timeless and classic, and no matter what, these bathtubs will always be appreciated on an aesthetic level. But for everyday bathers and the modern home, they are a bit impractical. So before you purchase one, consider the drawbacks to see if it’s still the right bathtub for your home. 

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.