Claw-Foot Tubs

First manufactured in the United States in the late-19th century, claw-foot tubs remained popular until built-in bathtubs came into favor in the 1930s. Traditional tubs, like this one, are contoured at the end where you recline.




Shaving Bowl

An old shaving bowl from Homer Laughlin was set into a barley table to form a sink in the downstairs bathroom; the plumbing is hidden by a table skirt made from heirloom linens.




Bathroom Shower Curtains

Complete your vintage tub with a retro-styled shower curtain easily made from a chenille bedspread. Hem it to the proper length, and install sturdy rivets to hold the shower hooks.




Traditional Design

The symmetrical arrangement of the sinks and cabinets by A-Ball brings order to a small space.




Shop Smart

This sink was made even more attractive by its original working faucets with porcelain knobs. To source them after purchase would have been difficult, time-consuming, and costly.




Gray Bathroom

Limestone counters are inset with porcelain sinks and crowned with vintage mirrors. Old metal egg and fishing baskets stow towels.




Green Paneling

In this green-and-white bathroom, the homeowners crafted faux paneling from simple 4x4s.




Colorful Decor

Adding color can be as simple and inexpensive as painting the walls — or introducing colorful accents by painting the exterior of a claw-foot tub; do it yourself with a coat of quality latex primer followed by two coats of exterior-grade latex paint in a satin or semigloss finish.





photo credit: Miki Duisterhof