The freestanding tub has come a long way. Just 10 years ago you could stumble across the old-fashioned, wild-west kind with the cast iron, lion claw feet. You and four friends could even lift one end of it. They were a lucky find at transfer stations or even on street corners in old Toronto neighborhoods. Collectors and renovators looking for authenticity simply had to peel off the “FREE” sign and take her away. Good luck finding a true vintage one curbside now.
Molded Freestanding Tubs Are What’s “In”
Today there are thousands of sleek and stylish designs to choose from. Molded freestanding tubs are making their mark as the cool feature to have in a brand new bathroom renovation or in custom homes. They are elegant, can be timeless, and always stand out as a central design element.
Accentuating the ahhh factor is a plethora of choices when it comes to fixturing. Long, graceful stainless steel or brushed nickel stems with coiled shower heads rising from hidden connections. The look is dramatic and fun and you can create just about any vibe you want.
The Tub That’s One Step Ahead!
Taking first prize in the fun vibe category is this tub by Bathroom Galleries (www.bathroomgalleries.com). A traffic stopper at this year’s Home Show in Toronto, this shoe-shaped tub was the talk of the floor. At our Alair Homes booth we had people asking us if we’d seen the ‘shoe tub’ – “It’s a high heel! You gotta check it out!” So, off I went… and sure enough, they had a high heel tub.
When planning that new bathroom make sure you check out your options with a knowledgeable bath expert and take the time to visit some showrooms and websites to nail down what you really like, what you want from a functionality standpoint, and what works within your budget. While a shoe may not be your thing, you don’t want to miss out what the industry has to offer.
Dave Young, Alair Homes Aurora
