Freestanding models revamped

Victoria & Albert Bath

This tub from Victoria & Albert Bath reflects a trend in freestanding models. Some have modern lines; others are like old claw-foot styles.

When it comes to bathtubs, designers are taking a page from yesterday. The freestanding bathtub is hot and getting hotter, and many don't resemble the claw-foot tubs once found at your grandmother's house.

While some reproduction freestanding bathtubs do have claw feet, others rest on wooden cradles or have a pedestal base. Some are perfect for older homes, and others are designed for urban lofts.

There are freestanding tubs that are rectangular and have sleek lines. Others come in a range of bowl shapes. Some are compact and hold about 60 gallons of water; others hold more than 100 gallons.

Homeowners who have large bathrooms, often put them in the center of the room, local dealers say.

"They are so much more sculptural than tubs of the past," says Mary Sue Lawrence, media specialist with Victoria & Albert Bath in Mount Pleasant. "It's real splurgy to have tubs in the middle of the room. We also have some claw-foot tubs, and the smaller ones fit really nicely into existing bathroom spaces.

"Our tubs are made of volcanic limestone and resin, a great alternative to cast iron, but much more substantial than acrylics," Lawrence says.

Homeowners can save energy and water because the water stays hot longer, she adds.

At Ferguson Bath Kitchen & Lighting Gallery on Rivers Avenue, homeowners are choosing the more traditional look that they associate with their grandmother's house, says Meredith Mann, showroom consultant. Others, who tend to be younger, go for the more modern look in styles made of acrylic.

Most people also choose a freestanding faucet that comes up through the floor and has a telephone-style top, says Mann. A few people push the tubs close to the wall, but it's difficult to find a spout long enough to fill the tub.

Most freestanding bathtubs are designed in a way that do not provide room for jets. Mann says that some do have air channels at the bottom that make tiny, invigorating bubbles. Those can be an asset if the tub is acrylic, but they can cause cast iron ones to rust.

The company carries bathtubs from several different makers, including Kohler and LeBijou.

Victoria & Albert tubs can be seen at several places, including Bird's Decorative Hardware in downtown Charleston, Design on Tap in West Ashley and Moluf's Supply in downtown, or by visiting www.vandabaths.com.

Home Depot has several freestanding slipper bathtubs in both cast iron and acrylic. Lowe's also sells at least one model.

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705 or wminis@postandcourier.com.