Clawfoot bathtubs are much more oversized than ordinary bathtubs. Does it make you wonder how you can enclose clawfoot tubs? Upon researching, here's everything that we've found out.
Since clawfoot bathtubs are enormous, they need shower curtains at least 180 inches wide. This size is perfect for enclosing the entire tub. Here are the steps for enclosing your clawfoot tub with a shower curtain below:
- Measure the area.
- Determine where to mount your shower rod.
- Cut your clawfoot tub rod.
- Hang your shower rod.
- Attach your shower curtain.
In this article, we'll tackle some basic information about clawfoot tubs. We'll elaborate on the steps in installing a curtain and how to prevent the curtain from sticking. And we also included several elegant curtains for your freestanding tub. With that said, let's dive right in!
What Is A Clawfoot Tub?
So, what exactly is a clawfoot tub? A clawfoot bathtub is a freestanding tub that stands on four feet. Also, these tubs are no ordinary bathtubs. For one, it's much larger and aesthetic looking than your usual bathtubs.
Clawfoot tubs have been around for decades, and it's considered to be one of the classics. In the late 19th century, these standalone bathtubs were luxurious pieces.
These tubs were initially made of cast iron and inlaid with porcelain. Clawfoot tubs have never lost their charm and have never been out of style.
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How Big And Heavy Are Clawfoot Tubs?
A clawfoot tub is created to be enormous, deep, and comfy. Make sure that your bathroom can accommodate one. Also, ensure that it will fit through all entrances of your home to get into your bathroom.
Clawfoot tubs were initially made of cast iron with a porcelain finish, but nowadays, they can be made of acrylic. A bare cast iron tub weighs between 200 to 400 pounds. With water, its weight will increase by 500-900 pounds.
What Kind Of Shower Curtain Do You Use For A Clawfoot Tub?
Clawfoot tubs are usually about 180 inches wide, so you'll need a shower curtain of the same size. A wrap-around curtain is required to cover the entire tub.
It's possible to use regular shower curtains with a clawfoot tub, but these curtains are only 108 or 70 inches wide. So you will need at least two of them.
Enclosing Your Clawfoot Tub
Clawfoot tubs are freestanding, so they will need a shower curtain that's large enough to enclose all the way around. Here are what you have to do and the materials you need.
Measure Your Clawfoot Bathtub
Measuring your bathtub is vital in picking a shower curtain. Tubs come in various sizes and styles, so shower curtains are made explicitly for each type.
The length of clawfoot tubs ranges from a small 54 inches to a massive 72 inches. The tub's width ranges from 30 inches to 40 inches.
Its depth is between 24 inches to 30 inches. And the entire tub is approximately 180 inches wide.
Materials You Need
There are three essential materials in enclosing your clawfoot tub. You'll need a shower liner, a curtain, and a curtain rod.
Shower Liner
A shower curtain liner helps keep water contained and prevents it from splashing off the floor. It also protects your non-water-resistant shower curtain from water.
Shower liners can also be used as shower curtains.
Shower Curtain
Before buying any curtain, measure the exact width and length of the tub from the inside.
You also need to measure the height because the rod is usually connected to the ceiling or walls to keep it in place. The exact dimensions ensure that your shower curtain sits nicely in your tub.
As previously mentioned, curtains for freestanding tubs must be about 180 inches wide to cover the whole tub. The curtain height must be 68 inches to hang perfectly from the rod on the ceiling.
Curtain Rod
Check the length of your rod thoroughly because it needs to enclose your clawfoot tub flawlessly. Oval or rectangular shapes are the recommended curtain rods for clawfoot tubs.
5 Steps For Adding A Shower Curtain To Your Clawfoot Bathtub
Here are five easy steps in enclosing your clawfoot tub:
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Measure The Area
Measure the length from the ceiling to the floor. The measurement will tell the size of the shower rod and the length of the shower rod tubes.
Write down the dimensions once you have them. The shower curtain may be larger than the bathtub, but it shouldn't be smaller.
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Determine Where To Mount Your Shower Rod
The shower rod must have three support points. These support points will keep the shower rod from toppling or slipping off. You'll also need brackets to attach the shower rod to the tub components like the plumbing, walls, and ceiling.
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Cut Your Clawfoot Tub Rod
Cut your clawfoot tub rod to size with the measurements you took so the tub rod fits into that space. Cut only the female ends of the rod and leave the male ends connected.
You should also measure the support rods because they attach the curtain to the mounting brackets.
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Hang Your Shower Rod
You may need to ask for help when hanging your shower rod. Ask the other person standing in the tub to hold the rod while you fasten the brackets. Connect the brackets to the point anchors to give support.
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Attach Your Shower Curtain
After installing the rod, hang your shower curtain and let it encircle the entire clawfoot shower tub. Always remember that it's better to keep the curtain hanging inside the tub rather than outside.
It will prevent the water from leaking all over the bathroom floor.
How Do You Keep Your Shower Curtain From Moving And Sticking To You?
We've included several tips for preventing your shower curtains from sticking to you.
Use Magnets And Weights
The weights hold down the curtain, and the magnets bind it to the side of the tub, stopping it from blowing in.
Add A Curtain Liner
The curtain liner and curtain make a double layer. It helps stop airflow even when the outdoor curtain is blown in; the liner will remain secure and won't be pushed inside.
Get A Heavier Curtain
Buying a shower curtain made from a heavy material can keep it firmly in place.
Use A Circular Shower Curtain Rod
An extra wide and long circular curtain rod around the tub prevents water from sloshing. It also helps make additional space inside the tub to keep the curtain away from you.
Use Anti-Spray Shower Curtain Clips
Anti-spray shower curtain clips grip the brim of the curtain in place to stop water from splattering out. It can also control the curtain from blowing in because it’s clasped tightly on the sides.
7 Best And Unique Clawfoot Tub Shower Curtains
Here are the seven best and most unique shower curtains that are perfect for your clawfoot tub. These curtains all measure 180 x 70 inches.
1. Waffle Weave Clawfoot Tub Shower Curtain
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
This Barossa shower curtain is Amazon's Choice for clawfoot tubs. It's luxurious and environmentally friendly, with no chemical coating or smell.
Key Features:
- Thick "cotton" type fabric
- Water repellent
- Machine washable
2. Riyidecor Bohemian Bouquet Clawfoot Tub Curtain
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
The Riyidecor shower curtain consists of durable and rust-resistant grommets that line the top and prevent tearing.
Key Features:
- Polyester fabric
- Waterproof
- Eco-friendly
3. Barossa White Waffle Weave Wrap-Around Shower Curtain
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
This shower curtain is 200 gsm heavy-weight and is made from 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton Blend.
Key Features:
- Easy Removal Liner
- See Through Top Window
- Built-in removable fabric liner with 12 weighted bottom magnets
4. Biscaynebay Fabric Extra Wide Shower Curtain
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
The Biscaynebay shower curtain is made of heavy-weight 100% premium polyester fabric. It has an earth-friendly polyester fabric liner designed for healthy and lasting use.
Key Features:
- Excellent water repellant
- Extra wide shower liner
- Machine wash cold
5. Gibelle Pink Ombre Shower Curtain for Clawfoot Tub
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
It is made of 100% heavy-duty polyester fabric with an exquisite small waffle weave texture.
Key Features:
- Elegant and luxurious
- Water repellent
- Easy installation
6. Zokyer Floral Vintage Clawfoot Tub Shower Curtain
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
This Zokyer shower curtain has a 100% high-quality PEVA material shower curtain with 32 plastic hooks.
Key Features:
- Machine Washable
- Waterproof and durable
- Eco-friendly
7. Paris Eiffel Tower Extra Wide Shower Curtain
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
The AMHNF curtain is made of 100% Polyester. It's suitable for creating a distinctive bathroom or room.
Key Features:
- Reinforced hook-holes
- Eco-friendly
- Machine washable
Curtains Closed
Now that you've read all the basics of a clawfoot tub and how to enclose it, it's time to try doing it. Just remember to get all the required measurements and do the five steps in enclosing your tub with a shower curtain.
Also, don't forget to pick out the perfect shower curtain for your clawfoot tub. And keep in mind the tips we've included to keep the curtain from sticking to you.
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