Copper Bathtub Design Ideas

Create a warm, relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom remodel with a copper bathtub.
Mediterranean Bathroom With Copper Soaking Tub

Mediterranean-Style Bathroom With Copper Soaking Tub

Tucked below an arched window, a freestanding copper tub transforms this bathroom into an elegant, relaxing retreat. The neutral tilework surrounding the tub and the delicate seashell border framing the window enhance the space's soothing atmosphere.

Photo by: Photo Courtesy: Scott Womack © 2013 Gibbs Smith, Allure of French & Italian Decor, Betty Lou Phillips

Photo Courtesy: Scott Womack, 2013 Gibbs Smith, Allure of French & Italian Decor, Betty Lou Phillips

By: Dianne Casolaro

Although they can be designed as drop-ins or corner tubs, copper tubs are primarily free standing. In addition, their natural patina and handcrafted quality allows for greater variety in copper bathtub design ideas, and they can usually be located away from a wall or in the middle of the bathroom.

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Two primary styles dominate the copper tub design choices: soaking tubs or double slipper tubs.

Copper soaking tubs are modeled after Japanese soaking tubs and help to recreate a spa setting in your home. They are most commonly small (approximately 43"), round or oval, and deep. With about 30 inches available for water depth, these copper tubs include interior seats for a more relaxing bath.

Double slipper tubs mirror 19th century sloping designs as they follow the body's natural contours. Double slipper copper tubs are traditionally ovals. Their average size ranges from 48" to 72" in length with 11" to 23" of water depth. Adding a decorative copper base, claw foot legs, or a wrought iron stand creates an attractive, purposeful design element to your copper tub.

Other styles of freestanding copper tubs range from rectangle-shaped that mimic traditional tubs to hexagons for a truly unique design.

Once you decide on the style of copper tub, you have numerous interior and exterior finish choices.

Interior finishes for copper tubs include polished or bright copper, polished nickel, or traditional fiberglass.

For exterior finishes, hammered copper, mosaic designs, smooth copper and antique copper are among the design features. Some copper tubs are accented with decorative rings.

Copper tubs offer several options for fillers. Most do not come with faucet openings.

Wall-mount faucets allow for elephant-neck or goose-neck spout designs with various lever choices to complement the copper tub's design. Fillers may also be mounted to the deck or rim of the tub or may be mounted to the floor. Consider the finish of the tub when choosing the finish for the faucets; your best bets are polished chrome, brushed or polished nickel, polished brass, or oil-rubbed bronze.

If you need your copper tub to serve as a shower as well, a few adjustments are all you need. Showering in a copper tub is achieved through riser or hand-held showerheads.

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