Where to buy free-standing baths

The earliest free-standing bath dates back to at least 3300 BC. On the island of Crete, a free-standing pedestal tub made of pottery was found and was five feet long. In ancient Greece, tubs were commonplace. In Victorian England, the bathtub took the form of a hip bath. In the 19th century, tubs made of cast iron and enameled with porcelain became the rage. They are available today in four basic styles.

Slipper tub

A slipper tub is a "clawfoot bath tub with one end of the tub extending higher than the other end." The raised side of the bath helps to give the bather more back support. The claw foot refers to the foot of the tub (as well as furniture) which is in the shape of a claw poised on a ball. The tub allows the bather to sit upright with the legs extended. This style was popular in the middle of the
19th century. A double-slipper tub is another version of the tub, which has both ends, instead of just one end, curving up. It can be used by two bathers. This was laso popular in the middle of the 19th century. Companies that carry slipper baths are Classic Baths, B&Q, Bathroom Warehouse (double slipper baths as well), and Vintage Tub and Bath, which sells modern acrylic baths in the slipper styles as well as ones in cast iron. Some of these companies sell bathroom suites too. Antique stores and auctions can also be a source of these tubs.

Classic roll rim

The classic roll rim bath is also known as a flat rim tub. The rikked rim bends gracefully down, making it nearly impossible to injure oneself on the edge of the cast iron. One end of the tub is rounded while the other end, where the plumbing is often located, is blunt. You can buy the classic roll rim tub at Vintage Tub and Bath, Classical Baths, and more. Antique stores as well as auctions can have these tubs as well.

Pedestal tub

The pedestal tub is like the one found in Crete that dates back to 3000s BC. What sets this tub apart from the others is the fact that it does not have any feet, but rests on the ground. Modern versions of this tub are available at Homebase, The Bath Tub (which can also include pedestal baths that are jacuzzis), UK India Store, Vintage Bath and Tub. These tubs are available at antique stores and auctions.

Double ended tub

The double ended tub features tubs that have two rounded ends. These tubs are available at Classical Tubs, Homebase, UK Bathrooms, Bathroom Heaven. Aston Matthews, UK Bathrooms and more. These are also available as antiques.