Sourcing a shower curtain or liner that wraps all the way around your clawfoot tub can be tricky. Plus, these oversized curtains are typically pretty expensive. For less time and effort, you can purchase two to three traditional-sized liners to use as one. If you have trouble with the separate curtains staying closed, you can always use magnets if your clawfoot tub is cast iron.
20 Clawfoot Tub Bathroom Ideas You’ll Want To Replicate
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Published: September 27, 2025
Updated: January 22, 2025
Be it a true antique or a reproduction, a clawfoot tub adds so much character to a bathroom. They come in so many different shapes and with unique foot designs, and you can even find them in a range of colors. They are both easy on the eyes and so comfortable for a soak, and they work in historic and modern homes alike. Designing your bathroom around a freestanding tub is a little different than designing around a basic built-in tub, however. It requires different storage solutions and a larger shower curtain, for example.
If you’re in need of some clawfoot tub bathroom ideas, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together this gallery of tips on how to dress up your tub, decorate around it, and make it more functional. Whether you’re working on a complete remodel or you want to focus on making small cosmetic changes, you’ll be sure to glean some inspiration.
02 of Install a Skylight Above
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Picture it: relaxing in a warm bath as you watch a gentle rainstorm roll in through your skylight. Skylights provide a view into the outside world while offering more privacy than a traditional window. A skylight also provides the perfect amount of natural light for any plants you want to place in your bathroom.
03 of Hang a Basket for Toiletries
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Clawfoot tubs are beautiful, but they aren’t always functional in terms of toiletry storage. One way to remedy this issue is to hang a wire basket on a wall nearby. Look for one that’s big enough to hold your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Wire baskets are great for this purpose because they allow the wet bottles the airflow they need to dry.
04 of Place Your Tub Under a Window
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If your clawfoot tub doesn’t feature a shower system, you have some flexibility on where you install it. We love the look of placing it right under a window, where you can hang a fabric window treatment without fear of water getting on it. Place a vining plant on the window sill, and it will love both the natural light and the humidity from warm baths.
05 of Position It at an Angle
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When brainstorming your clawfoot tub bathroom ideas, think outside the box regarding positioning. Your clawfoot tub doesn’t have to align perfectly with your wall. Positioning your tub at an angle is a great option if you’re trying to fill some extra space in a large bathroom. To create the look of a room-within-a-room, consider adding some wall and ceiling paneling surrounding the angled clawfoot tub.
06 of Display Your Tub on a Platform
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A clawfoot tub can be a beautiful showpiece in a bathroom. Elevating it slightly on a platform can further draw attention to the tub while also serving as a nice architectural design feature that will give your bathroom some depth. It should be relatively affordable to frame, and you can install the same flooring tile over it and add a marble border to seal the edges.
07 of Opt for Brass Fixtures
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Clawfoot tubs already give off an antique vibe. You can further lean into this look by choosing a period-appropriate faucet to pair with it. While chrome is a classic material, you can opt for unlacquered brass to add some warmth to the space. Unlacquered brass will develop a beautiful patina over time, similar to a true antique.
08 of Don’t Forget a Caddy Tray
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In our opinion, no clawfoot tub is complete without a shower caddy tray. Not only is it perfect for storing your toiletries, but it is also a great spot to place a candle and some beautiful greenery. Plus, it’s also a good surface to put a glass of wine and perhaps a book to enjoy while you soak.
09 of Paint the Exterior Black
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In terms of high-impact and low-cost clawfoot tub bathroom ideas, painting the outside of it is a great one. With proper prep work and materials, such as sanding and the right rust-resistant paint, it’s a fairly easy DIY project. To add a moody flair to an all-white bathroom, consider going with a dark and bold color like black.
10 of Surround It With Beadboard
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Installing tile all around your clawfoot tub can get a little expensive. Surrounding it with beadboard is a nice, cost-effective alternative. You can add a little shelf above it to display decor and toiletries. To make the beadboard pop, consider painting it with an accent color.
11 of Place a Stool Nearby
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A caddy tray can sometimes get cluttered with decor and soap bottles. You can place a small stool on the side of your clawfoot tub to give yourself a little surface space. This is a good spot to place a candle, a small plant, and a couple of washcloths to keep everything within easy reach.
12 of Install a Wall-mounted Soap Holder
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A caddy isn’t your only option for storing your soap. A soap holder that attaches to your wall is a beautiful way to keep a bar conveniently nearby. You can try to find a vintage one, but several reproduction versions are on the market as well. If you choose a metal version, try to match it to your faucet.
13 of Display a Vining Plant
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If you want to add a bit of a whimsical touch to your clawfoot tub, display a plant that will grow down the side of it on the caddy. A pothos is an ideal option for a bathroom that only gets a little natural light because it can tolerate low lighting.
14 of Add Privacy Film on Nearby Windows
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It’s pretty common for clawfoot tubs not to include a shower system. If this is the case, you won’t need a shower curtain for privacy. You can install a Roman shade over the window or add privacy film for clawfoot tubs by a window. Privacy films come in different designs and patterns, so consider your options to fit your aesthetic.
15 of Install Different Flooring
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Here are a few clawfoot tub bathroom ideas wrapped into one for you: Create visual separation between your bathing area and the rest of your bathroom using tile. Choose a dark, oversized tile for the flooring around your vanity. Then, go with a smaller white mosaic tile around the tub itself. You can also line the wall around it with complimentary marble tile.
16 of Make It a Built-in
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A clawfoot tub doesn’t necessarily have to be a freestanding feature. Depending on the design of your tub, you may be able to make it sit flush with the wall next to it. You can then apply caulk to prevent water from running down the side. Once you have the tub in place, you can even install a glass shower panel instead of a shower curtain.
17 of Drape Your Bath Mat
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The rim of a clawfoot bathtub makes for the perfect spot to hang a bath mat to dry. Plus, keeping your bath mat off the floor will keep it from getting too dirty between washes. Choosing a bath mat with a decorative detail on the edge will add a nice touch.
18 of Go Bold and Gold
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We love clawfoot tub bathroom ideas that infuse your own personal style into the space. If you like a glam look, you can really lean into that by opting for gold claw feet. You don’t necessarily need to buy new gold-plated claw feet. Use your existing ones, and give them a coat of metallic gold paint instead.
19 of Place a Mirror Nearby
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There’s something so chic and Parisian about decorating with mirrors. To fill an awkward space between the head of your clawfoot tub and the wall, prop up a floor-length mirror. You can place a mini cocktail table in front of it and use it to hold a bouquet of flowers for a layered look.
20 of Install a Shower System
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Not everyone is a fan of soaking in a tub. If you’ve moved into a home with a clawfoot tub that doesn’t contain an overhead shower, you can always install one. You should be able to find one that works with your existing faucet, but you may need to replace the entire fixture system if not.
