How do I Choose the Best Clawfoot Tub Faucet?

If you own a clawfoot bathtub, know that you have a choice of faucets that you can install in it. One of the first details to decide on is the style that you prefer, as there are various types ranging from the British telephone faucet to the simple spout style. You will also need to select where you prefer the clawfoot tub faucet be installed, as you can choose between the wall of the tub or the top of it. Finally, the finish style is also important when selecting a new clawfoot tub faucet.

Bathrooms with simple, modern décor often look good with a simple spout clawfoot tub faucet, which is long and points down toward the tub. A similar yet more elegant style is the gooseneck, which is longer than a simple spout and is said to look as graceful as a goose's neck. If you prefer faucets with shorter spouts and two handles, you may opt for the British telephone faucet. This style looks traditional and unique, with a short spout that features a handle on each side. This kind of clawfoot tub faucet would likely look best in a bathroom with an older, classic style when it comes to the current décor.

In many cases, the style that you choose will be the deciding factor of where the faucet is mounted, as many types are made to either fit on the wall of the tub or on the top. If you do get the choice, you should consider the advantages of each. Most traditional bathtub fixtures are mounted to the wall of the tub, so if you are choosing the typical spout style or feature a classic theme in your bathroom, this choice may be a good idea. On the other hand, if you have a small bathtub and want to conserve your space, it may be wise to opt for a clawfoot tub faucet that sits on the edge of the tub, often called deck mounted. Note that if you hope to get a hand-held shower attachment for washing your hair, you should opt for a deck mounted faucet since the attachment usually works best when mounted this way.

The final main choice is finish type, which requires that you take your current bathroom style into consideration. Chrome typically works well in bathrooms with modern décor, as does matte nickel since it resembles stainless steel. For those going with the classic look, bronze works well. Brass is another choice, but it needs to be polished often to stay shiny, or it risks developing tarnish. Of course, if you are going for a traditional look, and want your bathtub fixtures to look older than they are, unpolished brass may be perfect for you.