Federation Bathroom renovation and the bath
[Previous post: Desirable Features .... Next post: ]
- See also the post Federation Bathrooms
The great bathroom renovation debate
- Should I keep the bath?
Table of Contents
- Which model of bath is appropriate?
- Vintage, updated, or modern bathroom renovation?
Federation and Edwardian bathrooms featured oval-shaped clawfoot tubs with an even rolled trim all the way around.
|
Cleanliness
- Bathrooms were still large and made for family use during this period, but were very much in line with the overall aesthetic of cleanliness.
- In a Federation or Edwardian bathroom, there’s tile across the whole floor and tile or wainscotting half or a third of the way up the wall to make the surfaces easy to clean, and the walls above topped with light pastel colors or floral patterns.
Beauty
- Federation bathrooms, as with the rest of Edwardian architecture, utilized lots of natural light, so there’re lots of large windows, light pastel color schemes, and often bouquets of fresh flowers to emphasize the bright, natural aspect of the bathroom.
- The form of Federation and Edwardian bathroom fixtures followed the architecture and overall design of the time, emphasizing light colors and open spaces.
- Art Nouveau leadlight windows were a feature, adding beauty and light, while respecting privacy
 |
| Victorian bathroom with Art Nouveau decoration |
|
|
Free standing baths
Currently free-standing baths are very popular, coming in all shapes and sizes to match the infinite variety of our Aussie bathrooms. Many manufacturers also offer spa baths which are the next step up for the truly luxurious bathroom. |
| Burlington Edwardian |
A free standing bath is the ultimate bathroom feature.
- Whilst beautiful, free standing baths are generally heavier than inset baths and will need to be carefully supported.
- Many free standing baths do not have tapholes, so choosing your tap-ware is extremely important.
- Free standing baths are extremely versatile in their design, with a myriad of styles available.
- Unless you go for a real space-saving design, keep in mind that adding a tub to the bathroom takes up space, and you'll need to allow for additional plumbing connections.
- If you plan to incorporate the shower above the bath, this will also result in more work, and of course, additional cost.
- For today's modern family, the bathroom plays a very functional role. If you use a bath, then add one when renovating – but add wisely. Make sure the style of bath suits the bathroom and house, and that the installation allows enough space in the bathroom area.
- If budget permits, consider the spa bath – this is bound to add value to the property when it comes to selling.[1]
Renovation and a claw foot bath
If your house reflects a Federation design, then a new or restored clawfoot tub will complement this and add to the value of your property.
This leads on to important considerations such as budget and available space.
- Maybe you've thought ahead a little and purchased an old claw foot tub which you plan to restore and install.
- Depending on the state of the tub (how long it's been sitting in the paddock as a stock water trough), the cost to repair and refinish it will be between $500 and $2000.
- Alternatively, from upwards of $900, you can buy a new porcelain or acrylic claw foot tub.[2]
.
|
| ||||
|
|
The Claw foot Bathtub
The claw foot tub or claw-foot tub was considered a luxury item in the late 19th century,[2]originally made from cast iron and lined with porcelain.
Modern technology has contributed to a drop in the price of clawfoot tubs, which may now be made of fibreglass, acrylic or other modern materials.
- The claw foot free standing bath is reminiscent of an era of style and decadence.
- A beautiful feature piece in a period bathroom, claw foot free standing baths can be beautifully decorated with different coloured feet, exteriors and interiors for that genuine Federation feel.
- Claw foot tubs usually require more water than a standard bathtub, because generally they are larger.
- While true antique claw foot tubs are still considered collectible items, new reproduction claw foot tubs are chosen by renovators and new home builders[3]
|
|
|
|
Clawfoot tubs come in 5 major styles:
- Classic Roll Rim, Roll Top, or Flat Rim tubs as seen in the picture above.
- Slipper tubs - where one end is raised and sloped creating a more comfortable lounging position.
- Double Slipper Tubs - where both ends are raised and sloped.
- Double Ended Tubs - where both ends of the tub are rounded. Notice how one end of the classic tub is rounded and one is fairly flat.
- Pedestal Tub - Pedestal tubs, unlike all the styles listed above, do not have claw feet. The tub rests on a pedestal in what most would term an art deco style. Evidence of pedestal tubs dates back to the Isle of Crete in 1000 BC.
|
|
|
|
Gallery of Clawfoot baths
|
Downton Abbey Edwardian Bathroom There's something very timeless and elegant about a white bathroom with a claw-foot bathtub and crystal chandelier. | |||||
| . .  | |||||
 |
|
Gallery of Pedestal baths
| 
| |||||
 |  | |||||
|
| |||||
|
|
 |
| Paco Jaanson Bathroom Taps |
Bath Materials
By Prue Tullyhttp://www.renoexchange.com.au/article/bath-materials
- With plenty of different bath materials to suit your space and price, the following captures some of the more popular choices on the market and how out they could work best for you.
1. Acrylic Baths
 |
| Acrylic Bath |
Acrylic has become an extremely popular choice for bath materials. Its natural warmth as well as its strength make it a favourite for home renovators. Acrylic Baths are a lightweight and affordable bath option. To maintain that high sheen finish and colour, use gentle cleaning products as anything abrasive can damage your acrylic bathtub.
2. Enameled Cast Iron Baths
 |
| Enameled Cast Iron Bath |
 |
| Steel Enamel Bath |
3. Steel Enamel Baths
Extremely popular in Europe, steel enamel bathss are a fantastic option for bathing. Exceptionally durable, steel enamel baths are hard-wearing, scratch resistant, hygienic and easy to clean.4. Stonecast Resin Baths
Stonecast Resin baths are a mixture of ground up stone and resin. For those who are looking from a stone bath but are on a tighter budget, a stonecast resin bath could be the answer for you. Manufacturers are able to mimic travertine, limestone, marble and granite. |
| Stonecast resin bath |
 |
| Steel Porcelain Bath |
5. Steel Porcelain Baths
Stamped out of a solid piece of steel, steel porcelain baths are then coated with Porcelain to achieve that high gloss finish. Extremely hardy, steel porcelain is highly resistant to scratches, vigorous cleaning and is an affordable bath material option.
6. Stone Composite Baths
|
|
 |
| Copper Bath |
Stone Composite Baths baths are readily available on the market. A composite material made of crushed stone bound by a polymer resin. Made predominantly with Quartz, baths in stone composite stone feature a myriad of other materials such as limestone, marble, mother of pearl, composite baths have a beautiful natural stone look.
7. Copper Baths
A copper bath is one of the most luxurious choices when it comes to bathing. Handcrafted in any shape, copper conducts and retains heat, making it perfect for those long, hot soaks.
Great World Bathrooms from Telegraph.co.uk
 |
| Kensington, London - One of two bespoke bathrooms in this two-bedroom property, the marble is sourced directly from Armani in Italy. Harrods Estates (020 7225 6506 |
|
|
 |
| Tunbridge Wells, Kent - Take a bath Jane-Austen style, in this elegant Palladian villa with high ceilings and large windows. Hamptons International (01892 597 601, hamptons.co.uk |
 |
| St James, Barbados - The rooms in this Caribbean villa have been designed to maximise the enviable sea views and cooling breezes. Realtors Real Estate Sales (020 7467 5330, realtorsrealestatesales.com |
Where to buy a Federation Bath Online
Home Design Plus 
RenoExchange - info@clawfootbaths.com.au
