When looking for new bathroom tiles you are often presented with a huge variety of different colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. They are important as they form the foundation of many modern bathrooms designs. There is no doubt that selecting the right tiles can significantly enhance to design and style of your room.

Ceramic is usually the most common material from which tiles are made as they are resistant to damp, cheap and durable. They can also be readily glazed in many different designs. From a safety point of view they are great as they tend to be safe when wet and they are also easy to clean. If you have a young family you should look into increasing the safety further by choosing a slip resistant tile surface.

It is possible to buy unglazed tiles but I would not recommend these as they are difficult to clean and stain easily due to their porous surface. Many different and quite stunning tiling patterns can be achieved due to the fact that tiles also come in a wide variety of shapes such as diamond and hexagonal.

You can add many different color combinations to your floor using tiles of different shapes and colors and even create mosaic like designs if you want to take this idea even further. You can also try using the same color combination for both the walls and floor or even lay them diagonal to get some interesting effects. It is possible to use different colors for the grout also, to add some style to your flooring.

If you want to achieve a very contemporary look, I’ve found that using bold colors that contain graphics and using a combination of different shapes will achieve this. It is important to also use contemporary styles for the vanities and faucets to be successful with the overall appearance.

If you are looking for a more Victorian or romantic look then using floral soft colored tiles, particularly with flower graphics is a good way to start. To really set the style off a hand painted ceramic sink is a good idea. For a more mediterranean look you cannot beat mixing in some terracotta, preferably hand made, tiles into the design.

The colors you choose for your bathroom are paramount as they can make the difference between a bathroom that is uncomfortable to be in and one that is calm and relaxing. Colors can affect your mood quite markedly and it is worthwhile choosing ones that give a warm cozy feel. Using the services of an interior designer or even better a color consultant is often money well spent as you can often be assured that the colors you pick will be suitable so you will not be wanting to remodel the bathroom a couple of years down the line.

If you have chosen to replace your bathroom tiles or undertake a complete bathroom renovation project then picking the right tiles is of great importance. There are so many styles and designs available and it is important they complement your color scheme and furniture such as your bathroom vanities and faucets. This article looks the factors to consider when deciding on your tiles.

The antique clawfoot bath tub we cherish so much today was first used during the reign of Queen Victoria. Eventually these tubs fell out of use as new lighter weight materials came into existence. Now virtually all bathtubs are mass produced out of plastic. However, many designers and homeowners appreciate the value of an authentic antique clawfoot bath tub. Even those with no concern for the historical significance of these tubs prefer to use them simply because of their sturdy build and aesthetic qualities.

A Little Bathroom History

Bathing was common all the way back in the Roman Empire. However, it wasn’t like this everywhere. The difficulties posed by moving water to and from a home were not adequately solved until the 19th century when cast iron became a usable material. The new iron pipes replaced the crude hollowed logs and finally allowed anyone to enjoy indoor plumbing.

The Kohler company made some of the first cast iron tubs in the late eighteen hundreds. Bathing was still unfamiliar for most people but it soon caught on. The cast iron tubs proved to be easy to keep clean and also extremely durable. It didn’t take long for people to realize the many health benefits of keeping clean. The spread of disease and sickness could be reduced substantially.

Soon people were placing tubs in the spare bedrooms of their homes and the modern bathroom came into existence. Shortly after the first World War new houses were designed with a bathroom included. This new room was designed complete with the plumbing necessary for a tub, sink, and toilet.

Antique Tubs Today

The antique clawfoot bath tub was made of cast iron. The iron surface was enameled so that it was smoother to the touch and could be easily cleaned. In America these tubs generally had holes for drainage and incoming water. In England, tubs generally only had drain holes and the faucet fixtures were placed in the wall.

It easy to tell a cast iron tub from a more modern tub. Most modern tubs are made of plastic and don’t conduct heat as easily. The antique clawfoot bath tub feels much cooler and hard. It is also extremely heavy by comparison. Clawfoot bath tubs generally have either a flat rim or one that is rolled over the edge. The ends of the tub are often of different shapes.

The antique clawfoot bath tub generally comes in one of two common designs. Either just one end will be raised to accommodate lounging or both ends will be raised. These are referred to slipper tubs or double slipper tubs.

If you are looking for your own antique clawfoot bath tub then you can probably find one online. Because of there immense weight the shipping charges will likely be high. However, the value added to your home will certainly make these charges worthwhile.