It is true that bathing as it is enjoyed in these modern times is much different than in the past. At one time, when water had to be heated and added to a bath by hand, a bath was a real and infrequent luxury.

In more recent history when bath water was heated in a water tank heated by a cook stove, hot water was a sometimes thing, and a weekly bath was considered quite sufficient.

As bathrooms moved indoors and included furnishings for bathing as well as other bathroom needs things began to move along, and eventually included water heaters that did not have to be dependent on using the cook stove to heat water. Hot water changed from a sometime thing to being available on a constant basis, and bathtubs became an expected furnishing in every home.

Bathtubs for many years were indeed considered a prized possession and the bathtub had a good long run of popularity even for a number of years after showers first became easily available.

But eventually the tide turned and bathtubs for the most part fell from grace and showers were given priority in most homes. Much of this may have come about when family life just seemed to get so busy, and certainly taking a shower can be quicker.

Many homeowners are again seeing the value of the bathtub. Although most prefer to keep the shower for speed and convenience, they also want a bathtub in their home.

The pendulum is swinging again and the bathtub is a symbol of relaxation and quiet time. Rather than just being thought of as a place to cleanse the body, the bathtub is a place to unwind from all the activities of the day.

Today homeowners can enjoy the vintage look of a lovely claw foot tub or a copper tub along with the convenience of an on demand hot water supply.

For those who are not fond of the vintage style, there are deep soaking tubs, bathtubs with jets for further relaxation and even two person bathtubs.

Yes, the bathtub is back, and even better than in the past.