* The original clawfoot tubs, made of cast iron with a porcelain finish, started becoming popular in the mid 1800's. European style clawfoot tubs typically have wall-mounted hardware and faucets, while the American style mounts the hardware on the tub itself.There are two main hardware mount styles: the American style has the hardware and faucets on the bathtub, while the European mounts them on the wall.

* Orginally, cast iron was the material of choice for clawfoot bath tubs. Nowadays, modern materials such as acrylic are commonly used - they look great, but make for lighter, more easily maintainable tubs.

* Many styles have a slanted back, so you can stretch out and relax.

* On the other hand, a slipper bathtub has a high back.

* Pedestal tubs have the same features, except that they rest on a pedestal, or platform, instead of feet. They truly have an elegant style.

* Clawfoot and pedestal bath tubs are freestanding, and thus are relatively easy to install, since no carpentry or masonry has to be done, and the exposed pipes make maintenance and repair easy.

Here are the top brands to look at:

* Barclay Products designs Victorian style clawfoot tubs made from both cast iron and acrylic, but with very modern accessories. Barclay combines the best of the old and the new in their products.

* Cheviot makes several elegant lines of pedestal and clawfoot tubs, including the Slipper Bath, Traditional Roll Top , Regency, Windsor and Balmoral Baths.

* Vintage Tub and Bath is an online retailer whose main focus, in fact, is selling these classic styles of tubs.

Do yourself a favor and dress up your bathroom with an classically-styled clawfoot or pedestal tub.