TikTok Turns An Antique Estate Sale Find Into A Stunning Living Room Piece
If you've ever walked into an estate sale and spotted an old cast iron clawfoot bathtub only to wonder how on Earth it could be repurposed, consider your question answered. As demonstrated by TikToker @jakes_take0, an old cast iron tub serves as the perfect starting point to recreate an eccentric sofa seen in the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's." That's right — refurbished, this estate sale find can be transformed into something Audrey Hepburn herself would have sat in.
Bizarre as it sounds, the adaptation of Truman Capote's novel features a delightfully quirky bathtub sofa. Can't envision it right this moment? Simply put: It was a clawfoot bathtub furnished with cozy cushions and one side cut open. The exact rendition used by Hepburn's character came with faucets and all, and it certainly added to Holly Golightly's eccentric decorating style; although, you obviously don't have to include the faucets if they're a bit much for you.
When @jakes_take0 and his wife found the tub they used for the project, they were lucky enough to find one that already had one side removed. However, if you've stumbled across something similar that's fully intact, that's no problem — you'll just have to cut it out yourself. Other than that, for this hack, you'll need a wire brush, oil-based paint in the colors of your choice, and some cushions to take it from a bathtub to a cozy sitting place. Oh, and it won't hurt to have a Henry Mancini playlist running in the background as you work.
Tailor your work to the tub you've got
The amount of TLC you need to put into this project depends on the state of the bathtub when you find it. If it's been inside a home, you might get away with minimal tweaks. However, if it's been neglected, you need to put some work into restoring it.
As soon as you know the tub is lead paint-free (more on that in a bit), it's time to get to wire brushing the tub and its hardware. This will help remove any rust and help create an even base to work from. Once everything is sanded down, if your tub isn't already cut on one side, plot the place you want to cut with a marker. Then, before getting right to the line itself, make a few first attempts in the middle section using a circular saw ($159 on Amazon). This will help you get more comfortable with the process and reduce the odds of making mistakes that damage the tub. When you're happy with the actual cut, sand it down with the wire brush.
With the cut done and sanded down, prime and paint in a color you love — just ensure that it's oil-based — then seal it off using Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover clear gloss (around $17 on Amazon) or a similar product. Finally, throw in some cushions — whether they're made specifically for the project or preexisting; either works.
There are some important safety considerations
While this is a DIY-friendly project, it does bear mentioning that there are some safety precautions you should take. And, if need be, it may be a better bet to reach out to a professional for some parts of the process. After all, it's never worth putting yourself at risk.
For starters, it's vital to check for any lead paint on the tub, as that's not uncommon, particularly when it comes to older tubs. You can get a test off Amazon for under $17, but it's advisable to reach out to a professional as a protective step. And, if any lead is found on the tub, unless you have experience working with it, we recommend getting a specialist to remove it rather than trying to do it yourself. As for the cutting and angle grinding, these are also steps where you'll want to proceed with caution. Always wear protective gear, and if you're at all nervous, once again, call a professional. Holly Golightly may have been known for risky behavior, but we promise that your chair will be just as authentic with all the precautions taken.
Once your sofa is done, all that's left to do is find the perfect spot for it. Pop it in the middle of your living room, a la Golightly, or in a corner as a charming reading nook, as @jakes_take0 did. Bonus points if you have a ginger tabby cat to curl up with.