The Outdated Bathroom Tub Design That Deserves A Comeback

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Once upon a time...every bathroom had a sense of personality and a bit of drama. People used bold colors and their fixtures carried flair. Even if you wanted a simple soak in a tub after a long day, it felt luxurious. And among those luxurious tubs, there was one that stood out — the Cinderella tub. Instead of aligning with the wall, this diagonal tub saved room by fitting into unused corner spaces.

The Cinderella tub made the room feel spacious and had built-in seats for extra comfort. It had corners that were angled and stretched wide at the front. This meant that there was always a space to keep soap, shampoo, or even a glass of wine and a good book. Bath time for babies also became comfortable — parents could easily sit on the seats of this tub to wash their babies without breaking their backs.

Although many of these tubs are being removed in favor of larger showers or deep soaking baths, the Cinderella tub still holds its charm. These tubs, which were once common in midcentury houses, were built with ease and efficiency in mind. So if you do find one in your house, don't be quick to dismiss it. This tub could be the right fit for a smaller bathroom. Simultaneously save some space and add comfort to your bathroom with the addition of a Cinderella tub, converting your regular bathroom into a "spathroom" with a more relaxed vibe.

Although the name implies otherwise, Cinderella tubs were never considered luxury fixtures and were meant to be practical solutions for small bathrooms. They were built in post-war years, when houses used to be compact and designed for young families. The angled tub made the most of a tight floor plan as it turned small corners into usable bathroom space.

Yes, the shape of the tub is rather unusual, so finding fixtures and curtains for it may seem like a task. However, its uniqueness allows one to get creative. Go for an adjustable shower curtain rod that can become smaller to fit the truncated space, or an L-Shaped Shower Curtain Rod if you need a wraparound option. Order shower curtains that provide a luxurious look to your space in bold colors or a patterned fabric to turn this practical bathtub into a design statement.

If you are able to get your hands on an old Cinderella tub, consider a little renovation and make it a part of your house. To elevate the look, glaze it with an enamel coating and add modern fixtures, or stick with vintage ones to keep the vibe intact. You can also design the bathroom around the tub. If you like bold features, pair the tub with patterned tile or colorful paint, and if you like the monotone look, you can use the same color tiles, an idea that will make your bathroom seem bigger.