If your old clawfoot bathtub is in need of a facelift, consider replacing your old faucet with a new, stylish and updated clawfoot tub faucet that is available today. You can find beautiful reproductions of antique, original clawfoot tub faucets such as those ever-popular, classic models that resemble the old style of British telephones that sat in cradles.

There are three basic kinds of clawfoot tub faucets:

• Tub Wall Mounted Faucets

• Tub Rim Mounted Faucets

• Freestanding Faucets

The wall mounted faucets are installed through the holes in the interior wall of the tub. This type does not take up any wall space on the tub wall itself and is therefore quite popular among homeowners. Most of these tub wall mounted faucets have spouts that reach out beyond the rim of the tub.  The gooseneck type faucets are well liked due to the fact that the mouth of the spout comes out well above the rim. Porcelain handles are available that add some old world charm to the faucet fixtures.

Speaking of handles, you can select from side-mounted handles or faucets with handles on the front. The lever handles are great for both the front and side mounted varieties. Cross style handles are great for the front-mounted faucets as they provide a good grasp for children as well as for the elderly.

For the clawfoot tubs that already have holes drilled in the rims of the tubs, the deck or rim mounted faucets are what is required. Finally, for the bathtubs that have no faucet holes at all, the freestanding type is ideal.

Many of the clawfoot tub faucets come with a diverter valve which sends the water to a shower attachment. This type of faucet can have either a hand held shower and/or a regular free standing shower head which makes it easy to rinse shampoo out of your hair while showering and also simplifies cleaning the tub.

Many homeowners today are rediscovering the charm and beauty of clawfoot bathtubs.  These types of bathtubs are also popular items to purchase from antique shops and second-hand dealers. People are buying them and having them re-finished and fitted with new clawfoot tub faucets to add a touch of timeless beauty and style to the bathroom. As a matter of fact, the clawfoot style bathtub is making such a comeback that retailers who specialize in selling them are reporting good sales in spite of the recent economic woes.

Whether you have just purchased a new bathtub, a re-conditioned one or are only looking to spruce up the looks of your existing tub, you can easily find a clawfoot tub faucet in the type and style you desire.

This guide to bathroom design has online galleries, for great ideas. If your claw-foot has some dings and defect, you may want some help with painting your tub. Here is another resource to help as you refinish your bathtub. Or how about a complete bathroom makeover?

Once you’ve chosen your clawfoot tub faucet, it needs to be installed properly.  This can be done by a licensed plumber.  If you are planning to install your clawfoot tub faucet yourself, there are some helpful online guides for faucet installation that will help.