Rerunning this post — because in the meantime I discovered these are called “Cinderella bathtubs.” Here’s Alice’s, too. There were “Cinderella windows”, too. Stay tuned on that one.
We are getting a clean start hehehe to 2009 with this post showcasing some simply wonderful bathtubs from the postwar period. Oh my gosh, look at this 1947 “neo angle” from American Standard … My dream bathtub, no question. But if I had one of these, there probably wouldn’t be a blog, because I’d never leave it. Read on for more vintage tubs … and 6 photos in all…
Above: A 1959 Kohler Mayflower, recessed. Kohler still makes the Mayflower model – it’s petite, but very nice! If I had the space, I’d use it – in pink, of course!
Doesn’t this 1959 Kohler Cosmopolitan just glisten! Notice the little rings holding back the shower curtain in all these images. I’ve never seen this before. Do you think people really did this in their homes? Or is it just for advertising, to show off the tubs while still featuring a shower curtain? Readers – any real-life examples found in your time capsule homes?
The copy is fun to read. I think that Amy’s little tub/shower may be the Kohler Standish “showering bath” mentioned here.
NOTE:
If you are the owner of an older porcelain enamel bathtub or sinks — or are considering buying one — please see my May 2, 2016 story Understanding potential lead hazards in old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any age; this article focuses on raising awareness around three other potential sources of lead dust exposure in your home – old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any era — and steps you can take to assess and, if required, address them.
Dana M says
We had a lavender cinderella (or similar) tub in our house in Australia (built in 1958). The tub (and a second toilet) was installed when the house was extended to make room enough for five kids. It had a single metal ring set into the tiles so we could tie back the shower curtain when using the bath or not in use. Attached to the metal ring was a string of plastic daisies with a hook on the other end to pull around the curtain and hook it out of the way.
I remember my mother yelling at us more than once for tying the curtain back ‘before it had a chance to dry’ and then being made to clean the mould and slime off the plastic with bleach and a toothbrush.
In our teenage years it was a great tub for bathing the dogs or rinsing the cholrine out of your hair after a swim as there was an external door to the back porch.
Vanya says
In Charlotte, NC these are called “garden tubs”. Everyone rips them out of the old houses there, but I absolutely loved mine and paired it with a wall-hung shelf-back sink originally from elsewhere in the house. I wonder whether any of the manufacturers will ever bring these tubs back? So pretty, and so practical for children!
pam kueber says
Vanya, Kohler still makes the Mayflower – it is more petite than the old ones, but still quite nice. I would consider it for sure if I had the right house and couldn’t find vintage. See my post here: https://retrorenovation.com/2007/10/25/back-to-the-basics-bathtubs-fit-for-a-50s-style-bathroom/
Heidi Swank says
We have a bluish green one in our master bath in excellent condition. It looks almost exactly like the blue one you have here, except that it is surrounded on three sides and the ceiling with blue heathered tile. When we first looked at the house, my husband was the first to find the tub and he immediately yelled for me. We live in Las Vegas and think that the smaller size tub is perfect for living in the water conscious desert. I’m 6′ tall and I soak in it almost every night in the winter. We call it out desert bathtub.
There is a white tub like these in the Wilson House in Temple, TX.
https://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/wilsonpink-bath.jpg
Thanks Pam! It made my day to see a tub like mine on your site.
MrsErinD says
We have a 1950 kohler white tub, I know because I saw a pic you posted before saying it’s kohler, but not one of these, it’s one of the rectangle ones with the rounded swoop front. The bottom is messed up, the finish, but one day we are having that fixed, I don’t want a new modern one, I like our old tub!
My Mom has a PINK one, SIGH, she has a great bathroom, I need to get pics!
Kristin says
My friends who live in Colonial Acres also have a turquoise blue Cinderella tub (that matches the turquoise toilet and sink) and let me say, these are perfect for those of you that have small kids; they have two sons (ages 3 and 18 months) and they don’t mind taking baths ever.
Sue says
We are remodeling our house and have a white square tub that we are replacing. Any idea of an avenue to sell it?
Lukas Rathswohl says
Great tubs. Where did you find those old brochures, anyway?
Mid Mod Pam says
Hi Lucas, I get them from 40s 50s and 60s periodicals – they are from advertisements from the manufacturers.
Jen says
Just recently in a magazine—Southern Living, perhaps?—I read something along the lines of corner bathtubs being the height of cool in the 50s. They do look splendid! When we put a bathroom in our master bedroom…well…perhaps it’ll have a tub after all, instead of merely a toilet and sink. 😉
Robert says
Love the look of the square tubs and oh the storage on the side where you can put your bath lounging needs, however hate to be the devils advocate but that is how I can sometimes be. 🙁
Dealing with an 82 year old Mother and taking a Geriatrics Social Work class in college; lets all look at practicality and ease of getting in and out.
When we renovate, and retro-renovate, I feel we should all do duty to include facets that will benefit us when/as we age.
I am doing this in my house renovation. Putting in the Grab Bars and such and I am 40.
As an added benefit—they assist when you have had too much and the room is spinning.
Kind Regards,
Robert
Mid Mod Pam says
I agree completely, Robert. Adding: At minimum, if you are framing in a new tub or shower – put the structure/framing in where you can add a grab bar later. (And of course, keep a record of where the framing is.) This way (I think) you can always add it later – the supports are there. This is not even something to plan for in old age. When I hurt my back recently – I really wished I had had a grab bar in my tub/shower, just in case.
Kristin says
Our friends The Dunlaps (who also live in Colonial Acres–in a bigger ranch) have this very tub in their solo bathroom. They also have the matching toilet, sink and yes TILES.