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.
Julie says
I found Save the Pink Tile while searching for how to cover up my pink tile. I was convinced to save the tile. I took the pledge! Then I found out we have a white Cinderella tub! I love our tub. I just saw the same model we have here http://deabath.com/Original/Or_tubs1/or_tubs1.html . Expensive! I knew it was cool but apparently it is also valuable.
This says it’s a 1966 tub. Our house was built in 1937. So perhaps our tub was part of an earlier renovation.
Haans Petruschke says
Hi,
I’m planning to renovate my main bath. It has an American Standard, Neo Angle tub. in desert rose color, with no chips corrosion. I have heard people will buy these retro fixtures and remove them. How does one find such a buyer?
pam kueber says
Haans, I have a story on this. See FAQs, center column.
Jessie says
I need advice on hanging a new curtain rod for the Cinderella tub. I ordered a new rod and attachment pieces. However it has two support poles that hang down from the ceiling and I am not sure where to hang them. My dIlemma is how the shower curtain will work as it can’t pass over the two hanging rods. I am a new owner of a fabulous 1950’s house and trying to keep it as original as possible so I have no doubt this is only the first of many questions! Thanks for whatever help you can give me!
pam kueber says
hmmm. This is a good question. Where did you buy the rod from? I will go look at their website
pam kueber says
Funny, but when I put “how to hang a shower curtain on a neo angle rod” in google, I get junk sites. hahahaha. However, this photo shows using only one support. I think this would be fine, as long as your shower curtain, liner and shower rings are not too heavy. Get ya two shower curtains – one will go left, the other will go right. How does that sound? If you look at the Cinderella bathtub on my site from a vintage ad, it seems like this was the way it was done — kind of like drawing drapes. Let me know if this helps! Send pics!
Andrew says
On 4 years late, but I have a cindarella tub that my neighbor gave me and it included what was the original curtain rod. The rod is one piece and makes a 90 degree bend; the corner is chamfered just like the tub. This rod design worked for 60 years. Let me know if you would like me to send you a picture.
Brian says
Just now seeing this — In my last house, a 1900 Queen Anne, the main bathroom has a white tub similar to the yellow one shown here, but with straight sides, not an oval. There are a number of advantages no one has mentioned. You get “shelves” for your candles or magazines when you want a real bathing event. AND you can scooch crossways in the tub, which is perfect for resting your neck on one tub wall and resting your lower legs on the opposite shelf.
The bathroom in question had been redone in the 1970s or 1980s — cultured “marble” vanity top, fluorescent tube lighting, curling yellowed vinyl floor. Except for the tub area, tucked into an alcove, all the walls were clad in raw, unfinished wood, laid on the diagonal. I was told that the wood came from an actual barn. There was no way to clean it at all except to brush the dust off.
I gutted the entire room — the only visible remainders were the ceilings, and the tub, which was reglazed.
Marcia Adams says
Just discovered, thanks to a piece about your blog, that we have a white Cinderella tub. We are preparing for a total remodel of the bathroom in our 1959 ranch home. The bidding contractors are telling us they would “get rid of it” by destroying it.
Seems like we have a “56 Chevy” equivalent in the bathtub category!
Any tips on finding a new home for our classy little tub? We live in Santa Cruz, California.
pam kueber says
Hi Marcia, see this story but do it backwards: https://retrorenovation.com/2010/11/02/where-to-find-vintage-bathroom-sinks/ Good luck.
Alex Metral says
Wonderful, in a few seconds I found out what my “square” pink bathtub is called and how to clean it. Ours also has a chrome shower ring to mirror the shape. I will take pictures! Looking to install a new shower head/piece though, looking for inspirational (1951 ish but new) replacement.
Connie Lewis says
I have a square pink cinderella tub by American Standard. It is in good condition, but needs a good cleaning – I’m also (gasp) thinking of painting it white.
Any suggestions on cleaning methods to restore the lustre?
pam kueber says
check out one of our sponsors – deabath.com – they have great cleaning products — and advice if you need it, tell ’em i sent you
karen says
DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHERE I CAN GET A RETRO PINK BATHTUB, SINK AND TOILET? I AM IN MASSACHUSETTS.
THANK YOU
pam kueber says
karen – read the site, check out the faqs
Pam says
I have a pink corner Cinderella style tub from the 50s no comode or sink. Still looking?
Suzanne says
I am interested in a pink corner tub. Where are you located? You can e-mail me at vernmuffin@charter.net
Pixie says
We live in what we believe is a big 1940’s home. Huge rooms with beautiful woodwork and tall doors. But in the bathroom is this small yellow bath tub. It is about 32″ x 42″ with the corner shelf. The basin part it is in the shape of an L (sort of).
It’s great for the grandchildren but too small for an adult bath. I have sat Indian style in it. It’s also our shower so it works well for that. The layout does not permit a 5 or 6′ tub without major renovation. I’m considering the Kohler “Mayflower” but $2000 is a little steep.
Megan says
I love cinderella tubs. A childhood friend of mine had a pink one in her bathroom and I was so jealous!