Ten Terrific Tubs

Last week, I wrote about bathtubs in history. This week, let's take a look at modern bathtubs that come in an amazing range of styles. And prices.

1. Illuminated Tub

The LTT illuminated bathtub by Jan Puylaert is a work of art, but it's also a functionalÂ tub you can have in your bathroom for $1,499.00. The models with halogen lights are available in orange, yellow, pink, red, and white. Strange that it's pictured in green. Oh, and for an extra $1,000, you can get programmable multicolored LED lights.

2. Mobile Tub

Swedish designer Marie-Loise Gustafsson created this mobile bathtub for those who want a change of scenery when bathing. The tub us made from laminated fiberglass, and the front wheel swivels for steering. You'll have to fill it from some other faucet. Interior art by Elin Melberg.

3. Wooden Tub

I can't really wrap my mind around how a wooden tub will last over time, but there are plenty of wooden tub designs for sale. This Danish tub by Teak Tubs is made of teak wood treated with linseed oil.

4. Glass Tub

The Glass Tub is made of glass and stainless steel. The product page tells us that each unit is inspected for five hours with a magnifying glass. I would love to interview the person who has that job! Right now, this tub is on sale for half price, just $3,199.00.

5. Sunken Tub

Ah, the cache of a sunken tub! The Sorgente Bathtub from the Italian company Teuco implies luxury because of the space that must be allotted underneath the floor. A household with children and pets might have a free-for-all sliding across the floor into it!

6. Amethyst Tub

Italy takes bathing seriously. I found the finest luxury bathtubs at several Italian companies. There are plenty of fine expensive stone tubs made of granite and marble, but this one is pure amethyst! The Amaltea bathtub by Baldi will cost you $190,000. Then there's shipping.

7. Pod Tub

From yet another Italian company comes the Jacuzzi Morphosis Alpha. This two-person tub features hydrotherapy and hydromassage, meaning water jets. The arch that runs over it has lights, but no shower.

8. Bathtub Sofa

This is not exactly a tub. OK, it is, but it's used as a sofa, since it won't hold water in its current incarnation. Upholstery and pillows are included. Flavor Design makes these from antique tubs, so no two are alike.

9. Waterbirth Vessel

The item that inspired this post is not exactly available to the public. The Waterbirth Vessel is a conceptual specialty tub designed for obstetric wards for women to occupy during labor and delivery. It's a part of an entire birthing suite for hospitals. The tub, er, I mean vessel features an adjustable seat, grab bars, programmable water jets, and a jump seat for daddy. Designed by the group Darling Dushinka S.Gonzalez-Duskin.

10. Antique Tub

My dream bathtub is still the classic porcelain-glazed cast iron clawfoot tub, which I still don't have. But someday!