Best Copper Bathtubs

After years of soaking in hard, cold acrylic and echo-y cast iron tubs, I wanted a bath that truly relaxed my body and mind. Those old tubs just didn’t cut it for me anymore. Then I found copper tubs.

The awesome heat retention and comfortable temperature control were a total game changer for my baths. Copper tubs wrap you up in warmth and get you feeling peaceful. The natural bacteria-fighting ability also gave me peace of mind that my family was safe during bath time.

Beyond how they feel, the vintage copper look gave our bathroom an elegant, spa vibe. While you pay more upfront than other tubs, the lasting beauty, and durability of copper makes it worth it. With some care, these tubs will keep relaxing people for generations.

If you want a tub that turns bathing into a rejuvenating escape, copper is definitely the way to go. I’ll share my top copper bathtub picks to give you and your family that amazing soaking experience.

Best Copper Bathtubs In 2023

You know, I never used to care much about bathtubs. To me, a tub was just a tub. As long as it held water and I could take a soak, I was good. But that all changed when I discovered copper bathtubs. Now, I’m absolutely obsessed with these gorgeous tubs and all the benefits they offer. Let me tell you more about what makes copper tubs so amazing.

Benefits of Choosing a Copper Bathtub

Superior Heat Retention

One of the biggest things that drew me to copper tubs was the unbeatable heat retention. You see, materials like acrylic and enameled steel lose heat rapidly. But not copper. Once you fill a copper tub with hot water, it holds that heat for a long time, keeping your bath water steaming hot. I don’t know about you, but I love a long, relaxing soak in water that stays piping hot. The exceptional heat retention of copper lets me do that.

Soothing Temperature Regulation

Along with heat retention, copper also offers soothing temperature regulation. This means the more time you spend soaking in a copper tub, the more your bathwater temperature modulates to match your body temperature. It’s like the tub adapts to you personally for the ultimate customized spa experience. I don’t fully understand the science behind it, but I can confirm firsthand that copper tubs keep my bath water perfectly comfortable for however long I want to soak.

Natural Antibacterial Properties

Here’s an added copper tub bonus – antimicrobial properties! You see, copper naturally kills off bacteria that comes into contact with its surface. For me, this gives me great peace of mind. I know that each time I bathe, my copper tub is working hard to kill any nasty bacteria or microbes lurking in the water. And anything that helps protect my family’s health is a major win in my book.

Durability and Longevity

You better believe I did my homework before investing in a copper tub. I learned that pure copper rates very high on the hardness scale, making it extremely durable. These tubs are built to last for decades with proper care. Some vintage copper tubs have even survived for over a century! When you consider the cost, that kind of longevity makes copper a smart investment. I mean, you may pay more upfront, but a good copper tub truly lasts a lifetime when properly maintained.

Top Features of Copper Bathtubs

Smooth Copper Exterior

One of my favorite things about my copper tub is the velvety smooth exterior. Copper has a uniquely soft and lustrous finish that simply feels amazing against your skin while bathing. The smooth surface also makes copper tubs a breeze to clean and polish. I have to admit, I can’t stop running my hands along my tub – it’s like an anti-stress treatment!

Hand-Hammered Craftsmanship

Nearly all copper tubs on the market today feature hand-hammered copper exteriors. Skilled artisans meticulously hammered each copper sheet by hand, creating the signature hammered finish. No two tubs are alike, given the handmade process. I just love the old-world craftsmanship and human touch of a hammered copper exterior. It gives my tub character and the looks of a true antique.

Elegant Vintage Aesthetic

The vintage vibe of copper tubs is what initially grabbed my attention. Even when brand new, copper has a timeless, antique elegance. As the copper ages, it develops a beloved greenish patina, adding even more old-world charm. For me, the vintage look infuses bathrooms with romance and nostalgia. Just imagine lounging in a copper tub surrounded by candles and fresh flowers – total spa bliss!

Variety of Shapes and Sizes

When shopping for my dream copper tub, I was thrilled by the diverse options available. Copper tubs come in all different shapes like oval, rectangular, round, and slipper. You can also find them in many lengths and depths to suit your space. I ultimately fell for a classic oval tub that fit perfectly into my bathroom alcove. But it’s nice to know I could have chosen a more customized size and shape if needed.

Comparing Copper Tub Materials

If you start shopping around, you’ll notice copper tubs come in different materials like pure copper, enameled steel, and stainless steel. Here’s a quick look at the differences:

Pure Copper Tubs

Pure copper tubs are usually seamless and made entirely from copper sheets. They offer the most natural copper color and patina development. But they also command the highest price tag. If budget is no concern, pure copper can’t be beat for longevity and aesthetics.

Enameled Steel Copper Tubs

Enameled steel is a more budget-friendly option. These tubs have a steel interior enameled with a copper-colored glossy coating. The hammered exterior is pure copper. Enameled steel copper tubs retain heat well, resist scratches, and mimic the copper look – all at a lower cost. Just be aware that the enamel coating can chip over time.

Stainless Steel Copper Tubs

Here, the interior tub surface is stainless steel while the exterior features copper hammered sheets. Stainless steel holds heat moderately well and is very durable against scratches or dents. The combo of stainless steel interior and copper exterior creates a tub that’s both functional and beautiful at an affordable price point. Just know that stainless steel doesn’t retain heat as well as pure copper.

How to Care for Your Copper Bathtub?

Cleaning and Polishing

To keep my investment sparkling, I clean my copper tub once a week or so with a gentle soap and soft cloth. Every few months, I also polish the surface with a copper polish paste. This removes any residue and restores the tub’s mirror-like shine. Proper polishing is key to maintaining the integrity of the copper surface.

Avoiding Scratches and Dents

Since copper is a relatively soft metal, it’s prone to scratches and dents if not cared for properly. I’m super cautious about using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on my tub. I also never let household cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach sit on the copper. Finally, I try to avoid slamming bath products or other objects against the copper surface that could dent it. A few simple precautions keep my tub damage-free.

Patina Development

Here’s a quick tip on patina. If you want your new copper tub to develop that coveted greenish patina, you can use a patina solution designed for copper. This accelerates the aging process. But go slowly and gradually. Drastic patina acceleration can look unnatural. Personally, I’m letting my tub patina slowly over years of use for a more authentic aged look.

Luxury Copper Bathtub Design Ideas

Copper’s vintage elegance can transform any bathroom into a relaxing oasis. If you’re looking for design inspiration, here are some of my favorite copper tub looks:

Vintage Industrial Bathroom

I love the juxtaposition of copper’s antiquity with modern industrial elements like exposed pipes and slate tiles. Add vintage accents like black and white photos and sconce lighting for a retro-chic vibe.

Rustic Farmhouse Bathroom

In this cozy style, warm wood tones, woven textures, and copper create an inviting barn-like feel. Try pairing a hammered copper tub with reclaimed wood walls, wicker baskets, and a touch of greenery.

Modern Spa Bathroom

Copper can also feel sleekly modern with the right design accents. Try combining a geometric or rectangular copper tub with marble tile, floating wood shelves, and earthy tones for a relaxing spa aesthetic.

Conclusion

I hope this overview shows what an exceptional addition a copper bathtub can be in your home. For me, the unparalleled durability, heat retention, and antimicrobial benefits make copper well worth the investment.

And the vintage elegance only gets better with age. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a truly indulgent, therapeutic bathing experience, a handcrafted copper tub should be at the top of your list. Trust me, once you soak in a copper tub, you’ll never want to go back to anything else.

So go ahead – start designing your dream copper bathtub oasis! Let me know if you have any other copper tub questions. I’m always happy to nerd out over my favorite subject!