For maximum efficiency in a small bathroom, building an enclosure around a stand-alone tub adds extra storage room. However, a garden bathtub can itself be used for storage in a variety of settings both inside and outside the home. Old-fashioned claw-foot bathtubs are the most decorative, but any oversized oval tub can perform similar functions. Does this Spark an idea?
Outdoor Uses
A well-placed outdoor tub can add an attractive accent to lawn or garden, and perform double duty as a storage container. Old claw-foot tubs are very attractive and have the added benefits of holding up well in the elements and not rusting.
The simplest approach for storage and decoration is to put a heavy flat wooden or plastic chest in the tub and place potted plants or flowers on top. The chest needs to be waterproof so it can keep the contents dry. When access to the chest is needed, simply move the plants and open the chest. While the plants are in place, the tub will look attractive and at home in any yard, all the while hiding garden utensils or other items.
If the tub is sunk into the ground or lowered in a deck, consider building a bench above, with a hinged seat for access below. If the tub is lowered below ground, care will be needed to keep water out, as you will lose access to the drain. Any wooden coverings you design need to be coated with sealant.
Finally, tubs can serve as heavy-duty rain barrels, although a removable covering will be needed to help prevent evaporation. An old tub may not be as attractive for storing water as a wooden rain barrel, but it will serve the purpose well. Attaching a hose to the drain will enable you to water your lawn and plants long after the rain has stopped.
Indoor Uses
A spare tub can serve as a fun and useful storage area inside the house as well. If the linen closet is overflowing, a garden tub elsewhere in the house can hold sheets, towels, and bedding. In the kids' room, an old tub is a perfect spot for reading. It is a great place to hold beanbag chairs and pillows. With a lamp nearby, the kids can climb in for a comfy place to read.
String a line above the tub and throw on a sheet to make it into a fort or playhouse. When playtime is over, everything goes back into the tub for storage. It can also serve as a large toy box, making an ideal central storage place in a room.
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