Martha Stewart Loves Cast Iron Tubs

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If you’ve ever soaked in a cast iron tub, you know: It’s not just a bath—it’s a ritual. The water stays warm longer. The surface feels smoother. The whole set-up is begging for a eucalyptus bundle and a glass of wine.

Martha Stewart in a tub in her stables — Photography by Douglas Friedman

So it makes perfect sense that Martha Stewart, the queen of making everything feel elevated, just signed on as Kohler’s official Cast Iron Ambassador. (Yes, that’s a real title.) Stewart has long been a fan of the material—enameled cast iron is timeless, durable, and, frankly, chic. She calls it “beautiful, strong, and long-lasting.” And who are we to argue?

Thinking about upgrading your own soak situation? We’re rounding up some of our favorite cast iron tubs from past Domino stories for inspiration.

White bathroom with white cast-iron tub — Photography by Leanne Kilroy

To avoid the dreaded all-white-and-no-soul bathroom reno, designer Leanne Kilroy went old-school—with a massive cast-iron tub she scored on eBay. She refinished it herself (Zinsser BIN primer, two coats of satin paint) and splurged on a new floor-mounted filler when the original taps called it quits. Worth it? “We’ve taken more baths in the past few months than in the past few years,” she says.

Black cast-iron tub in bedroom — Photography by Dean Hearne

When there’s no room for a proper en suite, why not put the tub basically in the bedroom? That’s exactly what designer Beth Dadswell did in this 900-square-foot Cotswolds cottage, tucking a freestanding soak spot under the eaves, just steps from the bed. With original beams overhead and moody paint all around, it feels less like a space-saving hack and more like the coziest boutique hotel you’ve ever stayed in.

White cast-iron tub in white bathroom — Photography by Nicole Franzen

For Leanne Ford, white acts as the best canvas for showcasing organic and textural elements—in the case of this 1945 farmhouse, that included things like ceramic tile, shiplap boards, and a cast-iron tub. To ensure the monochromatic space didn’t read as boring, she used a sail (yes, like one from a boat!) for the shower curtain.

Grey cast-iron tub in a bathroom with marble mosaic tile — Photography by Chris Court

Sibella Court’s claw-foot tub isn’t just for soaking—it’s the main character. Golden wall tile by Sibella Court for Teranova sets a sun-drenched tone, while a vintage claw-foot tub from Antique Baths Sydney brings the charm. The marble mosaic floors add a cool counterpoint.