Thanks for the responses. The more I think about using chrome, the more I think I like it. Sweeby, I think you're correct that it's a more appropriate finish for an old fashioned look, which is what I want. I had seen some fixtures, with old/antique copper finish, that I loved and was trying to put together a whole set of fixtures. But I think chrome will be better all together, and it'll be easier and cheaper to get fixtures that go together and that I like. aunttomichael - are you happy with your faucets? I had looked at Sign of the Crab briefly and thought they looked really good, but hadn't heard anything about them. Apparently they also go by Strom Plumbing? kgwlisa - I think your faucet choices are great, and I think that your idea of using levers on the tub instead of using similar but different cross handles on tub and sink is a smart way to go. I've also looked at the American Bath Factory faucets and thought they looked good. Is the Harrington Brass company considered a good one to buy faucets from also? tudorlover - I thing having the light fixture in polished nickel will be fine. In my powder room I tried and didn't like the look of brushed nickel faucet and chrome towel racks and TP holder, because they were so close together and there was a big contrast in the finishes. But a polished nickel light fixture should work nicely with just about other finish, including the chrome. One more question... Has anyone used or heard anything about faucets from Baths From The Past? I think they look great but I can't find out anything about them.

One option if you're not finding a filler that reaches that far is to build out the wall a bit. It would be a pretty simple operation to make a little bumped-out box to set the faucet set in, at which point that might also be a nice little place to set a candle, wine glass, or soap dish.

Dana, thank you - you made my day! Glad to hear you are saving the tub. You won't be sorry. Believe it or not the original claw tub is a feature which is now included in real estate listings to attract old house buyers. Chances are people who don't like baths just have never lived with a nice deep luxurious old tub. A bath in such a tub bears no resemblance to a bath in one of those horrible shallow modern bath tubs. It might take some getting used to but the claw tub with a tall gooseneck faucet is a great substitute for a shower. After a good soak you rinse off sticking your head under the faucet. Or, some people use the hand held showers. I just have a tub only and I never ever have wished I could have a shower. When I lived with a shower only I really missed having baths and would in fact sometimes go to friends houses to use theirs! For the people who just GOTTA have that stand up shower==see if there is ANYWHERE else in your house where you can put it. The tiled floor with drain sounds like a great solution too.

The one you tried out may have been designed to go in the space of a standard 30" wide tub. With the large rolled edge on a clawfoot, this could make it rather narrow. We have a repro that is very wide. In a former home, we had a vintage-1914 clawfoot that was roomy. Look around some more at both vintage and reproduction tubs. You probably haven't found the right one yet. They are out there!