Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Why do old bathtubs have a lowered ceiling?

I have a 70-yr-old house with a bathtub that i have just refinished. But I have always wondered why the ceiling is so low above the bathtub. It looks like the builder lowered the ceiling about 18 inches below the rest of the bathroom ceiling, and it makes me curious why they would do this?

That said, I think the construction is fantastic. The tile is 1/2 inch thick with a concrete/steel mesh behind it. The walls are solid as a rock and will never buckle or go soft if a little water makes its way past the grout. I wish they were still built this way (maybe minus the low celing).

bit_twiddler,

I am assuming that the bathtub and possibly some closets/bedroom(s) have the same feature wtihin the second floor right?

The roof system is probably just above a 5' kneewall, it has a slope to it right?

Hope this helps!

It's actually a first floor bath with plenty of room above. There appears to be no obvious structural necessity, and in fact, it would appear that the builder had to make an extra effort to create the lowered ceiling. I've also seen this in other older homes. Perhaps it was done for ease of cleaning?

I was going to suggest that it cuts the cost of tile, but that's not the case, since the tile ends with a bullnose about a foot below the tub ceiling.

Any other ideas?

bit_twiddler,

Do you have a second floor? Is there a second floor bath directly above?

If this is so, there might be drain pipes running within this "soffit" area.

Let us know these answers then I'll have to plead the 5th!

Nope. The space above was empty attic space before we finished it out into our master bedroom last 0year. It's literally an empty box above the tub. I suppose it will just have to remain a mystery unless someone else chimes in. Thanks anyway!

Hello, A couple of ideas, Looks gives the bathroom a touch of elegance. Keeps the area warmer so the water won't get cool as fast. Good luck woodbutcher

Our home, built in 1918, also has this "empty space" above the shower on 2nd floor. I, too, have always wondered why. My only thought is for asethetics- although I don't think it makes the shower look particularly better. It is a mystery!!