History of the Bathroom

History of the Bathroom

Although bathrooms, or their precursors, have been in existence for thousands of years, the modern bathroom as we know it today didn’t really come into existence until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the mid-1800s, indoor plumbing became more common in wealthy homes, but it wasn’t until the 1900s that it became more widespread.

 

The invention of the flush toilet in the mid-1800s also helped to modernize the ballroom. before then, chamber pots and outhouses were the norm. The first flush toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington in 1596, but it wasn’t until the 1800s that it began to catch on.

 

The concept of a separate room specifically for bathing also emerged in the 1800s. Prior to that, people would simply wash themselves in a basin or tub in their bedroom or kitchen. In the 1800s, the first bathtub with a built-in drain was patented, making it easier to get rid of the water after a bath.

 

 

In the early 1900s, the popularity of indoor plumbing and bathrooms increased dramatically. By the 1920s, most American homes had indoor plumbing  and a bathroom. The design of bathrooms also began to change, with a focus on hygiene and cleanliness. Tile walls and floors that were easy to clean became the norm.

 

 

In the latter half of the 20th century, bathrooms continued to evolve, with more emphasis on luxury and comfort, but the tiled bathrooms of the 1950s will always remain my favorite.

 

 

Below is a short video showcasing some of the great old bathrooms featured here at Old Houses Under$50K and Beyond.

Video edited on Kapwing