Splashing Through Time: The Evolution of Bathrooms

Bathrooms are an integral practical part of our homes. They provide much needed privacy, but also a space in which we can relax and unwind. However, have you ever thought about how bathrooms came into existence and how they changed over the years? This blog aims to provide a potted history of our humble, yet indispensable, bathroom.

Bathrooms Through the Ages

The First Bathrooms

Bathrooms have been along far longer than you probably imagine, with the first records for the use of baths dating back to 3000BC. One of the earliest known baths originates from the Indus Valley Civilisation, an ancient civilisation which was spread across what is now modern Pakistan. However, bathing was not originally done for hygiene. It had a strong religious element in terms of purifying the body, soul and mind.

Baths are recorded as part of village and town life during this time, and communal baths were built away from the living quarters. However, not all baths were communal during this time. The earliest surviving bathtub dates to 1700BC and comes from the Palace of Knossos in Crete.

Middle Age Bathrooms

Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, it is thought that bathing went into decline. However, this is not strictly true. The production of soap began during this time and many towns had public bath houses, where people could go and pay for a bath. There is also documented evidence of people using tweezers and combs, which seems to demonstrate bathing was a popular pass time for many.

16th to 18th Century

This period saw the decline of the public bathhouse and the introduction of private bathing areas within the home. The many plagues which hit the UK at this time had a huge effect on peoples view of cleanliness. All public bathhouses were closed during the reign of Henry VIII and more emphasis was placed on wearing clean clothes.

Notable developments during this time were the creation of the flushing toilet in 1596, which didn’t come into widespread use until 1851, and the invention of the first shower in 1767 by Englishman William Feetham. This period laid the foundation for the modern bathroom we now know.

19th to 20th Century Bathrooms

The discovery of germs during this era led to many realising that bathing was a necessity for maintaining good health. Hot water became more readily available, so more people were able to have baths within their own homes. However, homes with gas water heaters and indoor bathrooms were mainly owned by wealthy middle-class families. Those poorer families who lived within tightly packed tenements were still using outdoor toilets and shared bathtubs.

By the 1900’s working class homes were being built with indoor bathrooms, and by the 1920’s all council houses featured an inside bathroom.

Modern Bathrooms

Our modern bathrooms are a culmination of everything we have learnt over the past 3000 years. We understand that keeping clean is necessary for our good health. However, now, we also want a room that is both functional and aesthetically appealing – somewhere in which we can relax, be invigorated, and feel secure.

With the amount of choice now available in terms of design, colours, materials, bathroom furniture, bathroom wall panels and accessories, we have succeeded in creating luxurious bathrooms that combine both substance and style.

Traditional and Modern Solutions from National Plastics

If you’re looking to create your own dream bathroom, whether traditional or modern, call our expert team today on 0800 22 77 77 and find out how National Plastics can help.