Underground Journal

The Evolution of Bathroom Decor

We seldom think of the origins of the bathroom when we use this most necessary room in our house. People today often take the convenience of indoor plumbing for granted although the room as we know it is less than two hundred years old. With increased awareness of the benefits of hygiene, the “wash closet” became a common feature in urban America towards the end of the 19th century.

Back in the early days of the indoor bathroom it was a very prosaic decor. The then current Victorian etiquette blushed at mention of this part of the house and so the design was very basic and utilitarian. Standard fixtures were white whether they were enameled or glazed. The smooth hard surfaces of toilets, tubs, and sinks were mounted with nickel and plated hardware. The first bathroom vanity cabinets were also painted white to maximize the sterile look the stark coloring imbued to the room.

Fortunately this stark white decor began to give way to soft pastels and Deco styled patterning. No longer were bathroom vanity cabinets painted chests of drawers. With the advent of new construction materials bathroom vanity sinks began to include a sink built into the structure of the cabinet. By the mid 1900′s mirrors also came attached for even greater convenience.

As the bathroom vanity has evolved into the multiple stylish forms available today, designers have produced vanities with many options. Toothbrush holders, linen storage, and small appliance storage space can be built into your designer bathroom vanity. The only constraint need be in matching it to your overall household decor or your imagination.

As all fashion designs do, the utilitarian stark white look of the bathroom and vanity can still be installed in your home. While it is harder to find antique fixtures for the original look, many bathroom manufacturers still offer new versions that can give the same retro look to your inner space.

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