The History of the Bidet: From French Invention to Modern Bathroom Staple

The bidet is a unique sanitary invention with roots in French aristocratic culture, yet it’s still popular worldwide. This fascinating history shows why the bidet deserves its place in modern bathrooms. Read on to discover its evolution and why it’s considered an essential hygiene solution.

The Bidet: A Proud French Invention

Yes, the bidet is a French creation! Developed in early 18th-century France by Christophe Des Rosiers, the bidet initially gained favor with the French aristocracy and bourgeoisie. Owning a bidet was a mark of sophistication, though it wasn’t widely adopted by the general public until the early 20th century.

Bidet as a Status Symbol

The social class you belonged to often determined the type of bidet you owned. Wealthy families could afford luxurious versions crafted from rare wood, porcelain, or intricately decorated earthenware. Fun fact: Napoleon Bonaparte famously owned a silver bidet, which he left to his son as an inheritance. Imagine remembering a loved one each time you use a family heirloom!

For a modern take on luxury, consider the SWISS MADISON - Avancer Smart Toilet, which combines timeless design with cutting-edge technology.

Why is it Called a Bidet?

The word "bidet" comes from a unique source: a French term for a small, sturdy horse that was ridden in a similar posture. This comparison stuck, as using a bidet requires sitting astride it, much like mounting a horse. Over time, the term evolved to refer specifically to this sanitary fixture.

Other names, like “bain de siège” (seat bath) or “cuvette d’aisance” (comfort basin), were also used but never gained the same popularity. The name "bidet" remained, capturing both the form and function of this iconic invention.

What Does a Traditional Bidet Look Like?

If you’ve never seen a traditional bidet, it might look like a miniature bathtub on four legs. Initially shaped like a pear, traditional bidets were placed next to toilets and filled with water manually. Users would straddle the bidet after using the toilet for a thorough cleanse, making it a central part of hygiene routines before the development of indoor plumbing.

The Evolution of the Bidet’s Design

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bidets in France had evolved into oval shapes with hot and cold water taps for added convenience. However, with the rise of Japanese toilets and built-in washing systems in the 1970s, the traditional bidet fell out of favor, especially as bathroom space became more limited.

Today, compact options like the SWISS MADISON - Vivante Smart Toilet Seat provide an innovative way to enjoy the benefits of a bidet without taking up extra space.

The Bidet’s Unique Purpose

The bidet was initially designed with women in mind, offering a hygienic method for intimate cleansing as part of their daily routine or after intimate relations. Beyond hygiene, it was thought to help prevent pregnancy and curb the spread of certain illnesses, making it a popular fixture in households and brothels alike.

Why Did the Bidet Disappear from French Bathrooms?

The decline of the bidet in France can be attributed to several factors. For one, the aggressive marketing of toilet paper in the 1960s diminished the bidet’s popularity. Toilet paper companies promoted their product as a modern, clean alternative, making the bidet seem outdated. As a result, the bidet slowly vanished from bathrooms across France.

A Modern Alternative: Bidet Attachments

Traditional bidets can take up valuable bathroom space and may not fit in modern apartments. Fortunately, modern solutions like bidet attachments allow you to enjoy the hygienic benefits of a bidet without the need for additional plumbing or sacrificing space. These compact systems easily attach to your existing toilet, offering a convenient, water-based cleansing method.

For those looking to modernize their bathroom, the SWISS MADISON - Hugo Smart Wall-Hung Bidet Toilet offers unmatched hygiene and elegance in one compact design.