The Disappearance of the Bidet in Spanish Bathrooms: A Cultural Shift
In Spanish bathrooms, a classic element is quietly disappearing. The bidet was once a staple in nearly every home, as inseparable from the toilet as the mirror is from the sink. However, this once-ubiquitous fixture is being replaced in modern homes, particularly in urban areas. According to interior designer Pia Capdevila from Architecture and Design, “Some time ago, we replaced bidets with sanitary showers, which take up less space and are much more functional in small bathrooms.”
A Shift in Bathroom Design
The change in the presence of bidets has been both progressive and significant. Around 60% of Spanish households still have them, yet new constructions and renovations show a marked decline. The reasons are evident. Interior designer Ana García explained in an interview with El Mueble that “Bathrooms have been reduced – in cities, they usually are around 4 square meters – and every centimeter counts.” Maintaining a bidet requires about 60 centimeters of width next to the toilet, which could instead accommodate a larger shower, additional storage, or simply more room to move comfortably.
Sanitary Showers: The New Trend
In this changing landscape, the hygienic shower or “sanitary shower” has emerged as a popular alternative. “They are faucets with a small hose and sprayer that are installed next to the toilet, requiring almost no space and proving to be very functional,” adds García. In fact, in countries like Thailand or Indonesia, this system—often referred to as a boom gun—is the standard for domestic hygiene.
Aesthetic Preferences: More Than Just Space
Moving away from the bidet is not solely a matter of spatial efficiency; it also reflects a significant cultural and generational change . Architect Carlos Alonso summarized this phenomenon in an interview for El Mueble: “A client who already has a bidet will likely choose to keep it. However, someone who has never had one might not even consider its addition.” Personal hygiene norms are evolving, favoring practicality and streamlined aesthetics over traditional fixtures that disrupt the clean lines of modern bathrooms.
The Role of Modern Home Design
As homes get smaller and increasingly versatile, they prioritize both visual order and efficiency. Architect Miriam Gómez pointed out that “Placing a bidet in the bathroom is a common mistake. It takes up a lot of space and is seldom used.” Many designers have replaced bidets with more compact solutions that streamline the bathroom while maintaining hygiene. “Only in large bathrooms or homes with elderly occupants who are accustomed to a bidet does it still make sense to maintain it,” she stated. In this way, the classic bidet is fading as a relic of a different time.
<img alt="Compact bathrooms with modern fixtures" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/e9b0d1/oto-_huesca-_espana-_2015-01-07-_dd_03/375_142.jpeg"/>Finding the Right Balance
The question is no longer about whether to have a bidet but how to ensure suitable hygiene without sacrificing space or style. Today’s bathrooms offer compact, functional options, including hygienic showers or side showers—small taps with hoses installed beside the toilet. “When space does not allow for a bidet, we recommend a faucet attached to the toilet with dual water channels. It is more aesthetic, takes up less space, and is equally functional,” explained architect Carlos Alonso.
Embracing Technology in Hygiene
For those seeking enhanced comfort, Japanese toilets —commonly referred to as smart toilets or washlets—are gaining popularity in Spain. According to Architecture and Design, such toilets are increasingly incorporated into new buildings due to their functionality and compact design. These toilets combine washing, drying, temperature control, and even automatic deodorization. Designer Eva Mesa, from Tinda’s Project, described her first experience: “Once I tried a Japanese toilet, I understood that it’s a more coherent, cleaner, and evolved system. There’s no turning back once you’ve experienced it.”
Health Considerations in Hygiene
Despite the declining use of bidets, medical professionals advocate water as the most hygienic cleansing method. Dr. Cindy Kin, a colorectal surgeon at Stanford University Medical Center, emphasizes that “water is the standard treatment for removing dirt.” Moreover, studies reveal that those who use bidets or water showers have seven to ten times fewer bacteria on their hands compared to those relying solely on toilet paper. Additionally, washing with water helps to prevent irritation caused by dry paper, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or medical conditions.
Global Usage of Bidets
The accessibility of the bidet varies across the globe. A viral publication from The Big Data Stats illustrated that over 60 countries still utilize bidets or similar water hygiene systems. In Spain, bidets remain a requirement in Zamora due to urban planning regulations—a surprising holdover. In Italy, since 1975, bidets have been mandatory in all bathrooms. Similarly, in South America, countries like Argentina and Uruguay maintain a strong cultural presence of the bidet. Conversely, in much of Asia and the Middle East, the practice continues in various forms, such as side faucets or manual showers common in countries like Thailand and India.
The Future of Bathroom Hygiene
The current trend showcases a shift towards bathrooms that are more compact, technologically advanced, and sustainable. Perhaps in the coming years, the bidet will be remembered as a piece of home decor that has largely been relegated to the past, akin to landlines or classic record players. However, the essence of water hygiene remains fervently alive, suggesting that the farewell to the bidet also mirrors contemporary lifestyle choices centered on limited space and refined design .
Image credit: Unsplash and DavidB4
Xataka reported that the bidet is disappearing from bathrooms throughout Spain, though still mandatory in Zamora.