In Spanish bathrooms, a classic element is quietly disappearing. The \u00a0bidet\u00a0 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<\/a>, \u201cSome time ago, we replaced bidets with sanitary showers, which take up less space and are much more functional in small bathrooms.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The change in the presence of bidets has been both progressive and significant. Around \u00a060% of Spanish households\u00a0 still have them, yet new constructions and renovations show a marked decline. The reasons are evident. Interior designer Ana Garc\u00eda explained in an interview with El Mueble<\/a> that \u201cBathrooms have been reduced \u2013 in cities, they usually are around 4 square meters \u2013 and every centimeter counts.\u201d Maintaining a bidet requires about \u00a060 centimeters\u00a0 of width next to the toilet, which could instead accommodate a larger shower, additional storage, or simply more room to move comfortably.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In this changing landscape, the \u00a0hygienic shower\u00a0 or “sanitary shower” has emerged as a popular alternative. \u201cThey 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,\u201d adds Garc\u00eda. In fact, in countries like Thailand or Indonesia, this system\u2014often referred to as a boom gun<\/em><\/a>\u2014is the standard for domestic hygiene.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Moving away from the bidet is not solely a matter of spatial efficiency; it also reflects a significant \u00a0cultural and generational change\u00a0. Architect Carlos Alonso summarized this phenomenon in an interview for El Mueble: \u201cA 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.\u201d Personal hygiene norms are evolving, favoring practicality and streamlined aesthetics over traditional fixtures that disrupt the clean lines of modern bathrooms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As homes get smaller and increasingly versatile, they prioritize both visual order and efficiency. Architect Miriam G\u00f3mez pointed out that \u201cPlacing a bidet in the bathroom is a common mistake. It takes up a lot of space and is seldom used.\u201d Many designers have replaced bidets with more compact solutions that streamline the bathroom while maintaining hygiene. \u201cOnly in large bathrooms or homes with elderly occupants who are accustomed to a bidet does it still make sense to maintain it,\u201d she stated. In this way, the classic bidet is fading as a relic of a different time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The question is no longer about whether to have a bidet but how to ensure suitable hygiene without sacrificing space or style. Today\u2019s bathrooms offer compact, functional options, including hygienic showers or side showers\u2014small taps with hoses installed beside the toilet. \u201cWhen 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,\u201d explained architect Carlos Alonso.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For those seeking enhanced comfort, \u00a0Japanese toilets\u00a0\u2014commonly referred to as smart toilets or washlets\u2014are 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: \u201cOnce I tried a Japanese toilet, I understood that it\u2019s a more coherent, cleaner, and evolved system. There’s no turning back once you\u2019ve experienced it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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 \u201cwater is the standard treatment for removing dirt.\u201d Moreover, studies reveal that those who use bidets or water showers have \u00a0seven to ten times\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The accessibility of the bidet varies across the globe. A viral publication from The Big Data Stats illustrated that over \u00a060 countries\u00a0 still utilize bidets or similar water hygiene systems. In Spain, bidets remain a requirement in Zamora due to urban planning regulations\u2014a 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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 \u00a0limited space and refined design\u00a0.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Image credit: Unsplash<\/a> and DavidB4<\/a><\/p>\n Xataka reported that the bidet is disappearing from bathrooms throughout Spain, though still mandatory in Zamora.<\/p>\nA Shift in Bathroom Design<\/h2>\n
Sanitary Showers: The New Trend<\/h2>\n
Aesthetic Preferences: More Than Just Space<\/h2>\n
The Role of Modern Home Design<\/h2>\n
<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\"\/><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nFinding the Right Balance<\/h2>\n
Embracing Technology in Hygiene<\/h2>\n
Health Considerations in Hygiene<\/h2>\n
Global Usage of Bidets<\/h2>\n
The Future of Bathroom Hygiene<\/h2>\n