Is a bidet still essential in the bathroom? Find out what to do and explore some alternatives
We have all thought about remodeling a room in the house at one time or another. Whether it’s because the style no longer suits our tastes, to save space or even to make the logistics of the daily routine simpler. And the truth is that when deciding where to start, many people start with the bathroom. And one of the big questions for those who decide to remodel their bathroom is related to the bidet, whether it is really necessary in a bathroom or it is better to replace it.
Once considered a valuable element in the composition of bathrooms, the need and/or importance of the bidet in the home has undergone some changes. Today, some people prefer other solutions that are more ergonomic and comfortable. Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the bidet today and whether it still makes sense to keep it in the bathroom.
- Who created the bidet and what is it used for?
- Bidet in the bathroom: advantages and disadvantages
- Built-in bidet toilet: a modern alternative
Who created the bidet and what is it used for?
Around 1600, this kind of “chamber pot” appeared in France in bedrooms. Since there were no bathrooms as we know them today, all intimate hygiene was performed in the bedrooms themselves. The bidet, of course, was common only among the nobility and the bourgeoisie.
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Some European countries that closely followed the customs of the French court, such as Portugal, also began to adopt the bidet for intimate hygiene. With the introduction of running water in the 19th century, bathrooms were separated from bedrooms.
It would soon become popular and, although the vast majority of homes still have this fixture, those looking for a more modern bathroom design have sought alternatives to the bidet.
Bidet in the bathroom: advantages and disadvantages
For some it is an indispensable piece, for others an old and unnecessary element, the bidet has raised a series of debates about its advantages and disadvantages. To simplify things, we’ll show you some pros and cons so you can finally decide whether to keep or replace the bidet when remodeling your bathroom.
Advantages of the bidet
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- Organization: the bidet fits well in square or rectangular bathrooms, as it allows the bathroom to fulfill all its functions: toilet and bidet, sink and shower. If placed in corners, it will not pose any mobility problems;
- Comfort and privacy: some people who live alone love to use the bidet because it offers privacy. It can also be used as a small bathtub by those who have babies or even as a way to fill water jugs for watering plants;
- Comfortable feeling: using the bidet provides an immediate feeling of cleanliness after using the toilet. It is also welcome during the warmer months;
- Versatility and variety of models: in Portugal and other European countries where the bidet is very famous (e.g. Italy) there are bidets for all tastes adapted to different spaces, which facilitates its use for those who wish to keep it when remodeling;
- Budget savings: if you use the bidet you will save on water consumption, because obviously the amount of water used is less than that of the shower. You will also save on toilet paper, which helps reduce your environmental impact.
Disadvantages of the bidet
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Whether or not you appreciate the presence of a bidet in your bathroom, its installation requires an additional cost. Replacing the bidet itself in a remodel may require an expansion of the space. Other disadvantages you may realize are:
- Requires maintenance: like any other equipment, you must perform periodic and careful maintenance of the bidet to keep it functional. It is essential to avoid traffic jams;
- Mandatory cleaning: it must be cleaned constantly, practically after use, to avoid the accumulation of bacteria;
- Mobility limitation: all persons with reduced mobility may find the bidet an obstacle to their movements in the bathroom. May not be practical in restrooms for people using wheelchairs or walkers. In these cases, it is recommended to have only a toilet with support bars, for example;
- Cleaning only a few parts of the body: by using the bidet you will clean only a few parts of the body and wash one part at a time, taking more time than in an indoor bath in the shower or bathtub.
Built-in bidet toilet: a modern alternative
The toilet with built-in bidet is currently the most popular alternative to the traditional bidet for those who are remodeling their bathroom and consider this equipment indispensable. The built-in bidet toilet has a mini-shower that is intuitively operated with a simple push of a button.
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Although the price of the built-in bidet toilet is higher than that of the traditional bidet, you will have at home a quality, modern and innovative equipment. Typically, the built-in bidet toilet options available on the market – such as the Roca models – are characterized by their adaptability to any bathroom, as well as by the dual function of washing and drying to improve personal hygiene. The evolution of technology ensures that this equipment is practical and sustainable.
We are sure that with these tips you will be able to make the right decision and realize if it still makes sense to have a bidet at home.
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