Edwardian Bathrooms
A surprisingly high number of Edwardian houses had bathrooms. They were functionally equipped and some households even had a separate toilet.
Piped hot water replaced the Victorian geysers and flushing toilets grew in popularity. In more rural areas, where mains drainage had not yet arrived, things were less luxurious. Here people still used an outside toilet and threw much of their fluid and kitchen waste into the nearest streams or brooks.
Edwardian bathrooms were painted with washable paint or completely tiled to escape the problem of condensation. Tile effect zinc was a popular alternative to those who could not afford tiles. Condensation and obsessional hygienic behaviour meant that wood no longer featured in the bathroom. Baths and washbasins were free standing with pipe work on show for ease of cleaning. Baths could be equal ended, taper ended or even fold away to save space. They were made from enamel or porcelain. Showers were available too. They either connected to the bath taps or were used whilst standing in a zinc drip tray surrounded by a waterproof curtain.
Sinks were suspended on metal brackets, fixed against the wall or completely free standing. Metalwork tended to be nickel, brass or silver-plated bronze for the taps.
Towels were hung on heated towel rails or from towel rails attached to heated radiators. Soap dishes gave the householder somewhere to keep a soap and sponge whilst a hand towel might have been stretched on a roller attached to the door. A bath step and a cork bath mat would help prevent accidents.
A mirror probably hung over the sink with a shelf to hold glasses and toothbrush mug. A cane or wicker chair was the only other piece of furniture that might have been included in an Edwardian bathroom
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