The Surprising History of the Bidet — and Why the UK Is Finally Catching Up
By James Hargreaves · Updated June 2026 · 7 min read
- The bidet originated in early 18th-century France as a luxury item for the aristocracy
- Water-based hygiene has deep roots across many cultures, from the Islamic Golden Age to Edo-period Japan
- Despite this long history, bidets never caught on widely in Britain — until handheld sprayers made them accessible
- Today's UK retrofit options are a far cry from the porcelain basins of the 1700s, but the underlying idea is centuries old
The Long History of Bathroom Hygiene in the UK
The UK's journey from medieval chamber pots to today's smart toilets is a story of changing attitudes toward cleanliness. The bidet itself originated in France in the early 18th century, where it began as a rare status symbol found only in aristocratic households. Owning one signalled a commitment to personal refinement long before indoor plumbing was common.
The word "bidet" comes from an old French term for a pony, referring to the straddling position used. Early models were simple porcelain basins set into wooden cabinets, filled by hand. They slowly made their way to Britain through the grand homes of the nobility, and by the Regency period, some wealthy British households had at least one bidet tucked away in a dressing room.
The Victorian era brought indoor plumbing and public bathhouses to cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham. This set the stage for the modern bathroom as we know it. But the bidet remained a luxury item for another century, and never became as common in Britain as it did in France or Italy. It wasn't until the 1970s and 80s that handheld sprayers started appearing in British homes, often brought back by travellers who had encountered them in Asia and the Middle East. Today, many UK homeowners are retrofitting these sprayers as an affordable first step into water-based hygiene, without the need for a full bathroom renovation.
How Bidets Work and Why They're a Practical Choice
A bidet uses a controlled stream of water to clean after using the toilet. Unlike dry toilet paper, which can leave residue and cause microtears, water washes gently and thoroughly. Modern bidets offer adjustable pressure, temperature control, and self-cleaning nozzles. Many also include heated seats, warm air dryers, and automatic flush functions.
For people with sensitive skin or ongoing discomfort, water can be gentler than dry paper. Many users find the sensation less irritating, especially during colder months when repeated wiping can leave the skin feeling raw. And because you use far less toilet paper, bidets cut household waste and lower your environmental footprint. Which? provides independent reviews of water-saving bathroom fittings that can help you make greener choices at home.
Why Homeowners Are Choosing Bidets
More UK homeowners are moving away from relying solely on toilet paper:
- Hygiene: Water cleaning leaves you feeling fresher compared to dry paper.
- Comfort: Heated seats, warm water, and adjustable spray make every visit more pleasant.
- Sustainability: Less toilet paper means less deforestation and fewer resources used in production.
- Technology integration: Many modern bidets connect to smart home systems via simple remote controls.
If you're retrofitting an older British bathroom, a handheld sprayer is almost always the simplest starting point — it works with existing pipework and doesn't require you to alter period fittings or tiling.
In a well-designed bathroom, every detail counts. A sleek bidet or bidet toilet seat adds a touch of sophistication that guests notice. It signals that the homeowner cares about both practicality and modern design. All approved fittings sold in the UK must meet water regulations administered through the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), giving homeowners peace of mind that what they're installing is safe and compliant.
From Golden Ages to Modern Homes
Bathroom design didn't reach the modern era all at once. The Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th centuries) introduced sophisticated water rituals and public bathhouses across the Middle East and into Spain. In Japan, the Edo period saw the development of water-based washing concepts that later inspired modern electric bidets. The European Renaissance revived interest in personal cleanliness after centuries of medieval decline, setting the stage for the first bidet designs to emerge in France.
Each of these eras contributed something to the bidet story. The idea that water is an effective way to clean has been understood across cultures for centuries. What changed over time was the technology: from a jug and basin, to hand-filled porcelain, to today's precision-engineered sprayers and seats. The modern handheld bidet sprayer is essentially a centuries-old concept refined with better materials — brass bodies, silicone hoses, and ergonomic triggers that make the experience far more pleasant than early users could have imagined.
Installing a Bidet in Your UK Home: Key Practical Steps
Installing a bidet is easier than most people think. The simplest option is a handheld sprayer (sometimes called a shattaf) that attaches to your toilet's water supply via a T-valve. No plumber needed — just a spanner and 15 minutes. Most UK toilets have a standard 1/2-inch supply line, so the fitting is straightforward. For a more integrated look, bidet toilet seats replace your existing seat and require a nearby water connection. Electric seats also need a power outlet installed by a qualified electrician to Part P standards.
Standalone bidets are the most luxurious option but require dedicated space and professional plumbing. Whichever type you choose, ensure it has an anti-siphon valve with WRAS approval to comply with UK water fittings regulations. Most reputable retailers offer installation support, and many plumbers now fit bidets as a standard service.
Future Trends: Smart, Sustainable Bathrooms
By the end of this decade, smart toilets with integrated bidet functions are expected to become more common in UK homes. Innovations being tested include self-cleaning surfaces, UV nozzle sterilisation, and water-saving modes. These features reduce maintenance and lower utility bills over time.
As homeowners become more environmentally conscious, demand for water-efficient bathroom fittings continues to grow. The future bathroom combines practicality, efficiency, and comfort — with a centuries-old idea, the bidet, quietly at its heart.
Curious how a sprayer would work in your own bathroom? Our guide to choosing the right bidet sprayer for UK homes walks through the options in more detail.