The bidet might seem like a modern bathroom luxury—but it actually has a surprisingly long and fascinating history. From 17th-century French nobility to today’s smart toilets, the bidet has come a long way.
Let’s take a quick trip through time to see how this bathroom innovation went from a niche European invention to a global symbol of hygiene and comfort.
1. The Birth of the Bidet in France (1700s)
The word bidet comes from the French word for “pony” or “small horse,” referring to the straddling position used on early models.
Invented in France in the early 1700s, the first bidets were standalone porcelain basins kept in bedrooms next to chamber pots. They weren’t connected to plumbing—users filled them manually with water to cleanse after using the toilet.
They were seen as a tool of personal hygiene used primarily by the French aristocracy.
2. Evolution to Bathroom Use (1800s)
In the 1800s, bidets migrated from the bedroom to the bathroom and were enhanced with plumbing. This made them easier to use and more hygienic. Countries like France, Italy, and Spain adopted them widely.
However, English-speaking countries like the U.S. and U.K. didn’t follow suit, mostly due to different cultural norms and the rise of toilet paper marketing.
3. Worldwide Adoption (1900s–Present)
Bidets spread across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. In countries like Japan, they became mainstream, often found in public restrooms and homes alike.
In the 1980s, Japanese brands launched the first electric bidet seat, adding features such as:
- Warm water wash
- Heated seats
- Air drying
- Adjustable nozzle positioning
This innovation gave birth to the smart toilet seat—also called a washlet—which remains the industry standard for comfort and technology.
🇺🇸 4. Why the U.S. Was Late to the Party
While many countries adopted bidets early, the U.S. was slower due to:
- Lack of cultural familiarity
- Limited bathroom space for standalone fixtures
- Heavy marketing by toilet paper companies
- Myths about hygiene and purpose
But in recent years—especially during the 2020 toilet paper shortages—bidet interest has spiked across North America.
5. The Rise of the Modern Electric Bidet
Today’s bidets are sleek, user-friendly, and incredibly effective. Brands like SmartBidet make it easy to install a bidet seat on most standard toilets.
Popular features include:
- Adjustable water temperature and pressure
- Heated seats
- Warm air dryers
- Self-cleaning stainless nozzles
- Eco-friendly energy-saving modes
From Royalty to Reality
What began as a luxury for aristocrats is now a practical, affordable hygiene solution for households around the world. Bidets aren’t just a trend—they’re a lasting upgrade for comfort, cleanliness, and sustainability.
Ready to Join the Bidet Revolution?
- SmartBidet SB‑100C – Budget-friendly and easy to install
- SmartBidet SB‑2000 – Best value with remote and dryer
- SmartBidet SB‑3000 – Full-featured, luxury comfort
You’ve seen the history—now bring the future into your bathroom.