The presence or absence of the bidet in bathrooms around the world is largely the result of socio-cultural factors. Approaches to personal hygiene and intimate cleaning vary significantly from country to country, and this cultural diversity is one of the main reasons why the bidet is still uncommon in many parts of the world.
Although the bidet was invented in France, it is surprisingly difficult to find one in French homes, where only around 40% of apartments are equipped with a bidet. Bidet use is more common in Southern Europe, but still on a much smaller scale compared to Italy, where the bidet is considered an essential bathroom fixture. In Spain, for example, bidets are mainly found in older apartments, while they are often removed during renovations or not installed at all in newly built homes.
The situation is very different in the United Kingdom, where bidet use is extremely rare. It is uncommon to find a bidet in British bathrooms, and many younger people are not even familiar with what a bidet is. As a result, they are often surprised when encountering one for the first time while traveling in Italy.
A similar scenario can be found in Northern and Eastern Europe, where the presence of bidets in bathrooms is also very limited. In Germany and in Scandinavian countries, bidets are almost nonexistent, reflecting different traditions and habits related to bathroom hygiene.
In the United States, the bidet is still largely unknown. Those who are aware of it often associate it with a negative cultural perception. This dates back to World War II, when American soldiers first encountered bidets in European brothels, shaping a long-lasting misunderstanding of their purpose. Likewise, in Africa, bidets are extremely rare and can hardly be found even in luxury hotels.
On the other hand, bidets are more commonly used in Argentina, Brazil, the Middle East, and Asia. In particular, Japanese bathroom culture places great importance on personal and intimate hygiene, leading to the widespread adoption of advanced bidet toilets and washlet systems.
Overall, bidet use around the world is highly diverse. It is fascinating to observe how a bathroom fixture considered indispensable in some countries remains unfamiliar or even unknown in others—highlighting how deeply bathroom habits and hygiene practices are influenced by culture.
Flaminia offers a wide range of bidets and wcs with integrated bidet functions.
Visit our website and discover all available models.
