Why Old Houses Often Have Fewer Bathrooms: An Insight from a 1920s Childhood Home

Older houses typically have far fewer bathrooms than their modern counterparts, and this was not due to a lack of personal hygiene needs or the desire for privacy. Instead, it results from a combination of historical standards, space and layout considerations, and economic constraints. In this article, we explore why many 1920s homes, like my childhood home, had limited bathroom facilities.

Historical Standards and Social Norms

When many older homes were constructed, the standards of living and social norms were vastly different from today. Families were often larger, and having one or two bathrooms was deemed sufficient. The architecture of older homes focused on creating more communal spaces to foster family interaction, rather than prioritizing individual privacy. This emphasis on shared living areas and spaces is reflected in the layout of many early 20th-century homes, including mine, the 'Smith house.'

Space and Layout Priorities

The architecture and layout of older homes were designed to maximize space and communal living. This meant that multiple bathrooms were often not a priority. For example, my childhood home, built around 1920, had a single bathroom equipped with a large iron claw-foot bathtub, toilet, lavatory, and closet. Closing all but one of the fireplaces and adding a second bathroom with a shower were significant changes made in the early 20th century.

Plumbing Limitations and Cost Considerations

The technological limitations of plumbing in the early 20th century also played a role in the limited number of bathrooms in older houses. Advanced plumbing systems were not as available or affordable as they are today. Installing multiple bathrooms would have required a significant investment that many homeowners couldn't afford. Additionally, bathrooms themselves can be expensive to build and maintain, and in the past, homeowners often prioritized more essential features such as kitchens and living rooms.

Cultural Attitudes

The cultural attitudes towards privacy and personal space have also evolved over time. In the early 20th century, sharing bathrooms was more common, and privacy was not as much of a societal expectation as it is today. This cultural shift is evident in the changes made to my childhood home over the years. For instance, the addition of a second bathroom and the conversion of the garage into a family room were significant responses to the changing needs and attitudes towards privacy and space.

The Case Study: My Childhood Home

My childhood home, built around 1920 and known as the 'Smith house,' provides a clear case study. Initially, the house had only one bathroom, which was equipped with a large iron claw-foot bathtub, toilet, lavatory, and closet. The original home was heated with fireplaces, and closing all but one of these fireplaces and adding a central natural gas forced-air heating system and gas water heater were necessary improvements. The second bathroom with a shower was installed in the early 1940s, reflecting the changing needs and cultural attitudes of the time.

When my younger sisters were born, my parents made additional renovations, including converting the two-car garage into a family room and adding a third bathroom. These changes, while substantial, highlight the long-term evolution of this house, shaped by the socio-cultural and economic contexts of the 20th century.

It's fascinating to consider that if Carson McCullers, the renowned author who resided in this house, were alive today, she might be surprised by the numerous improvements and additions made to the house over the past century—most of which occurred during my lifetime.

Overall, the reasons for the few bathrooms in older houses are deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and economic factors. As society and technology evolve, so too do the expectations and requirements for home design and functionality.