The bidet is back
Why you should consider one for your bathroom
Once regarded as a quirky European luxury, the bidet is experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Once confined to the niche corners of interior design, it’s now re-emerging as both a practical hygiene solution and a statement piece in modern bathrooms. Homeowners, designers, and eco-conscious consumers are discovering what much of the world never forgot: the bidet is not just functional—it’s stylish, sustainable, and here to stay.
The Gap rounded back-to-wall bidet
Learning about the bidet
The bidet originated in 17th-century France as a symbol of refinement and cleanliness. For centuries, it was a staple across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, prized for its role in personal hygiene. However, in countries like the United States and parts of the UK, the bidet never quite gained traction. Post–World War II cultural shifts, smaller bathrooms, and the growing dominance of toilet paper led to a period of decline. The bidet became a rarity in Western bathrooms, associated more with novelty than necessity.
That perception is changing. The pandemic sparked a renewed awareness around hygiene, fuelled in part by the infamous toilet paper shortages of 2020. Suddenly, consumers were re-evaluating their routines, and the bidet offered an appealing solution. More recently, the rise of wellness culture has further positioned the bidet as a tool of self-care, aligning with rituals that prioritise comfort and cleanliness.
Better hygiene and user-friendly
The case for the modern bidet is compelling. First, it delivers superior hygiene compared to toilet paper, offering a refreshing clean that paper alone can’t match. For individuals with reduced mobility, postpartum needs, or certain health conditions, a bidet can make daily routines more manageable and dignified. The comfort factor of a models such as the Ona or Inspira bidets is important too—many users describe them as a small but transformative luxury.
Environmental impact also plays a role. With Americans using an estimated 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper annually, switching to a bidet significantly reduces paper consumption, water usage in production, and overall waste. For the eco-conscious homeowner, that’s a win-win.
Ona back-to-wall bidet in white finish
Bidets as a design choice
If early bidets were seen as clunky or outdated, today’s models are redefining bathroom design. Sleek lines, minimalist profiles, as with the Ona and Tura collection models make them fit seamlessly into contemporary spaces. Chic standalone fixtures that come in back-to-wall or wall-hung models, including The Gap and Victoria collections, the bidet now caters to a wide spectrum of tastes and budgets.
One of the bidet’s benefits lies in its adaptability. Small powder room? A smart seat is a perfect solution. Building a spa-inspired primary bath? An elegantly designed bidet such as the Inspira, available in several finishes, can elevate the entire space. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose solutions that suit their lifestyles, spatial constraints, and design ambitions.
Smart toilets as the ‘new’ bidet
For many, smart toilets, including In-Wash® Insignia and In-Wash® Ona bring a next-level bidet experience in that they offer the same, clean experience as the bidet, with added built-in functions such as drying features, night-lights and remote control options. Multiclean® M4 smart bidet seats—retrofit attachments compatible with most standard Roca toilets—offers an accessible entry point into the smart toilet world. Some of its features include heated seating, customisable spray settings, and self-cleaning options.
Multiclean® M3 Round - Smart seat with washing function
In-Wash® Ona close-coupled Roca Rimless® smart toilet
In-Wash® Insignia with In-Tank® back-to-wall floorstanding smart toilet
The bidet as market trend
So who’s buying bidets today? Younger generations, known for embracing sustainable living, are leading the charge. At the same time, aging homeowners are discovering the comfort and accessibility benefits. Global design trends—think Japandi minimalism and wellness-driven interiors—are influencing the shift.
As bathrooms evolve into sanctuaries of wellness, the bidet has secured its place. More than a passing trend, it represents a convergence of hygiene, sustainability, and style. Whether it’s through a sleek standalone fixture or a fully integrated smart toilet, one thing is clear: the bidet is back—and this time, it’s here to stay.