The placement of bathrooms in older houses, particularly those built in the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries, was largely influenced by practical and historical considerations. Several factors contributed to the common placement of bathrooms off the kitchen:
Plumbing infrastructure: In the past, constructing bathrooms required extensive plumbing work, including piping for water supply and drainage. Kitchens were already equipped with water supply and drainage systems to accommodate sinks, which made it more convenient and cost-effective to extend the plumbing lines for a bathroom nearby.
Indoor plumbing evolution: Indoor plumbing became more common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Prior to this, homes often relied on outhouses or other separate structures for sanitary needs. When indoor plumbing was introduced, it was often added to existing homes in the most practical way possible, leading to bathrooms being placed near existing water and drainage sources in the kitchen.
Space constraints: Older houses were typically smaller and lacked the space and architectural flexibility found in more modern homes. Given these constraints, locating the bathroom near the kitchen was often the most practical use of available space.
Historical norms: Social norms and customs also played a role. In the past, bathrooms were not considered private spaces as they are today. They were primarily functional areas for basic needs, and having them close to the kitchen may not have been seen as inconvenient as it might be considered today.
Heating considerations: In some older homes, a bathroom located off the kitchen might have been situated closer to the central heating system or stove, making it more comfortable in colder months when indoor heating was primarily provided by wood or coal stoves.
It's essential to remember that architectural and social conventions have evolved significantly over time. Modern homes are typically designed with a different emphasis on privacy, convenience, and space utilization, resulting in bathrooms being placed in more private areas of the house, such as en-suites connected to bedrooms or separate designated guest bathrooms.