THI-: BATHROOM. i, ; 



the result that sonic: unfortunate visitor is left disconsolate on the landing wondering when his turn will 

 come. We have much to learn from the Americans as to the number of bathrooms to be provided. 



Having dealt with the planning and arrangement of the bathroom itself, and its relation 

 to the bedrooms, it is proposed to deal briefly with the various types of fittings. The bath, naturally, 

 is the important fixture. In selecting a bath, one of the most important details to be borne in mind is 

 the finish of the surface of the inside. A few years ago, and in the case of the cheaper ones to-day, baths 

 were &quot; stove enamelled,&quot; and though the term has a well-meaning sound, such enamel is really little better 

 than paint, soon wearing off. As soon as this happens the bath must be repainted, and if used 

 before the same be absolutely hard the paint may again come off, and in any case is a 

 constant source of expense. The bath itself is made of cast iron, and the best ones now are vitreous 

 enamelled with a thin coating of porcelain, which should not crack unless subjected to very rough usage 

 and is practically indestructible. Acids must not be used for cleansing purposes a little paraffin ea&amp;gt;ily 

 removes all grease and soapiness and, in addition, cleanses the trap connection and waste pipes. The 

 parallel shape is the one generally used, and looks better in the room than the tapered bath, and if placed 

 against a wall docs not leave more space at one end than the other between the wall and bath. ll 

 should also be remembered that baths are made of varying lengths, and where the bathroom is of fair si/.e 

 it is best to have a good long bath, so that tall people may bathe with comfort. The edge should be 

 finished with a wide roll, and the bath looks well standing on a base as in Fig. i ;i, thus obviating any 

 chance of dirt collecting underneath. A separate shower bath is shown in Fig. I ; ;, 1 hough economy ,m 

 be effected by having the same filled to the bath itself; it also enables one to have a cold shower 

 after a hot bath in the same fitting. Hut where it is desirable to have a shower bath only, say, after a 

 game of tennis in the summer, then it is more convenient as a separate fixture. 



An original treatment for a bath is shown in Fig. i ]2, designed by Mr. l.utveus. The fitting has 

 a marble top, and the sides are framed up with a trellis, made of ebony with cliintx. hangings behind same. 

 The idea, though, cannot be commended lor general use, and it seems better to use only materials like tiles 

 or porcelain, not easily damaged by water. Sit/, and foot baths are sometimes fixed in large bathrooms, 

 and have their uses ; though in small houses the one bath and shower fitting is really quite sufficient. 

 Canopy baths are those having the waste end enclosed and the shower fitting m the same ; they can In- 

 fitted up as well with a variety of other sprays, the one objection to them being that, so far, the design 

 of the canopy is, as a rule, somewhat cumbersome. The canopy is sometimes cased with wood panelling, 

 but it is not a practice to be commended. It is far better in a bathroom to have all surfaces enamelled 

 and easily accessible, and wood, unless very well seasoned, is apt to warp. 



Lavatory basins are of many types of white gla/.ed ware, or with marble top and back ; 

 or, again, they are sometimes fixed on a pedestal. The main consideration, though, is that they should 

 have a large water area ; nothing is more annoying than to attempt to wash with only a thimbleful of 

 water. The soap trays should be so arranged that any water lodging in them is speedily drained oil : 

 if this is neglected the soap soon becomes a sort of &quot; soft soap &quot; not nice to use. A very delightful and 

 luxurious fitting to a basin is the combined hot and cold shampooing valve Everyone has often expiv--M d 

 a desire to have at home apparatus which would enable them (ladies, especially) to enjoy the comfort 

 of a shampoo, a desire which this fitting now will permit them to realise. By reversing the valve it cai. 

 be used for spraying the face ; and refreshing indeed is the effect of this operation on the faces of those 

 tried by the heat of a summer s day. 



The towel-airer has been mentioned for heating purposes, and should alwa\&amp;gt; be provided in the 

 smallest house. Its heat is just sufficient to make the bathroom pleasantly warm on a very cold morning, 

 and, in addition, gives the luxury of dry towels. The fittings may be so arranged that they can be shut 

 off by a stop cock if it is found that they make the bathroom too hot in summer. In small houses where 

 there is not a housemaid s closet, hot and cold draw-off taps should be arranged in the bathroom, so that 

 cans can be filled without the danger of the bath enamel being cracked by their knocking against the side-. 



In conclusion, let the keynote of the whole be a bright cleanliness. If the bathroom faces east, 

 then one s morning tub with the sun streaming in becomes the best of starts for the day s work, and the 

 simpler the place is the better. One is unsophisticated in the morning, and the complication of things 

 belongs to the night that is passed. This simplicity should be observed in colour as well ; the bath and 

 the lavatory will be white glazed. Let the walls be white too, so that by contrast our bodies may appear 

 ruddy with health ; and, looking well, we shall feel well. Our bathroom then will have fulfilled its 

 purpose. C. H. B. OUEXXELL. 



