washstand

A washstand is a piece of furniture designed to hold a washbasin and a water pitcher (ewer) for washing hands and face. Before indoor plumbing was common, households used portable basins that rested on a stand in bedrooms or dressing rooms, with the pitcher nearby and sometimes a slop basin to receive wastewater.

Designs vary, but most traditional washstands are low tables or small cabinets with a basin set into a recessed rim or a detachable ceramic bowl, a space for storing towels, and a surface for a water jug. A mirror is often mounted above the stand, and many examples include a shelf, drawers, or a towel ring. Materials commonly feature wood such as mahogany, walnut, or oak, sometimes with a marble or slate top, and metal fittings in brass or copper.

Historical role and use: Washstands were prevalent in Europe and North America from the 18th through the 19th century and into the early 20th century, especially in bedrooms or dressing rooms. They declined with the spread of indoor bathrooms and modern plumbing, becoming largely decorative or found only in period houses, hotels, or antiques collections.

Modern context: In contemporary interiors, washstands are typically seen as antique or reproduction furniture and may be used for nostalgic or aesthetic purposes. The term can also describe a small vanity setup, though modern equivalents usually integrate into bathroom fixtures rather than stand-alone furniture.