Closets in 17th century homes were substantially different from those found today.
One of the most important features for today's prospective home-buyers is ample closet space. Prior to the 17th century, however, clothes were kept in "clothes chests," and then in freestanding armoires. It was in France, during the opulent reign of King Louis XIV, that the idea emerged to devote an entire room in a house as a closet. Does this Spark an idea?
Origin of Closets
Taken from the Latin word clausum which means "closed," closets were first seen in 17th century France when houses built for the wealthy contained the addition of a small private room, usually located behind a bedroom. These rooms were used as refuges to which a man or woman could retire for some privacy in order to read or relax, and were used exclusively by the occupants of the adjoining bedchamber.
Characteristics of a 17th Century Closet
The closet of the 17th century was very different from what we think of as a closet today. In fact, a closet during that time would be more like a small chamber that played a variety of different roles, serving as a work room, sitting room or dressing room. Closets also stored certain household items and clothing that did not need to be accessed on a daily basis, which would be boxed up and stored in these so-called box rooms.
Water Closets
Not only did the 17th century see the introduction of closets for storage and dressing, but also the invention of the water closet, the precursor to the modern bathroom. Prior to this, chamber pots were placed beneath beds or under a commode stool. Beginning in the 17th century, the small closets that adjoined the bedrooms were also outfitted with a commode with a pan placed underneath, which led to these rooms being called water closets.
Publications Called "Closets"
In 17th century England, the word "closet" had another meaning: a catalogue-like book geared toward female readers that featured an array of household supplies. These closets were quite popular during that era, and would often include recipes for medical tonics and potions, since at that time it was a woman's responsibility to maintain and restore the health of her family. For example, Sir Hugh Platt's 1608 book "A Closet for Ladies and Gentlewomen" contains 13 different medicinal remedies to deal with headaches, with detailed outlines on mix the pharmaceutical ingredients and then administer the resultant concoction.
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