Lavatory vs Restroom: Difference and Comparison

The word “lavatory” comes from the French and Latin word “lavare,” which means “a bowl to wash inside” or “to wash.” In the current situation, the term “lavatory” is primarily used by older British citizens.

As a result, the significance of this phrase has waned. The term “restroom” comes from the fact that in public locations such as up-scale theatres or restaurants, rooms are supplied with comfortable areas to sit next to the toilets.

Key Takeaways

1. Lavatories are specifically designed for personal hygiene activities, primarily featuring toilets and sinks, while restrooms can include additional facilities like showers and changing areas.
2. Lavatories are more common in public areas and vehicles, whereas restrooms are found in residential buildings and hotels.
3. Restrooms provide more privacy and space for users, while lavatories tend to be smaller and more useful in design.

Lavatory vs Restroom

Lavatory is a term meaning restroom which can be traced back to the United States. lavatories are frequently unattended, but they might have a grooming service or a janitor. A Restroom is also known as loo in England. A restroom is frequently used and restrooms are not as clean or well-equipped.

In the current situation, the term “lavatory” is primarily used by older British people. As a result, the phrase has begun to lose its significance.

This term is occasionally used by military personnel in South Africa and the United Kingdom. In today’s market, the phrase “lavatory” is far less common.

A lavatory includes a hand basin, toilets, changing rooms, baby changing facilities, and bathing amenities. It is also known as a washroom.

The majority of Americans use the term “restroom” to refer to a room at a public institution that has a sink and toilets. Others, on the other hand, may regard the restroom as a place where they can sit or lie down to rest.

Restroom, which is also known as loo in England, is frequently used. Restrooms are not as clean or well-equipped as the Lavatory.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Lavatory	Restroom
Used by	British people	American people
Equipment	Well equipped	Not enough equipment available
Use	Less abundant	More abundant
Origin	American	French and British
Service	Not available	May or may not be available

What is Lavatory?

The term “lavatory” is no longer widely used in the marketplace. Hand basins, toilets, changing rooms, Baby facilities, and bathing facilities are all common features of a lavatory.

It is, however, also known as a washroom. Military personnel in South Africa and the United Kingdom occasionally use this term.

The origins of the term “lavatory” can be traced back to the United States. The majority of restrooms are frequently unattended. There could be a grooming service, an attendant, or a janitor on staff.

The term “lavatory” is derived from the French and Latin word “lavare,” which means “a bowl to wash inside” or “to wash.”

In the current situation, the term “lavatory” is mostly used by elderly British people. As a result, this phrase has begun to lose its significance.

What is Restroom?

Restrooms aren’t as clean or well-equipped as the Lavatory. Urinals and hand basins are present. Changing and bathing facilities are not supplied.

The term “restroom” can be traced back to its French and British origins. There’s a good likelihood that the restrooms won’t have an attendant.

The majority of Americans use the term “restroom” to refer to a room at a public institution that includes a sink and toilets. Others, on the other hand, may view the restroom to be a place where they can sit or lie down to rest.

The term “restroom” comes from the fact that in public locations such as up-scale theatres or restaurants, rooms are supplied with comfortable areas to sit alongside the toilets.

Restroom, which is sometimes referred to as loo in England, is a term that is frequently used.

Main Differences Between Lavatory and Restroom

1. The term “Lavatory” has been developed from the term, “lavare” which is a french and Latin word meaning “a bowl to wash inside” or “to wash”. On the other hand, the word “restroom” has its roots in the meaning that the rooms are equipped with comfortable areas to sit beside the toilets in public places like up-scale theatres or restaurants.
2. The lavatory is a term that is used mainly by older British individuals in the present scenario. Thus, this term has started losing its importance. This word is sometimes used by military people in South Africa and Britain. On the other hand, Restroom is a term that is used by the majority of citizens of America, which indicates a room that equips basin toilets in a public facility. However, for other people, the restroom can be considered as a place where they can sit down or lie down to take a rest.
3. The use of the term, Lavatory is quite less abundant in the market today. On the other hand, the terms like restroom, which is sometimes also referred to as loo in England, are used in abundance.
4. A lavatory possesses a hand basin, toilets, changing rooms, Baby facilities, and bathing facilities as well. However, it is also called a washroom. On the Other hand, restrooms are not as well maintained or equipped as Lavatory. They have urinals and hand basins. Normally the changing or bathing facilities are not included.
5. The existence of the term Lavatory can be traced back to American origin. On the other hand, the existence of the term Restroom can be traced back to French and British origin.
6. The majority of lavatory are unattended. They might have a grooming service, attendant, or a janitor. On the other hand, there is a fair chance that restrooms may or may not possess an attendant.

References

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13602360802214943
2. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1977-28127-001

Last Updated : 16 July, 2023