The first actual bathrooms in Canada were usually just the smallest bedroom transformed, and the fixtures encased in the same heavy furniture that could be found in most parlours, so dainty lace mats would be placed about to soften the room.
The invention of the jacquard loom meant that more elaborate naps and weaves could be manufactured inexpensively, so towels went from being merely functional to also being decorative, and provided another canvas for women to show off her needlework skills.
While towels were still hung on the washstand in the bedroom, larger bath towels could be found in the Victorian bathroom. All were hemstitched, most were monogrammed, and some were decorated with lace or crochet insertion.
