“ WASHSTAND, a table or stand containing conveniences for personal ablutions. In its 18th-century form it was called “basin stand” or “basin frame,” and is still sometimes described as a “washhand stand.” Its direct, but remote, ancestor was the monastic lavabo, ranges of basins of stone, lead or marble fed from a cistern. They were usually of primitive conception, and a trough common to all was probably more frequent than separate basins. Very occasionally they were of bronze adorned with enamels and blazoned with heraldry. ”

“ Sheraton developed astonishing ingenuity in devising a type of furniture which, if we may judge by the large number of examples still existing, must have become highly popular. With the beginning of the 19th century and the expansion of ideals of personal cleanliness, the washstand grew in size and importance. ”

“ As the 18th century drew to its close the custom of using the same apartment as reception room by day and sleeping room by night produced a demand for what was called “harlequin furniture” —pieces which were contrived a double or triple debt to pay. Thus a variety of complicated combination washstands and dressing tables were made, and fitted with mirrors and sometimes with writing conveniences and drawers for clothes. ”