The word baðstofa originates from the ancient Swedish word badstufva and the Danish word badstue. In English this would translate to something like bath-room.
As the word implies, this part of the house was originally used as sauna. Or that is to say, the room where water was poured on hot stones was called baðstofa.
During the 15th century this room had evolved into the main livingspace/bedroom in farms across the country. The people on the farm used this room for entertainment, work, sleep and to eat. With the same token, this was often where the elderly passed away.
Not all baðstofas are equal, just like not all homes are built in the same size or quality. The beds were often just wooden boxes and it was normal for 2-3 individuals to sleep in each box.
Moisture got trapped in the room making the smell often unbearable. The mattress was stuffed with hey that would oozed of mildew. The clothing or skin blankets were rarely or ever washed and the floors filthy.
Often you would find wet wool socks or other clothing hang-drying. A strong smell in and of itself. Another thing you can expect to see is a pot with collected urine. This was believed to be great for washing the wool.
The baðstofa was usually located in the back of the house in order to keep the room warm. It wasn’t always easy to keep it warm so, in order to retain heat, the cowshed was built halfway underground directly underneath the baðstofa.
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