1. The Handheld Bidet
Back in the ’70s and ’80s, many American households swore by the handheld bidet, a contraption that seemed out of place compared to more modern bathroom gadgets. These devices, often attached to the toilet, allowed for a more thorough cleaning after using the bathroom, with a stream of water replacing toilet paper. While they were common in Europe and parts of Asia, the idea didn’t quite catch on across the U.S., and most were eventually discarded.
The bidets were often tucked away in a corner of the bathroom, not to be used by every guest, but certainly cherished by those who enjoyed a more hygienic approach. It wasn’t unusual to find a full set-up in an older home, complete with its own hose and nozzle, sometimes with multiple settings for water pressure. Over time, these quirky items fell out of favor, but they remain a nostalgic symbol of bathroom innovation.
2. The Toothbrush Holder for Each Member of the Family
In the ’50s and ’60s, it wasn’t uncommon to have a separate toothbrush holder for every family member, neatly arranged in a row. These holders were often decorative and came in a variety of shapes, including animal figurines or tiny houses, to reflect each person’s personality. The practice of keeping your toothbrush in such an organized display was a way to highlight the importance of dental hygiene in a clean, family-oriented home.
Often, these holders would be positioned directly above the sink, providing easy access but also ensuring each toothbrush had its own space. It was a quirky, albeit somewhat unnecessary, feature, with some holders designed so elaborately that you might wonder if they were more decorative than functional. Over time, with the rise of more streamlined bathroom accessories, these individualized holders started to disappear.
3. The Bathroom Scale with a Personality
Before bathroom scales became the sleek, digital devices we know today, many American homes boasted large, mechanical scales that sometimes had colorful designs or even fun, quirky features. These vintage models often had a circular dial with a needle that would swing back and forth, occasionally making an unsettling click sound as it settled. Some of these scales were adorned with playful characters or motivational sayings, intended to encourage users on their weight loss journey.
Though the idea of stepping onto a large, metal scale might seem outdated today, these were once a fixture in bathrooms, proudly displayed as symbols of both health and vanity. It wasn’t unusual to see one next to the towel rack, almost as if it were a piece of bathroom art. As technology progressed, the personality-filled scales gave way to sleeker, more discreet designs that offered a quick digital readout.
4. The Toilet Paper Cozy
Toilet paper cozies were all the rage in the ’70s and ’80s, especially in homes trying to add a little charm and whimsy to the bathroom. These fabric covers, often crocheted, would slip over the toilet paper roll, adding a pop of color and a sense of hominess to the bathroom. The cozies were often designed to look like animals, flowers, or even tiny hats, with the primary function of protecting the toilet paper from dust and humidity.
Though they may seem impractical now, these covers were often used as conversation starters, especially during family gatherings. Many people believed they added a touch of domestic bliss, making the bathroom feel cozier and more welcoming. Over time, however, the trend faded, and toilet paper cozies became relics of an era when decorative bathroom accessories ruled the home.
5. The Electric Hair Dryer Stand
In the mid-20th century, before the era of hand-held hair dryers, many American households relied on bulky, electric hair-drying stands that would be placed in the bathroom. These machines featured a large dome that you would sit under, much like a salon hair dryer, with a fan blowing warm air to dry your hair. The stand had a long, flexible hose that could be adjusted to fit the user’s height and was often seen as a symbol of sophistication and modern living.
Though they might seem comical today, these machines were considered a must-have for anyone looking to style their hair at home without the trip to the beauty salon. The design was quite elaborate for its time, with a sleek, mid-century modern aesthetic. By the late ’80s, however, the rise of more compact hair dryers made these standing machines a thing of the past, as they took up too much space and were less convenient.
6. The “Loo” Book
Before cell phones made bathroom time more entertaining, people often turned to the humble “Loo” book for their reading material. These were collections of jokes, fun facts, or short stories specifically designed to be left in the bathroom for quick reads. They often had titles like The Bathroom Companion or Loo Laughs and were filled with content that could be digested in short bursts, making them perfect for a bathroom session.
These books were usually left on the back of the toilet, ready for anyone looking for a distraction while attending to their business. They often had a lighthearted, humorous tone, perfect for taking your mind off the mundane. While these quirky collections may have faded into obscurity, they hold a certain nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the era when bathroom reading was as essential as toilet paper.