Old homes are treasure troves of architectural history, filled with charming details and innovative solutions from bygone eras. These unique features add character to a house and offer glimpses into how people lived in the past.
From coal chutes to dumbwaiters, many of these elements are now obsolete or fallen out of favor, while others are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This article explores 15 fascinating features you’ll find in old homes, shedding light on their original purposes and how they’ve evolved over time.
1. Coal Chutes
Coal chutes were once a common sight in older homes—they were the primary method for fuel delivery. These small iron doors, typically located on the exterior of a house, allowed coal to be deposited directly into the basement. While most have been sealed off, some homeowners have repurposed these chutes creatively.
Coal deliverymen would shovel coal through the chute, which would then slide down into a storage area in the basement. From there, homeowners could easily access the coal to fuel their furnaces. This efficient system eliminated the need for carrying heavy bags of coal through the house.
Today, many homeowners have found innovative ways to repurpose their old coal chutes like converting them into small storage spaces or using them as unique planter boxes. Some even transformed them into decorative elements on their home’s exterior.
2. Blade Banks
Blade banks were a clever solution for disposing of used razor blades safely. These small slots, in bathroom medicine cabinets, allowed you to discard your old blades without risking injury.
The blade bank was designed to keep sharp objects out of the regular trash, where they could potentially harm sanitation workers. The blades would fall into a cavity between the walls, where they would remain indefinitely.
During bathroom renovations in older homes, contractors often uncover caches of discarded razor blades. These discoveries provide an interesting glimpse into the grooming habits of previous generations.
3. Boot Scrapers
Boot scrapers were essential in an era when unpaved roads meant muddy shoes were a constant problem. These cast iron implements, typically found near the front entrance, allowed you to clean your footwear before entering the house.
Types of Boot Scrapers
Boot scrapers came in various designs:
- Simple iron bars mounted on the ground
- More elaborate models with brushes attached
- Decorative versions that doubled as ornamental features
Modern Equivalents
While traditional boot scrapers are less common today, modern homes often feature mud rooms or shoe racks near entryways to serve a similar purpose.
4. Cooling Shelves
Cooling shelves were a practical solution for home bakers in the days before air conditioning and electric fans. These marble slabs provided a cool surface for freshly baked goods to rest and cool down.
Benefits of Marble Cooling Shelves
Marble was the material of choice for cooling shelves due to its natural properties. It has excellent heat conductivity to quickly cool baked items and its non-porous surface is easy to clean. Plus, it has an aesthetic appeal that complements kitchen decor.
Modern Baking Practices
While dedicated cooling shelves are less common in modern homes, many bakers still appreciate the benefits of marble surfaces for pastry work and candy making.
5. Dumbwaiters
Dumbwaiters were small freight elevators homeowners used to transport items between floors in a home. These clever devices made it easier to move food, laundry, and other household items without hauling them up and down the stairs.
How Dumbwaiters Functioned
A typical dumbwaiter consisted of a small compartment or box and a pulley system for raising and lowering with access doors on each floor.
Safety Concerns and Modern Alternatives
While convenient, dumbwaiters had several safety risks, especially for children who might try to ride in them. Today, some luxury homes feature modern versions with improved safety features, but they’re no longer a common household item.
6. Fireplaces
Fireplaces were once essential for heating homes and cooking meals. While modern heating systems have made them less necessary, fireplaces are still popular for their aesthetic appeal and cozy ambiance.
Evolution of Fireplace Design
Fireplace designs have changed significantly over the years—early fireplaces were large and inefficient. The Rumford fireplace, developed in the late 18th century, improved heat reflection. Modern fireplaces often prioritize looks over functionality and new ones are typically natural gas or electric (not wood burning).
Resurgence in Popularity
Many homeowners now view fireplaces as desirable features, leading to a resurgence in both traditional and contemporary designs.
7. Laundry Chutes
Laundry chutes were innovative solutions for multi-story homes, allowing you to send dirty clothes directly to the laundry area without the need for carrying heavy baskets up and down stairs.
Benefits of Laundry Chutes
Laundry chutes offer several advantages:
- Saved time and effort in transporting laundry
- Kept dirty clothes out of sight
- Encouraged family members to participate in laundry tasks
Why They Fell Out of Favor
As households became smaller and laundry appliances moved to more convenient locations (on the same floor as the bedrooms), the need for laundry chutes diminished. However, some modern homes still incorporate this feature for its practicality.
8. Milk Doors and Chutes
Milk doors were small, insulated compartments built into the exterior walls of homes, allowing for the delivery of fresh milk and other perishables without the need for someone to be home.
The milk door typically had two access points—an exterior door for the milkman to deposit deliveries and an interior door for homeowners to retrieve the milk.
While milk delivery services are rare today, some homeowners have found creative uses for their old milk doors such as converting them into secure package drop-offs. Other options include using them as unique planter boxes and transforming them into decorative elements.
9. Phone Nooks and Shelves
As telephones became common household items, architects began incorporating dedicated spaces for these devices into home designs.
Phone spaces evolved along with telephone technology—early wooden box phones required large recesses. Candlestick phones prompted the creation of small wall-mounted shelves and later designs included built-in seating for longer conversations.
While dedicated phone nooks are no longer necessary, many homes now feature charging stations or small desks for various electronic devices.
10. Radiators
Radiators were a significant improvement over earlier heating methods, providing more efficient and even warmth throughout a home.
Beyond heating, homeowners used radiators for several purposes. For example, you could attach clothes drying racks to them for indoor laundry drying and some models included built-in humidifiers. Many kitchen radiators often featured warming shelves for food.
While less common in new construction, many older homes still use radiators for heating. Some homeowners appreciate their aesthetic value and have found ways to incorporate them into modern decor.
11. Root Cellars and Home Canneries
Before refrigeration was widely available, root cellars and home canneries aided in food preservation.
Root cellars served multiple purposes—you could store vegetables and fruits for long periods. They maintain a cool, humid environment for optimal preservation and provide shelter during severe weather in some regions.
While dedicated root cellars aren’t common today, many homeowners still practice home canning and find creative ways to store homegrown produce.
12. Servant Bells
In larger homes, servant bells provided a way for household members to summon staff without shouting or searching the house.
A typical servant bell system included pull cords or buttons in various rooms along with a series of bells or buzzers in the servants’ quarters. Each button or bell had labels indicating which room was calling for assistance.
While servant bells are no longer in use, their function has been replaced by modern intercom systems and smart home devices in some luxury residences.
13. Sleeping Porches
Sleeping porches gained popularity in the early 20th century, driven by the belief that fresh air was beneficial for health, especially in combating tuberculosis.
Typical sleeping porch features included screened walls to keep out insects and comfortable bedding for outdoor sleeping. They were often located on upper floors for privacy and better air circulation.
While dedicated sleeping porches are rare in modern homes, many people now enjoy outdoor living spaces like decks and patios or three-season rooms that serve a similar purpose of connecting with nature.
14. Speaking Tubes
Before the advent of electrical communication systems, speaking tubes provided a simple way for people to communicate between different areas of a home.
A basic speaking tube system was a network of pipes running through walls with mouthpieces at either end for speaking and listening.
While speaking tubes are no longer used, their function has been replaced by intercom systems, video doorbells, and smart home devices in modern homes.
15. Transom Windows
Transom windows, typically found above doors, have both practical and aesthetic purposes in older homes.
Transom windows offer several advantages including adding more natural light inside your home and providing more ventilation when you open them. They also add decorative elements to doorways.
While less common in new construction, many homeowners still appreciate the benefits of transom windows and incorporate them into renovation projects or new builds for their aesthetic appeal and functionality.
