The Little-Known Vintage Bathroom Feature That Deserves A Big Comeback

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Old houses have all kinds of fascinating features that can give you a glimpse into a different world. While some are easy to figure out — others cause people to scratch their heads as to what the heck they were used for. One strange design detail was discovered inside the wall of a vintage bathroom, leaving many to question its purpose. Just across from the toilet is something that looks like a cabinet. But when you pull on the handle, a fold-down chair pops out. Making things even more interesting — not only does the chair face the toilet, it's about a foot away too.

The surprising vintage bathroom feature left a TikTok user confused. She had been visiting her friend's rental home when she noticed it. Sure, there was no question it was a chair — it was more about why there would be one in the bathroom tucked inside the wall? The internet had many humorous ideas about what its purpose was. Turns out, it actually has a very good one — to give people a spot for getting ready. One example is that it was helpful to women as they shaved their legs. The chair was also a more sanitary solution than the homeowner sitting on the toilet seat to complete their tasks. The reason this one was just across from the toilet had only to do with the fact that it was a small space.

The folding seat comes from Peerless Built-In Furniture, a company with a location in Berkeley, California, known for its innovative designs. They even created self-assemble kitchens and bedrooms that were modern, space-saving, and sold for a great price. With their background in convenient features, it's not surprising that they were also behind the wall-fold-out chair. It was already common for people to keep a chair or bench in their bathroom so they'd have a place to sit for things like putting on their socks. But by building one into the wall? It brilliantly saved space.

These wall seats could make a big difference in a home, especially for people looking for tiny home hacks. They'd still be as useful as they were decades ago, giving people a place to put on lotion, shave, or complete other getting-ready activities. Additionally, one could be used in modern ways, like using it as a spot to set your laptop, allowing you to watch movies while taking a bath. Or, it could be a good sit-and-scroll-your-phone chair while your partner puts on makeup.

Finding one of these built-in seats in an old house could be like finding a needle in a haystack. As an alternative, modern equivalents, like the Kelendle Wall-mounted Folding Chair, can be installed in any room of the home for a variety of tasks. Use it, then simply fold it back against the wall, so that it doesn't take up extra room. It's no wonder this is a vintage bathroom idea many want brought back.