The Old-School Bathroom Storage Feature We Hardly Ever See In New Homes

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Have you ever walked into an older home and found yourself on a quest to discover all of the strange inventions and oddities that exist within its walls? From bizarre built-in appliances to quirky bathroom storage contraptions, remnants of the past seem to exude an eclecticism that modern homes just don't achieve. One old-school feature is the built-in toothbrush holder that is sometimes present in bathrooms designed during the midcentury. These recessed holders swivel to create a concealed accessory unit for bathroom tools. By pulling a knob or pushing the door, the recessed unit appears from within the wall, built to stash toothbrushes, a tumbler cup, and maybe even a bar of soap. Hall-Mack is one company that sold these vintage recessed units, with their toothbrush holder called a "concealed lavatory unit." The mechanism rotated open to reveal storage features on the inside and a flat, sleek chrome surface that sat flush against the wall when concealed.

Hall-Mack, short for the Hallenscheid & McDonald Company, made bathroom accessories that were very popular throughout the 1940s to 1960s. It's unclear when the brand went out of business, but their shiny chrome recessed accessories are still a feature in many untouched midcentury bathrooms. While Hall-Mack is one of the most notable brands that made concealed bathroom storage units, other styles from different companies can also be found in older homes. If you're seeking treasured vintage and antique items in the upcoming year to add to your space, why not bring some vintage hidden storage into your bathroom?

People of the early midcentury loved the streamlined and futuristic look of the sleek chrome facade of these concealed units. The custom and inventive appeal of hiding toiletries to reduce visual clutter was also a likely benefit. Although when it comes to vintage brands that are always worth buying at thrift stores, Hall-Mack isn't necessarily one of them. While the concealed accessories from Hall-Mack are considered collectibles today, it's unlikely you'll find these units in your local thrift store. Since the company went out of business years ago, many of these items have likely been tossed after remodels or left in their original homes. 

There are a few reasons this mechanism went out of style. First, the chrome plating and the plastic tray inserts were prone to wear and tear over time. In fact, it is considered "ultra-rare" to find a true vintage Hall-Mack recessed toothbrush holder that includes the original plastic tray. Further, advancements in technology and changes in dental hygiene have impacted the utility of this built-in holder. The holder was designed to accommodate dental tools of the time, and modern toothbrushes, made with ergonomic grips or mechanical systems, no longer fit. Additionally, these built-in units raise sanitary concerns. We now know that ample air flow is important for reducing bacteria on toothbrushes. The concealed toothbrush holder, however, does not offer the appropriate amount of airflow.

For some, this little-known vintage bathroom feature deserves a big comeback, and with homeowners craving smarter storage solutions such as bespoke cabinetry or custom built-ins with hidden storage, the recessed toothbrush holder could be a decent investment. One option is to source and install a vintage unit in your bathroom. This original Hall-Mack toothbrush holder, listed by Bathroom Machineries in pristine condition, retails for $450. The brand notes that the overall dimensions are 7 ⅜ inches by 8 ⅝ inches. You could DIY a cutout in your wall to install this recessed unit, if you wanted a true vintage piece. However, you could also purchase a similar used Hall-Mack holder on eBay for around $100. Authenticity and dimensions could vary.

Many brands offer recessed storage solutions made to accommodate items in the modern era. Since vintage toothbrush holders can be more of a novelty, these newer built-ins could offer more functionality. Items like concealed storage niches, like this one by Fittes, are minimal and hidden, offering a custom feel. And you don't have to limit yourself to installing the item exclusively in the shower. Many homeowners might prefer to DIY their own versatile storage solution, considering that installing a custom niche can cost anywhere from $75 to upwards of $650, depending on your project.