Every House Had One In The '60s — Now They're A Thrift Store Gem For Bathrooms

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The 1960s was a time of experimentation in home design and decor. Following the restrictions and hardships of World War II, it was a continuation of the prosperous period in which interior designers were able to let loose and explore what might be possible in home decor. This led to all kinds of funky trends, from lava lamps to brightly colored furniture and shag carpeting. However, did you know that the fuzzy carpets of the era even made it onto other practical items such as bathroom scales?

Believe it or not, there were actually a slew of shaggy, carpeted bathroom scales produced in the 1960s. You can still see them for yourself, too, because there are various specimens of this funky design still available on secondhand sites like eBay and Etsy, and likely in some thrift stores too. These scales come in all different colors — from classic mid-century mustard yellow to green, black, and white — which means that, even if you don't use scales often in your daily life, these charming retro items can still work great as quirky vintage decor items in your home. While they certainly seem unusual, there are multiple home decor schemes in which they could work well. For example, if you don't like seeing only functional pieces in a space, then grabbing a fuzzy retro scale can help give some personality to a room that might otherwise look overly clinical. Alternatively, if you love maximalist decor full of texture and color, these scales would be a great way to bring that style into the bathroom and keep it consistent with the rest of your home. So, let's explore what these retro pieces cost today and how to find the right one for your home.

When looking for retro decor, it can be helpful to first get an idea of what price these items go for. This is particularly helpful when thrifting in person because you can plan out how much you are willing to spend. For instance, you can expect to find 1960s fuzzy scales online priced anywhere from around $20 up to around $100. Some may be listed at a lower price because they appear to be in poor condition. Damage to the furry bit is especially common, from discoloring to patchiness. But, while it is good to keep an eye out for unfixable structural issues, some problems can be addressed at home. For example, one seller on eBay discusses in the product description that they found their white shaggy 1960s scale was a little stained. However, the fabric cover was washable, so they gently hand washed it and were able to return it to an almost like-new state. Make sure also to speak to the seller if you intend to use the piece as a scale to ensure that it is in working condition.

When it comes to finding the right scale for you, patience is key. While it can be tempting to grab the first one you see that is within your budget and in good condition, it is important to consider sizing. Be sure to think about where you might put the scale and how much room you have for it — particularly if you have a small bathroom with limited floor space — then check the measurements of the piece before purchasing. You could even bring a measuring tape to the thrift store with you to make sure you don't take something home that simply doesn't fit.