What Was This Even For?

With the advent of “minimalist” technology and smart mirrors, the little design details that made up so much of the home environment are often overlooked. One example of this is the 1970s bathroom scale niche. This is a recessed area in the wall of a bathroom built to hold the scale. It is a little compartment that once, in some of the better mid-century bathrooms, enjoyed a place of prominence.

If you have ever noticed a long, narrow metal-framed door near the bottom of a bathroom wall and wondered “what is that for?” so have many others, probably. This little door led to a secret panel tucked behind, originally built to hold the bathroom scale. Such little items often unnoticed tell so much about how the people did live. They also reflect how people thought about the utilization of space, years ago.

A Sign of the Times: utilitarianism

In the 70-year period, the bathroom came into its own. In many instances, it belonged to the new improved schools of design. These designs indulged in gracefully smooth surfaces, neutral tones, unified designs and the elimination of additive appointments. In these new bathrooms the family wanted the conveniences of modern life, but wanted them kept out of sight. This was to ensure that the New Improved Bath tubes would not be cluttered up with appurtenances amusing to catalog though not to locate in the home.

The bathroom scale now was becoming an accepted portion of the house furniture. However, it was neither beautiful, nor yet easily hidden. The way out was seen in a ventilation stub in the bathroom wall. This should be built to give housing to the bathroom scale.

Usually these niches are made of copper or aluminum. They are rimmed around with a band of chrome just to make them do their intended duty in imitation of the tilings, stone or marble. They are positioned above them on the remaining walls of the structure. The bathroom scale was placed in such a way that it could either be rolled or shoved out at need. It could then be shuffled back to its neat little cell again after use. Certain types of these included spring-loaded doors or self-closing attachments—one of those little luxuries of artefact which was surprisingly futuristic for some of the old species.

The Psychology Behind It

There’s something telling about the fact that those bathroom scales used to have their own little alcove. This was an age when personal fitness and appearance were beginning to be matters of household importance. Fitness clubs were coming into their own, there was a growing interest in counting calories. Also, Jane Fonda’s aerobic empire was at hand.

But with that added interest in health came a desire for more privacy. Unlike the open-concept bathrooms of today, where towels and toiletries are on parade. The home against the 1970’s space was desired to have a neat, concealed look. To have the scales hidden away imparted a clean look, even though you could still keep an eye on the numbers.

The 1970’s Bathroom Scale Niche Today

If you are remodeling or browsing through a vintage home, a 1970’s bathroom scale alcove is like stumbling on a time capsule. Many of them have survived intact. Although, many are repurposed or ignored altogether. In some houses they have become small cupboards for cleaning things or even friendly magazine holders.

Some of them are closed up, relics of a former world, waiting patiently to be discovered by inquisitive newcomers. You may even discover an original scale inside, the little dial frozen in time.

Should You Keep It?

If you are restoring a vintage house, or just appreciate retro details, keeping the scale alcove gives the bath a point of interest and conversation. Some people have made new finishes for the compartment. Others have renovated it to use as a convenient place for small things, such as accessories and toilet tissue.

Certainly, if the feature does not work well with your modern arrangement, it can always be closed up or obliterated. However, it’s always worth a moment of reflection to appreciate what it signifies. These little design features serve as a reminder of the intentionality of design at the time. It was not just for style but for ease of living.

A Tip of the Hat to Practical Nostalgia

The 1970’s bathroom scale alcove may seem a small thing, but it tells much about middle century taste. It is practical, space-saving, poetic and somewhat visionary. In an age when there were no wireless devices or digital apparatus, it created a beautiful solution for a simple problem.

In this present day, when fashions have returned again to vintage charm, these little built-ins may serve as a gentle advisory. The good old days were not so bad.