This Small Space in Old Homes Is Packed With History

Source: FB / Chelsea Stanhope

Do you remember stories from your grandparents about life before indoor plumbing? Tales of chilly nights and chamber pots tucked away in the corner often come to mind. For those lucky enough to have a dedicated space, the commode closet was a small but mighty convenience, tucked discreetly into the architecture of their homes.

Stepping into an old home, like your charming late-1800s house in coastal Maine, can feel like traveling back in time. That little arched alcove in your bedroom—now just an intriguing feature—once played a crucial role in daily life. Known as a commode closet, it was the perfect solution for nighttime needs in an era when a quick dash to the outhouse might mean braving icy winds or snow. Lined with beadboard for durability and style, it housed the chamber pot in a way that maintained privacy and kept the rest of the room tidy.

In its heyday, the commode closet was more than a practical fixture—it was a reflection of innovation in home design. As indoor plumbing began to emerge, these little niches gradually gave way to bathrooms, marking a shift in how we approached hygiene and convenience. Yet, the commode closet remained a humble reminder of how people adapted their lives to fit the limitations of the time.

Today, features like this evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of a simpler era when even small comforts were cherished. While its original purpose may no longer be needed, the commode closet still adds a unique charm to any historic home—a conversation starter and a tangible link to the resourcefulness of the past. So, next time you walk by it, give it a nod. It’s a small piece of history that helped make life just a little more comfortable.