Does your bathroom feature an odd miniature tub without a faucet or drain? Here's what it's actually for.
If Your House Was Built in the ’50s or ’60s, You Might Have This Unique Feature in Your Bathroom
Published on Nov. 26, 2024
Different styles come and go, and that’s especially true when it comes to house features. As a writer who specializes in homes, I’ve seen my fair share of weird things concealed in houses. While I haven’t come across razor blades hidden in walls, I have spotted some truly eccentric features, from those that were once fashionable (like shag carpeting purposely placed beside a bathroom tub) to those that make no sense (I’m looking at you, teensy kitchen islands that have enough room for only one or two houseplants).
Another oddity that you might have encountered in an older home? A mini tub next to the actual tub—with no faucet or drain. This oddball bathroom feature was once regularly included in mid-century modern homes … and you may still have them in your home if you haven’t gotten around to updating your bathroom or simply love old-home quirks. So what are these tiny tubs meant for, and what should you do with them? Read on to find out.
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What do people think these mini tubs are for?
Usually, people guess a foot bath or pet spa. And of course, Reddit users have some creative thoughts of their own: Some guess it was meant for holding cold beverages, dry towels or even ice and Champagne. “Maybe it’s there to cradle a baby after a bath while the parent continues to bathe themselves,” ponders one.
Interior designer Magda Callery, who’s seen her fair share of these mini tubs in older homes, says, “I’ve even heard someone guess ‘a snack holder for bath time.’ In truth, most people just scratch their heads and laugh, trying to imagine what the original homeowner was thinking.”
Why do some homes have this mini tub?
Small tub next to big tub no drain
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It turns out that these tubs were designed for artificial plants. “Yes, fake plants had their own bathtub!” says Callery. She explains that the micro tub was a mid-century way to bring the “outdoors in” without committing to watering a plant all the time or worrying about managing dirt in a house. “Honestly, it’s kind of genius if you think about it, but also … kind of ridiculous,” she adds.
When was it popular?
Here’s a little trivia for you: These mini tubs appeared in the 1950s and ’60s, when faux greenery was all the rage. “People loved the idea of nature but didn’t necessarily want the hassle of real plants,” says Callery. “So, boom—a mini tub to house your plastic ficus.”
Elizabeth Vergara, a designer and lead project manager for Vergara Homes, agrees. “During their era of popularity, decorative greenery was a trendy way to add life to bathrooms,” she explains, “and these tubs provided a specific space for that.”
In fact, bathrooms were seen as spaces to experiment with unique and unconventional design features, Vergara adds. So if you do run into one of these tubs, it will not only be in a mid-century home, but it will also be in its bathroom—and likely the primary bathroom, which often has a unique focus on luxury accents and details.
That said, while “they do still pop up in mid-century or retro homes on the market,” says Vergara, “the chances of encountering one today are relatively slim.” Why? Remodels generally get rid of them in favor of more modern accents.
How can you use this tub if you have it?
Coming across a random mini tub like this might be like stumbling upon a unicorn, and it can be difficult trying to figure out exactly what to do with it. Still, the designers we spoke with have some thoughts.
- Use it as it was intended—as a built-in planter for faux or real greenery. “Or fill it with decorative stones and a mini water fountain for a Zen vibe,” Callery suggests.
- Turn it into a quirky dog bath.
- Place chilled drinks inside the tub, creating your own open bar of sorts. (Reddit users would approve!)
- Make it a decorative storage bin.
- Or just use it as a conversation starter.
How easy is it to get rid of this feature if you don’t want it?
Very easy, say our experts. “Since the tub isn’t connected to the plumbing and doesn’t have a drain, removing it should be pretty simple,” according to Alan Berman, president of Archetype Architecture. Just tile over the area for a clean, updated look that will bring your bathroom into the 2020s.
Callery agrees. “Removing it isn’t too tricky, but it might involve a little demo work,” she says. However, unless you have the original tile lying around, this home-improvement project will probably require you to patch and retile the entire area so nothing looks out of place.
About the experts
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece on mini tubs in bathrooms, Michelle Mastro tapped her experience as a journalist who specializes in design, architecture and history. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Magda Callery, founder of Style by Magda
- Elizabeth Vergara, owner, principal designer and lead project manager at Vergara Homes
- Alan Berman, president of Archetype Architecture
- Reddit: “Small tub next to big tub no drain”
