The Clever Shower Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed!
if you’ve ever nosed around a 1970s bathroom, you’ve likely come across one of these. It’s what I like to think of as the “mystery tube,” or rather the 1970s Bathroom
Holder. But surprise! It turns out that that awkward little relic is a 1970s idea that is kind of genius.
It’s More Than Just a Plastic Bag Holder (But It Is That for Sure)
Yes, at its heart it’s a
But here’s the thing. I never really saw her use it for just bags. I once spied shampoo bottles crammed in there. Another time? A loofah, and something like no matter what a funky old sponge or whatever, I’m not going to ask. Hey, if the shoe fits, right? It seems the 1970s Bathroom Bag Holder had more uses.
The Shower Storage You Never Knew You Needed
The more I mull this over, the more I’m convinced these old-school bag holders were ahead of their time. First of all, they have holes in them — they have ventilation. Which is what makes them ideal for wet stuff like sponges, scrubbing brushes, maybe even a travel-size shampoo if you jam it in there just so. Water drains, air flows. No weird mildew smell. No soggy mess. Indeed, the 1970s Bathroom Bag Holder functioned as more than just storage.
Honestly, I’ve come to think of it as more of a drying rack than a bag holder. I even briefly entertained the idea of putting one in my own bathroom. My wife said no, but I haven’t let go of the dream.
Form Meets Function… Kind Of
(O.K., so it’s no prize winner of a design.) Real talk — it’s kind of an ugly kill. The majority of them seem like they were the remnants left over from a plastic factory explosion. But in that kitschy, quaint, atomic-era sort of way. It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t fit in with any single current aesthetic, but still has a warm, nostalgic appeal. Such as wood paneling or popcorn ceilings. The 1970s Bathroom Bag Holder, despite its looks, is still cherished for its timeless function.
And that may be part of the appeal. This bag holder from the 1970s wasn’t just functional. It’s a time capsule. It conjures up simpler times for me. When everything in your house was just like, seven things in one. When people kept things. Fixed them. Repurposed them. But my mother did used to say, “Don’t throw that away, it could keep something in.” Guess she was right.
A DIY Revival Waiting to Be Born?
Now here’s a thought: What if we were to bring these back? Repurpose them, upcycle them. Transform them into cool wall-mounted organizers for art supplies, kitchen gadgets, even toy storage. I’m sure someone on Pinterest, and I would bet it’s more than one person, has already created a plant holder for it too. (Don’t dare me, I’ll Google it.)
Heck, if you’ve got one sitting idle in your garage — or still attached to the wall of your retro bathroom — don’t throw it out. Clean it up. Give it a second life. Perhaps even go wild and paint it neon pink.
