A woman moving into a 1970s home has made a surprising discovery in the bathroom that has sparked waves of nostalgia online. Angelina Schott, who recently relocated to an apartment in San Diego, California, found that her new residence had not been updated since the 1970s, complete with quirky retro features.
The Unexpected Bathroom Find
In a TikTok video that has since garnered over 217,000 likes, Angelina shared her experience of exploring the property. She described entering her "very old-school bathroom" and being puzzled by multiple switches next to the light. After experimenting, she flipped one switch to reveal a red heat lamp built into the tub area.
"This apartment continues to surprise me omg," Angelina wrote in the video caption, expressing her amazement at the discovery. The clip quickly went viral, drawing thousands of comments from viewers who were equally fascinated by the retro fixture.
Social Media Reactions
The response on social media was overwhelmingly positive, with many users expressing envy and nostalgia. One commenter explained, "That’s a heat lamp and I want one for my shower so bad!" Another added, "It's a heat lamp so you don't get cold in the shower."
Several viewers urged Angelina to preserve the bathroom's original character. "Don't change anything about that bathroom!" one person begged, while another exclaimed, "You hit the jackpot." The enthusiasm highlights a growing appreciation for the unique charm found in older properties, which often contrasts with the uniformity of many modern new-build homes.
The History of Bathroom Heat Lamps
Heat lamps were a popular feature in bathrooms during the 1960s and 1970s, reflecting a trend toward modern electric conveniences in the home. These fixtures were often combined with exhaust fans and lights in a single unit, marketed as an innovative upgrade for contemporary living.
Why Were They Installed?
There were several practical reasons for their installation. Firstly, stepping out of a bath or shower into a cold bathroom can be uncomfortable, and heat lamps provided immediate radiant warmth to enhance comfort. Secondly, they served as supplemental heating, offering localised warmth without the energy consumption required to heat an entire property.
During the 1970s, central heating systems were less efficient or less common in some homes, particularly in smaller, colder spaces like bathrooms. Heat lamps addressed this issue by delivering quick, targeted heat exactly where it was needed after bathing or showering.
The Charm of Older Homes
This discovery underscores the enduring appeal of older properties, which often boast distinctive features that new builds lack. Whether it's the high ceilings of Georgian architecture, Victorian-inspired bay windows, or retro elements like heat lamps, these touches of history can add significant character and charm to a home.
Angelina's experience serves as a reminder that even homes from the relatively recent past, like the 1970s, can hold surprises that connect us to bygone eras. As the viral response shows, such finds not only evoke nostalgia but also celebrate the innovative design solutions of previous decades.
