The 104-Year-Old Practical Feature I Wish Every Home Still Had (It’s Perfect for Small Spaces!)

Older homes often feature a treasure trove of characteristics that are rarely found in modern spaces today. And, honestly, I feel like whenever I spot these practical elements I immediately feel like I’m missing out. Not only are they charming, but they’re also emblematic of what used to be popular in home design. Some features, such as a vintage fold-out laundry board, should be more prevalent today — especially in small spaces. 

When I wrote about Geevie Wood’s, the co-founder of Sustain Yourself, 1920s home in Minnesota, there were so many charming details that I didn’t pay enough attention to one in particular. “Another cute original feature in the apartment is the built-in ironing board in my dining room that’s tucked into a long, shallow cabinet,” Geevie said at the time of the tour. 

What makes the built-in laundry board so special is that you don’t have to take up valuable closet space to store it — or, worse, leave it sitting out in your laundry area. (Let’s be honest: When ironing boards aren’t being used, they aren’t the chicest accessory.) In Geevie’s version, there’s even a little pedestal for her iron, which is so cute! 

The built-in laundry board is also such a conversation piece. If Geevie hadn’t opened the closet door, I would’ve just assumed it was an electrical cabinet or something of the sort. It reveals a home’s storied charm and makes you consider what other past treasures could and should be included in our modern furnishings. 

As someone with a small space, I wish my building manager had included a built-in ironing board in my unit. For now I’ll continue storing my steamer on top of my fridge, and keep hoping and waiting for my chance to have a conversation-starter like the one in Geevie’s home. 

To see more of the vintage features in Geevie’s apartment, visit the full House Tour.