If you’ve ever explored a historic home, you might have noticed peculiar high cabinets tucked away, often above doorways or high on walls. While they may seem odd today, these cabinets were once practical and even profitable in their time. Today, we’ll delve into the purpose behind these cabinets, how they were used, and the forgotten ingenuity they represent. By the end of this article, you might just look at those high cabinets in your own home in a new light.
The Purpose of High Cabinets
At first glance, high cabinets in old homes can appear impractical, maybe even strange. However, they were a testament to the creativity of past homeowners who were constantly looking for ways to maximize storage in an era when space was at a premium. These cabinets were a necessity rather than a luxury, and their purpose varied depending on the era and region in which they were built.
Seasonal Storage
One of the most common uses for high cabinets was for seasonal storage. In times past, homes were not as well-heated, and families relied on thick blankets, quilts, and heavy comforters during colder months. These bulky items took up a lot of space in a home, but only served a purpose during the winter season. To make room for more frequently used items, such as linens and everyday clothing, homeowners used these high cabinets to store those seasonal items out of reach but still accessible when needed.
Some examples of items stored in high cabinets include:
- Extra winter blankets: These were typically bulky, heavy, and only used during the colder months, making them perfect candidates for high storage.
- Thick comforters: Comforters were often large and difficult to store in easily accessible spaces, so placing them high up made sense.
- Holiday decorations: These items, which were used only once or twice a year, often had a permanent home in high cabinets, saving space in more accessible storage areas.
- Mementos and seasonal items: Things like seasonal decor, heirlooms, or family keepsakes that were not used regularly but were important to keep could also find a home in these upper cabinets.
By placing these rarely used items out of reach, homeowners could free up accessible storage for everyday necessities. This allowed them to maximize their living space without having to constantly shuffle around their things.
Tax Benefits
Interestingly, these tall cabinets also helped homeowners reduce their utility bills. In certain historical periods, houses with larger closets faced higher tax rates. The more storage a home had, the more its value was assessed, leading to higher property taxes. As a result, homeowners found creative ways to hide storage without increasing the tax burden.
One popular solution was the use of high cabinets. By opting for these narrow, elevated storage spaces instead of larger, more conventional closets, homeowners were able to keep their storage capacity without the financial penalty of additional closet space. This was a clever way to maximize both space and financial resources, showcasing the practical ingenuity of the time.
The tax incentive was particularly prominent in the 19th and early 20th centuries when property taxes were more directly tied to the size and function of a home. A high cabinet could be a means of stashing away linens, tools, or other essentials without raising the taxable value of a house, making it an attractive feature for cost-conscious homeowners.
Practical Cabinet Placement
High cabinets were often positioned in underutilized areas of a home, such as above doorways, in the hallway, or even above windows. This placement was particularly common in homes where space was at a premium, such as in cities or smaller rural homes.
The idea behind these placements was simple: use every available inch of space in a home. In many older houses, rooms were smaller, and large closets or cabinets simply weren’t an option. By making use of the vertical space above doorways and other high areas, homeowners were able to gain storage without cluttering the room.
- Above doorways: This is perhaps the most common placement for high cabinets. The space above a door is often wasted, but by adding a high cabinet, homeowners could take advantage of the extra space while leaving the rest of the room open.
- In narrow hallways: Long, narrow hallways often had little utility beyond providing access to different rooms. High cabinets in these areas allowed for additional storage without intruding on the limited floor space.
- Above windows: In homes with tall ceilings, there may have been an unused gap between the top of windows and the ceiling. High cabinets placed in these areas were a great way to use otherwise wasted space.
Although accessing these cabinets might require a step stool or ladder, the practicality outweighed the inconvenience. As people lived in their homes for many years, they became accustomed to storing items in these out-of-reach cabinets and retrieving them as needed.
A Reminder of Ingenuity
Today, these cabinets stand as charming artifacts from a bygone era, showcasing the creativity and meticulous attention to detail of past homeowners and builders. While they may seem ill-suited for modern living, those fortunate enough to own such features can repurpose them in innovative ways.
The high cabinets of old homes speak to a time when space was scarce, and people had to be resourceful to make the most of what they had. In today’s world, where space is still a precious commodity in many urban areas, these hidden storage solutions can be a reminder of how much value can be found in utilizing vertical space.
There are many ways these cabinets can be repurposed or modernized for contemporary use:
1. Storing seldom-used items
One of the easiest ways to make use of high cabinets is to store seldom-used or seasonal items. You can place things like holiday decorations, off-season clothing, or extra blankets out of sight, allowing for a clean and uncluttered living space. These cabinets are perfect for things you don’t need to access every day but still want to keep in your home.
2. Creating unique displays
High cabinets can also serve as a place to create unique displays. Whether it’s showcasing a collection of vintage items, family heirlooms, or your favorite books, these cabinets can be a creative way to add character to your home. By keeping these items high up and out of the way, you can create a focal point that doesn’t take up valuable floor space.
3. Concealing small safes or valuables
In modern homes, some people use high cabinets to hide small safes or important documents. A discreet cabinet placed high on the wall can provide an extra layer of security for valuable items. Because these cabinets are often hidden from plain sight, they can serve as a more secure location for important possessions.
4. Maximizing kitchen space
In kitchens, high cabinets can be used to store items like extra serving dishes, large pots, or even specialty kitchen gadgets that are only used occasionally. By placing these items high up, you can keep the more frequently used items within easy reach while still having the storage space for larger or less-needed pieces.
Conclusion
High cabinets serve as a poignant reminder of the clever design solutions of the past. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into contemporary storage solutions that honor their historical significance while fitting seamlessly into modern homes. Embrace the charm of these hidden storage gems and make the most of your space!
As we continue to seek efficient ways to utilize space in our homes, these forgotten cabinets offer inspiration. Whether you’re looking to store seasonal items, create unique displays, or repurpose them for modern uses, high cabinets provide a wealth of potential. So, the next time you come across a high cabinet in an old house, take a moment to appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into its design and consider how you might bring this hidden storage solution into your own living space. With a little creativity, these cabinets can be much more than just a relic of the past; they can be an essential part of your home’s storage strategy today.
