“Plumbing mistake”
Definitely not
We wish
But the truth is far more practical:
These were handwashing stations — a precursor to the modern mudroom or entryway sink.
They helped people clean up before entering the living areas — keeping the rest of the home cleaner for longer.
Creative Ways to Use a Hallway Sink Today
If you’ve inherited one of these quirky relics — or found one in your new home…
Don’t rip it out.
Give it a purpose.
Mini mudroom station
Wash hands after gardening or walking in from outside
Guest hand-washing spot
Before dinner, no bathroom trek required
Pet grooming nook
Perfect for cleaning muddy paws fast
Plant station
Vintage display
Add a soap dish, a candle, and a few dried flowers
Even better — keep it as a charming, functional reminder of how homes used to be built with everyday life in mind .
Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Design Ideas Come From the Past
We often think of old home features as outdated or unnecessary.
But hallway sinks?
They were ahead of their time.
Before we had hand sanitizer and mContinue reading…
