Heat lamps were a common fixture in bathrooms built from the 1920s through the 1960s. They provided radiant heat while bathing and helped dry bathers off after exiting the tub or shower. Heat lamps served both functional and decorative purposes in vintage bathrooms.
There are several reasons why heat lamps were prevalent in old bathrooms:
Page Contents
Lack of Central Heating
Many homes built in the early 20th century did not have central heating systems installed. This was especially true in bathrooms, which were often located far from the home’s primary wood or coal burning stove. Without ductwork bringing warmth into the bathroom, it could feel quite chilly, particularly when bathing or emerging wet from the tub. Heat lamps helped raise the bathroom’s ambient temperature and keep bathers comfortable.
Quickly Warm and Dry Off
Heat lamps allowed bathers to quickly warm up and dry off after a bath or shower. Without central heating, bathrooms were prone to being cold and damp. Turning on the heat lamp for 10-15 minutes would take the chill out of the air and aid in drying off wet skin and hair. This helped prevent catching a cold after bathing in a cold room.
Aid Circulation
Exposing the body to radiant heat helps stimulate blood circulation. Much like sitting in a sauna, the warmth from heat lamps increased blood flow to the skin and throughout the body. This improved circulation was believed to provide medical benefits.
Relax Muscles
The penetrating heat from lamps helps relax muscles and ease soreness. Just as heating pads are still used today, radiant heat treatments were believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Treat Respiratory Ailments
Warming and drying the air was also thought to help treat respiratory conditions like colds, allergies, and asthma. Breathing heated, low-humidity air can help open nasal passages and make breathing easier.
Decoration
Heat lamps added an elegant, modern touch to bathrooms. The gleaming metal shades and visible incandescent bulbs contributed to the glamorous atmosphere of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne bathrooms popular in the 1930s/40s. They aligned with the clean, sophisticated style of mid-century bathrooms.
Common Locations and Styles
Heat lamps were installed in key locations to maximize their functionality and visual appeal:
Over Bathtubs
Wall-mounted heat lamps above the bathtub were very common. This allowed bathers to bask under the glowing warmth while in the tub. The light shining down through the water also created a pleasant ambiance.
Inside Shower Stalls
Heat lamps were frequently installed inside shower stalls. The waterproof enclosed space concentrated the heat and allowed people to warm up quickly after showering.
Near Medicine Cabinets
It was convenient to have a heat lamp mounted next to the medicine cabinet. The light could shine directly on the user while shaving, applying makeup, or taking medications.
Inside Vanity Cabinets
Some lavish bathrooms had heat lamps installed inside vanity cabinets. When opened, the light would illuminate the cabinet for easy access to toiletries. The heat helped dry out the cabinet and its contents.
Ceiling-Mounted
Central ceiling lights projected heat over the entire bathroom. This style was used to warm chilly bathrooms or provide ambient lighting.
Wall-Mounted
Wall mounts next to towels bars or mirrors were popular for conveniently drying off and warming up after bathing. Flexible swing arm mounts allowed directional control.
Bulb Styles
Clear bulbs, often with a small blue or pink tint, gave off a bright white light mimicking natural daylight. This supported grooming tasks while adding warmth. Inside decorative glass shades, amber and red tinted bulbs created a cozy, relaxing mood.
How Heat Lamps Worked
While design varied, heat lamps operated on a simple principle:
Incandescent Bulbs
Powerful, high-wattage incandescent light bulbs (100W – 250W) generated bright light and intense heat. The bulbs reached 600-1000 degrees Fahrenheit. About 90% of their energy output came in the form of infrared radiation.
Reflectors
Parabolic reflectors behind the bulbs directed the infrared heat in a focused beam away from the fixture. This allowed heat to be aimed precisely where needed. Reflectors also minimized heat loss strengthening the warmth at a distance.
Glass Shades
Decorative glass shades softened the light and allowed visible wavelengths to pass through while trapping infrared rays. This enabled heat to project outwards while the bulb remained safely enclosed.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Incandescent bulb | Generates bright light and infrared heat |
| Reflector | Directs infrared rays in focused beam |
| Glass shade | Softens light and traps heat |
Decline in Popularity
While once an integral part of bathrooms, heat lamps faded in popularity by the 1970s due to several factors:
Central Heating
As homes added central heating systems, specialized heating fixtures became obsolete. With forced air ducts warming the bathroom, heat lamps were no longer needed for temperature control.
Higher Energy Costs
Electricity rates rose through the 1960s/70s. Running high wattage heat lamps was an unnecessary energy drain with centralized climate control. Their energy intensiveness made operation cost prohibitive.
Safety Concerns
Safety issues caused concern. The intense heat could become a fire hazard or cause burns if improperly used. New homes opted for alternative radiant heating using safer hydronic or electric systems.
Style Changes
Bathroom design trends moved away from Art Deco motifs toward more streamlined, minimalist styles. Heat lamps no longer fit the modern, ascetic aesthetic.
New technology
Infrared heating advanced with the development of more efficient and safer options like ceramic panels or low intensity LEDs. These effectively rendered old heat lamps obsolete.
Heat Lamps Today
While heat lamps may seem like a vintage curiosity, they still have relevance in bathrooms today:
Aesthetic Appeal
The iconic bulbs and gleaming shades of old heat lamps remain popular for their retro-cool look. Many homeowners add restored vintage heat lamps as accent pieces. Their decorative charm suits contemporary bathrooms with a mid-century vibe.
Specialty Use
Though no longer essential, strategic heat lamp use still offers benefits:
– Warming up after a shower
– Drying hair and bathing suits
– Aiding sore muscles and circulation
– Providing extra warmth in cold climates
Safety Improvements
Thanks to safer design and technology, today’s heat lamps pose less risks. Modern infrared lamps use lower wattage bulbs with safer enclosed mounts. Newer LED heat lamps use just 10% of the energy of old incandescent bulbs. Timers and sensors help prevent accidental overuse.
Targeted Warmth
Unlike central heating, heat lamps provide directed warmth perfect for warming you up after a bath or shower without overheating the entire room. Their directional heat is an energy efficient way to provide cozy radiant warmth right where you need it.
Health Benefits
When used properly, heat lamps still offer therapeutic effects:
– Improving blood flow
– Soothing muscle pain
– Easing respiratory symptoms
– Aiding joint stiffness
| Modern Use | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Decoration | Vintage aesthetic appeal |
| Strategic heating | Local warmth where needed |
| Health & wellness | Circulation, pain relief, breathing |
Conclusion
While heat lamps were once bathroom necessities, their role has evolved over time. No longer critical for temperature control, old-fashioned heat lamps remain decorative and functional accessories appreciated for their cozy radiant heat and therapeutic benefits when used properly. With improved technology and smarter operation, today’s heat lamps are more efficient and safer than their predecessors. In bathrooms seeking a retro touch or targeted warmth, these classic fixtures continue shining on.