Where to find retro metal toothbrush holders? I have two sources for Hall-Mack designs that were everywhere
Kimberly wrote this week to ask:
We recently bought a 1950 house and having a blast renovating it. Saving the kitchen for last because that is a huge undertaking. In the meantime we are looking for a source for metal wall mounted tooth brush holders for a bathroom. Any ideas?
Yes, here’s where to find these:
- Reproduction Hall-Mack metal toothbrush holders from Lasco
- Or, go straight to ebay, where there always seems to be NOS available — in lots more styles: Vintage New Old Stock Hall-Mack metal toothbrush holders on Ebay (Note, I earn a wee commission if ya click and buy from this link)
But then — you need toothbrushes that fit!
As reader Mary Elizabeth (and other readers) have pointed out:
Just a heads up for those who buy a NOS 1950s-1980s toothbrush holder–most modern toothbrushes don’t fit them. The more ergonomic toothbrushes have a fat handle that won’t go into the smaller holes. I ran into this in my 1980s camp trailer and my 1959 ranch house. You can, however, find old fashioned thin-handled toothbrushes that will fit. It just takes a bit of searching. I found some in the dollar store and also these on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2E9oT4l
And:
Carmen G. says
We have Hallmack toothbrush holders in our 1954 house but two of them are missing the plastic insert (bottom tray). Any ideas where to buy replacements?
Donna says
Has anyone tried drilling the holes bigger in a ceramic holder?
Pam Kueber says
Please be sure to Renovate Safe https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
Amy Thompson says
In a related quest, I have several vintage porcelain fixtures for toothbrushes and soap dishes etc that did not come with the metal clips needed to attach them to the wall. Does anyone have a source to buy replacements?
Laura Ainsworth says
Thanks so much for this. I have an original ceramic toothbrush holder and have wanted to use it to hold TOOTHBRUSHES. It’s not just that today’s toothbrushes are too big to fit — they’e so ugly! Who decided they were going to look so garish, like children’s athletic shoes?
Mary Elizabeth says
I agree! Look for the old fashioned ones in multiple colors to perk up your bathroom!
Jay says
Sometimes the original straight handled “Reach” toothbrush is available in discount sores and often grocery stores have their own private label slim handled brushes. I just check to see where they are made – USA or China.
Joe Felice says
When you have holders, you must keep them clean. I remember how yucky those were back in the day. I think that’s why they don’t put them in houses today. Well, that and the fact that modern toothbrushes don’t fit. I use mine to hold tweezers and scissors.
Dcgrl says
We have our original toothbrush holder (1957). The one thing I would say is that they make toothbrushes bigger now and we have a hard time finding ones that will fit through the holes. 🙁
Pam Kueber says
Yes — hence, see the link at the bottom of the story to slim toothbrushes!
Mary Elizabeth says
Just a heads up for those who buy a NOS 1950s-1980s toothbrush holder–most modern toothbrushes don’t fit them. The more ergonomic toothbrushes have a fat handle that won’t go into the smaller holes. I ran into this in my 1980s camp trailer and my 1959 ranch house. You can, however, find old fashioned thin-handled toothbrushes that will fit. It just takes a bit of searching. I found some in the dollar store and also these on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2E9oT4l
Pam Kueber says
Yes, I showed toothbrushes in my story too!
Elizabeth from Texas says
My 1965 house has original white ceramic toothbrush holders (which I don’t use for toothbrushes). I have often wondered if the Retro Reno community had ideas for decorating them? Like somehow a flower sticking out of each hole? But I don’t know how to secure it. Maybe I should just buy the gaily colored toothbrushes and let them be a color coordinating decoration!
Allison says
I think this is the best idea; as a bonus, you’ll have 4 brand-new toothbrushes available in case of unexpected overnight guests.