Those little doors you often find in old houses, quaint and mysterious, are not mere architectural whims. They were designed for a variety of practical purposes that modern construction has mostly left behind. Many of these small doors led to coal chutes or were used to deliver ice blocks before the advent of modern refrigeration. Others provided access to crawl spaces or allowed for storage in otherwise awkward spaces under stairs or in eaves. Some even concealed dumbwaiters that transported meals to different floors.
Over time,
these doors have become charming historical features, offering a glimpse into the domestic life of earlier times. They remind us of the ingenuity employed to maximize efficiency in home design, long before the technological conveniences of today.