Vintage Photos of Kitchens in the Early 20th Century

One of the first things that strikes you about kitchens from the early 20th century is how simple they were.

The kitchen was a workroom and often relatively small even in large homes. There was typically a sink with a counter or drainboard on either side, a woodburning or gas range, and table. Some cabinetry might have been built in, but not always. Shelving was often open and free-standing cupboards were common.

The second essential component of the kitchen was a pantry that was integrated more or less into the kitchen. Depending on the configuration, it may have been a butler’s pantry where dinnerware and dishes were washed and stored.

A more familiar function of the pantry was its use as a convenient store room for staples, canned goods, cleaning equipment, and cooking equipment not used on a daily basis. Occasionally, homes had both a utility pantry and a butler’s pantry.

Here is a set of amazing photos that shows what kitchens looked like in the 1900s and 1910s.