Do You Know What It Was Really For?
March 9, 2025
Source: Reddit
Once upon a time, smoking was not just accepted—it was encouraged. It was a symbol of sophistication, a social activity, and, for many, an everyday habit. From restaurants to offices, smoking was simply part of life. And yes, that even extended to restrooms. Enter the restroom ashtray: a forgotten artifact of a bygone era where restroom ashtrays were commonplace.
Smoking and Business in One Sitting
Decades ago, it wasn’t uncommon to find ashtrays mounted inside restroom stalls, especially in office buildings, restaurants, and airports. These restroom ashtrays served a simple idea—why interrupt a cigarette break just because nature called? People could take care of business in more ways than one. They puffed away in the privacy of a stall before heading back to their desk or flight.
For many, people simply expected these small, often metal or ceramic fixtures in public restrooms. Builders installed some into the wall, attached others to stall doors, and designed a few as flip-down trays. They served a practical purpose in a world where smoking bans were unheard of. The sight of a cigarette was as normal as a cup of coffee. Restroom ashtrays were a part of this culture.
The End of an Era
As health awareness grew and anti-smoking campaigns took hold, regulations began to shift. Public smoking bans started appearing in the late 20th century. By the early 2000s, most indoor spaces were entirely smoke-free. With this shift, restroom ashtrays became obsolete. Many were removed, while others remained as forgotten relics. They collected dust and confusion from younger generations who had no idea what they were for.
Today, if you stumble upon one in an old restroom, it’s like finding a time capsule. It is a reminder of an era when smoking was an everyday luxury rather than a frowned-upon habit. Finding restroom ashtrays now can be surprising and nostalgic.
A Quirky Piece of Nostalgia
While restroom ashtrays may seem strange by today’s standards, they are a fascinating glimpse into the past. They tell a story of cultural norms that have changed drastically over the years. Though they are no longer in use, spotting one can bring a smile to those who remember the “good old days“—when smoking and business truly went hand in hand, even in restrooms.