This Weird Discovery in My Bed Had Me Googling All Night
January 4, 2025
Source: eBay
The other night, I was settling into bed when I noticed something strange in the headboard—a pair of spring-loaded dials recessed into the wood. I twisted them, half-expecting some secret compartment to open, but nothing happened. Intrigued, I did some digging about these “No Show” Electric Plugs, and what I discovered took me on a trip back in time.
It turns out this quirky little find was likely part of a vintage “No Show” electric plug system. These hidden plugs were all the rage decades ago, offering a clever way to power up your bedside devices without ruining the look of your furniture. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating relics and why they were such a hit in their heyday.
A Clever Solution to a Growing Problem
Back in the mid-20th century, homes were starting to fill up with all kinds of newfangled electrical devices—radios, lamps, alarm clocks. But there was one issue: cords. Messy, tangled cords didn’t exactly pair well with the sleek, polished furniture designs of the time, leading to the creation of innovative solutions like “No Show” electric plugs.
Enter the “No Show” electric plug. These outlets were designed to be discreet, often built directly into headboards, desks, or even kitchen cabinets. The idea was simple—keep the cords hidden and out of sight while still making power conveniently accessible.
The one I found in my headboard was a great example. It had two little dials that you could twist to plug something in securely. And while the cord was long gone (probably cut for safety reasons), you could still imagine how it might have worked.
Why Were These Plugs So Popular?
If you’ve ever marveled at the clean, streamlined look of mid-century furniture, you’ll understand why people loved these hidden plugs. Back then, furniture wasn’t just about looking good—it was about solving everyday problems. Designers worked hard to integrate function into form, and these “No Show” electric plugs were a perfect example of that philosophy.
For homeowners, they were a win-win. You could charge your gadgets or power a bedside lamp without an ugly mess of wires. Everything stayed neat, tidy, and stylish.
And it wasn’t just headboards. These plugs popped up in all sorts of places—kitchen counters, sewing tables, even office desks. Anywhere you might need an outlet, but didn’t want to see it, was fair game.
What Happened to Them?
So, why don’t we see these ingenious designs anymore? Well, for starters, they didn’t exactly age well. By today’s standards, these hidden outlets would likely fail every safety inspection imaginable. Over time, the wiring became outdated and, in many cases, unsafe.
Many homeowners simply cut the cords and left the “No Show” electric plugs in place as a quirky remnant of the past. Others removed them entirely when furniture was refinished or repurposed.
Another big factor was the rise of standardized electrical outlets. As more homes were built with ample wall outlets, the need for these built-in solutions started to fade. By the 1980s, “No Show” electric plugs were already considered relics.
A Fun Find for Vintage Lovers
Discovering one of these old plugs today is like finding a little piece of history. They tell a story of how homes—and furniture—evolved to keep up with the changing times.
If you happen to stumble upon one, you’ve got a choice to make: restore it or leave it as-is. Restoration is possible, but it’s tricky. The wiring is likely brittle and outdated, so you’d need to completely rewire it to modern standards.
For most people, though, “No Show” electric plugs are best left as they are—cool conversation pieces that add character to a piece of vintage furniture. After all, they’re part of the charm.
A Glimpse Into the Past
What I love most about these “No Show” electric plugs is how they reflect a different time. Back then, there was a real effort to blend style and practicality. Furniture wasn’t just furniture—it was part of your lifestyle, tailored to make everyday life a little easier (and a little better looking).
So, the next time you’re rummaging through an old piece of furniture and spot something odd, don’t ignore it. You might just uncover a clever innovation from the “good old days.”