Vintage Advertisements: Kohler

The first bathroom fixture sold by Kohler was the "enameled cast iron hog scalder/water trough". The product Kohler sold is more commonly known to those of us living in the 21st century as a bathtub. Later, in 1911, Kohler introduced the first built in bathtub.

Below are vintage Kohler advertisements throughout the years.

The first ad, from 1923, discusses the increase in bathrooms per household while promoting Kohler Ware quality enamel and design.


This advertisement from 1924 positions Kohler Enameled Plumbing Ware as attractive, affordable and durable.


The third ad jumps to the 1960's and promotes the "dreamy" Peachblow Dynametric bathtub.


View modern and vintage style Kohler products.

Vintage Advertisements

Advertisements of the past tended to be full of words, instructions, and photos. Over the decades, marketers have performed many tests and much research to appeal to their targeted consumers. As a result, ads are less busy and more visually appealing.

Below are vintage advertisements for various bathroom products. The first ad was released in 1930 for the Si-Wel-Clo quiet toilet. Promoting an innovative, comfortable design, the Si-Wel-Clo was the most quiet toilet of the time.

The 1943 Scot Toilet Tissue advertisement below goes into great detail about an alternate use of the Scot toilet paper. The ad assures consumers that tests have proven Scot toilet tissue to effectively prevents the transference of disease when used as a disposable mask.


This vintage Jonny Mop advertisement from 1954 confidently promises to actually pay consumers to try their product. It also introduces a "modern" way to clean toilets.

Vintage Advertisements: American Standard

Currently, American Standard is a popular bathroom fixture manufacturer which is the result of American Standard Americas, Crane Plumbing, and Elijier merging together. Though this merge occurred as recently as last year, American Standard has roots dating back to 1875 when the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company was founded. The company was so successful that in 1929, they were the largest producer of bathroom fixtures. The "American Standard" name was created when the Standard Sanitary Corporation merged with the American Radiator Company.

The following are vintage advertisements for American Standard products. The first was printed in 1959 and discussed the new American Standard bathtub with a contour shape that made bathing more relaxing.

A close-up of a pink, 1959 American Standard vanity sink.


The Fiesta sink advertisement from 1968, tells consumers that the "sporty Fiesta makes other kitchen sinks look like they're standing still".


From the same campaign, the 1968 advertisement features a self ventilating toilet that can be installed in one hour for $150.


View our American Standard bathroom products.

Sources: American Standard
Retro Renovation
Ad Classix