Lustron Love: Inside a Rare All-Metal Home
Listeners have been mildly obsessed with Lustron homes for several seasons now. We've received questions, comments, and plenty of requests to feature them on the show.
These rare, all-metal houses were born out of the post–World War II housing shortage as a bold experiment in mass-produced, low-maintenance living. Designed to be shipped and assembled on site, Lustron homes feature porcelain-enameled steel panels, inside and out, including walls, ceilings, and even built-in cabinetry.
In Episode #166 of True Tales From Old Houses, we had the pleasure of chatting with Laura, a proud Lustron homeowner in Ohio. Her house is a beautifully preserved example of what made Lustron homes both revolutionary and a little quirky. From metal walls that don't need painting to clever built-ins and space-saving design, this episode explores what it's really like to live in a historic prefab house made of steel.
Laura generously shared photos of the inside of her Lustron home, and we're excited to showcase them below. Whether you're a fan of mid-century modern design, historic prefab housing, or just love discovering the lesser-known corners of American architecture, this episode is for you.
Realtor Photos
Decor | Note the Use of Magnets!
Laura's thoughtful use of bright, cheerful colors throughout her Lustron home keeps the metal interior feeling warm and inviting, never stark or cold.
In-Ceiling Heating Unit
The furnace in a Lustron home was meant to warm the metal and radiate heat throughout. Unfortunately, since heat rises, it was never as effective as promised.
