Due to the steam from the laundry room, the stove room was not a pleasant or healthy place to live, but poor townspeople often could not afford anything better. Stove rooms were common in the 19th century and even in the early 20th century, especially as working-class housing. People lived in stove rooms if they couldn't afford a larger space or if other parts of the house were rented out to other families. They served as the kitchen, living room, and bedroom for the entire family.