The typical American home looks much different today than it did decades ago. Improved technology and shifting tastes have refined the layout, style, and storage methods in residences across the country.
24/7 Tempo reviewed decades’ worth of old photos of American home interiors from the Library of Congress and Getty Images to determine 40 things your parents had at home that you most likely never see today. (Here, for instance, are 25 modern inventions we really don’t use anymore.)
Certain items on this list have been phased out simply because they’ve fallen out of favor. Rarely if ever do younger homeowners opt for linoleum floors or for plastic covers on their couches. Likewise, certain wallpaper pattern and color choices have not been en vogue for many decades.
Many of the things on this list are simply obsolete. These items may have been upgraded significantly to the point that its replacement is no longer recognizable. Very few homes have a hand fixer, for instance, when an automated stand mixer is an option. And many items on this list have been rendered unnecessary by smartphones. (These are the hottest phones of all time.)
Click here to see 40 things your parents had at home that you never see today
Though they are no longer common, these appliances, styles, and household goods will likely bring memories flooding back for many readers who’ll recognize these items from their childhoods.
Source: AlexLMX / iStock via Getty Images
1. Popcorn popper
[in-text-ad]
2. Shag carpet
Source: Jupiterimages / Pixland via Getty Images
3. Plastic couch wrap
Source: allanswart / iStock via Getty Images
4. Answering machine
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: vladans / iStock via Getty Images
5. Hand mixer
Source: KLH49 / Getty Images
6. VCR
[in-text-ad]
Source: jittawit.21 / iStock via Getty Images
7. Printer
Source: kevinruss / iStock via Getty Images
8. Linoleum floors
Source: BrianAJackson / Getty Images
9. Calendar
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: JazzIRT / iStock via Getty Images
10. China cabinet
Source: eugenesergeev / iStock via Getty Images
11. Grandfather clock
[in-text-ad]
Source: mediaphotos / iStock via Getty Images
12. Candy Dish
13. Record player
14. Boombox
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: LeonidKos / iStock via Getty Images
15. Sewing machine
Source: ptaxa / iStock via Getty Images
16. Fondue set
[in-text-ad]
Source: Thurtell / iStock via Getty Images
17. Croquet set
Source: jhorrocks / E+ via Getty Images
18. Phone book
Source: Olga Ihnatsyeva / iStock via Getty Images
19. Photo album
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: anela / iStock via Getty Images
20. Water bed
Source: theprint / iStock via Getty Images
21. Jewelry box
[in-text-ad]
Source: kmsiever / Flickr
22. Cookie jar
24/7 Wall St.
Source: matyunag / iStock via Getty Images
23. Bread basket
Source: TraceyAPhotos / iStock via Getty Images
24. Jell-O mold
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: buzzanimation / E+ via Getty Images
25. Glass milk bottle
Source: luoman / E+ via Getty Images
26. Fax machine
[in-text-ad]
27. Flower wallpaper
28. Shaded lamp
Source: JohnGollop / iStock via Getty Images
29. Porcelain dolls
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: north-carolina-state-archives / Flickr
30. Hand-cranked ice cream maker
Source: kcslagle / iStock via Getty Images
31. Tea kettle
[in-text-ad]
Source: Mumemories / iStock via Getty Images
32. Ash tray
24/7 Wall St.
Source: pmphoto / iStock via Getty Images
33. Chafing dish
34. Canopy bed
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Hiraman / Getty Images
35. Needlepoint
36. Rotary phone
[in-text-ad]
Source: Helin Loik-Tomson / iStock / Getty Images Plus
37. Potpourri
38. Bаrcаloungеr
Source: xefstock / iStock via Getty Images
39. Hat rack
[in-text-ad-2]
40. Alarm clock
Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
