Special Report
40 Things Your Parents Had in Their House That You Never See Today
Published:
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.
1. Popcorn popper
[in-text-ad]
2. Shag carpet
24/7 Wall St.
3. Plastic couch wrap
4. Answering machine
[in-text-ad-2]
5. Hand mixer
6. VCR
[in-text-ad]
7. Printer
8. Linoleum floors
9. Calendar
[in-text-ad-2]
10. China cabinet
11. Grandfather clock
[in-text-ad]
12. Candy Dish
13. Record player
14. Boombox
[in-text-ad-2]
15. Sewing machine
16. Fondue set
[in-text-ad]
17. Croquet set
24/7 Wall St.
18. Phone book
19. Photo album
[in-text-ad-2]
20. Water bed
21. Jewelry box
[in-text-ad]
22. Cookie jar
24/7 Wall St.
23. Bread basket
24. Jell-O mold
[in-text-ad-2]
25. Glass milk bottle
26. Fax machine
[in-text-ad]
27. Flower wallpaper
28. Shaded lamp
29. Porcelain dolls
[in-text-ad-2]
30. Hand-cranked ice cream maker
31. Tea kettle
[in-text-ad]
32. Ash tray
24/7 Wall St.
33. Chafing dish
34. Canopy bed
[in-text-ad-2]
35. Needlepoint
36. Rotary phone
[in-text-ad]
37. Potpourri
38. Bаrcаloungеr
39. Hat rack
[in-text-ad-2]
40. Alarm clock
Credit card companies are handing out rewards and benefits to win the best customers. A good cash back card can be worth thousands of dollars a year in free money, not to mention other perks like travel, insurance, and access to fancy lounges. See our top picks for the best credit cards today. You won’t want to miss some of these offers.
Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.