Back in the 1970s, homes looked a lot different than they do today. Technology and household trends have massively changed since then, which means things that used to be popular no longer are.
Here are 19 things that every ‘70s mom used to make sure she had in her home.
Avocado Green Appliances
To start with, no ’70s home was complete without avocado green appliances in the kitchen. It was considered modern at the time, bringing a splash of earthy color to the heart of the home. Today, stainless steel and neutral tones have taken over, and avocado green appliances are now seen as relics of the past.
Shag Carpeting
At one point, shag carpeting was the ultimate in home décor luxury. It covered living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms in a variety of colors. The long, plush fibers were soft underfoot, but they were also a nightmare to keep clean. Eventually, people realized that hardwood floors and low-pile carpets were much easier to maintain.
Wood Paneling
Without a doubt, wood paneling was a signature feature of ’70s home interiors. It created a cozy, cabin-like feel that was considered stylish at the time.
However, over the years, wood paneling fell out of favor, and homeowners started painting over it or ripping it out entirely.
Harvest Gold Kitchenware
Looking back, the color palette of the ’70s wasn’t exactly subtle, and harvest gold was another kitchen staple. Just like avocado green, harvest gold appeared on everything such as toasters, blenders, and even dinnerware. This warm, mustard-like hue was everywhere, adding to the earthy vibe of the decade.
Rotary Phones
At the time, rotary phones were a must-have in every household. These clunky, dial-based phones required patience and precision to use, as each number had to be dialed manually with a spinning wheel. They were often mounted on the kitchen wall or sat on a table in the living room, usually accompanied by a phone book.
TV Antennas (Rabbit Ears)
Before the days of cable and streaming services, TV antennas, often called rabbit ears, were essential for getting a decent picture. Families would spend countless hours adjusting them, trying to find the perfect position to reduce static and get a clearer signal.
These antennas were a common sight on top of TVs, with aluminum foil sometimes added to improve reception.
Patterned Linoleum Flooring
In the ’70s, patterned linoleum flooring was everywhere. Kitchens, bathrooms, and even hallways were covered in bold geometric or floral designs, often in shades of brown, orange, and gold. It was a practical choice, easy to clean, and relatively affordable.
However, as tastes moved towards more natural materials like tile and hardwood, linoleum flooring lost its appeal.
Macramé Wall Hangings
When it comes to home décor, macramé wall hangings were all the rage in the ’70s. These intricate, hand-knotted pieces adorned walls in living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens. They added a bohemian, artsy touch that fit right in with the decade’s free-spirited vibe.
Console Stereos
Music lovers in the ’70s likely had a massive console stereo in their living room. Families would gather around to listen to their favorite albums or radio stations, making the console stereo a centerpiece of the home. Nowadays, compact wireless speakers and streaming services have replaced these behemoths, making them a thing of the past.
Beaded Door Curtains
For a touch of personality, many homes in the ’70s featured beaded door curtains. These colorful, clattering strands hung in doorways, adding a fun and slightly exotic flair to bedrooms and living rooms.
While they were fun and trendy at the time, they eventually fell out of favor as people opted for more practical and modern design solutions.
Fondue Sets
Back then, hosting a fondue party was considered the height of sophistication. Fondue sets, complete with little skewers and a pot for melting cheese or chocolate, were a must-have for entertaining guests. It was a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal, and it quickly became a trend in the ’70s.
Lava Lamps
A groovy addition to any ’70s bedroom or living room, lava lamps were mesmerizing to watch. Their colorful, swirling blobs of liquid created a calming, almost hypnotic effect. Nearly every teenager wanted one, and they were a common sight in bedrooms across the country.
Over time, however, tastes changed, and lava lamps became more of a novelty item than a serious piece of home décor.
Tupperware Parties
If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably remember your mom attending or hosting a Tupperware party. These gatherings were a social event where women would get together to chat, snack, and buy plastic storage containers that promised to revolutionize their kitchens.
Sunken Living Rooms
For a while, sunken living rooms were the height of modern home design. Also known as conversation pits, these stylish spaces featured a step-down seating area that created a cozy, intimate feel.
They were a popular feature in many homes of the decade, often filled with shag carpeting and oversized furniture.
CorningWare Casserole Dishes
It’s hard to think of a ’70s kitchen without picturing CorningWare casserole dishes. These durable, heat-resistant glass dishes were used for everything from baking to serving meals right at the dinner table. They often featured floral or geometric patterns and were a common sight at family gatherings.
Telephone Tables
Before smartphones and cordless phones, every home had a designated spot for their corded landline. The telephone table, often complete with a small shelf for the phone book and a chair for convenience, was a household staple. It was the place where important calls were made and received, and where kids spent hours chatting with friends.
Popcorn Ceilings
A common feature in homes built in the ’70s was the infamous popcorn ceiling. This textured ceiling finish was used to hide imperfections and add a bit of soundproofing to rooms. It was a quick and easy solution for builders at the time, but it didn’t age well.
The rough texture trapped dust, was difficult to clean, and, over time, became a sign of an outdated home.
Ruffled Bed Skirts
Bedrooms in the ’70s often featured elaborate ruffled bed skirts that added a touch of elegance and softness to the decor. They were a staple in nearly every master bedroom and guest room, coordinating with matching comforters and curtains. Today, fresh, modern bed designs have replaced the layered, decorative look of the past.
Encyclopedias
Long before the internet, encyclopedias were a household necessity for families with school-age children. A full set of encyclopedias took up an entire shelf and was the go-to resource for homework and general knowledge.
Parents would often invest in a set from door-to-door salespeople, believing it to be an essential tool for their kids’ education.