15 Household Items from the ’70s That Have Disappeared Since

The 1970s were a time of funky fashion, groovy music, and unique household items that more modern and technologically advanced options have since replaced. It’s interesting to look back at some household items that were once popular but have faded into obscurity. Here are 15 items every home had in the 70s. 

Avocado Green Appliances

In the 1970s, kitchen appliances often sported “avocado green,” a popular hue for refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. This earthy color was a hallmark of the era’s design aesthetics. These appliances are rare today, as modern kitchens favor stainless steel and more neutral tones.

Rotary Phones

With their distinctive dialing mechanism Rotary phones were standard in every household. These phones required users to turn a dial for each number. The introduction of push-button telephones in the 1980s and the eventual rise of mobile phones rendered rotary phones obsolete.

Shag Carpeting

Most houses don’t have wall-to-wall carpeting. But back in the day shag carpeting was a trendy flooring choice in the 1970s. It came in vibrant colors and added a touch of luxury to bedrooms. Replaced by hardwood floors and low-pile carpets, the style has since fallen out of favor.

Console Stereos

Kids today will never know what it was like to play music through large console stereos. This device combined a record player, radio, and speakers in a wooden cabinet. They served as the centerpiece for music and entertainment. With the advent of compact audio systems and digital music, these bulky units have disappeared.

Wood Paneling

The walls of many 1970s homes were covered in wood paneling, giving rooms a warm, rustic feel. This type of wall covering has been replaced mainly by drywall and paint as modern tastes lean towards lighter and more open interior designs.

Waterbeds

If you had a waterbed you were considered one of the coolest families. These beds were filled with water and covered with a vinyl mattress and were a popular bedroom novelty. They promised a unique sleeping experience and were often marketed as luxurious. Due to leaks, weight, and practicality issues, they have largely vanished from modern bedrooms.

Orange Formica Countertops

Kitchens in the 1970s often featured orange Formica countertops, adding a bold splash of color to the heart of the home. These vibrant surfaces have since been replaced by more durable and aesthetically versatile materials like granite, quartz, and marble.

Macramé Decor

The art of knotting cords to create decorative items was widely popular in the 1970s. From plant hangers to wall hangings, these handmade pieces were everywhere. While macramé has seen a slight resurgence, it no longer holds the same ubiquitous presence in modern homes.

8-Track Tape Players

A common way to listen to music in the 1970s was through 8-track tape players. These bulky cartridges provided continuous play but were eventually outpaced by cassette tapes and, later, CDs. Modern digital media has replaced the 8-track format because it’s not as convenient for users today.

Harvest Gold Appliances

Alongside avocado green, harvest gold was another popular appliance color. Kitchens often featured gold-toned refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Contemporary kitchens favor more timeless and neutral colors like white, black, and stainless steel.

TV Antennas

People who had a television set in the 1970s would have Indoor TV antennas, or “rabbit ears” sitting on top of them. They were necessary for receiving broadcast signals before cable and satellite TV. Today, with digital and streaming services, these antennas are mostly obsolete.

CB Radios

Kids or hobbyists used Citizen Band (CB) radios as they were popular communication devices in the 1970s. The radios allowed for short-distance communication. With the introduction of mobile phones and other modern communication tools, CB radios have disappeared from homes.

Floral Print Upholstery

Back in the 1970s, floral print adorned sofas, chairs, and curtains. These bold, colorful patterns have since been replaced by more subdued and versatile designs, reflecting changes in home decor trends towards minimalism and neutral tones.

Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorders

For audiophiles and musicians, reel-to-reel tape recorders were high-fidelity audio recording devices. The bulky machines have been replaced by more compact and convenient digital recording technologies.

Lava Lamps

One of the most sought-after decor items for every ’70s home was lava lamps. These lamps had mesmerizing, floating blobs of wax and added a psychedelic touch to any space. While still available, lava lamps are no longer a common household item and are seen more as retro novelties.