9 ’70s Home Essentials We Don’t See Anymore
Before minimalism came in with its clean lines and neutral palettes, homes in the 1970s were all about character. They featured bold colors, tactile textures, and design choices that leaned more cozy than curated.
Here are some golden-era items that were essential during those days, but you rarely see them today.
Avocado Green Appliances
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Once considered fashionable, avocado green dominated American kitchens. Refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers proudly wore the earthy color often paired with wood-grain cabinets and harvest tones. These appliances reflected a push toward natural colors. But by the ’80s, sleek white and stainless steel took over, and avocado got left on the vine.
Shag Carpeting
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This long-fibered carpeting brought warmth to homes, both literally and visually. The plush flooring was often available in bold colors and felt like a cozy sweater for your feet. But shag carpeting was only good for soundproofing. The real struggle came when you tried vacuuming it. It looked stylish for a while but proved too high-maintenance for most households.
Plastic Beaded Curtains
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Why use a door when you can swoosh your way through a curtain of beads? These dangling dividers turned any room into an instant mood. These featured bright colors, translucent plastic, and the soft click-clack sound when you passed through.
Vinyl Tablecloths
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Dinner in the ’70s often came with a side of daisy-printed vinyl. These tablecloths were waterproof, easy to wipe, and tough as nails, even if they weren’t the most elegant. They were replaced by more refined linens or bare wood tables.
Harvest Gold Fixtures
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If avocado green was the king of colors, harvest gold was the queen. This golden-yellow hue appeared on everything from kitchen appliances to bathroom tiles. While the color was warm and welcoming, it lasted until design trends cooled off and turned toward grayscale.
Wood Paneling Walls
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Basements, dens, and rec rooms across the country used to be wrapped in faux-wood paneling. They were often made from plywood or veneer and aimed to mimic natural wood but usually looked flat and artificial.
Manual Typewriters
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Before backspace keys, there was the satisfying clack of a typewriter. You had to hit those keys with purpose. And if there was a mistake, it meant starting over or reaching for white-out. Still, there was something catchy about watching your words appear on real paper.
Water Beds
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These vinyl mattresses filled with water promised comfort like no other. Water beds surged in popularity through the ’70s thanks to their fluid motion and built-in heaters. However, their bulky frames, risk of leaks, and complicated setup eventually nudged them out of the mainstream.
Brown Leather Recliners
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Oversized, overstuffed, and undeniably comfy, brown leather recliners were the throne of choice for TV watchers everywhere. They hugged the wall, leaned way back, and made naps feel almost inevitable. Brands like La-Z-Boy popularized them.
Crocheted Blankets
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Crocheted blankets, often made by hand, were proudly displayed on sofas or beds. These colorful, handmade blankets added a homemade touch to every room and doubled as winter armor during TV marathons.
Linoleum Flooring
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Linoleum was appreciated for its durability and water resistance, especially in kitchens or bathrooms. Another standout feature was the vibrant patterns, ranging from faux marble to wild florals. It made a statement underfoot.
Record Player Consoles
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Record player consoles were full-blown furniture pieces. They were placed in polished wood cabinets and often included built-in radios, speakers, and secret compartments for your growing vinyl stash.
Rotary Dial Telephones
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You needed real finger strength and patience to make a call on one of these. Each number involved a satisfying whirl of the dial, and misdialing meant starting from scratch. But hey, they came in fun colors and were nearly indestructible.
Fondue Sets
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Fondue made meals interactive. Dipping cubes of bread or fruit into communal pots of cheese or chocolate was part dining and part activity. These sets often included color-coded forks and fuel burners.
Bean Bag Chairs
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Bean bags were soft, squishy, and always just a little too low to the ground. They were the laid-back seating of choice. Kids loved them, even though getting out of them required its own workout.