Homes in 1975 were unique in a way that’s hard to recreate today. I remember going to my grandparents’ house when I was little – everything I saw in their house seemed so normal then, but now they feel like relics of the past. Eventually, however, trends changed and what was once necessary is now obsolete. But let’s take a trip back in time and consider some 1975 household items that nobody now buys.
Featured Image Credit: EdZbarzhyvetsky /Depositphotos.com.
Avocado Green Appliances
Avocado green was the popular color of kitchens in the 1970s. Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers all came in this vivid, neon hue. It was supposed to be something new and cool. But let’s face it – it made everything look old fast. Today, people prefer sleek stainless steel or neutral colors that don’t exclaim “I’m so outdated.”
Rotary Phones
Remember those chunky rotary phones? You had to insert your finger into a little slot and twist it back and forth to dial each number. It was clunky, slow and made you wonder how on earth you could call someone with a lot of nines. Now we have smartphones that go in our pockets and do almost anything – rotary phones are now museum pieces.
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Console Stereos
These were massive furniture, usually made of polished wood, that doubled as a sound system. They contained a record player, radio and sometimes even space for vinyl records. People sat around them for songs or radio broadcasts. We now have small Bluetooth speakers that are better and don’t fill half the living room.
TV Antennas (Rabbit Ears)
Before cable or streaming, you would need to pivot these weird metal rods on top of your TV in order to see clearly. You’d sometimes wrap them in aluminum foil for better reception. And if the signal was bad, someone would have to stand there holding them! Since then, the streaming services and flat screen TVs replaced rabbit ears.
Fondue Sets
Throwing a 70s party? You had to have a fondue set. Everybody would gather around a hot pot of cheese or chocolate, dipping bread or fruit with prong-shaped forks. It was clumsy, laborious and frankly – bit overrated. These days people choose more casual party food — chips & dips or charcuterie boards.
Ashtrays
Smoking in the house wasn’t just normal – it was expected. Ashtrays were in every household, often in fancy styles to match the décor. They were on coffee tables, bedsides and, occasionally, in cars. Ashtrays are fast becoming a thing of the past as smokers are dropping in numbers and people want to live in smoke-free environments.
Encyclopedia Sets
Before the internet, if you wanted to find something, you went to your encyclopedia. These were huge, expensive and occupied a whole shelf. Volumes were added each year in order to stay current. You can get everything in seconds via Google now – no one wants to bother with these big clunky books.
Waterbeds
Waterbeds were cool back in the 70s. They were supposed to be super comfortable, even better for your back. But they were heavy, immobile and susceptible to leaks. A little tear and your bedroom became a pool. The vast majority of people now sleep on memory foam or standard mattresses.
Electric Carving Knives
Back in the ’70s, electric carving knives were the new go-to tool for slicing turkey, roast beef or even bread. They were noisy, clunky and not that fast compared to a sharp knife. They’re still available, but most people have found that a regular knife will do the job without all the fuss (or noise).
Wood Paneling
Wood-paneled walls were all the rage, especially in living rooms and basements. They made homes “warm” and “cozy”—or so everyone thought. But frankly, it made rooms look dark and old. People now remove it to replace it with shiny paint, modern wallpaper or exposed brick for a fresher feel.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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