The 1970s featured a ton of quirky decor, technology, and trends that all moms used, but sadly, we’ve seen a ton of them disappear from our lives. There are countless memorable examples, but do you remember these 17 household items all moms used in the 1970s that are now gone?
Push-button telephones
Push-button telephones were the way to communicate in the ‘70s, and every mom owned one. Phones were plugged into the wall, numbers were dialed using buttons on the front of the phone, and the caller spoke into and listened from the handset. These days, even a digital landline phone is a rare thing.
Harvest gold and avocado green appliances
Harvest gold is a shade of orange and yellow, and avocado green is the light green shade of avocado flesh. Both of these two colors were trendy for kitchen appliances like refrigerators and stoves during the 1970s, and our moms loved them, but sadly, these shades are now seen as very dated.
Tupperware containers
Tupperware was everywhere in the ‘70s; every home had a set of the brightly colored plastic storage containers. The Tupperware brand was even sold at Tupperware parties in people’s homes, which were a social shopping experience and a popular way for housewives to make a little extra cash, as CBS News remembers.
Mechanical typewriters
The manual typewriters of the 1970s were a stark contrast to today’s keyboards on laptops and PCs. Typing with these required quite a bit of physical effort, and the tapping noises from the keys were loud! Our ‘70s homes usually featured one, but sadly, they became obsolete soon after, replaced by computers.
Console televisions
Bulky console televisions were popular in households during the 1970s. They were built inside factory-built, non-removable wooden cabinets and speakers, which formed an integral part of the television’s design. These large televisions were both a piece of furniture and a home entertainment system, but they’re long gone.
Fondue sets
Most homes had a Fondue set in the ‘70s, as they were popular amongst mothers for entertaining guests by offering a fun and social way to enjoy melted cheese or chocolate. Fondue sets have since become less common over the years, with occasional resurgences in popularity for nostalgic reasons.
Macrame plant hangers
The Spruce Crafts describes macrame as a “method of crafting a textile that uses several knots to form the shape and function of the piece”. It was a popular craft in the ‘70s and was often used for making decorative plant hangers, which many mothers incorporated into their decor. Not anymore, though.
Metal ice cube trays
The metal trays that moms used in the ‘70s were pretty cool; they even had a lever to release the ice cubes easily, a feature modern plastic and silicone trays lack. However, built-in ice makers in modern refrigerators and the convenience of silicone ice trays have unfortunately rendered metal trays obsolete.
8-Track tape players
8-track tape players were a popular format for listening to music during the 70s. They were most commonly used in cars and homes during this period, but they were phased out in the ‘80s. Cassette tapes replaced the 8-track players, then CDs, and now we just use our smartphones, which is kinda sad.
Pressure cookers
According to Britannica, pressure cookers were commonly used in the 1970s, as they reduced cooking time without diminishing vitamin and mineral content. Every mom loved hers, but they rapidly became less popular after a shift towards more advanced and safer cooking appliances like modern electric pressure cookers and multi-cookers.
Instant cameras
Instant cameras were hugely popular in the ‘70s for quickly capturing and printing photos, and most moms owned one to take snaps of their families. Sadly, digital cameras and smartphones with instant photo capabilities have largely replaced the need for instant film cameras, although they’re still popular amongst Gen-Z for their ‘vintage aesthetic’.
Station wagons
Station wagons were the preferred family vehicle during the 1970s, as they were functional, huge, heavy cars with lots of space for the whole family. Eventually, changes in automotive design led to the popularity of SUVs and minivans, making station wagons rare these days.
Decorative wall plates
Decorative wall plates, which displayed artistic or souvenir plates, were a popular home decor choice amongst ‘70s moms and were hung in households all over. Modern home decor trends have moved towards more minimalist and functional decorations, and whilst these are certainly more timeless, we still miss our moms’ decorative wall plates!
Slide projectors
Slide projectors were commonly used to show photographic slides in a home setting. Families and friends would gather to look at slide shows of holiday photographs and family pictures, but nowadays, digital displays and projectors have taken over, offering more versatility and ease of use.
Food processors
Food processors were introduced in the 1970s, and they quickly became popular among moms. The New York Times calls them the darling of the ‘70s, as they were pretty revolutionary, saving so much time with chopping and blending. However, more modern appliances have incorporated multiple functions, reducing the need for standalone food processors.
Smoking accessories
Smoking was huge in the 1970s; every second person smoked, even our moms, and did it wherever they wanted. Therefore, items like ashtrays and cigarette holders were common in homes during the 70s, but thankfully, growing health awareness and smoking restrictions have led to a decline in cigarette smoking and, thus, accessories.
Teasmades
Last but not least, teasmades were popular in the ‘70s for their convenience in brewing tea automatically, usually by the bedside so it would be ready when you woke up. All moms owned one at the time, but while they’re still available, they’ve declined in popularity greatly due to the rise of more advanced tea brewing machines.
Up Next: 17 Phrases Older People Use That No One Else Gets
Each and every generation has its own phrases and sayings that separate it from the rest, and the boomers certainly have plenty. Discover 17 popular boomer phrases that aren’t often used today and what they mean. Maybe you’ll want to bring some of them back!
17 Phrases Older People Use That No One Else Gets
People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits
The world would be a better place if everyone had a little more empathy. But sadly, in reality, some people show much less empathy than we’d like. Here are 18 traits of people who don’t show empathy.
People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits
The 17 Unhappiest States in America
The US has hit an all-time low position in the World Happiness Index, tumbling to 23rd in 2024. However, it’s important to remember that location is an important factor; many US states are very happy, unlike the following 17 US states that appear to be the most unhappy.