12 Household Items Everyone Had in the ’70s
Many household items from the 1970s were once common in homes but have since faded away.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1970s brought a wave of distinctive household items that reflected the style and technology of the decade. From bold décor choices to gadgets that felt modern at the time, these items became part of everyday life. Today, they serve as nostalgic reminders of a unique era in home living.
1. Avocado Green Appliances
Katharva on Wikimedia Commons
Avocado green was one of the most popular colors for kitchen appliances in the 1970s. Refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers in this shade were considered modern and stylish. Over time, the bold color fell out of favor as neutral tones became standard. Today, they are remembered as a true symbol of ’70s design.
2. Rotary Telephones
Markus Winkler on Pexels
Rotary phones sat in nearly every living room or kitchen during the 1970s. Their circular dial design made phone calls slower but added a sense of ritual. As touch-tone models arrived, rotary phones became less common. They are now vintage collector items and reminders of a slower pace of communication.
3. Console Stereos
Binome on Wikimedia Commons
Large wooden console stereos were often the centerpiece of living rooms. They combined radios, record players, and sometimes storage for vinyl records. Families gathered around them to listen to music, much like earlier generations did with radios. These units eventually disappeared as smaller and more efficient systems took over.
4. Shag Carpeting
Penn Hills Resort on Wikimedia Commons
Shag carpets were thick, colorful, and extremely popular in 1970s homes. They came in bold shades like orange, brown, and gold. While soft underfoot, they were difficult to clean and maintain. By the 1980s, homeowners began replacing them with more practical flooring.
5. Lava Lamps
Dean Hochman on Wikimedia Commons
The lava lamp became a decorative staple in bedrooms and living rooms. Its slow-moving, colorful wax blobs gave homes a groovy and psychedelic feel. The lamps reflected the experimental style of the time. Though they faded in popularity, they occasionally return as retro novelty items.
6. Paneling Walls
Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons
Wood-paneled walls were a defining interior design choice of the 1970s. They gave living rooms and basements a rustic, cozy atmosphere. Affordable and easy to install, paneling became a quick fix for redecorating. Over time, it came to be seen as old-fashioned and was replaced with painted walls.
7. Waterbeds
Robert Paprstein on Wikimedia Commons
The waterbed was a quirky invention that became a 1970s bedroom craze. It promised comfort and a unique sleeping experience but often leaked or broke. While trendy, it proved impractical for many households. By the 1990s, the fad had mostly disappeared.
8. Tupperware Sets
Ibrahim Plastic Industry on Wikimedia Commons
Tupperware became a must-have in kitchens during the 1970s. Families used it to store leftovers, pack lunches, and organize pantries. Hosting “Tupperware parties” also became a social event for many households. While the brand still exists, the ’70s sets remain a nostalgic memory.
9. Fondue Sets
Studio Alijn on Wikimedia Commons
Fondue pots brought families and friends together for communal meals. Cheese or chocolate fondue was especially popular at dinner parties. The activity captured the decade’s emphasis on entertaining at home. Although less common today, fondue remains a retro dining experience.
10. Harvest Gold Appliances
Mike on Wikimedia Commons
Alongside avocado green, harvest gold was another dominant kitchen color. Many homes had gold-toned ovens, fridges, and even countertop appliances. The shade captured the warm, earthy tones of the decade’s style. Like avocado, it eventually became dated and was phased out.
11. TV Dinner Trays
US National Archives bot on Wikimedia Commons
Frozen TV dinners became a major trend in the 1970s, and fold-out TV trays were common in homes. Families used them to eat meals while watching television together. The convenience of these trays fit perfectly with busy lifestyles. Today, they’re seen more as novelty than necessity.
12. Macramé Décor
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
Macramé wall hangings, plant holders, and decorations were found in countless homes. The woven designs matched the bohemian style that was popular at the time. Many homeowners displayed them in living rooms, bedrooms, and even patios. The craft has recently enjoyed a comeback, though with a modern twist.