12 Vintage TV Show Sets That Wouldn’t Be Built Today
These old-school TV show sets were once the stars of the screen, but today, they would never make it past the design stage.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
These TV sets had character — sometimes a little too much. They were bold, quirky, and totally of their time. Now, they feel way too clunky, cheesy, or outdated for modern shows. Let’s rewind and peek at 12 sets that belonged to a very different era of television.
1. Retro Talk-Show Desk
cottonbro studio on Pexels
This classic late-night setup had it all — massive studio lights, velvet curtains, and wood-paneled desks that screamed drama. It was loud, flashy, and designed to impress viewers at home. Today’s talk shows go for clean, minimal looks that feel more like casual podcasts than theatrical stage plays.
2. Cozy Black-&-White Living Room
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
This small, black-and-white living room was a go-to sitcom backdrop in the ‘60s. Tight corners, patterned wallpaper, and dainty furniture made it feel warm, but also really cramped. Today’s sets need room to breathe, and everything has to pop in high-def color.
3. Atomic-Age Console TV
Artistosteles on Wikimedia Commons
This TV looked more like a spaceship than a screen, and that was exactly the point. It had knobs, legs, antennas, and a heavy wooden frame that dominated the entire room. Now we hang TVs on walls and barely notice them — unless they’re buffering.
4. Sofa-Centered Single Screen Nook
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia Commons
One chair, one small TV, and total focus — that was how people watched their favorite shows back then. No soundbar, no gaming console, no second screen in sight. These days, that kind of setup feels more like a time machine than a viewing space.
5. Small Stand-Alone Unit
Matheus Cardoso on Pexels
These tabletop TVs sat proudly on tiny stands, usually near a window or bookshelf. They were compact but couldn’t compete with today’s massive screens or surround sound. Back then, small was cozy — now it just feels like squinting.
6. Early Color Consoles
ProtoKiwi on Wikimedia Commons
When color TVs first arrived, people were amazed, even if the colors were a little off. The wooden cabinets tried to blend in with the living room furniture, but they always ended up being the loudest thing in the room. Now, everything’s sleek, slim, and built to disappear into the wall.
7. Mismatched Console Cabinets
DogsRNice on Wikimedia Commons
These TVs doubled as furniture, complete with drawers, shelves, and occasionally a built-in radio. They were bulky, mismatched, and heavy enough to break your back. No one’s designing 3-in-1 media monsters like this anymore — unless it’s for a vintage prop.
8. Scene-Centered TV Prop
Alena Darmel on Pexels
TVs used to play a starring role in TV shows — yes, really. Characters would huddle around them, talk to them, or dramatically turn them off during a tense scene. Today, the tech blends into the background, and no one’s gasping over a static screen anymore.
9. Isolated TV Close-Ups
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Back then, directors loved zooming in on the TV itself — static, flickers, grainy faces and all. It added suspense and style, even when the broadcast was fuzzy. Now we skip right to crystal-clear footage or just stream it on a phone.
10. Manual Knob Controls
Kayla Linero on Pexels
Before remotes ruled the world, people had to physically get up and twist a knob — yes, every single time. It took effort, patience, and sometimes a little whack to make the picture work. Fun for the memories, not so fun in real life.
11. The Family-Gathering Console
Beyza Kaplan on Wikimedia Commons
The TV used to be the main event, pulling the whole family into one room at the same time. You’d eat dinner in front of it, argue over channels, and watch together on one giant screen. These days, everyone’s got their own screen and their own show.
12. Living-Room Centerpiece
Gustavo Fring on Pexels
TVs used to be front and center, like they were part of the décor. People even decorated around them, like putting plants or framed photos on top. Today’s TVs are more about disappearing than showing off — unless you’re watching the Super Bowl.