17 Retro Home Decor Items That Are No Longer Sold

Home decor has always mirrored the times, from the groovy textures of the ’70s to the sparkly kitsch of the ’90s. However, some trends didn’t age well, becoming punchlines or safety hazards rather than timeless designs. This list looks back at 17 real examples of decor once proudly displayed in homes, now consigned to thrift stores, attics, or nostalgic memory.

1. Beanbag Ashtrays

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In the 1960s and ’70s, these squishy ashtrays filled with pellets sat neatly on any armrest without sliding off. The beanbag bottom made them oddly cozy, even though they were made for something as gritty as cigarette ashes. Now, they’re long gone, thanks to changing smoking habits and fire safety regulations.

2. TV Antenna Topper Balls

Image from Wikipedia

Before flat-screens took over, homes had hulking tube TVs with rabbit ears often topped with colorful foam balls for a little flair. Kids would bounce them around like toys, but they originally helped spot your antenna from a distance. Today’s streaming culture has wiped out both the rabbit ears and their goofy accessories.

3. Illuminated Globe Bars

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These were literal globes that opened up to reveal a hidden bar, often sitting proudly in 1970s dens. Part cocktail cabinet, part conversation piece, they gave hosts an air of worldliness. Now, they’re mostly forgotten, unless you find one collecting dust in a vintage store.

4. Shag Toilet Seat Covers

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In the 1980s, people covered their toilet seats with thick shag covers in pastel colors to match equally fuzzy tank covers and rugs. They were meant to make the bathroom feel cozy, but often ended up soggy and full of germs. These days, that kind of textile comfort has gone completely out of style.

5. Avocado Green Appliances

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During the 1970s, avocado green was the kitchen’s reigning color. From stoves to refrigerators, this earthy hue defined an era obsessed with nature-inspired tones. Today, stainless steel and matte black reign, and avocado green is seen as a dated relic.

6. Wall-Mounted Rotary Phones

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A staple in kitchens and hallways across mid-century homes, these phones came in bright colors and had extra-long cords for pacing while chatting. The tactile rotary dial had a charm, but convenience eventually won out. With mobile phones in every pocket, these wall fixtures disappeared quietly.

7. Macramé Plant Hangers

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Popular in bohemian homes of the 1970s, these handmade rope holders suspended potted plants from the ceiling. They were equal parts DIY craft and home jungle aesthetic. Though macramé has seen some resurgence, the original thick-knot versions are rarely sold in modern stores.

8. Ruffled Priscilla Curtains

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These lacy, ruffled curtains were everywhere in the ’80s, particularly in pink, ivory, or baby blue. Meant to soften a room with romantic vibes, they often overpowered small spaces. Modern decor leans toward minimalism, leaving these frilly layers far behind.

9. Lucite Toilet Seats with Embedded Objects

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In the 1990s, some homes installed transparent toilet seats embedded with glitter, seashells, or even coins. It was kitschy and bold, with a kind of Vegas-meets-bathroom energy. These novelty items disappeared when tastes moved toward sleek and understated fixtures.

10. Sunburst Wall Clocks

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These clocks, with metallic rays shooting out from a central dial, were iconic in mid-century modern homes. They weren’t just timepieces — they were statement art. While sunburst shapes still appear in decor, the original bulky clocks are no longer a common retail item.

11. Wood Paneling Kits

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Once thought to bring warmth and rustic charm, wood paneling dominated basements and dens in the ’70s. Installation kits were sold at hardware stores so homeowners could go full lodge-core in one weekend. However, the trend faded quickly, and now people spend time tearing them down rather than putting them up.

12. Popcorn Ceilings

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This texturized ceiling finish was praised in the ’60s and ’70s for hiding imperfections and absorbing sound. Sadly, many versions included asbestos, making their removal a health hazard. These days, a smooth, flat ceiling is the standard, and popcorn is considered an ugly and risky eyesore.

13. Color-Changing Fiber Optic Lamps

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These novelty lamps exploded in popularity in the ’80s, casting hypnotic light shows in bedrooms and living rooms. The changing colors and glowing tips were futuristic at the time. However, as lighting design evolved, they’ve been pushed aside in favor of a more elegant ambiance.

14. Beaded Door Curtains

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Used in the 1960s and ’70s to separate rooms without doors, these dangling strings clacked with every breeze or footstep. They added texture and movement, especially in counterculture-inspired homes. Most people now choose solid doors or open-plan living, leaving beads in the past.

15. Toilet Paper Dolls

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These odd little dolls with crocheted skirts were made to cover spare rolls of toilet paper, usually perched proudly on the tank. They were a quirky mix of utility and grandma’s craft hour. Now, they mostly live on in memes and flea markets.

16. Lava Lamps with Glitter Instead of Wax

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While lava lamps are still sold, the glitter-filled versions that peaked in the 90s have largely vanished. These lamps sparkled and swirled, casting a disco vibe over teenage bedrooms. However, their low-quality builds and short lifespan made them more of a novelty than a staple.

17. Velvet Elvis Paintings

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These black velvet portraits of Elvis Presley were popular in the ’70s, especially in Southern and Southwestern homes. They were meant to glamorize the King of Rock and Roll, though they often bordered on kitsch. You’d be hard-pressed to find them outside vintage fairs today.

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