18 Catalog Spreads That Made Everything Look Cooler
Here's a throwback to the catalog pages that turned ordinary products into must-have treasures.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before online shopping took over, catalogs shaped how people discovered new products. The right photo spread could make even simple items look stylish, desirable, and ahead of their time. Here are 18 catalog spreads that made everything feel cooler than it really was.
1. Sears Back-to-School Spread
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Nothing screamed fresh starts like the bold, colorful layouts of Sears’ back-to-school sections. Jeans, sneakers, and backpacks always seemed trendier on those pages.
2. JCPenney Electronics Pages
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Stacked with boomboxes, VCRs, and big televisions, JCPenney catalogs made home gadgets look futuristic. The glossy shots gave every living room product a showroom vibe.
3. IKEA Living Room Layouts
Peter Lindberg on Flickr
IKEA’s catalogs turned tiny apartments into sleek, modern spaces. With perfect lighting and neat furniture arrangements, they made you believe you could achieve that look at home.
4. Toys “R” Us Holiday Wish Book
Mike Mozart on Wikimedia Commons
Every December, kids flipped straight to the toy section. Bright photos made action figures, dolls, and board games seem larger than life.
5. Victoria’s Secret Lingerie Pages
orionpozo on Flickr
In the ’90s and early 2000s, Victoria’s Secret catalogs gave lingerie an air of glamour. Every page was styled like a glossy magazine spread.
6. Sharper Image Gadgets Section
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Sharper Image made quirky gadgets look like must-haves from the future. Floating globes, massage chairs, and sleek stereo systems were displayed like tech art.
7. Abercrombie & Fitch Lifestyle Shots
Ruehl boi11386 on Wikimedia Commons
A&F catalogs leaned on moody photography and carefree models. The clothes almost blended into the vibe, but the imagery sold the idea of a cool, adventurous lifestyle.
8. Pottery Barn Bedroom Layouts
Dwight Burdette on Wikmedia Commons
Every Pottery Barn bedroom looked like a movie set. Coordinated sheets, lamps, and rugs made simple décor feel luxurious.
9. LL Bean Outdoor Gear Pages
Anthony22 on Wikimedia Commons
With rugged scenery and practical styling, LL Bean spreads made outdoor jackets and boots seem essential. Every product felt built for adventure.
10. Delia’s Teen Fashion Catalog
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Bright, playful, and unapologetically fun, Delia’s was the go-to for late ’90s teens. Its spreads showcased chunky shoes, funky tops, and glitter makeup like a cultural moment.
11. Nike Sportswear Campaigns
Rick Obst on Wikimedia Commons
Nike catalogs often felt like mini-magazines. Action shots of athletes made shoes and jerseys feel powerful. Every spread carried the message: buying this gear makes you part of the game.
12. Lands’ End Outerwear Spreads
Head in the Suburbs on Wikimedia Commons
Practical coats and boots suddenly looked adventurous in snowy catalog shoots. The brand sold warmth but wrapped it in a sense of exploration.
13. Crate & Barrel Dining Table Layouts
Eric L on Flickr
Their catalog made dinnerware and glasses appear refined and timeless. Perfectly staged dining rooms convinced readers that entertaining could look effortless.
14. Urban Outfitters Apartment Pages
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Urban Outfitters turned cramped dorm rooms into trendsetting spaces. Posters, bedding, and quirky lamps were styled in effortlessly cool ways.
15. Old Navy Summer Collections
Raysonho on Wikimedia Commons
Bright beaches, smiling models, and endless denim made Old Navy spreads feel like pure sunshine. The casual vibe made basics look exciting.
16. Banana Republic Travel-Inspired Layouts
Raysonho on Wikimedia Commons
Banana Republic leaned on safari-inspired themes. Neutral tones, khakis, and travel bags were photographed like gear for an adventure abroad.
17. American Girl Doll Collections
Prayitno on Wikimedia Commons
The catalog paired dolls with elaborate sets and stories. Each spread made the accessories feel like an essential part of childhood.
18. Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts Pages
Dfwcre8tive on Wikimedia Commons
Every year, Neiman Marcus wowed readers with its extravagant holiday spreads. Private jets, exotic trips, and one-of-a-kind experiences were presented with elegance.