The 1970s were a distinctive era, marked by unique styles, groundbreaking music, and memorable cultural trends. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, 70s moms relied on an array of household items that have since become obsolete. These objects not only made their lives easier but also defined the aesthetic of the time. As we look back, we uncover the charm and utility of these once-commonplace items, exploring why they faded away and what replaced them.
Popcorn Makers
Movie nights in the ’70s were incomplete without the familiar whir of a popcorn maker. These devices, often designed in whimsical shapes, churned out fluffy popcorn, filling the air with a nostalgic aroma. Today, microwave popcorn bags offer convenience, but they lack the charm and sensory experience of those classic popcorn makers.
Rotary Phones
Rotary phones, with their distinctive clicking dials, were a fixture in every household. Moms expertly navigated the rotary dial to connect calls, creating a rhythmic pattern with each spin. The advent of push-button phones in the ’80s and the eventual rise of mobile phones rendered these devices obsolete, relegating them to nostalgic memories and antique collections.
Soda Siphons
Soda siphons were the go-to for homemade fizzy drinks. With a satisfying hiss, these devices turned tap water into sparkling soda, adding a bubbly touch to family meals. Modern soda makers still exist but are far less common, overshadowed by the convenience of store-bought carbonated beverages.
Manual Typewriters
Before computers and word processors, manual typewriters were essential for correspondence and document creation. The clacking keys and the satisfying ding at the end of a line were integral to the writing process. Today’s digital devices have replaced typewriters, making them relics of a bygone era.
Washboards
Laundry in the ’70s often involved washboards, especially before the widespread adoption of electric washing machines. Moms scrubbed clothes against the ridged surface to remove stains, a labor-intensive task that modern appliances have thankfully simplified.
Magazine Baskets
In an era before the internet, magazines were a primary source of entertainment and information. Magazine baskets, often woven from rattan or wicker, were found in nearly every room, holding the latest issues of popular titles. Digital media has largely replaced physical magazines, making these baskets a nostalgic accessory.
Record Players
Music was an experience in the ’70s, and record players were at the heart of it. These devices played vinyl records, delivering rich, warm sound that defined the era’s music scene. While vinyl has seen a resurgence, digital music players and streaming services dominate today’s market.
Clotheslines
Drying clothes on a clothesline was a daily ritual, with freshly washed garments flapping in the breeze. This method was energy-efficient and eco-friendly, but modern dryers have largely replaced clotheslines, offering convenience and speed.
Manual Egg Beaters
Baking in the ’70s was a labor of love, with manual egg beaters playing a crucial role. These hand-cranked devices whipped up eggs and batters, a task now easily handled by electric mixers and food processors.
Polaroid Cameras
Polaroid cameras were revolutionary, allowing moms to instantly capture and print photographs. The joy of watching a photo develop in real time was unparalleled. Today, digital cameras and smartphones have made instant photography more convenient, but the tactile pleasure of a Polaroid remains unique.
Manual Can Openers
Opening canned goods in the ’70s required the steady hand of a mom wielding a manual can opener. These devices, though simple, demanded effort and precision. Electric can openers and easy-pull tabs on cans have now taken over, simplifying the task considerably.
Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums were essential for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spots. These compact devices, though less powerful than today’s models, were indispensable in maintaining a clean home. Modern advancements have produced more efficient and versatile vacuum cleaners.
Stovetop Pressure Cookers
Long before the advent of instant pots and air fryers, stovetop pressure cookers were kitchen staples. These devices could cook meals quickly under high pressure, though they required careful monitoring. Today’s electric pressure cookers offer enhanced safety and convenience.
VHS Video Recorders
VHS video recorders were a breakthrough in home entertainment, allowing families to watch and record television programs. These bulky machines, however, have been replaced by DVDs, Blu-ray players, and now streaming services, which offer higher quality and convenience.
Avocado Green Appliances
In the 1970s, kitchen appliances often sported “avocado green,” a popular hue for refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. This earthy color was a hallmark of the era’s design aesthetics. These appliances are rare today, as modern kitchens favor stainless steel and more neutral tones.
Shag Carpeting
Most houses don’t have wall-to-wall carpeting. But back in the day shag carpeting was a trendy flooring choice in the 1970s. It came in vibrant colors and added a touch of luxury to bedrooms. Replaced by hardwood floors and low-pile carpets, the style has since fallen out of favor.
Console Stereos
Kids today will never know what it was like to play music through large console stereos. This device combined a record player, radio, and speakers in a wooden cabinet. They served as the centerpiece for music and entertainment. With the advent of compact audio systems and digital music, these bulky units have disappeared.
Waterbeds
If you had a waterbed you were considered one of the coolest families. These beds were filled with water and covered with a vinyl mattress and were a popular bedroom novelty. They promised a unique sleeping experience and were often marketed as luxurious. Due to leaks, weight, and practicality issues, they have largely vanished from modern bedrooms.
Orange Formica Countertops
Kitchens in the 1970s often featured orange Formica countertops, adding a bold splash of color to the heart of the home. These vibrant surfaces have since been replaced by more durable and aesthetically versatile materials like granite, quartz, and marble.
8-Track Tape Players
A common way to listen to music in the 1970s was through 8-track tape players. These bulky cartridges provided continuous play but were eventually outpaced by cassette tapes and, later, CDs. Modern digital media has replaced the 8-track format because it’s not as convenient for users today.
Harvest Gold Appliances
Alongside avocado green, harvest gold was another popular appliance color. Kitchens often featured gold-toned refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Contemporary kitchens favor more timeless and neutral colors like white, black, and stainless steel.
TV Antennas
People who had a television set in the 1970s would have Indoor TV antennas, or “rabbit ears” sitting on top of them. They were necessary for receiving broadcast signals before cable and satellite TV. Today, with digital and streaming services, these antennas are mostly obsolete.
CB Radios
Kids or hobbyists used Citizen Band (CB) radios as they were popular communication devices in the 1970s. The radios allowed for short-distance communication. With the introduction of mobile phones and other modern communication tools, CB radios have disappeared from homes.
Floral Print Upholstery
Back in the 1970s, floral print adorned sofas, chairs, and curtains. These bold, colorful patterns have since been replaced by more subdued and versatile designs, reflecting changes in home decor trends towards minimalism and neutral tones.
