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40 Things Your Parents Had in Their House That You Never See Today

40 Things Your Parents Had in Their House That You Never See Today

The typical American home looks much different today than it did decades ago. Improved technology and shifting tastes have refined the layout, style, and storage methods in residences across the country. 

24/7 Tempo reviewed decades’ worth of old photos of American home interiors from the Library of Congress and Getty Images to determine 40 things your parents had at home that you  most likely never see today. (Here, for instance, are 25 modern inventions we really don’t use anymore.)

Certain items on this list have been phased out simply because they’ve fallen out of favor. Rarely if ever do younger homeowners opt for linoleum floors or for plastic covers on their couches. Likewise, certain wallpaper pattern and color choices have not been en vogue for many decades.

Many of the things on this list are simply obsolete. These items may have been upgraded significantly to the point that its replacement is no longer recognizable. Very few homes have a hand fixer, for instance, when an automated stand mixer is an option. And many items on this list have been rendered unnecessary by smartphones. (These are the hottest phones of all time.)

Though they are no longer common, these appliances, styles, and household goods will likely bring memories flooding back for many readers who’ll recognize these items from their childhoods.

Source: AlexLMX / iStock via Getty Images

1. Popcorn popper

Source: homini / Flickr

2. Shag carpet

Source: Jupiterimages / Pixland via Getty Images

3. Plastic couch wrap

Source: allanswart / iStock via Getty Images

4. Answering machine

Source: vladans / iStock via Getty Images

5. Hand mixer

Source: KLH49 / Getty Images

6. VCR

Source: jittawit.21 / iStock via Getty Images

7. Printer

Source: kevinruss / iStock via Getty Images

8. Linoleum floors

Source: BrianAJackson / Getty Images

9. Calendar

Source: JazzIRT / iStock via Getty Images

10. China cabinet

Source: eugenesergeev / iStock via Getty Images

11. Grandfather clock

Source: mediaphotos / iStock via Getty Images

12. Candy Dish

Source: edogisgod / Flickr

13. Record player

Source: stopbits / Flickr

14. Boombox

Source: LeonidKos / iStock via Getty Images

15. Sewing machine

Source: ptaxa / iStock via Getty Images

16. Fondue set

Source: Thurtell / iStock via Getty Images

17. Croquet set

Source: jhorrocks / E+ via Getty Images

18. Phone book

Source: Olga Ihnatsyeva / iStock via Getty Images

19. Photo album

Source: anela / iStock via Getty Images

20. Water bed

Source: theprint / iStock via Getty Images

21. Jewelry box

Source: kmsiever / Flickr

22. Cookie jar

Source: matyunag / iStock via Getty Images

23. Bread basket

Source: TraceyAPhotos / iStock via Getty Images

24. Jell-O mold

Source: buzzanimation / E+ via Getty Images

25. Glass milk bottle

Source: luoman / E+ via Getty Images

26. Fax machine

Source: vintage_illustration / Flickr

27. Flower wallpaper

Source: jaymedr / Flickr

28. Shaded lamp

Source: JohnGollop / iStock via Getty Images

29. Porcelain dolls

Source: north-carolina-state-archives / Flickr

30. Hand-cranked ice cream maker

Source: kcslagle / iStock via Getty Images

31. Tea kettle

Source: Mumemories / iStock via Getty Images

32. Ash tray

Source: pmphoto / iStock via Getty Images

33. Chafing dish

Source: macmaroon / Flickr

34. Canopy bed

Source: Hiraman / Getty Images

35. Needlepoint

Source: billybrown00 / Flickr

36. Rotary phone

Source: Helin Loik-Tomson / iStock / Getty Images Plus

37. Potpourri

Source: mike_miley / Flickr

38. Bаrcаloungеr

Source: xefstock / iStock via Getty Images

39. Hat rack

Source: vauvau / Flickr

40. Alarm clock

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