A Trip Back in Time: Normal Life in 1930s Homes

Every decade tends to be remembered for its defining trends and events, and the 1930s were no exception. Architectural influences from the previous era, such as Art Deco, remained popular, but a newer, sleeker Moderne style also emerged. Homes were generally smaller and more compartmentalized, with walls separating each room rather than the open layouts we see in many modern houses.

Daily life was shaped heavily by the Great Depression. Widespread financial hardship forced families to adjust their lifestyles and routines. Washing machines were still a luxury that few could afford, so households often needed dedicated space for hand-washing and drying laundry.

The decade also marked the Golden Age of Radio. Radios became common fixtures in homes, offering families entertainment through music and a wide range of programs. With limited money for outings or paid amusements, many households found joy in simple pastimes like board games or evenings spent listening to broadcasts with friends and neighbors.

To capture what life inside a 1930s home was truly like, 24/7 Tempo consulted historical photographs and accounts from resources including PBS, History.com, and the Library of Congress.

While family time nowadays mainly consists of sitting in front of the TV or looking at our phones, this family is spending quiet time together. It was more common for families to spend time talking or reading together in the 1930s.

In the 1930s, people had to find creative ways to organize and decorate their rooms since homes were smaller than they are today. This small, lighted corner of a bedroom is a comfortable space to get ready in the morning.

Washing and drying clothes in the 1930s looked a lot different than it does today. After washing clothes, women had to dry them with a mangle. Mangles, also known as wringers, were used to get the water out of clothes.

Homes that were built in the 1930s often included a new style of kitchen. These kitchens, although smaller than most kitchens today, provided a place for people to do both the cooking and washing in one convenient space.

There was a rise in home ownership from the early 1900s to the 1930s. The style of houses also changed significantly and Tudor-style houses, made with different materials including timber beams and stone facades, became increasingly popular.

Not everyone could avoid a big, beautiful home in the 1930s. Even though homeownership rates were increasing, many homes were still overcrowded, with most of the family living in one or two rooms.

Much like modern suburbs, houses were built in rows and incredibly close together. As the number of families moving to suburban areas grew, living in this type of community became synonymous with the American dream.

In modern times, it's easy to put on music anywhere with the help of cell phones and Bluetooth speakers. Back in the 1930s, record players were a popular way to enjoy music at home. After the radio boom, home systems that allowed people to play music and listen to the radio were a popular choice.

During the Golden Age of Radio, it was common for radios and radio cabinets to be the centerpiece of the living room. There were many different programs for people to listen to and by the late '30s, the majority of people owned a radio. Here, a family gathers together to listen to the radio together.

Due to the decrease in interest rates, more people were buying homes and more homes were being built. Many homes were built outside of the major cities since land was cheaper there. Half-timbered houses were common during the 1930s.

Many of the houses that were built during the 1930s were built just outside the cities where there was more land available. It was easier for families that owned cars to make this move since they could travel to and from the city as needed.

The suburban population rose between the 1920s and 1940s, with mass migration to the suburbs occurring after World War II. Compared to those in rural areas, families living in the suburbs relied more on automobiles and commuting.

Legal segregation in the South wasn't outlawed until the 1960s. In the 1930s, segregation, including residential segregation, was still commonplace. Additionally, the Great Depression first impacted Atlanta in the 1930s and this significantly impacted housing.

In low-income homes, it was necessary to use rooms for more than one purpose. One room might be a place to sleep and a place to dry clothes. It was necessary in many cases to make the most of the space you had.

The first flush-style toilet was invented in the 1700s. However, most people didn't start adding toilets inside their homes until the mid-1800s. At the time, only wealthy people could afford this luxury. By the 1930s, new homes had indoor toilets and bathtubs.

Today, children's furniture has strict standards, especially when it comes to cribs and other furniture for infants. However, cribs weren't regulated until the 1970s. Homes in the 1930s had children's furniture that would be considered unsafe by today's standards.

While it was a big deal to have a place to clean dishes and cook during the 1930s, some kitchen styles were more modern. Checkered patterns were popular during this time. Florals, polka dots, and fruit designs were also common.

Despite the mothers' and widows' pensions for low-income mothers in the 1930s, it wasn't enough for many families to survive off of. This led to more mothers needing to work outside the home, and needing to put their children in nursery schools. (Check out Photo Proof That the 1930s Had the Best Fashion.)