10 Retro Home Items That Need to Go Today

Retro home items can add a unique vibe to your space, but not every old-school piece fits well in modern living. Sometimes, what was once stylish feels outdated or just doesn’t work with today’s lifestyle.

Knowing which retro items to leave behind can help you keep your home looking fresh and functional. This guide will help you spot the pieces that might be better off out of your space, so you can focus on what really elevates your home.

Avocado green kitchen appliances

If you still have avocado green appliances in your kitchen, it might be time to update. They were everywhere in the 1970s, but today they look dated and hard to match with modern decor.

These appliances can feel stuck in the past. Plus, finding replacement parts is tough, and many models lack today’s energy efficiency.

While some collectors love them, for everyday use, you’ll want something sleeker and more practical. Stainless steel or neutral colors usually work better now.

Rotary dial landline phones

Rotary dial landline phones might look cool and nostalgic, but they’re not practical for everyday use anymore. You have to turn the dial slowly for each number, which takes way longer than just pressing buttons.

These phones also lack modern features like caller ID, call blocking, or emergency services integration. If you rely on a landline, a digital phone with updated tech will save you time and hassle. Keeping a rotary phone around is more about decoration than convenience nowadays.

Clunky CRT televisions

If you still have a bulky CRT TV, it’s probably taking up way more space than it should. These old sets are heavy and awkward to move around, which makes rearranging your room a hassle.

Sure, some retro gaming fans swear by CRTs for their authentic display, but for everyday use, they just aren’t practical. Plus, finding replacement parts or repair services for them is a struggle nowadays.

Switching to a sleek flat-screen will free up space and give you better picture quality without the extra weight.

Popcorn ceiling textures

If you still have popcorn ceilings, you might be ready to ditch that outdated look. These bumpy, sprayed-on textures were popular for hiding imperfections and cutting down noise, but today, they just trap dust and feel old.

You don’t have to remove them to change the vibe. There are easy ways to cover or refresh them, like installing vinyl ceiling coverings or adding beams to hide the texture. Either way, moving away from popcorn ceilings gives your home a cleaner, fresher feel.

Heavy floral wallpaper

Heavy floral wallpaper can quickly overwhelm your space. The large, busy patterns often make rooms feel smaller and dated.

If you want a fresh look, consider swapping it out for something lighter or more subtle. Your walls will thank you, and your room will feel more open and modern.

Keeping a touch of floral is fine, but heavy wallpaper from past decades tends to weigh down your style. Lighten up and let your space breathe.

VHS tape players

If you still have a VHS player sitting around, it’s probably time to let it go. These devices take up space and parts wear out over time. Finding replacement belts or repair services is a hassle.

You might think keeping it is handy for watching old tapes, but chances are you rarely use it. Instead, consider digitizing your tapes to keep the memories without the clutter. Plus, modern streaming or digital storage is way more convenient.

Wood-paneled TV cabinets

If you still have one of those bulky wood-paneled TV cabinets, it might be time to reconsider. They were popular once but now often feel outdated and take up too much space.

The dark, heavy panels can make your room look smaller and dated. Plus, modern TVs don’t need big cabinets since they’re slim and wall-mountable.

You could upcycle them, but honestly, it’s usually easier to swap them for something sleek and minimal. Your space will feel lighter and way more current.

Beaded door curtains

If you’ve still got beaded door curtains hanging around, it might be time to rethink them. They were all the rage in the ’60s and ’70s, adding a casual, fun vibe to any space.

But honestly, they can be noisy, get tangled easily, and often feel outdated now.

While they let light and air flow through, they don’t offer much privacy or durability. If you want something fresh, there are plenty of better room dividers or door options out there.

Shag carpeting

If you grew up in the ’70s, shag carpeting might bring some memories back. It’s super cozy and definitely made rooms feel warm.

But shag carpets trap dirt easily and can be a headache to clean. That thick pile is not the best for allergies or spills.

Today, thinner, low-pile options are more practical and easier to maintain. So if you want a retro vibe, maybe skip the full shag and try a modern twist instead.

Tinted mirror bathroom cabinets

Tinted mirror bathroom cabinets might seem like a cool retro touch, but they often make your space feel darker and smaller. You want your bathroom to feel bright and fresh, not shadowy and outdated.

These cabinets can also distort colors, which makes it harder to do things like applying makeup or shaving. Clear or lightly frosted mirrors are a better choice for functionality.

If you’re aiming for storage and style, opt for modern cabinets with integrated lighting instead. They keep things clean, practical, and much easier on the eyes.

More from Cultivated Comfort:

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