If you grew up in the ’70s or just love vintage vibes, you know the decades past had some pretty unique home items. These objects, once everyday essentials, look totally foreign to most young people today.
You might be surprised by how many common things from the ’70s would leave Gen Z completely puzzled. It’s fun to see how much technology and style have changed, making those retro items seem like relics from another world.
Rotary Dial Phone
If you’ve never used one, a rotary dial phone might feel like a puzzle. To make a call, you had to spin a numbered dial all the way around for each digit. It took patience and a steady finger.
You could hear each click as the dial returned to its place. This process slowed down calls but gave a kind of rhythm to dialing.
Today, these phones are mostly vintage items. You’d probably find the process tedious compared to tapping on a screen.
Avocado Green Refrigerator
If you walked into a kitchen in the ’70s, you’d probably spot an avocado green refrigerator standing out like a bold fashion statement. This color was everywhere, turning ordinary appliances into something a bit more exciting.
Today, you might find it hard to believe people chose this shade for something as big as a fridge. But back then, it was modern and trendy, making your kitchen feel fresh and unique.
Having one was a little status symbol, showing you were up-to-date with the latest home design craze. It definitely adds a nostalgic, retro vibe that you don’t see much these days.
Shag Carpet
If you walked into a ’70s home, you’d probably trip over thick, fuzzy shag carpet. It was everywhere—wall-to-wall and in bold colors like orange and lime green.
Today, shag carpets are still around but way less wild. You’ll find them in neutral tones that fit more with modern styles instead of shouting for attention.
They add a cozy vibe now, but back then, shag was the ultimate luxury and definitely a statement piece in any room.
Bell-Bottom Jeans
You might recognize bell-bottom jeans by their wide flare starting at the knees. Back in the ’70s, they were everywhere and quickly became a symbol of that decade’s style.
If you’re used to skinny jeans today, bell-bottoms can seem pretty wild. The leg openings were huge—sometimes up to 26 inches wide.
People loved how these jeans moved when they walked, making a statement that was both bold and fun. They were part of the colorful, free-spirited vibe of the era.
Disco Ball
The disco ball was a must-have decoration in many ’70s homes. You’d hang it from the ceiling, and when the light hit just right, it scattered sparkles all around the room.
It wasn’t just for parties. Sometimes, people kept them up year-round to give their living space a fun, shiny vibe.
If you showed a disco ball to Gen Z, they might wonder why anyone would want a spinning mirror ball in their house today.
Typewriter
If you grew up with a computer or smartphone, a typewriter might seem like ancient tech. You had to press each key hard to make a letter appear on paper, with no delete or backspace button to fix mistakes easily.
Each sheet had to be manually fed in, and there was no copy-paste option. You learned to type carefully because errors meant starting over or using correction fluid. It’s a completely different writing experience than what you’re used to today.
Brown Wood Paneling
If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably remember walls covered head to toe in brown wood paneling. It was everywhere—basements, living rooms, even kitchens. The idea was to create a warm, cozy vibe, but to someone today, it might just look dark and cramped.
The panels were usually made from cheap plywood with a faux wood veneer. Installing them was easy and affordable, which is why so many homes had them. For Gen Z, this all might seem like a strange mix of rustic and outdated trends.
