Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Going Viral > Baba Recommends

Before Smartphones, These Home Items Kept Us Busy

Edited By: Bhavesh B.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

Life at home looked very different before the 1980s. Without smartphones or digital conveniences, homes were filled with clever items that made everyday tasks easier or added a touch of modernity to the time. These were the gadgets and tools that people swore by, whether for entertainment, communication, or practicality.

Some were charmingly simple, while others were impressively innovative for their time. Let’s revisit a few of these household staples that once defined an era. They may seem laughable now, but many of them paved the way for the modern technology we enjoy today.

1. Intercom systems were a common feature in many pre-1980s homes. They didn’t just allow room-to-room communication but could also play AM and FM radio across the house, adding a touch of convenience and entertainment to everyday life.

2. This handy flip-style gadget made storing and finding addresses easy. Instead of scrolling on a phone, people flipped through letters to locate their contact details in seconds.

3. This handy remote-like device let people pause recordings on their VCRs to skip commercials. It was an early example of how people adapted tech to improve their viewing experience.

4. These giant televisions were the centerpiece of many living rooms. But to enjoy a clear view, you had to sit directly in front. They were perfect for a lucky kid who hooked up their Nintendo for gaming.

5. Before DVDs, VHS tapes needed rewinding after each use. Dedicated rewinders made this task quicker, protecting the VCR’s motor from wear and tear.

6. Before phones, reading material in the bathroom consisted of magazines or shampoo bottles. Magazine holders were a bathroom staple, keeping things organized and entertaining.

7. This large, corded telephone plugged into the cigarette lighter. While not exactly portable, it brought a futuristic vibe to cars and was a status symbol for the time.

8. These magazines were the go-to resource for planning TV time. They listed upcoming shows and times, ensuring you never missed your favorites.

Related: 11 Useful Vintage and Antique Items That Resist Time

9. These nifty gadgets helped extend your phone cord by up to 100 feet, allowing you to roam freely around the house during a call. Once done, you simply rewound the cord into its reel.

10. This quirky accessory let people multitask while talking on corded phones. It was a clever way to keep your hands free.

11. These machines made an imprint of a card on paper receipts before digital readers existed. They were reliable tools for early credit card transactions.

12. These attachable cubes gave cameras a bright flash for photos. After use, they fell out hot, requiring care when handling to avoid burns.

13. This toy allowed kids to view 3D images by inserting circular reels. It was an entertaining way to explore photos of animals, cities, or fictional stories.

Source

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

How to Clean Grout So It Looks Brand New

f your tile grout looks dingy, don't despair—you can quickly restore its appearance with proper cleaning methods.

Travel

Lost Architecture: 10 Home Styles We No Longer Build

10:06

10 Classic House Designs You Won’t See Built Today

These old house styles have faded from modern construction but remain a fascinating part of architectural history.

Baba Recommends

Enhance Your Home’s Health by Doing Away With These Things

8:04

18 Things in Your Home You Need to Get Rid of Immediately

There are many things in your house that we really shouldn't be using. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Design & Photography

These ’80s Inventions Were Too Weird to Last (14 Pics)

The 1980s Were Weird, and These Inventions Prove It!

These weird vintage inventions didn’t stand the test of time.

Travel

10 Vintage Quirks That Disappeared From Modern Homes

8:17

These Once-Common Home Features Are No Longer Seen Today

These vintage house features were so cool!

Travel

In This Unusual House, Even the Bathroom Rotates!

7:31

Step Inside This Incredible ROTATING HOUSE

Step inside the world’s ‘most famous’ rotating house in San Diego.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Study: This is the Laundry Cycle You Should Be Using

Turns out, your laundry setting has real-world impact on both your clothes and the planet.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Guide: How to Get Paint Stains Off Your Carpets

While paint stains may not be a daily household issue, it's important you know how to get paint out of carpet before it dries and makes the removal process more difficult.

Send Comment

Related Topics: house, old-school, household items, household objects, nostalgic photos, vintage inventions, vintage things

Quizzes

Can You Identify the '60s Singer?

Look closely at the photos, trust your musical memory and tell us who the singer is!

What Do You Know About the USSR?

Whether you're a history buff or just curious, get ready to test your knowledge of a world driven by loyalty, fear, and iron-fisted leadership.

13 Challenging and Fun General Knowledge Questions

We prepared a fun general knowledge test for you with 16 questions. Give yourself a few minutes, recruit a friend or girlfriend for help, get going and good luck!