When you step into the home of a baby boomer, there’s a feeling of nostalgia in the air—their homes contain many iconic treasures, practical items, and objects from the past. For emphasis, we present these items on our list that seem to always be present in just about every boomer’s home.
China Cabinet
Boomers love to keep china cabinets in their homes, filled with delicate and decorative ornaments and crockery. These pieces, often inherited or collected over the years, are only used for special occasions and reflect a sense of tradition and family heritage. Surprisingly, they’re now becoming popular among the younger generation.
Knick-Knacks
Small figurines and souvenirs, often collected from travels or gifted by loved ones, decorate the shelves and mantels of every boomer’s home. Each knick-knack carries a memory or a story, creating a personalized and nostalgic atmosphere in their home, so ask them about them, and they’ll talk your ear off.
Family Photo Albums
There’s nothing more comforting than sitting down with family and flicking through old family photo albums, which capture decades of family history. These albums were normally produced by boomers, so they’re common in their homes and are often brought out during gatherings, allowing everyone to relive memories.
Record Player
Often accompanied by a collection of vinyl records, record players are common finds in the home of boomers. Their old rituals of playing a record, from gently placing the needle to listening to the warm analog sound, never died away, and Yahoo even claims they’re making a comeback.
Rotary Phone
There’s no need for a rotary phone these days, yet they often sit in the corner of boomer households, a reminder of simpler communication times. These phones, with their distinctive dialing mechanism, look so elegant compared to the smartphones of today, making them a pleasant surprise to encounter.
Encyclopedias
A complete set of encyclopedias usually lines the bookshelf of boomer homes, reminding us that digital information hasn’t always been available. These hefty volumes provided answers to countless questions, serving as the go-to resource for school projects and general knowledge before the internet took over.
Crochet Blankets
Another item that you’ll find in every boomer’s home is handmade crochet blankets, often draped over sofas or chairs. They add a cozy warmth to any home, so we can see why boomers love them so much. Best of all, they’re usually handmade.
Antique Furniture
Boomers seem to have an obsession with the solid wood antique furniture pieces that are commonly found in their homes. Often, this is because such pieces are passed down through generations, giving the house a sense of history and permanence through stunning wooden craftsmanship.
Wall Clocks
These days, everyone uses their phone to tell the time, but step into a boomer’s home, and you’ll be reminded that this wasn’t always the case. Decorative wall clocks with intricate designs and pendulums can be found in most rooms. They’re not just for telling time, though, acting as ornaments.
Recipe Box
A well-worn recipe box, filled with handwritten cards, is a staple in the kitchen of boomers. This box holds treasured family recipes, passed down and perfected over the years, representing a love for cooking and sharing meals with family and friends. It’s a tradition that millennials really should bring back.
Hardcover Books
In addition to encyclopedias, a collection of hardcover books full of classics and bestsellers from past decades line the bookshelves of boomer homes. These books reflect a lifelong love of reading, and while they could save space by using modern e-readers, those just don’t have the charm of hardcover books.
Landline Telephone
No one under the age of 50 uses a landline phone anymore, yet somehow, boomers are still clinging to them. We’d understand if there was no other option, but most boomers have smartphones these days, so their refusal to ditch the landline is somewhat puzzling.
Porcelain Figurines
You’ll often find porcelain figurines in boomers’ homes, often displayed in glass-front cabinets. These figurines, sometimes collectible series or gifts from loved ones, contribute to the home’s sentimental and aesthetic value, with each piece carefully chosen and cherished. Soon, millennials will have to continue these collections.
Quilts
Another item you’ll always find in boomers’ houses is quilts, generally handmade and passed down through generations. These colorful and intricate creations are cherished heirlooms, reflecting a rich heritage of craftsmanship and tradition, often featuring patterns and techniques unique to their family history.
Letter Opener
A decorative letter opener, often found on the desk or in a drawer, speaks to a time when handwritten correspondence was more common. Many boomers like to keep these things on display, reminding us how talking to a friend wasn’t always as easy as opening your inbox.
Crystal Glassware
Just like porcelain figures, boomers love crystal glassware in their dining room cabinets. They’ll only bring it out for special occasions, but when they do, it adds a touch of sophistication to the dining experience. There’s just something about the experience that makes a drink taste that much better.
Sewing Kit
You’ll never enter a boomer’s home that doesn’t have an emergency sewing kit. It’s a household staple with everything you need, such as needles, threads, and tools, to stitch up a rip. Many boomers still use them regularly, always choosing to sew something up before they consider buying a replacement.
Oil Paintings
Boomers love displaying oil paintings throughout their houses, often depicting landscapes or portraits. These artworks, sometimes created by family members or collected over time, enhance the home’s visual appeal and serve as conversation starters, with each piece offering a glimpse into the family’s artistic tastes and history.